YES
Four floors of YES with something for everyone – including a rooftop bar, two live music spaces, a club space, DJs and extensive coffee, street food and bar selection.
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.
Royal Northern College of Music
The Royal Northern College of Music is a world-leading conservatoire and thriving music venue with a reputation for attracting talent from across the world.
The Deaf Institute
An ever-popular nightclub, bar and affordable street food stop housed in a landmark, Grade II listed building. Come for the unique space, stay for the live music and DJs.
Manchester Academy
Four spaces in one, Manchester Academy has been welcoming world-famous bands to Manchester since the early 1960s.
O2 Ritz Manchester
Manchester’s original 1920s dancehall – an art deco gem that spans a century of Manchester music history in the heart of the city centre
Joshua Brooks
Joshua Brooks reaches its quarter-century stronger than ever, with cutting-edge DJs, dancing, and excitement until the small hours.
The Bridgewater Hall
One of Manchester’s most important cultural buildings, the Bridgewater Hall stages 300 performances each year and attracts the biggest names in classical music
Gorilla
Since opening in 2012, Gorilla has proved itself as Manchester’s definitive mid-sized modern gig venue and one of the city’s best bar and kitchens.
The Abbey
The Abbey is a historic Hulme pub combining live music, great beer and local heritage, led by the team behind YES and Now Wave.
Big Hands
Big Hands at the South end of Oxford Road may be small, but it comes with added rock n’ roll swagger, a great atmosphere and a lovely roof garden.
Amber’s
Amber’s, is a 1000 capacity, multi-room music venue on Oxford Road. A fully functioning live space and electronic club at Circle Square hosting world renowned DJs and live acts.
Upcoming Gigs & Concerts
The Hallé – Offenbach’s Barkouf
The Bridgewater Hall 4 October 2026What happens when man’s best friend becomes head-of-state? Opera Rara and the Hallé team up once again to present Offenbach’s opera Barkouf, where a dog rules the day.
Free Monday Lunchtime Concert
Royal Northern College of Music 5 October 2026Music students from the Royal Northern College of Music provide a free lunchtime concert. An easy way to fit live music into the day.
Part of The Cultural Welcome
Tuning into Opera: Barkouf workshop with English National Opera
Royal Northern College of Music 6 October 2026Offenbach’s comic opera Barkouf provides the inspiration for this hands-on introduction to the creative process behind opera.
Part of The Cultural Welcome
Free Thursday Lunchtime Concert
Royal Northern College of Music 8 October 2026Music students from the Royal Northern College of Music provide a free lunchtime concert. An easy way to fit live music into the day.
Part of The Cultural Welcome
The Hallé: Prokofiev’s Symphony No.5
The Bridgewater Hall 8 – 11 October 2026Nodoka Okisawa conducts Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto with Pavel Kolesnikov and Prokofiev’s triumphant Fifth Symphony.
Part of The Cultural Welcome
RNCM presents… At the Henry Watson Music Library
Manchester Central Library 9 October 2026Two rising RNCM stars bring live music to the cosy setting of the Henry Watson Music Library as part of a new collaborative concert series.
Part of The Cultural Welcome
Manchester Collective and Sidiki Dembélé: Constellations
Royal Northern College of Music 9 October 2026Manchester Collective and Sidiki Dembélé unite West African traditions, new music and Afrofuturist storytelling.
BBC Philharmonic: Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique
The Bridgewater Hall 10 October 2026Yoel Gamzou conducts Bernstein, Korngold and Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique with violinist Elena Urioste in a passionate orchestral programme.
Chiaroscuro Quartet
Royal Northern College of Music 12 October 2026Chiaroscuro Quartet makes its Manchester debut with Haydn masterpieces and Beethoven’s profound Op.132.
NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover
The Bridgewater Hall 12 October 2026Beethoven and Brahms with Ingrid Fliter and Stanislav Kochanovsky in a powerful orchestral concert at The Bridgewater Hall.
