Events across the globe are to be called off in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Earlier this week, the government put the UK on lockdown, barring anything but essential travel (for groceries, medicine, work or one form of exercise per day).
Event cancellations had already begun prior to this advice, in the interest of public safety, but now the rescheduling of events is coming thick and fast.
The UK is now following in the footsteps of many other governments including Italy, France and Spain, which have all banned large-scale events.
Here's the current list of Greater Manchester events we know are affected so far.
Please note this list is not exhaustive and is subject to change. Please check with your ticket outlet or promoter if you have concerns about a specific event.
Harry Styles - rescheduled
Harry Styles was due to play a huge show at the Manchester Arena on April 25, but has made the decision to reschedule his UK and European tour.
Fans of the former One Direction star will have to wait a while to see him back on the stage - the new date isn't until March 13, 2021.
Harry posted on Twitter to say: "For the safety of yourself and others, please self-isolate.
"We’re all in this together. I can’t wait to see you out on the road as soon as it’s safe to do so. Until then, treat people with kindness."
Tickets will be valid for the new dates.
Dua Lipa - rescheduled
Pop sensation Dua Lipa has rescheduled her appearance in Manchester.
The Future Nostalgia tour should have had her performing at the Arena on June 1, but the show's now been pushed all the way back to January 21, 2021.
Tickets remain valid for the new date.
Elbow - rescheduled
Manc legends Elbow were due to perform three nights at the O2 Apollo in early April.
The band posted on Twitter yesterday to say they were rescheduling their whole tour 'in recognition of the current situation in the UK'.
Elbow will now play at the same venue on September 23, 24, and 25.
All tickets remain valid.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds should have been performing a huge gig at the Manchester Arena on May 6, supported by Courtney Barnett.
A tweet from their account said: "While hugely disappointing, this feels the best course of action to keep you all as safe as possible."
New dates will be announced in due course with all tickets valid for new dates.
Manchester Literature Festival - early events postponed
Though the main festival takes place in October, Manchester Literature Festival has decided to postpone its earlier events in April and May.
Affected events include An Evening with Hilary Mantel on Sunday 19 April.
A statement from the festival said: "Manchester Literature Festival understands how important literature is, particularly at times of uncertainty, and hopes that reading will offer a sense of wellbeing over the coming months."
Sounds from the Other City - cancelled
Salford's Sounds from the Other City music festival is called off for this year.
The event is in its 16th year and was due to be headlined by Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys on Saturday May 2.
Other acts who were due to perform in the pubs, churches and creative corners of Chapel Street included Stealing Sheep, BEAK> and Self Esteem.
A statement from organisers reads: "It is going to be a very difficult period for everyone but we're going to do everythng we can to come back in our usual spot of bank holiday Sunday 2 May 2021, in our current format: back on Chapel Street, back in the wonderful spaces we know and love, and curated once more by the people that make SFTOC so special."
They added: "Once again we'd like to thank you for your understanding. The entire reason we exist is due to the fantastic Sounds community: our promoters, venues, partners, volunteers, and, of course, the people who turn up and party on, come rain or shine. If we stick together with those we love, it should help ease the burden of the coming weeks and months."
Tickets already purchased will be valid for next year's event or can be refunded.
Sam Fender at O2 Victoria Warehouse
Sam Fender was scheduled to play two massive shows at Victoria Warehouse in April, but has postponed his entire UK tour.
New dates have already been confirmed and all tickets remain valid - the singer will now be at the venue on August 3 and 4.
He'll start the tour here in Manchester before heading off to venues across the UK.
He said: "I’m heartbroken but currently there’s more to be worried about.
"This is not a time to be careless. We will get through this and celebrate on tour when the madness subsides."
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds at O2 Apollo Manchester
The former Oasis musician has made the decision to postpone his two homecoming shows, due to take place on March 24 and 25.
Noel had also been scheduled to appear at Teenage Cancer Trust's show at the Royal Albert Hall, and at Glastonbury - both events have been called off.
Ticket-holders have been advised to keep hold of tickets, which will be valid for a new date once confirmed.
The Slow Readers Club at Hatch and Night & Day - postponed
Former breakthrough act award winners at the CityLife Awards, The Slow Readers Club were due to play two gigs in Manchester this week.
The band were supposed to perform at Hatch on Wednesday March 18, and then at Night & Day Cafe on Thursday.
The group announced that they were postponing the rest of their UK and European tour, though their new album will still be released on Friday.
They wrote: "We know everyone has their own worries about this mad situation we're in and the news about our tour isn't really a big thing when all things are considered.
"Thanks for your unrivalled support and understanding. Stay healthy."
