Middleton Arena to host ‘Summer of M24’ featuring The Chameleons 

Photo: Mick Peek

The Chameleons, formed in 1981 in Middleton, North Manchester, are returning to their hometown for the first time in decades

Post-punk icons The Chameleons are set to headline the ‘Summer of M24’ at Middleton Arena on Saturday 31 August. This highly anticipated event is set to raise funds for supplying PA systems across budding venues in Middleton, bolstering the local music scene.

Steve Coogan, a Middleton-born comedy legend, has expressed his excitement for the event, saying, "It’s great to see The Chameleons helping to bring arts, mutual support, and activism together again in Middleton’s ‘Summer of M24’."

The Chameleons, formed in 1981 in Middleton, are returning to their hometown for the first time in decades to support the inaugural ‘Summer of M24 - Middleton’s Community Wealth Building Festival’.

The band has seen a resurgence in popularity, with recent sold-out shows at venues such as Manchester Academy 1 and The Ritz, as well as a critically acclaimed European and USA tour.

The festival is organised by Middleton Co-operating, a community-led organisation dedicated to benefiting the people of the M24 postcode.

Mark Fraser, founding director of the Community Benefit Society, emphasised the importance of the event, saying, “Our mantra is all about strengthening the identity of Middletonians by acting as a catalyst organisation in M24. We’re crazily ambitious at Middleton Co-operating and want to promote community wealth-building in any way, shape, or form.”

Middleton has a rich musical heritage, yet lacks a proper grassroots music venue since the closure of Carsons Bar in 2016. Mark Fraser added, “From the old Middleton Civic Hall, which saw bands from The Smiths to The Jam, to The Beatles playing Middleton Co-op Hall, we’ve got loads to celebrate but not many places to celebrate it.

"So why not give the tools to our brilliant pubs, cafes, and community centres to turn themselves into small music venues? This is the perfect way to encourage and nurture Middleton’s next generation of musicians.”

Mark Burgess, original member of The Chameleons, explained the significance of the homecoming gig: “We’re really looking forward to playing Middleton at the end of August. It’s not just any gig for us; it’s where it all started.

"Teaming up with some fresh local talent for an all-Middleton lineup to support rebuilding our town’s music scene. Proceeds will go towards sound equipment for local pubs, cafes, and community centres, turning them into the music venues Middleton deserves. Come out, enjoy the music, and be part of something bigger.”

Steve Coogan, who recently spoke at Middleton Arena as part of the Middleton Co-operating Launch in April, highlighted Middleton's rich heritage in the arts and community activism: “From local writer and poet Sam Bamford leading 6,000 Middleton people to Peterloo in 1819, to Jim Allen’s plays and Raining Stones, to the music of the Mock Turtles and the Courteeners, we have a heritage to celebrate.”

The Chameleons will be supported by an all-Middleton lineup, including rising rock 5-piece Kaiden Nolan & his band, fresh from a successful Glastonbury set in June, young indie rockers Oscar Bryant & The Bluebirds, who recently headlined Manchester’s iconic Night & Day Cafe, rock band Fiasco Jam, and Ska/Rap duo The Specialist Regiment.

Tickets for the ‘Summer of M24’ are priced at £33 plus booking fee and are available at: www.middleton.coop