Part of The Cultural Welcome
African Soul Rebels featuring Les Amazones d’Afrique + Gasper Nali
The Bridgewater Hall 13 October 2026African Soul Rebels returns with L’Amazones d’Afrique and Gasper Nali in a bold celebration of African music, rhythm and resistance.
Lime Garden
Gorilla 16 October 2026Lime Garden bring their indie-electro sound to Gorilla this autumn after a sell-out show at YES earlier this year.
Mercury Rev
O2 Ritz Manchester 16 October 2026Mercury Rev celebrate 25 years of All Is Dream with a special live show, bringing their signature cinematic, psychedelic sound.
Fomies
Big Hands 16 October 2026Swiss Garage-Psych group Fomies head to Big Hands, supported by local powerhouse Mister Strange.
Neighbourhood Festival 2026
Multiple venues 17 – 18 October 2026Neighbourhood Festival returns to Manchester this October with a takeover of venues across the Oxford Road.
The Hallé: Classical Extravaganza
The Bridgewater Hall 17 October 2026Stephen Bell conducts orchestral favourites including Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto with Matilda Lloyd in a celebration of timeless classical hits.
Starsailor
The Bridgewater Hall 18 October 2026Starsailor perform Love Is Here in full with string ensemble in a special 25th anniversary orchestral concert at Bridgewater Hall.
LSD and the Search for God
Gorilla 19 October 2026Cult shoegaze band LSD and the Search for God play Gorilla this October as touring activity grows and rumours of new music in 2026 build.
La Sécurité
The Abbey 21 October 2026Montreal art-punk collective La Sécurité bring their infectious blend of punk, new wave and krautrock to The Abbey.
The Hallé: Rachmaninov’s Symphony No.3
The Bridgewater Hall 22 October 2026Nicholas Collon conducts Szymanowski, Rachmaninov and a Ravel world premiere arrangement with violinist Emily Davis.
Antony Szmierek
Manchester Academy 23 October 2026Antony Szmierek brings his acclaimed debut album Service Station at the End of the Universe to Manchester Academy.
BBC Philharmonic: Mahler Symphony No. 4
The Bridgewater Hall 24 October 2026John Storgårds conducts Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Cassandra Miller’s Swim with Alina Ibragimova.
Brown Horse
The Deaf Institute 27 October 2026Norwich-based country rock band Brown Horse are six-piece mix guitar-driven 90s alternative rock with the folk and country sounds of the 70s.
Tiffany Poon
Royal Northern College of Music 28 October 2026Tiffany Poon makes her Manchester debut with music from Nature by Debussy, Ravel, Rameau and Alkan.
The Hallé: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5
The Bridgewater Hall 29 October – 1 November 2026Kahchun Wong conducts Chopin and Tchaikovsky with pianist Tianyao Lyu in a programme of poetic lyricism and sweeping symphonic passion.
Adult DVD
Gorilla 31 October 2026Leeds six-piece Adult DVD bring their synth-fuelled indie and dance-punk sound to Gorilla for a Halloween headline show.
Jalen Ngonda
Manchester Academy 3 November 2026Jalen Ngonda plays Manchester Academy this November, showcasing his modern take on classic soul with songs from Doctrine Of Love.
The Hallé Rush Hour: Scheherazade
The Bridgewater Hall 5 November 2026Tess Jackson conducts Reich/Clyne’s Proverb and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade in a programme of storytelling and imagination.
Samuel Moore and Duo Cantelina
International Anthony Burgess Foundation 7 November 2026Experience an evening of classical and flamenco music with Duo Cantelina and award-winning guitarist Samuel Moore.
Joan As Police Woman
Royal Northern College of Music 7 November 2026Joan As Police Woman marks 20 years of Real Life at RNCM Theatre in November 2026, celebrating her genre-blending solo work.
