AO Arena Manchester reviews by real event-goers

Review of 90s Baby Pop - The Biggest POP Show EVER

Really enjoyed tonight’s show brought back so many happy memories thank you for the experience

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

Really fun event,really enjoyed it

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

It was an awful event. Most of the evening the tech people couldn't get the microphones working... makes you wonder why they haven't got spare ones at an event the size of this. Also a random s**t dj was brought on to keep us entertained while they messed around doing stuff and clearly none of them had any idea what they were doing. Most of the acts were awful and to top it off the main act that I went to see (AQUA) pulled out and we found out while we were already there. We ended up leaving when Gala came on because it was awful up to that point and clearly not getting any better... why the heck she brought a tap dancer with her to entertain us is beyond me, it didn't make sense and it was appealing to the wrong crowd, we're here to get a blast from the past from to see a tap dancer show her knickers.

Such a waste of money, badly organised and I absolutely will not be going to this again. I suggest you don't either.

Review of Ashanti, Trey Songz and Mario

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

Really disappointed with this event. To be told that 2 of the big acts (one of which was the headliner) halfway through the concert was terrible. As a result the last hour of the concert felt like a massive anti climax with acts trying to fill the extra time & big gaps between acts. You could feel the atmosphere change in the venue with many leaving early. Then to end the night with a DJ set was a bizarre choice. I feel people should be given a part refund for the no shows

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

The sound issues at the concert absolutely spoilt the night in the end. The bass was over powering and the vocals couldn't be heard at points as they struggled to sort the mic levels.

The acts worked really hard to put on a good show and were let down by the organisers.

The set was embarrassing (scaffold steps)
The visuals on the main screen had a bizarre filter on and words didn't match up to the lyrics that were being sung due to a timing issue in some sets.

The running order also was so badly put together as gaps between sets near the end of the show left artists playing to a half empty arena. Even the compare gave up at the end trying to announce Eifel65.

The line up was brilliant - but we wouldn't attend again due to such issues with the organisers ability to sort the sound.

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

We went the previous year this time it was a poor sound and best acts were at start of night so end was very flat

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

2 big headlines cancelled including Aqua! Other than that is was a good night

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

On the whole it was a brilliant night. So much nostalgia in one room was amazing. However, the atmosphere died when Gala came on, they took forever to set up the stage and then they played songs that no one knew. Rethink that act for next year! Also it was very disappointing that Aqua and 2 Unlimited pulled out. Aqua was the main reason I booked the tickets as my friend loved them growing up.

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

music was too loud. Speakers should be spread around the venue not just at the front. with bands canceling ie Aqua and 2 Unlimited opportunity for the other group to sing longer rather then putting the event start later.

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

Hello I am just appalled at this whole experience and would like a full refund if not more compensation. So I basically broke my ankle and nobody would let me know if I could get a disabled seat until I arrived. So if I'd of got there and there wasn't one I would of had to go home as can't get down the steps !!

So we got there and luckily a seat was given. Well the main complaint is considering this was a easy access and disabled area the stewards to let people push past my chair to take photos!! One man kicked my ankle by trying to get past to the railings. These people were not part of the disabilities.

Tip of the iceberg was when two girls drunk came onto this area dancing and causing obstructions for myself and people in wheelchairs. Spilling their drinks so then the floor was wet and slippery. I have a boot cast and crutches , this is not safe.

They shouldn't of been allowed to stay there. They were there at least 45 minutes and not one steward said a thing!!!
I was just sick of complaining before the shoe and now this!

I would like my full refund right away. This is not skiddles fault they sold the ticket it is you as a venue

Disgusting, disgraceful

Rebecca Ridge

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

Loved it, but the more well known acts should have been given extra song time as the likes of Gala killed the mood shame for the acts that had to follow that. She should have just sang her one hit song and how long did it take to set up, So many got fed up and left. Overall it was a great show. i will probably book again for next year. probably needs to end before 11pm i think alot panic over missing the last train.

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

Drinks prices were so high!

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

Event was good but disappointed Aqua and 2 unlimited didn’t show up. Running order wasn’t adjusted well enough and people leaving after Gala. Sound system sounded muffled at times. Drinks prices outrageous at the AO, should be ashamed of themselves.

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

Was a good show but disappointed that Aqua cancelled.

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

Aqua cancelled

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

I spend a good time

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

Food over priced

Gala rubbish

Sound on and off

Review of 90s Baby POP - The Biggest Pop Show Ever

Drinks were far too expensive, the most I've ever paid for drinks anywhere. £48 for 3 drinks is unacceptable and taking the mick really. For this reason I would never return to the AO arena. 2 acts cancelled which wasnt very good as well comsodering how much we paid for the tickets with no offer of a partial refund when many of us bought the tickets to see these acts.Everything else was okay.