Ed Sheeran at Co-op Live Manchester - tickets, stage times, travel advice, parking and everything you need to know

Ed Sheeran is bringing a special show to Manchester this weekend in what will mark his first gig in the city since releasing his latest album. The Halifax musician, who broke out into the music scene in 2005 with his debut EP, has sold more than 200 million copies worldwide and become known as one of the biggest names in music right now.

He’s also wrote a number of songs for artists including One Direction, Robbie Williams, Lewis Capaldi, and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

Behind hits like The A Team, Shape of You and Thinking Out Loud, Ed released his eighth studio album Play in September, which reached number one in the UK as well as countries around the world. To coincide with the album release, he announced five special shows across the UK and Europe ahead of a major tour across New Zealand, Australia, America and Canada next year.

Partnering with Amazon Music, the first show took place in Paris on December 1 and is followed by gigs in Munich and Coventry. Ed will perform at Manchester’s Co-op Live, for the first time, on Sunday evening (December 7), followed by a show in Dublin next week.

He will be joined by two support acts, making the show extra special for long-time fans of the musician. If you’re heading to the show and wanting to know key details about how things are set to go, here’s what you need to know ahead of making your way there.

Are there still tickets?

The majority of tickets for Sunday's show have now sold out. However, at the time of writing, there are a very limited amount of floor standing tickets available on Ticketmaster. These tickets are priced at £108.45 before any additional fees are then added.

Who is the support?

Supporting Ed will be British band Nizlopi. The folk duo are best known for their number one hit JCB, which was released back in 2005. But they have also played quite the significant role in Ed's early career. Having previously served as a guitar technician for them on tour, he was given the chance to open for the band at a show in Norwich back in 2008 before he released any of his studio albums.

Alongside Nizlopi, 11-piece Irish girl group BIIRD will also be on supporting duties for the Co-op Live show.

Stage times:

• Co-op Backstage Club and Premium Doors: 5.30pm
• General Admission: 6pm
• Start: 6.30pm

We are awaiting confirmation of stage times and will update when we have them. It is currently believed that Ed Sheeran is expected to take to the stage around 8pm, but fans are advised to get to the venue early to avoid missing any of the show.

Stage times are subject to change. The curfew for Co-op Live can vary depending on the show. Main bowl evening events will have an 11pm curfew, unless otherwise stated by the venue.

How to get to Co-op Live

Fans are encouraged to use the Metrolink or the new walking route where possible linking up the city centre to the venue. The arena is situated off Alan Turing Way in Beswick, which is next to the Etihad Campus tram stop and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium. The Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad Campus stop is located just two minutes walk from the venue

To make use of the walking route at Co-op Live, follow the blue lamp posts through Ancoats, New Islington, and Holt Town areas. The route features artwork, light displays and structures to check out - you can read about them here.

You can also find more details on bus routes to get to Co-op Live here.

Is there food and drink at Co-op Live?

With a number of bars and stalls inside the venue, there's a wide variety of food and drink options for gig-goers. Pies and burgers form part of the food menu, whilst there will be your usual selection of beers, soft drinks and wine available from the bars.

You can find current food and drink prices at Co-op Live here.

Is there parking at Co-op Live?

The arena has three official car parks, colour coded to blue, green and orange, but the available car parks will vary per event. All Official parking spots must be pre-booked online ahead of the event here. Spots are priced at £25 before fees, and spaces will be open from 2.30pm.

The blue zone is located off Sport City Way and Forge Lane, opposite Philips Park and Co-op Live, whilst orange parking is located off Alan Turing Way next to the Etihad Stadium. Disabled parking will be available in the blue zone and is free for blue badge holders. More details on parking near to the venue can be found here.

What is the Co-op Live ticket app?

Through the app, you can access your tickets and essential event information, and there will also be maps and further details too. Tickets will be available through the app typically no later than five working days before the show.

For those who booked through Ticketmaster, your Co-op Live tickets will be accessible through the app. The app generates a barcode that can be accessed offline after its first open. You can find out how to use the app, and how to log in, here.

If you don't have a smartphone or a paper ticket entry can be gained via the Ticket Office team located on Level 1, Canalside. You will need to present the physical credit/debit card used for purchase alongside matching photo ID for verification.

What is the bag policy?

Co-op Live operates on a one bag per person policy. Small handbags are permitted as long as they are no larger than A4 in size. However, large bags, like backpacks and laptop bags, will not be allowed. There will be limited bag storage on site priced from £15. This facility is located on Sir Howard Bernstein Way - opposite Gate J in the Orange Car Park on the Etihad Campus.

Banned items at Co-op Live:

Members of staff can remove items such as food, glass, bottles, cans, alcohol, large umbrellas, lighters, disposable vapes, professional cameras, plastic bottle tops, and recording equipment. Devices like laptops, iPads, Go Pros, and similar items are also not allowed, unless pre-approved for medical reasons. You can see the full list of banned items at Co-op Live here.