Cloud Nothings
YES 10 November 2026Cloud Nothings bring their acclaimed indie rock catalogue to Manchester, from lo-fi beginnings to Attack on Memory.
Quiet Light
The Abbey 10 November 2026Quiet Light brings acclaimed album Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2 to The Abbey for an intimate Manchester show.
Faux Real
The Abbey 12 November 2026Faux Real bring high-energy, genre-blurring mayhem to The Abbey—think Iggy Pop meets Eurodance boyband. Expect chaos, hooks & high-kicks!
Fink
Manchester Academy 12 November 2026Fink plays Manchester Academy this November, with songs from latest album The City Is Coming To Erase It All and two decades of music.
Chloe Slater
Manchester Academy 14 November 2026Chloe Slater brings her sharp alt-pop sound to Manchester Academy, previewing debut album Riot Youth in a breakthrough year.
underscores
Gorilla 14 November 2026Hyperpop innovator underscores brings her genre-blurring electronic sound and acclaimed live show to Gorilla this November.
The Hallé: Christmas Oratorio
The Bridgewater Hall 14 November 2026Sir Mark Elder conducts MacMillan’s Christmas Oratorio with Mary Bevan, Roderick Williams and the Hallé Choir in a powerful nativity story.
Boko Yout
The Abbey 15 November 2026Swedish genre-blenders Boko Yout bring their acclaimed debut album GUSTO and dynamic live show to The Abbey.
Rizzle Kicks
Manchester Academy 15 November 2026Rizzle Kicks head to Manchester Academy following latest single Livin’ the Dream, with a night of feel-good hits.
Widowspeak
YES 16 November 2026Widowspeak play YES with songs from Roses, blending dream pop, indie rock and Americana in an intimate live show.
Tropical Fuck Storm
Manchester Academy 17 November 2026Tropical Fuck Storm head to Manchester Academy with their chaotic, genre-blending take on post-punk and experimental rock.
C.O.F.F.I.N
YES 18 November 2026Australian four piece hard rock and roll band C.O.F.F.I.N bring a good-times-all-the-time attitude to YES.
Susan Bullock and Jonathan Fisher
Royal Northern College of Music 19 November 2026Susan Bullock and Jonathan Fisher perform Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder alongside Berg, Duparc and Alison Bauld songs.
Republica
Gorilla 20 November 2026Republica perform their iconic ’90s hits, including Ready to Go, live under the arches at Gorilla this November.
Edging
Big Hands 21 November 2026Punk rockers Edging come to Big Hands armed with crushing riffs, searing sax, and unapologetic queer chaos.
Tokyo Tea Room
YES 22 November 2026Dreamy psych-pop with soaring hooks—Tokyo Tea Room bring their kaleidoscopic sound to The Basement at YES this November.
feeble little horse
Gorilla 24 November 2026feeble little horse play Gorilla this autumn, touring their acclaimed new album bitknot with their boundary-pushing indie rock.
Mystery Jets
O2 Ritz Manchester 24 November 2026Mystery Jets bring new album A Hole To See The Sky Through to The Ritz, alongside indie favourites from across their career.
The Big Moon
O2 Ritz Manchester 25 November 2026The Big Moon head to the O2 Ritz with their new album Forever, a hook-driven, hopeful new era from the alt-pop band.
Getdown Services
Manchester Academy 28 November 2026Getdown Services return to Manchester with their infectious mix of dance-punk, sharp humour and BBC 6 Music-backed hits.
The Hallé: Elgar’s Symphony No.1
The Bridgewater Hall 29 November 2026Thomas Adès conducts Elgar, Berg and his own … but all shall be well with Christian Tetzlaff in a programme of light and loss.
Genesis Owusu
Gorilla 2 December 2026Genesis Owusu tours REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE, an acclaimed new album blending soul, punk, funk and alt-pop.
