AURORA at the O2 Apollo, Manchester.

By Jim Blunt and Anya Baxter.

On Friday night, we had the pleasure of attending AURORA's 'What Happened To The Earth?' tour. The magical performance was unlike any other, with mystical vocals and spellbinding stage design. The Norwegian singer gave us an experience we'll never forget.

Photos by Anya Baxter.

The Apollo was teeming with pixie ears, floaty skirts and gentle sparkles as AURORA's many adoring fans gathered to witness the much anticipated Manchester stop on the tour. Ethereal harmonies and driving beats make up the heart of AURORA's unique style of music, especially in her latest album 'What Happened To The Heart?' Opening with "Churchyard", AURORA took to the stage with her band, her figure silhouetted against the backdrop. The was followed by a song dedicated to "all those who are sad", "All Is Soft Inside". Despite AURORA hailing from Norway, she had the British crowd in stitches with her impression of a scouser, which of course the Mancs in the crowd absolutely revelled in. It's clear that AURORA has a gift for performance, alongside her beautiful music.

Photos by Anya Baxter.

Highlights in the set for us included "Heathens", "When the Dark Dresses Lightly" and gorgeous ballad "Exist for Love". The crowd sang along to every word passionately, as AURORA relentlessly gave her all to the performance. She dedicated the song "Runaway" to "the children of the world", and "The Seed" to "the indigenous people of the world". It's remarkable to see the variety in the audience, in the ages, genders, people alone or in groups, all are welcome at an AURORA show. And with the quality of performance she puts on, its easy to see why these people have become such huge fans.

Photos by Anya Baxter.

After dedicating the song "Queendom" "to the gays" in an iconic move, AURORA swept into the encore, consisting of fan favourite "Cure For Me", "Some Type of Skin", and a fan request, "Animal Soul". The unforgettable night came to a close with "Invisible Wounds". AURORA put on, for us, one of the most memorable performances of the year so far, creating an atmosphere in the Apollo like nothing we've ever seen before, completely magical, and the evening itself was almost a spiritual event.

Tusen takk, AURORA!