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.

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.

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