Home Alone in Concert
The Bridgewater Hall 2 – 3 December 2026Home Alone in Concert brings John Williams’ iconic score to life with live orchestra and choir, for a joyful festive screening of the classic Christmas comedy.
The Orb + Ozric Tentacles
o2 Ritz Manchester 4 December 2026The ambient soundscapes of The Orb and Ozric Tentacles’ blend of instrumental psychedelic rock with beats and spacey soundscapes.
BBC Philharmonic: Alpine Symphony
The Bridgewater Hall 4 December 2026Simone Young conducts Strauss’s epic An Alpine Symphony with Schumann’s Konzertstücks and pianist Cédric Tiberghien.
The Hallé: Messiah
The Bridgewater Hall 5 December 2026Matthew Hamilton conducts Handel’s Messiah with Sophie Bevan, Katie Bray, Anthony Gregory, James Platt and the Hallé Choir in a timeless Christmas tradition.
The Hallé: The Snowman and Friends
The Bridgewater Hall 6 December 2026Watch The Snowman with live orchestral accompaniment from the Hallé, plus festive favourites from Frozen and The Polar Express.
Disney’s Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
The Bridgewater Hall 7 – 17 December 2026Experience The Muppet Christmas Carol on the big screen with its beloved score performed live by a full orchestra.
The Hallé Orchestra: Christmas Family Concert: A Festive World Adventure
The Bridgewater Hall 13 December 2026Abby Cook presents a magical family concert around the world in 80 minutes, filled with festive music, singing and seasonal fun for all ages.
Ladytron
O2 Ritz Manchester 15 December 2026Electronic pioneers Ladytron return, celebrated for decades of boundary-pushing sound, global reach, and bold, unconventional performances.
The Hallé Orchestra: Christmas Cracker
The Bridgewater Hall 18 December 2026Stephen Bell conducts festive favourites with the Hallé Orchestra, choirs and vocalists Sumudu Jayatilaka and Tom Solomon in a joyful Christmas celebration.
The Hallé: Carol Concert
The Bridgewater Hall 19 – 20 December 2026Stephen Bell conducts Hallé Choirs in a Manchester Christmas tradition of carols, festive favourites and singalong joy.
Christmas with Sir Karl Jenkins
The Bridgewater Hall 22 December 2026Sir Karl Jenkins conducts festive carols and beloved classics, joined by Lucy Crowe and the Manchester Concert Orchestra.
Christmas Carol Singalong
The Bridgewater Hall 23 December 2026Celebrate the season with a joyful Christmas Carol Singalong featuring festive favourites, classic carols and West End star Louise Dearman.
The Hallé: The Name’s Bond, James Bond
The Bridgewater Hall 29 December 2026Celebrate the music of James Bond with the Hallé Orchestra, iconic theme songs, star vocalists and red-carpet glamour.
The Nutcracker
The Bridgewater Hall 2 January 2027Step into a magical Nutcracker Christmas as snow falls, toys come alive, and Clara journeys through a fairy-tale world of wonder!!
Snow White
The Bridgewater Hall 3 January 2027Step into a spellbinding ballet of Snow White, where jealousy, danger and true love unfold in a richly choreographed fairytale. Varna International Ballet & Orchestra return with a dazzling production for all ages.
Swan Lake
The Bridgewater Hall 3 January 2027Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake comes to life with Varna International Ballet & Orchestra in a spellbinding tale of love, tragedy and breathtaking classical dance.
The Hallé: Viennese New Year
The Bridgewater Hall 9 January 2027Stephen Bell conducts Viennese New Year concert with Rebecca Bottone, featuring Strauss waltzes and sparkling orchestral favourites.
The Hallé: The Four Seasons
The Bridgewater Hall 14 January 2027Roberto Ruisi leads Vivaldi and Piazzolla in a virtuosic journey through the seasons in Italy and Buenos Aires.
BBC Philharmonic: Age of Anxiety
The Bridgewater Hall 16 January 2027Roderick Cox conducts Bernstein, Higdon and Prokofiev with pianist Hayato Sumino in a powerful programme of anxiety and hope.
