9 min readExperience Live Music in Manchester
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Few cities are as closely connected to music as Manchester. From the independent venues of the Northern Quarter to major arena shows, live music is woven into everyday life across the city.
This winter sees the BRIT Awards return to Co-op Live as part of the event's 50th anniversary celebrations, adding another chapter to Manchester's rich musical story. Last year's event brought stars including Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, Rosalía, RAYE, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Alex Warren and Sombr to the city. With another unforgettable night on the horizon, all eyes are on who's set to perform this year.
Alongside major headline shows, visitors can discover everything from intimate gigs and jazz nights to club events and emerging artists performing across the city.
Music lovers can also look forward to performances from artists including Nothing But Thieves and Kacey Musgraves, alongside a packed programme of concerts throughout the winter season.
And with so much to see beyond the stage, a music-filled trip is the perfect excuse to stay a little longer. Spend a few days exploring Manchester's neighbourhoods, independent food and drink scene, world-class cultural attractions and famous musical heritage to make the most of your visit.
Five Finger Death Punch
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH WITH SPECIAL GUEST LAMB OF…
16 Jan 2027 -
Disney Worlds Collide!
The “Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour” is a full-scale arena pop concert bringing…
10 Feb 2027 -
Scouting for Girls
Scouting For Girls will celebrate their 20th anniversary with a special one-off weekend in…
12 Feb 2027 -
Charli XCX
Charli XCX is set to bring her electrifying live show to Manchester's Co-op Live on Wednesday 17…
17 Feb 2027 -
Outlander in Concert
Outlander in Concert brings sweeping orchestral drama and evocative themes to a stirring live…
17 Feb 2027 -
Kacey Musgraves
Texas-native and Nashville-based singer/songwriter, Kacey Musgraves released her Mercury Records…
24 Feb 2027 -
BRIT Awards
Next year’s show will take place on Saturday 27th February, on ITV1 and ITVX in a prime-time…
27 Feb 2027 -
Bullet for My Valentine
One of the biggest British metal bands of the 21st century Welsh quartet Bullet For My Valentine…
27 Feb 2027 -
Malcolm Todd
American singer-songwriter and produce that creates genre-blending indie pop and alternative R&B…
28 Feb 2027 -
FLO
FLO (Renée Downer, Stella Quaresma, and Jorja Douglas) are the British Pop R&B girl group…
10 Mar 2027 -
C2C: Country to Country
Country music extravaganza featuring some of Nashville's biggest acts. The 2026 lineup includes…
12 Mar 2027 - 13 Mar 2027
Rush
Performing 24 shows across 13 countries, these special “evening with” shows will find…
12 Mar 2027 -
Palaye Royale
Las Vegas-bred brothers Palaye Royale are back with their fourth full-length Fever Dream. Equal…
30 Mar 2027 -Discover Manchester's Culture, Museums and Entertainment
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When the colder weather arrives, Manchester's museums, galleries and theatres provide the perfect place to spend a winter afternoon.
Start at Manchester Museum or the Science and Industry Museum before exploring major exhibitions at Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth. Each offers a different perspective on the city's history, creativity and culture, making them ideal additions to a winter city break.
As evening approaches, Manchester's theatre scene comes to life. The Palace Theatre, Manchester Opera House, Lowry and Royal Exchange Theatre host a packed programme of productions throughout the season.
Theatre highlights this winter include:
- Billy Elliot the Musical at the Palace Theatre
- Jesus Christ Superstar at the Palace Theatre
- Dynamo at the Lowry
- Victoria Wood's Dinnerladies at the Opera House
- Everybody's Talking About Jamie. at the Palace Theatre
- Shooters at Royal Exchange Theatre
- Tom Davis at the Lowry
- Hadestown at the Lowry
If laughter is more your thing, Manchester's comedy scene is equally impressive. The Frog and Bucket, the club that helped launch the careers of Peter Kay, Johnny Vegas and Jason Manford, remains one of the best places to discover new talent.
With world-class museums, galleries, theatres and live entertainment all within easy reach of one another, it's easy to fill a weekend exploring the city's cultural side long after the curtain comes down.
