CONTACT USAs you would expect from a city that has produced so many musical greats, Manchester has a number of iconic gig venues. From independent bars to the home of several world-renowned orchestras, take a look through our A to Z of venues and plan your stay with us, for a perfect night out in Manchester.
Ardwick
02 Apollo
Before The Smiths, Joy Division and so many other prolific bands came The Beatles. The Fab Four played a historic concert at the then ABC Cinema in 1963. Decades later and the 3500-seater concert hall is still popular among major acts, with Elbow playing a run of three shows on April 1, 3 and 4.
Stockport Rd, M12 6AP
Beswick
The Etihad Stadium
Speak to the blue half of the city and they will tell you the Etihad Stadium is the jewel in Manchester’s crown. When it comes to music, they may have a point. Over the years, Manchester City Football Club’s home has held concerts from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Oasis, Taylor Swift and, more recently, the Spice Girls.
Ashton New Rd, M11 3FF
Castlefield
Castlefield Bowl
The Castlefield Bowl is unlike the other venues on this list in that it is outdoors. A Roman amphitheatre, the extraordinary landmark comes alive during the summer months with a series of major concerts. Past years have seen Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, CHIC and Nile Rodgers and Haçienda Classical.
Rice St, M3 4JR
Deansgate
Albert Hall
An extensive refurbishment project led to the Albert Hall’s reopening in 2014. Years later and the Grade II listed building is one of Manchester’s premier venues, hosting everyone from Johnny Marr to Primal Scream, with Kelis (March 16) and Goldfrapp (March 25) booked for 2020.
27 Peter St, City Centre, M2 5QR
The Bridgewater Hall
Since opening in 1996, the Bridgewater Hall has staged over 20 years of concerts, including tributes to Hans Zimmer and Gershwin. A renowned name in classical music, it is home to the BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata and Hallé orchestras. Outside of classical music, 2020 will see greats like George Benson (June 21) and Status Quo (October 6).
Lower Mosley St, M2 3WS
Northern Quarter
Band on the Wall
Award-winning and historic, Band on the Wall had a revered reputation for jazz, folk and blues long before Buzzcocks and The Fall played there. Nowadays Band on the Wall has an eclectic roster of acts, including world music stars, acclaimed singer-songwriters and local DJs like Mr Scruff.
27 Swan St, M4 5JZ
Matt & Phreds Jazz Club
Dimly lit, intimate and hidden, Matt & Phreds is everything you could want from a city centre jazz haunt. M&P is famous on the music circuit, and it is not uncommon for acts who play there to become acclaimed stars — Jamie Cullum, who played there in 2009, is just one name that springs to mind.
64 Tib St, M4 1LW
Oxford Road
Manchester Academy
Located on the University of Manchester campus, the Manchester Academy is another famed city centre venue and just a 10-minute taxi ride from The Midland. In years gone by, rock and pop acts like Courtney Love, Liam Gallagher and even Prince have played here. In 2020, Roy Ayers (April 2020), Peter Hook (May 16) and Jimmy Eat World (July 20) will join them.
Moss Ln E, M14 4PX
02 Ritz Manchester
Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, The Smiths. The list of Manchester legends that have played the 02 Ritz goes on. The Grade II listed building, which is only a short walk from The Midland, still attracts queues that stretch around the block. And while indie bands are the mode – Lightning Seeds (March 28) and The Pigeon Detectives (May 15) – legends and pop acts like WAR (June 12) and Louise Redknapp (March 19) still make an appearance on the 02’s calendar.
Whitworth St W, M1 5NQ
YES
YES, which is located on Charles Street near Oxford Road, is where you will find The Pink Room – a purpose-built gig space located within the four storey bar. And it is this Pink Room that makes YES a contender for the brightest venue in Manchester. Admittedly you are more likely to see new bands and DJs here, although the space often holds after parties for bigger shows.
38 Charles St, M1 7DB
Salford Quays
02 Victoria Warehouse
As its name suggests, the 02 Victoria Warehouse started life as just that. It wasn’t until 2012 that the warehouse was transformed and reopened as a music venue. And while the Victoria Warehouse is a latecomer, it has made up the time with Blossoms, Bastille and Vampire Weekend previously playing here. 2020 will see much of the same calibre of acts, with Britpop legends Supergrass (February 26) and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke (June 20).
Trafford Wharf Rd, Stretford, M17 1AB
Victoria
Manchester Arena
Perhaps the most famous of Manchester’s music venues, the Manchester Arena has been a key part of the city’s fabric since it opened in 1995. It has held Olympic competitions, Commonwealth Games and concerts from music’s biggest superstars. Everyone from Noel Gallagher to Beyoncé has played here, and it remains the second largest arena in the EU with a 21,000 capacity.
In 2020, Lana Del Rey (February 26), Michael Ball & Alfie Boe (February 27), Stereophonics (March 13), The Who (March 16), Gregory Porter (May 9), Diana Ross (July 3), Simply Red (October 17) and Elton John (November 17/28) will play the Manchester Arena, setting the marker for another historic year of music.
Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, Manchester M3 1AR
Staying at The Midland
Bookending your concert or gig with a serene stay at The Midland will guarantee you a memorable stopover in Manchester. Dine with us at Mr Cooper’s Restaurant and Bar or The French, and unwind the next day at the Rena Spa. However you choose to spend your visit, getting around will not be a problem, thanks to The Midland’s central location. We’re opposite the Albert Hall and a short walk or taxi ride from many of the venues on this list.