The Hallé: Sibelius’s Four Legends
The Bridgewater Hall 21 – 24 January 2027Elena Schwarz conducts Dvořák, Adès and Sibelius with Leila Josefowicz in a journey through nature, myth and shifting musical worlds.
Pigeon
YES 23 January 2027Pigeon bring their Afro-disco fusion to YES after a sold-out Soup show and widespread airplay for breakout single Miami.
The Hallé: Mahler’s Symphony No.5
The Bridgewater Hall 24 January 2027Kahchun Wong conducts Rachmaninov’s Paganini Rhapsody and Mahler’s Fifth Symphony with pianist Alexei Volodin.
The Hallé: John Williams: Music and Movies
The Bridgewater Hall 29 January 2027Celebrate John Williams with iconic music and film clips from Star Wars, Jaws, Harry Potter, E.T. and more.
The Hallé: There Will Be Blood in concert
The Bridgewater Hall 30 January 2027Hugh Tieppo-Brunt conducts Jonny Greenwood’s There Will Be Blood live with Hallé Orchestra and ondes Martenot.
Slow Pulp
Gorilla 2 February 2027Slow Pulp bring their acclaimed indie rock sound and new album Melodie to Gorilla, Manchester this February.
DMA’s
Manchester Academy 5 – 6 February 2027DMA’S return to Manchester Academy for two nights, celebrating their new self-titled album and fan favourites.
Manchester Collective: Glass Reframed I
Royal Northern College of Music 5 February 2027Manchester Collective marks Philip Glass’s 90th with string quartets, new music and vocals from Rylan Gleave.
BBC Philharmonic: Storgårds conducts Shostakovich
The Bridgewater Hall 6 February 2027John Storgårds conducts Shostakovich’s powerful Leningrad Symphony and Quartet No. 8 with the NOVO Quartet.
Hallé Orchestra and Youth Orchestra: Side-by-Side
The Bridgewater Hall 7 February 2027Sir James MacMillan and Aku Sorensen conduct Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony and MacMillan’s Larghetto for Orchestra.
The Hallé: Brahms’ Symphony No.2
The Bridgewater Hall 11 February 2027Alexandre Bloch conducts Ravel’s La valse, Strauss Oboe Concerto and Brahms Symphony No.2 with Stéphane Rancourt.
BBC Philharmonic: Beethoven Symphony No. 5
The Bridgewater Hall 13 February 2027Eun Sun Kim conducts Haydn and Beethoven with Daniel Müller-Schott, alongside Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte inspired by classical forms.
Colin Currie Quartet: Steve Reich Celebration
Royal Northern College of Music 14 February 2027Colin Currie Quartet perform Steve Reich classics, Julia Wolfe and Aileen Sweeney in a bold percussion programme.
London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Bridgewater Hall 20 February 2027Paavo Järvi conducts Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto and Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony with Benjamin Grosvenor.
Sterling Elliott and Joseph Havlat
Royal Northern College of Music 23 February 2027Cellist Sterling Elliott presents a chamber recital with Joseph Havlat, featuring Ravel, Strauss and a new commission.
The Hallé: Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms
The Bridgewater Hall 25 February 2027Thomas Adès conducts Gerstein, the Hallé Choir and works by Adès, Barry, Coll and Stravinsky in a bold, high-energy programme.
The Vaselines
Gorilla 27 February 2027The Vaselines celebrate 40 years with a UK tour, bringing their influential indie pop catalogue to Gorilla this February.
Ukrainian National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Bridgewater Hall 1 March 2027Theodore Kuchar conducts Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven and Ukrainian premieres with pianist Mark Bebbington in a dance-filled programme.
The Hallé: España
The Bridgewater Hall 4 March 2027Stephen Bell conducts Spanish classics including Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with guitarist Gabriel Bianco in a vibrant, sun-drenched programme.
