Harry Styles fans respond after Co-op Live issues strict rule for Manchester gig

Adored pop star Harry Styles is set to perform in Manchester this Friday to celebrate the launch of his latest album - and the venue has issued a strict, and rare, rule.

Former One Direction star Harry Styles is releasing Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally on Friday, March 6, and will be performing the album in full at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena that evening.

The gig was announced shortly after tickets went on sale for the 32-year-old star's mammoth Together, Together tour which will see him perform at London's Wembley Stadium for a record-breaking 12 nights as well as a 30-night residency at New York's Madison Square Gardens.

Tickets for Harry's 'one-night only' gig in Manchester were released in February via ticket requests rather than a traditional first come first served online ticket sale, with tickets priced at a very affordable £20. Netflix announced this week that the entire gig is set to be filmed and uploaded to the streaming platform on Sunday (March 8).

Ahead of the gig, Co-op Live has announced that fans are not allowed to film or take photos during the night. Every fan with a ticket will receive a disposable camera on the night so they can capture photos without using their phone.

In a message shared on the Co-op Live website, it warns: "Phones will be secured in a recyclable bag, kept on your person upon entry to the event, and will still be able to be used in a normal way including all communication functions but without the camera."

It continues: "All other recording devices will not be permitted in the building. At the end of the night your phone will be removed from the bag and the bag will be recycled. Please note that anyone using a digital recording device during the performance will be asked to stop and if they do not, they may be asked to leave.

"We hope you will take this opportunity to enjoy the show fully and allow yourself to be fully immersed in the experience.

"Each pair of tickets sold will receive a disposable camera on the night so you can still capture your own special moments and share them after the show."

Fans have taken to social media to support the idea, and have said that it's a better experience when there are no phones. Kelly Collinge wrote on Facebook: "Every gig should be like this. How it used to be. Better!"

Paula Ja-yne said: "I go to gigs in small venues and theatres and you can’t use phones.. it’s a great experience. Enjoy the night." And Karen Hall agreed: "Love this should be every concert."

"Hate the phone use at concerts," Lisa Howard wrote. "When we went to see Harry in Coventry I was so busy trying to get the perfect moments of my grandchildren with Harry in the background, I panicked too much I would miss a perfect shot and missed half the show. This is a dream. Should do it more often."

Misha Dale added: "I think this should be the norm, I would hate to be performing to a bunch of screens"

Dan Lons said: "Ive been to a few phone free gigs - it’s amazing how much better the atmosphere and experience is when everyone around you is paying attention to what’s in front of them and not their device."

Shirlie McDonald added: "This is The best idea I hate seeing all them phones .. just put em in your pocket, watch, Dance and be taken away in the moment sooooo much better. Well done Harry this is how it should be. I’ve been to a phoneless no recording GIG and it’s soooooo much better and on a plus u have a full battery on your phone wen u come out and loose ya mates lol."

Harry Styles is performing at Manchester Co-op Live on Friday, March 6.