Live Music
Manchester is undeniably one of the UK hotspots for live music. With many of its most iconic venues based on the Oxford Road Corridor, we can confidently claim that music is part of our DNA and that we are proud of the long-standing musical heritage that continues to inspire future generations and fuel the city’s night time economy.
Oxford Road Corridor’s love affair with live music dates back as far as 1858 when Sir Charles Hallé formed Manchester’s symphony orchestra at the Lesser Free Trade Hall. Fast forward to 1966 and the Free Trade Hall would become part of musical history again when Bob Dylan was famously heckled for going electric. Ten years later the Sex Pistols played the “gig that changed the world”. Punk was born with Joy Division, The Fall, Magazine and The Smiths, not far behind.
Famous venues like the Ritz and the Academy have hosted many legendary acts over the years, whilst smaller venues such as YES, The Deaf Institute, Big Hands and Gorilla ensure the city keeps its finger on the pulse with an unrivalled programme of contemporary bands and DJs. For the traditionalists, the RNCM is one of the leading conservatoires in the world and The Bridgewater Hall is home to three resident orchestras: the Hallé, the BBC Philharmonic and Manchester Camerata.
Keep scrolling to find out more about best live music venues as well as upcoming gigs and concerts.
Upcoming Gigs & Concerts
RNCM students take on Rossini’s one-act opera, La scala di seta for their spring opera, a lively blend of humour and romance.
Kristiina Poska, a distinctive interpreter of Sibelius, begins her second visit to the Hallé with Britten’s atmospheric Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes
Following of their debut album, South-London-based 6-piece Tapir! are on tour and bring enchanting alt-indie folk to YES this March.
A groundbreaking event exploring the future of inclusive music-making, at the School of Digital Arts at Manchester Met.
FaceSoul, a London-based Somali artist born in East Africa, brings meditative modern R&B and Neo soul to YES.
New experimental indie trio Meet Mary In The Junkyard make their Manchester debut in the YES basement this month.
Metalheadz marks three monumental decades of innovation and influence with an anniversary celebration at Joshua Brooks
Leslie Suganandarajah conducts an evening of Mozart, Bruch and Strauss with guest violinist Eldbjørg Hemsing.
After a sell-out success in recent years, the ever-growing Manchester Punk Festival returns in Easter to venues across Oxford Road.
Jake Stewart has successfully located the pleasure centres of UK ravers via the diverse output of his 1-800 GIRLS artist project.
Join IABF for Tak ensemble’s Manchester debut with one of our most-admired ensembles in the world, Distractfold.
Sophie Faith channes her most sincere emotions into every note, sharing the most challenging times through the music she creates.
Thomas Adès starts the second concert of his residency by reviving Barbirolli’s rarely-performed suite of Purcell’s music taken mainly from his stage works.
Seb Lowe has a clever knack for combining perfect indie-pop with razor-sharp sights on the state of the world.
Fronted by Ellen Kempner, Palehound bring endlessly catchy grunge-folk with 90’s influenced indie-rock sounds to YES this April.
Omni bring us sharp, driving songs that land immediately, sporting chopping riffs, staccato beats, and wiry melodies.
A good night guaranteed as The Buttshakers bring warm soul and a handful of rhythm and blues to Retro Bar this April.
A concert concerned with the environment and sustainability, born from a collaboration between poet John McAuliffe and composer Richard Whalley.
A pop-star fed through a Nutribullet. A human bag of speed. The fourth horseman of the queer apocalypse. Lynks is here.
Maya de Vitry’s dynamic and vibrant voice seems to rise out of some necessity of bringing songs to life, embracing sincerity and playfulness.
Music Director of the Ulster Orchestra and of Opéra National de Lyon, Daniele Rustioni returns to the Hallé.
John Storgårds conducts The BBC Philharmonic in an evening of Nordic Noir featuring Lotta Wennäkoski, Sibelius and Bruckner.
A special evening lies ahead when the internationally renowned composer, musician and producer, Nitin Sawhney CBE, makes his Hallé debut.
Scottish indie pop darlings Camera Obscura are out on tour for the first time in five years and new music is on its way.
Experience the vibrant gamelan music from West Java, Indonesia in a concert that features a variety of classical and contemporary pieces.
In this audio-visual live concert, musicians and composers turn to the painter’s immense canvases for inspiration, reimagining them through sound and light.
Hurray for the Riff Raff will bring folk rock story-telling and soulful vocals to Deaf Institute this May.
Celebrating his nearly four-decade hip-hop career, legendary rapper Rakim formed the blueprint for the future of hip-hop.
Echobelly brings alternative rock vibes to Gorilla this May, promising a night of indie melodies and nostalgic 90s hits.
A moving musical performance, transforming The Deaf Institute venue into a space for connection. An MJF Trailblazer.
Part of Manchester Jazz Festival
A spectacular opening weekender, Manchester Jazz Festival at First Street is three days of free live music, food and drink.
Award-winning pianist and composer Nikki Iles takes her 20-piece Jazz Orchestra to RNCM as part of Manchester Jazz Festival.
Part of Manchester Jazz Festival
The Wedding Present’s latest tour sees the band performing ‘Watusi’ in full – together with other classics from their extensive repertoire.
Electronic music pioneer Gary Numan celebrates the 45th anniversary of his 1979 albums Replicas and The Pleasure Principle.
Scottish indie rock band Arab Strap returns to Manchester in May in support of their brand new album.
British composer, saxophonist and clarinettist John Surman will be 80 this year, celebrate with his latest release, Words Unspoken, live at MJF.
Part of Manchester Jazz Festival
American Northwest indie band Chastity Belt come to Deaf this summer in support of new album, Live Laugh Love.
Alvvays returns to Manchester this summer in celebration of their rapturously received 2022 album Blue Rev.
Berlin-based pianist, composer and producer Nils Frahm brings a sonic alchemy of ambient textures and atmospheric electronica to The Bridgewater Hall this summer.
GRAMMY Award-nominated Thomas Dolby’s impressive career has spanned over 35 years. Catch him at The Ritz this August.
Manchester Psych Fest is an all-day celebration of psychedelic music and art, returning to the Oxford Road Corridor in August.
International music convention WOMEX comes to Manchester this October, after the city won its bid to host on behalf of the UK and Ireland.