Manchester is set to come together for an unforgettable night as An Evening4Ricky takes over the AO Arena on Sunday 7th June 2026.
The event brings together stars from sport, music and entertainment to celebrate Ricky’s life and legacy, while raising vital funds and awareness that mental health matters. This is a chance for his fans and the people of Manchester to celebrate, sing, dance, laugh, and encourage conversations in The Hitman’s name.
Funds raised will go towards supporting the Ricky Hatton Foundation and other national and local mental health charity partners, all of which carry out vital work in mental health support and wellbeing.
Hosted at event partner, the AO Arena, the venue that staged 15 of Ricky’s unforgettable fight nights, the star-studded event will see the arena floor transform into a reimagined, boxing-style stage. Featuring live performances from some of Ricky’s favourite music artists, heartfelt tributes from those who knew him best, comedians, entertainers and fellow sports stars – the event will also be broadcast in the UK and globally.
On the guest list already signed up are: Paddy McGuiness, Frank Bruno, The Ks, Prince Naz, Jason Manford, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, Natasha Jonas, Clare Sweeney, DJ Spoony, Paulie Malignaggi, Marco Antonio Barrera, Rowetta, Steph Houghton, Tony Bellew, Michael Watson. With loads more legends and stars to be announced over the next few weeks along with an all-star music line-up.
Across 12 “rounds” of world-class entertainment, audiences will experience a unique blend of sporting legends, live music, boxing icons, comedy, and special guest appearances. Alongside this, immersive fan experiences will bring the evening to life, as everything comes together in tribute to a true people’s champion.
Tickets are now officially on sale, giving fans the opportunity to secure their place at what promises to be a truly one-of-a-kind celebration of the life, spirit and of Ricky Hatton
Campbell Hatton, Ricky’s son and co-founder of the Ricky Hatton Foundation, said: “This night means everything to our family. My dad gave so much to the fans and to Manchester, and this is about bringing everyone together to celebrate his legacy. It’s going to be emotional, but also full of energy, laughter and great memories.
We can’t wait to see the city, his friends, peers, and those who played such a huge part in his career come out for him once more. We’ve been speaking to so many legends and stars from the worlds of sport, music and comedy — invites have gone out to some of dad’s closest mates, including Wayne Rooney, Phil Foden, Freddie Flintoff, and many more footballers, alongside boxing greats like Usyk, Fury and AJ. It’s shaping up to be something really special.
Dad loved his music, was friends with so many performers, so it’ll be great to see some amazing live performances from singers and bands who meant a lot to him. I’m also really looking forward to Manchester’s poet, Tony Walsh, performing his brand-new poem dedicated to Dad, delivered from the centre of the ring on the night.”
Lester Holcombe, Executive Producer at Legends SG, said: “We’ve never put on a show like this before. It’s a true Mancunian one-off. A celebration for Ricky’s fans and an incredible coming together of stars to honour one of Manchester’s greatest sons.
The AO Arena is where it all began for Rick, and where he had his final fight with Marco, who’ll be flying in to take part in a very special feature. To hear ‘Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton’ announced by the ring MC there one last time will be truly unforgettable.
We’re inviting fans to be part of it, there’ll be plenty of audience interaction, chances to sing along, and we’d love people to come dressed as Ricky in all his iconic guises: Elvis, fat suits, the ‘Manchester Mexican’ – with prizes for the best on the night.
This is more than a show; it’s a party for Ricky – bringing Manchester together to celebrate the man, the friend, the dad, the son… the champion.”