Soup Kitchen - all events cancelled or postponed until further notice
Soup Kitchen is the latest venue to temporarily close its doors - a decision it described as the most difficult in its decade-long history.
The Northern Quarter venue posted that the call came as a result of 'unclear messages from those in power' and would be effective immediately.
It's hoping to reschedule all events and find financial support for staff, with ticket refunds available.
Manchester Punk Festival
"MPF is fantastic, but it’s not worth risking lives for," said a statement issued on the Manchester Punk Festival website.
The event was due to take place between April 24 and 26 and had hoped to proceed as planned, but travel restrictions and quarantine measures have restricted many bands on the line-up.
The statement also commented: "Every day, every hour, we check the news and hope that there’s something positive to take from it."
Ticket-holders will be contacted about refunds in due course.
Band on the Wall - all shows cancelled or postponed until further notice
Swan Street music venue Band on the Wall has postponed or cancelled shows until further notice following the government's advice about avoiding non-essential socialising.
The show will go on though - at least online.
Gavin Sharp, CEO, has announced: "Over the coming weeks we’ll be rolling out a number of exciting online music programmes. We’re looking at presenting live streamed performances, online gig watch-alongs for shows from our archive, behind-the-scenes content, a YouTube choir, and lots more.
"Keep an eye on our social media channels and website for further information as we roll these programmes out over the coming weeks."
Albert Hall - closed until further notice
Peter Street gig venue Albert Hall has closed until further notice, meaning all events are off for the time being.
Managers have vowed to reopen 'when this crisis has passed'.
Oldham Beer Festival - postponed
The 32nd Oldham Beer Festival has been postponed, with plans in motion to reschedule the event to the August bank holiday weekend ‘provided the risks to health assessed by the government have subsided’.
The two-day extravaganza, organised by the Rochale, Oldham and Bury branch of CAMRA, was due to take place on April 17 and 18.
Barry Cassidy, chair of the Mayor of Oldham’s charity appeal committee said: “Above all,
we are mindful that the event could pose significant risks to health, and this has forced our hand.”
Peter Alexander, chair of CAMRA’s Rochdale Oldham and Bury branch, said: “It’s a blow, but this is a postponement, not a cancellation.
“The motivation to raise money for the Mayor’s local charities is still important, but must
take a back seat to the significant health issues.”
Manchester Rum Festival - postponed
Originally due to take place at Viadux on April 4, the Manchester Rum Festival has now been postponed until further notice.
Event organiser and founder Dave Marsland said: “This decision has been made in conjunction with the venue and event partners and while I know attendees were looking forward to this annual event, it is important that I prioritise the health and safety of all those involved.
“It's a shame to have to postpone, but rest assured this is not a cancellation, Manchester Rum Festival will be going ahead in 2020 and I'm sure will be welcomed with open arms once the current pandemic is controlled. Stay safe.”
Tickets will be valid for the new date once it’s been confirmed - ticket-holders will be contacted directly with details.
The Lowry - closed from Tuesday March 17 until Tuesday March 31
The Lowry at Salford Quays has announced its temporary closure after the government's advice for people to not attend theatres.
A scheduled performance of The Tina Turner Experience will go ahead as planned on Monday March 16.
Shows will not take place from Tuesday March 17 until Tuesday March 31.
Other performances that will be affected by the venue's closure include The Tiger Who Came to Tea; Milton Jones: Milton Impossible; and Clinton Baptiste.
Louis Tomlinson at O2 Apollo Manchester - postponed
Ex-One Direction member Louis Tomlinson has announced plans to reschedule his UK tour that was due to begin next week.
Louis was set to perform at the O2 Apollo on Saturday march 28, as part of his sold-out European tour.
The tour also included shows in London, Glasgow, and cities across mainland Europe.
Manchester Duck Race - cancelled
The annual duck race, which takes place every Good Friday to raise money for charity, has been cancelled.
A statement issued by charity Brainwave said: "Due to the current unprecedented situation surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19) and the steps that we anticipate the government will be taking soon, around public gatherings, it seems very unlikely that we will be permitted to proceed with this event and therefore can confirm that regrettably, The Manchester Duck Race 2020 event has now been cancelled."
The best dressed duck competition will still go ahead, with the winner chosen through a social media poll.
Planet Earth II Live in Concert at Manchester Arena - postponed
BBC's award-winning nature documentary, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, was due to be screened live at the Manchester Arena with a live orchestra soundtrack.
Unfortunately it's now been announced that the entire tour will be postponed.
The Manchester date was due to take place on March 27.
New dates will be announced in due course.
