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
John Storgårds conducts The BBC Philharmonic in an evening of Nordic Noir featuring Lotta Wennäkoski, Sibelius and Bruckner.
Nine Nights TV bring Jamz Supernova, Kings of Amapiano, Prido, Obeka, Me Gusta Collective and SHEwillprovidee to The Pink Room.
Ralph Corrigan conducts Manchester Wind Orchestra in an evening of classics, including Gregson’s Piano Concerto.
Kahchun Wong, incoming Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Hallé returns to conduct Fauré’s contemplative Requiem in a special post-work Rush Hour concert.
Expect scintillating tapestries of old-school rap with, soul, jazz and proggy psychedelia ad Shabazz Palaces visit YES.
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.
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
Australian four piece hard rock and roll band C.O.F.F.I.N bring a good-times-all-the-time attitude to YES.
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
Coco—the project of Maia Friedman (Dirty Projectors), Oliver Hill (Pavo Pavo), and Dan Molad (Lucius) bring dreamy pop to YES.
Euphoric indie rock is the vessel Pillow Queens use to celebrate their queerness, stand up for the rights of women, and reflect on their strict Catholic upbringings in Dublin.
American Northwest indie band Chastity Belt come to Deaf this summer in support of new album, Live Laugh Love.
Vince Staples is a multi-hyphenate musician, actor, writer, and creative known for integrating his witty personality and sharp sense of humour into his writing.
Alvvays returns to Manchester this summer in celebration of their rapturously received 2022 album Blue Rev.
Royal Northern College of Music’s annual celebratory concert returns to The Bridgewater Hall and they would love for you to join them.
The Silent Planet is an unprecedented collaboration with the youth-led global climate non-profit organisation, Force of Nature.
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.
Max Cooper merges electronic music and visual art with scientific enquiry to create an unforgettable immersive live performance.
International music convention WOMEX comes to Manchester this October, after the city won its bid to host on behalf of the UK and Ireland.
The ambient soundscapes of The Orb and Ozric Tentacles’ blend of instrumental psychedelic rock with beats and spacey soundscapes.
English Teacher brings their unique alt-rock sound to The Ritz as they head out on tour to share their debut album This Could Be Texas.
A special evening lies ahead when the internationally renowned composer, musician and producer, Nitin Sawhney CBE, makes his Hallé debut.