Burlesque The Musical
Welcome to Burlesque the Musical, the glamorous, gritty and outrageously fun new musical based on…
06 Jan 2027 - 23 Jan 2027
DYNAMO IS BACK
Since bursting onto the scene two decades ago, Dynamo has created a global legacy, impacting and…
17 Jan 2027 - 21 Jan 2027
Fascinating Aida
The world’s greatest cabaret troupe is back with a BRAND NEW SHOW! Devilishly…
17 Jan 2027 -
Dan Tiernan: Quartz and All
Dan Tiernan is back at it again: and this time he’s got magic rocks in his pocket. With a hat…
24 Jan 2027 -
The Brain Bending Science Illusion Show
Join The Magical Mr West and his corvid companion Crowbert on a journey into the brain bending world…
24 Jan 2027 -
The Signalman
Middle Ground Theatre Company Ltd presents The Signalman By Charles Dickens Directed and designed by…
25 Jan 2027 - 30 Jan 2027
Victoria Wood's Dinnerladies
Originally written by and starring Victoria Wood, dinnerladies became one of Britain's most…
26 Jan 2027 - 06 Feb 2027
Dog Man The Musical
Dog Man The Musical is a hilarious new musical based on the worldwide bestselling book series from…
28 Jan 2027 - 30 Jan 2027
Paradise Found
Legacy Concert Company proudly presents Paradise Found. This is the brand new music of Meat Loaf…
31 Jan 2027 -
A Shoddy Detective and The Art of Deception
A laugh-out-loud comedy whodunnit featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of…
01 Feb 2027 - 03 Feb 2027
Emma Doran - Emmaculate
Smash hit Irish comedian, best-selling author, podcast host and viral online star Emma…
04 Feb 2027 -
Meet the Hatter
A magical, cinematic dance and multimedia spectacle. Joss Arnott Dance return with their…
06 Feb 2027 -
Ahir Shah: Golden
HBO and Netflix star Ahir Shah (Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For…
07 Feb 2027 -
Emeli Sandé
'Our Version of Events' was the biggest selling album in the UK of 2012 and 2013, selling…
11 Feb 2027 - 14 Feb 2027
Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar follows the…
11 Feb 2027 - 27 Feb 2027
Tom Davis: Spudgun
Tom Davis is back on the road, firing out his freshly cooked observations on life's hot…
13 Feb 2027 -
Lions and Tigers and Bears with Gordon Buchanan
Due to phenomenal demand, award winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker Gordon…
15 Feb 2027 -
Fun For Little Ones - Tribute to Ms Rachel
A Must-See Live Show for Little Ones! The UK’s Ultimate Tribute to the Global…
18 Feb 2027 -
Rhys James: Chop Logic
Rhys has made a discovery that could fix everything. It’s been staring him in the face the…
18 Feb 2027 -
São Paulo Dance Company
The electrifying São Paulo Dance Company returns to the UK for its highly anticipated second…
19 Feb 2027 - 20 Feb 2027Enjoy Family-Friendly Winter Events in Manchester
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Winter brings some of Manchester's most popular family events, making the city an excellent destination for a seasonal family day out or short break.
February half-term sees the return of the Super Duper Family Festival, transforming spaces across the city with interactive activities, performances, crafts and entertainment for all ages.
The season also brings Lunar New Year celebrations to Manchester's Chinatown. Colourful parades, cultural performances, food stalls and community celebrations create one of the city's most vibrant annual events and offer visitors the opportunity to experience a different side of Manchester's cultural life.
With February half-term packed with family-friendly events, interactive attractions and cultural celebrations, it's the perfect time to make a little more of your visit and enjoy a winter break in the city.
Uncover Manchester's Sporting Side
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Sport shapes Manchester's identity, and winter is one of the best times to experience the atmosphere for yourself.
Across the city, Premier League fixtures bring fans together as Manchester United and Manchester City continue their campaigns. Matchdays transform surrounding neighbourhoods, with pubs, restaurants and streets filling with supporters before kick-off.
