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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Lifestyle
Jess Molyneux

Stars light up the Arndale in fascinating throwback photos - from teenage Ed Sheeran to Roberto Mancini

It's been over 40 years since Manchester Arndale officially opened - and for decades it has been a magnet for crowds of shoppers and some famous faces.

From having houses on the roof and a bus station underneath, to its popular indoor market, Manchester Arndale has changed with the times since it was built in the mid-1970s. It was also, of course, badly damaged in the 1996 IRA bomb.

But over the years the popular shopping destination has also hosted huge stars for performances, book signings and more.

Read More: An open-air mass at Heaton Park and the Popemobile on Manchester's streets in 1982 photos

Here , we take a brief look back at some of the stars who lit up Manchester Arndale during the noughties and early 2010s - from Ed Sheeran to Katie Price.

We chose a range of appearances from different celebrities over the years. But, if there is someone we should have included, please let us know in the comments section.

Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson during VIP opening of the new Virgin Megastore in Manchester at Arndale Centre, 2006 (Photo by Terry George/WireImage)

Originally opened by Richard Branson as a small record shop in 1971, Virgin Megastores became a national chain. But by 2007, all of the 125 stores were rebranded as Zavvi.

Sir Richard Branson was at the VIP opening of the new Virgin Megastore in Manchester Arndale Centre, joined by Manchester music legends New Order.

Ex-Corrie stars Nikki Sanderson and Richard Fleeshman also attended, as well as boxing world champ Ricky Hatton and cult comedy heroes The Mighty Boosh.

Matt Willis

Former Busted singer Matt Wills performing live during his gig and CD single signing at the Virgin Megastore, Arndale Centre. December 14, 2006 (Photo by Peter Simpson/Avalon/Getty Images)

In the early noughties, Busted burst onto the scene with hits such as Year 3000 and What I Go To School For.

But fans were left devastated when the band disbanded in January 2005.

But the following year, singer Matt Willis went solo and performed new single Don't Let It Go To Waste live during his gig and CD single signing at the Virgin Megastore, Arndale Centre.

Lisa Snowdon

Lisa Snowdon (C) poses with the finalists of the Face of Tigra at the Vauxhall Tigra Couture Catwalk show at Manchester Arndale on May 10, 2008 (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage)

Model and television and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon was the host of the Living TV reality television show Britain's Next Top Model from 2006 until 2009 .

Over a decade ago, many will remember the popular show helping to launch the career of models such as Abbey Clancy.

In May 2008, Lisa Snowdon can be seen sticking to her modelling competition roots and posing with the finalists of the Face of Tigra at the Vauxhall Tigra Couture Catwalk show at Manchester Arndale.

Glasvegas

Rab Allan, James Allan, Caroline McKay and Paul Donoghue of Glasvegas greet fans during a CD signing at Zavvi Arndale on September 10, 2008 in Manchester Arndale (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage)

In 2008, Manchester fans were able to get up close to meet Scottish indie rock band Glasvegas.

Bandmates Rab Allan, James Allan, Caroline McKay and Paul Donoghue greeted fans during a CD signing at Zavvi Arndale on September 10, 2008.

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Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs signs copies of his new DVD 'True Red' at Manchester Arndale Zavvi. September 25, 2008 (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage)

Ryan Giggs left United after the appointment of Jose Mourinho in 2016 and secured his first managerial role with Wales two years later.

But back in 2008, "Ryan Giggs - True Red", took an in-depth look at the then winger's stellar 17-years as a professional at Manchester United.

Giggs signed copies of his new DVD at Manchester Arndale Zavvi on September 25 that year.

Kerry Katona

Kerry Katona launches her new fragrance entitled 'Outrageous' at the Fragrance Shop in the Arndale Shopping Centre on November 1, 2008 (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby/Getty Images)

The same year that her reality show Crazy In Love aired, Kerry Katona launched her new fragrance 'Outrageous' at the Fragrance Shop in the Arndale Shopping Centre.

Pictured with her then 20-month -old Heidi in November 2008, the Atomic Kitten singer was greeted by a throng of fans.

At the time, she said: "I'm always nervous in case no one turns up! But I'm made up there's so many people here in Manchester who've come.

Have you spotted a famous face in Manchester Arndale? Let us know in the comments section below.

Katie Price

Katie Price launches her new novel 'Sapphire' at the Waterstones Arndale Centre on July 24, 2009 (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage)

In July 2009, Katie Price launched her nnovel 'Sapphire' at the Waterstones Arndale Centre.

For the tour, many will remember the model-turned-author sporting a sparkling sapphire leotard with a matching blue tutu.

According to The Mirror, the book sold 20,423 copies in its first week and was the top of the Waterstones hardback and fiction charts.

Roberto Mancini

Roberto Mancini opens new Manchester City Store, Arndale Centre, Roberto Mancini opens the new club shop with competition winner Helen Lowe in the Arndale Centre, 2010 (Photo by Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

Roberto Mancini was manager for Manchester City from 2009 to 2013 and back in 2010, he opened the new Manchester City Store at the Arndale Centre.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart also attended the event.

That same year, Mancini, how hails from the world's fashion capital Milan, confessed he preferred the Manchester Arndale to flashier designer boutiques.

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran meets fans and signs copies of his new album "+" at HMV Arndale Centre on September 15, 2011 (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage)

Before numerous Grammy Awards and worldwide success, many will remember when Ed Sheeran first burst onto the music scene with his debut album +.

At the time, the teenager met fans and signed copies of his new album at HMV Arndale Centre on September 15, 2011.

The A team singer was also seen performing to fans.

Pixie Lott

Pixie Lott launches her new range for Lipsy at Manchester Arndale on September 27, 2011 (Photo by Nathan Cox/Getty Images)

Before her success of Strictly Come Dancing and becoming a judge on the Voice Kids UK, singer Pixie Lott launched her own range for Lipsy at Manchester Arndale on September 27, 2011.

Pop star Pixie Lott chose Manchester to launch her latest fashion range - because she said " girls here know how to party in style. "

Pixie's song All About Tonight shot to number one earlier that month and she chose a blue ruched playsuit to head to the launch.

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