BBC Philharmonic: Walton Symphony No. 1
The Bridgewater Hall 6 March 2027John Storgårds conducts Vaughan Williams, a world premiere by Cassandra Miller, and Walton’s fiery First Symphony.
Elena Urioste and Tom Poster
Royal Northern College of Music 8 March 2027Elena Urioste and Tom Poster bring their interactive Jukebox concert to Manchester, with audience-selected classical favourites.
The Hallé: Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
The Bridgewater Hall 11 March 2027Kristiina Poska conducts Beethoven’s Fifth alongside Rautavaara and Joan Tower in a programme exploring time, nature and memory.
Louder Than War Live 2027
Manchester Academy 13 March 2027Following the huge success of Louder Than War Live, the festival returns in 2027. Expect 16 acts across three stages, curated by Louder Than War.
BBC Philharmonic: Beethoven Symphony No. 9
The Bridgewater Hall 13 March 2027Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 crowns a programme of Oliveros, Adams and Williams exploring unity, memory and musical transformation.
The Hallé: A Night at the Oscars
The Bridgewater Hall 20 March 2027Blockbuster cinema comes to life with iconic film music from Star Wars, Interstellar, Jaws and Cinema Paradiso.
The Hallé: Seven Last Words from the Cross
The Bridgewater Hall 25 March 2027Sir James MacMillan and the BBC Singers perform Bach, Wagner, Rimsky-Korsakov and Seven Last Words from the Cross.
The Hallé: Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.3
The Bridgewater Hall 15 – 18 April 2027Emilia Hoving and Lukas Sternath perform Beethoven, Respighi and Sibelius in a concert of sparkle, serenity and depth.
BBC Philharmonic: Gods Among Men
Royal Northern College of Music 16 April 2027Pavel Kolesnikov joins BBC Philharmonic for Mozart’s Jeunehomme, plus works by Britten and John Adams.
The Hallé: Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben
The Bridgewater Hall 23 April 2027Sir Mark Elder celebrates his 80th year with Debussy, Strauss and MacMillan, featuring the Hallé’s family of choirs.
Solem Quartet: Industry
Royal Northern College of Music 5 May 2027Solem Quartet explore industry, folk song and Joy Division in a bold programme of Britten, Wolfe and new works.
The Hallé Rush Hour: Dvořák’s Symphony No.9
The Bridgewater Hall 5 May 2027Kahchun Wong explores Dvořák’s beloved New World Symphony, packed with soaring melodies, nostalgia and American inspiration.
BBC Philharmonic: The Dresden Connection
Royal Northern College of Music 7 May 2027BBC Philharmonic and Johanna Soller celebrate Bach, Zelenka and Heinichen in a dazzling evening of Baroque masterworks.
Opera North: Tristan and Isolde
The Bridgewater Hall 9 May 2027Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde from Opera North, a powerful staged concert of epic love, starring John Matthew Myers and Wendy Bryn Harmer.
The Hallé: The Best of Bollywood
The Bridgewater Hall 22 May 2027Experience the magic of Bollywood with iconic songs, live vocals and Indian percussion in a vibrant celebration of Hindi cinema.
The Hallé: Sheku Kanneh-Mason performs Britten
The Bridgewater Hall 27 – 30 May 2027Sheku Kanneh-Mason joins Dinis Sousa for Britten’s powerful Cello Symphony and Elgar’s beloved Enigma Variations.
The Hallé: Belshazzar’s Feast
The Bridgewater Hall 3 June 2027Kahchun Wong leads Sibelius’s Violin Concerto and Walton’s epic Belshazzar’s Feast in a thrilling season finale.
Osaka Philharmonic
The Bridgewater Hall 6 June 2027Tadaaki Otaka conducts Mullova in Prokofiev, with Dvořák’s Eighth and Hisatada Otaka’s Steppe in a Japan–Manchester celebration.