This winter also sees the NBA make history in Manchester. As part of the league's multiyear programme of regular-season games in Europe, Co-op Live will host a matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the San Antonio Spurs on 17 January 2027. Fans will have the chance to see some of basketball's biggest stars in action, including Zion Williamson, Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.
Beyond football and basketball, visitors can catch a range of live sporting action across Greater Manchester. Highlights include:
- Sale Sharks rugby union
- Manchester Storm ice hockey
- Salford Red Devils rugby league
- Wigan Warriors rugby league
And the sporting experience doesn't stop when the final whistle blows. Visitors can also:
- Explore the National Football Museum
- Browse iconic kits at Classic Football Shirts Manchester
- Watch live sport in some of the city's best sports bars
- Hit the slopes at The Snow Centre ahead of ski season
Approaching ski season so get some practice in at the snow centre.
Whether you're a lifelong supporter or simply curious to experience a matchday in one of the world's great sporting cities, winter offers plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Warm Up With Manchester's Food and Drink Scene
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Some of Manchester's best winter experiences happen around the dinner table.
Across the city, neighbourhood pubs, independent cafés and destination restaurants offer somewhere to escape the cold and linger a little longer. From casual lunches to special occasion dining, Manchester's food scene continues to evolve while remaining rooted in local character.
Places to add to your list this winter include:
- Pip at Treehouse Hotel Manchester
- The Wharf
- Hawksmoor
- Six by Nico
- Lennox
- Dishoom
- Layr Tiramisu
- Milo Bagels
- Strada Pasta
- Sandy's Smokeshed
- Fort Coffee NQ
- Lucky Gyros
For seasonal British cooking, Pip at Treehouse Hotel Manchester champions produce from local suppliers and has earned recognition in the Michelin Guide. Waterside favourite The Wharf provides comforting pub classics, while Hawksmoor remains one of the city's leading destinations for British steaks and Sunday roasts.
Visitors looking for something special can book tasting menus at Six by Nico or Lennox, while Dishoom continues to attract diners with its Bombay-inspired dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
And for those with a sweet tooth, a stop at Layr Tiramisu offers the perfect ending to a winter day exploring the city.
With neighbourhoods, attractions and dining destinations spread across the city centre and beyond, Manchester's food scene rewards those who stay a little longer.
Pip, Treehouse Manchester
Pip is a seasonal produce-led restaurant located on the ground floor of Treehouse Manchester…
Mollie's Diner
Mollie’s Diner serves up all-day modern Americana — think classic comfort food…
Lennox
Lennox, Chef Nico Simeone’s new restaurant and bar in Manchester, offers modern…
Dishoom
Dishoom pays loving homage to the Irani cafés and food of all Bombay. Open for breakfast, lunch…
Chotto Matte
The new venue sits atop the iconic No.1 St Michael’s development, bringing Chotto…
The Wharf Restaurant/Barge Bar
Situated in the Castlefield Basin, the Wharf Restaurant hosts an extensive range of continental and…
Nell's Kampus
A Manchester institution, Nell’s is a pub & pizza shop serving perfectly crisp & thin…
El Gato Negro Tapas
Chef patron Simon Shaw creates seasonally-influenced dishes, combining modern and traditional…
The Cut & Craft
Set within a magnificent Grade II* listed building in the heart of Manchester, The Cut & Craft…
Yard and Coop
Yard and Coop is all about serving up proper fried chicken with tasty sides, classic cocktails…
Hawksmoor Manchester
Hawksmoor Manchester is a British steakhouse and cocktail bar located in a late Victorian courthouse…
Guidance for Your Stay
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Explore Manchester easily with our travel guide on getting around. Find practical tips, transportation options, and maps for a seamless city exploration. Whether by tram, bus, or foot, our guide ensures you make the most of your visit, navigating Manchester with convenience.
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and flexibility in the heart of Manchester by choosing from the array of hotels and serviced apartments in the bustling city centre.
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Only have 48 hours in Manchester? This itinerary takes you through some of the city’s best food, culture, architecture and neighbourhoods, with a mix of well-known sights and independent spots along the way. From breakfast and galleries to dinner, live music and late-night drinks…
Frequently Asked Questions
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