Too Many Critics at Bistrotheque - postponed
This charity event was due to bring together several of Manchester's leading food writers - including the M.E.N.'s own Emily Heward and Daisy Jackson - to raise funds for Action Against Hunger.
The event has now been shifted to coincide with the arrival of Manchester Food and Drink Festival in September.
All other event details remain the same, and the banquet will stick take place at Cultureplex later in the year.
Grazia Weekend at the Trafford Centre - postponed
A huge beauty and wellness weekend curated by fashion magazine Grazie has been postponed until October.
The event was scheduled to take over the Trafford Centre on March 28 and 29, but will now take place on October 3 and 4.
Alison Niven, centre director at intu Trafford Centre, said: “Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Grazia has taken the difficult decision to postpone the Grazia Beauty and Wellness Weekend on 28 and 29 March until 3 and 4 October.
"We understand this will be disappointing and wanted to apologise to everyone affected. All ticket holders have been contacted directly to arrange a full refund, and we hope to see as many people as possible for the rescheduled event in October."
Tickets for the new dates will go on sale at a later date.
Riz Ahmed's The Long Goodbye at Mayfield - postponed
Hollywood star Riz Ahmed was planning to premiere his new live show as part of Manchester International Festival's pre-Factory events programme.
The Long Goodbye is billed as 'a bracing and emotional live music show' from musician, storyteller, actor and activist, examining the breakup of a toxic relationship with the country you call home.
The event, due to take place over three nights on March 26, 27 and 28, has been cancelled 'to support global efforts to reduce the coronavirus spread.'
Ticket-holders will be contacted with new dates once details are confirmed.
Hatch Live - postponed
Manchester's own Slow Readers Club were due to play the first in a series of free live gigs at Oxford Road food and drink haven Hatch on Wednesday March 18.
But the show - and subsequent sets - have been postponed for now.
Organisers said: We're sorry to announce that our Hatch Live event with The Slow Readers Club, due to take place this Wednesday, is to be postponed.
"In light of the latest government advice regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, all parties have decided that it isn't sensible to host this gathering at Hatch at this time.
"We know Manchester will come out in force to support the band and Hatch as soon as is possible. We are following this constantly evolving situation and guidelines very carefully and will be in touch with a new date for the gig as soon as we can."
Jamie Cullum at Bridgewater Hall - postponed
British jazz-pop singer Jamie Cullum has decided to postpone the rest of his UK tour.
The Taller 2020 tour was due to see him performing at the Bridgewater Hall on March 25, as well as at venues in Oxford, London, Liverpool and more.
The singer wrote: "I’m sorry to have to announce that due to the rising incidence of Covid 19 and directives from The World Health Organisation I have made the decision to postpone the rest of the UK Taller 2020 Tour.
"I’m so disappointed to not be able to bring this show to you, which was over a year in the making, but it is very clear to me that this is the best course of action within the current health crisis.
"When a big tour is out on the road it takes a lot of moves to bring it suddenly to a halt, particularly with no clear directives from our own government. For now, the brakes are on, and we are working on re-scheduling the shows for later in the year, when the universe is in a better place.
Thank you, as ever, for listening and much love to you all. Jx."
Northern Restaurant and Bar exhibition at Manchester Central - postponed
The huge hospitality exhibition Northern Restaurant and Bar has made the decision to postpone.
The event was expected to attract thousands of industry experts over the two days of March 17 and 18.
Its CEO Thom Hetherington posted a statement that said: ""e must react immediately and decisively. The welfare of all remains our utmost priority."
NRB is now working with Manchester Central to arrange new dates.
Blossoms at Manchester Arena - rescheduled
Blossoms announced earlier this week that they are postponing their UK tour, including their upcoming Manchester Arena show.
The Stockport band were scheduled to play the venue on March 28 but have now announced a new date of Saturday August 22.
They said they were 'gutted' to have to reschedule the tour.
Tickets remain valid for the new dates.
RNCM - all public events postponed
The Royal Northern College of Music has closed its doors on all public events from Monday March 16 onwards.
Box office sales (online, by phone and in person) are suspended with immediate effect.
Where performances can't be rescheduled at a later date, of if customers can't make the new date, a full refund will be issued when services resume.
Kelis at Albert Hall - postponed
Kelis has cancelled her scheduled show at Manchester's Albert Hall on Monday March 16, along with the rest of her European dates.
The singer was also due to play in Zurich and in London but has suspended those dates too.
Announcing the postponement 'with a heavy heart', she told fans on Twitter:"The heath and well-being of you, our families, friends, and our greater community is of the utmost importance,"
She added: "This decision was not made lightly and we are aware of the inconvenience that this may cause. We are doing our best to find alternative dates this summer and will announce new dates as soon as possible.
