Ed Sheeran brings his exclusive “Play” arena run to Manchester’s Co-op Live this Sunday, December 7, offering fans a rare chance to see the global superstar in an intimate setting before his massive stadium tour kicks off next year. Doors for the general public will open at 18:00, with the show scheduled to start promptly at 18:30. Fans are advised to arrive early due to the strict entry procedures in place for this event.
The most searched question for this date has been “who is supporting Ed Sheeran in Manchester?” We can confirm the support lineup features Biird and Nizlopi. The inclusion of Nizlopi is a sentimental nod for long-time fans; Sheeran notably worked as a guitar technician for the duo early in his career before exploding into stardom himself. Additionally, based on setlists from the Paris and Munich shows earlier this week, fans can expect appearances from Irish folk band Beoga during the set, accompanying Sheeran on tracks like Galway Girl and Nancy Mulligan.
Key Times
- 14:30: Official car parks open
- 17:30: Premium & Backstage Club Doors
- 18:00: General Admission Doors
- 18:30: Show Start (Support acts followed by Ed Sheeran)
Strict Mobile Ticket & ID Policy
Data from the first two nights of the tour in Paris and Munich suggests a career-spanning setlist mixed with new material from the Play album. Sheeran has been opening with Castle on the Hill and closing the main set with Bad Habits. Notably, the encore has featured a festive rendition of Merry Christmas alongside Beoga.
Co-op Live and the tour promoters are enforcing strict anti-tout measures. This is a mobile-only event, meaning no physical tickets will be issued. Crucially, the lead booker whose name is on the tickets must be present for the whole group to enter. You may be asked to present a valid photo ID (Driver’s Licence, Passport, or PASS card) that matches the booking name. If your group is arriving separately, the lead booker must arrive with them to scan them in.
Setlist Rumours & What to Expect
- The Hits: The A Team, Thinking Out Loud, Shape of You, Perfect, Shivers.
- New/Rare: Azizam, Camera, Symmetry.
- Collaborations: Expect Galway Girl and Nancy Mulligan to feature the full live band experience with Beoga.
Prohibited Items & Bag Policy
Professional cameras with removable lenses are strictly forbidden, though personal smartphone cameras are permitted. While standard Co-op Live bag policies apply (typically restricting bags larger than A4), the best advice is to travel light to speed up entry. Age restrictions are also in force: no one under 16 is permitted in the standing area, and all under-14s must be accompanied by an adult seated elsewhere.
Ticket Resale Warning
If you can no longer attend, do not use third-party sites like Viagogo. Tickets found on unauthorised resale platforms will be cancelled. The only valid way to resell tickets is via the official Ticketmaster resale platform, which opened on September 12.