"I look forward to seeing you soon and in the meantime, please take care of yourselves and each other."
Fans are advised to keep an eye on her social channels for information on new dates.
Manchester Marathon - postponed
Manchester Marathon, which was due to take place on April 5, has been postponed, affecting around 26,000 runners who were expected to take part.
Organisers said: "In light of escalating concerns surrounding the impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 on public health we have made the tough decision to postpone the 2020 Manchester Marathon which was due to take place on Sunday April 5.
"As the organiser of a mass participation sporting event such as this we have a responsibility to ensure the safety and health of our runners, spectators and crew, and to do everything within our power to prevent the virus from spreading further.
"Since the outbreak of the virus we have been closely monitoring the situation and working alongside fellow organisers, medical experts and our stakeholders to fully understand its impacts. Based on the most up to date information available from Public Health England and interpretations from our Medical Director, we have no option but to postpone.
"We understand the intensive training involved in taking on a marathon and the effort that goes in to fundraising for those who are supporting a cause close to their hearts. It is our desire to ensure runners have the opportunity to cross the finish line and our contingency planning includes a postponement, likely to be in the Autumn of 2020, as well as options for runners to complete the marathon remotely."
A further update is due to be issued by Wednesday, March 18.
Coronation Street tours - suspended
Visits to soap's most famous set have been suspended for the foreseeable future.
ITV said halting visits to its Trafford Wharf Road studios was a precautionary measure and 'responsible course of action' in light of the spread of Covid-19.
Visitors with bookings will be able to re-book as soon as the tours re-open, though it's not yet clear when that will be.
Words Weekend Festival at The Lowry- cancelled
This literature festival was due to take place between March 27 and 29 at The Lowry in Salford.
The bill included Katie Piper, Adam Kay, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and David Nicholls before event organisers made the difficult decision to cancel.
Artistic director Beth Gallimore said: "It is with huge sadness that we have taken the decision to cancel Words Weekend at The Lowry following the escalation of COVID-19 in Europe.
"Although this is an incredibly difficult decision, the health of authors and audiences must be the priority."
The Who at Manchester Arena - postponed
The Who pulled out of their scheduled gig at the Manchester Arena earlier this week, saying that their fans' safety was paramount.
Roger Daltrey has assured fans that cancelled tour dates will take place at some point.
The band were due to play at the venue on Monday March 16.
Tickets will be valid for the new dates once they're announced, with refunds issues to those who can no longer attend.
Record Store Day, citywide - postponed
The annual Record Store Day, where vinyl shops across the country throw open their doors with special events, has been postponed.
The event was due to take place on Saturday April 18 but has been pushed back to June 20.
Organisers issued a statement to say: "This decision comes at a time of unprecedented uncertainty and the health and safety of the general public must come first.
"This was absolutely not an easy decision to make as hundreds of independent shops and labels have been working hard towards this year’s celebrations."
Avril Lavigne at O2 Apollo Manchester - cancelled
Avirl Lavigne had already had to cancel most of her Asian and European dates, as bans on large events began to take effect.
She announced that she would sadly no longer be able to perform her UK dates either earlier this week, a decision she said 'sucks'.
The Sk8er Boi singer has been affected by the travel ban in the USA as well as being concerned for her fans' health and safety.
It's not yet clear whether the dates will be rescheduled - ticket-holders should get in touch with their point of purchase for more information.
The Jesus and the Mary Chain at Albert Hall, Manchester - postponed
Alternative band The Jesus and the Mary Chain have postponed their UK and European tour in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
The band posted a statement that reads: "The Jesus and Mary Chain UK & European tour has to be postponed because of the various restrictions that have been placed on concerts in many cities.
"We are trying to reschedule and will announce more on that ASAP.
"All tickets remain valid for rescheduled shows, but ticket holders can get a refund from the point of purchase if required."
The band were due to play at the Albert Hall on March 21.
Lamb of God at Manchester Academy - postponed
Heavy metal band Lamb of God were about to embark on a European tour, but have postponed all dates to prevent putting 'fans, crew or bands in danger or risk further spreading the virus'.
Their gig should have been taking place on April 22 at Manchester Academy.
Tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates, which will be announced in due course.
Six Day Cycling at the Velodrome - cancelled
The huge cycling event at the Velodrome, which also saw live DJs and plenty of drinks at last year's event, has been cancelled.
Organisers said: "Whilst we do not believe that any of our athletes or staff have been infected with the virus, we have decided to take this action in everyone’s best interest.
"We appreciate the support of our athletes, the cycling community and our supporters through this complicated decision-making process."
Ticket-holders will be contacted by email for refund information.wr
