Unmissable Music in Manchester: August 2024

From Manchester legends New Order and Pride festival shows, to ground-breaking performances in offbeat venues including the O2 Ritz and Band on the Wall, Manchester is the home of Unmissable Music. Check out our roundup of events coming up in August.

1. Arijit Singh at Co-op Live

India's undisputed superstar Arijit Singh will be joining the city in August for a night of some of Bollywood's biggest hits. Rising through the ranks with contemporary classic Tum Hi Ho, the multi-award winner has since become one of the most sought-after playback singers in the Indian film industry, lending his voice to numerous hit songs and praised for his world-leading ability. Coming to Co-op Live on 11 August.

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2. Firevolt Rock Festival at Whitebottom Farm

Firevolt Rock Festival, set in the stunning surroundings of Etherow Country Park, returns for its third year. It has quickly grown its reputation for being one of the friendliest Rock Festivals on the circuit, showcasing bands that are ripping up the scene from hardcore to Blues, Alt to old school classic rock. Kicking off on August 8 for the whole weekend.

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3. New Order at Wythenshawe Park

New Order will be returning for a massive show in Wythenshawe Park this month, alongside Manchester's own Johnny Marr and adopted Manc Róisin Murphy. Bringing their iconic sound of post-punk, electronic and dance music back to their home city. As one of the most acclaimed and influential bands of the 1980s, their comeback on 24 August will be a celebrated one.

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4. Rochdale Feel Good Festival at Rochdale Town Centre

Rochdale Feel Good Festival will return on Saturday 10 August, for another showcase of top-class entertainment, food and culture. This year's headliners include Ocean Colour Scene, Lottery Winners, Heather Small and Toucan. The family-friendly festival is one of the highlights of the summer in Rochdale, and definitely worth the visit.

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5. J Chambers at Band on the Wall

J Chambers is making a name for himself as a pensive and intricate rapper. Refining his sound by returning to his home of Jamaica to release the conflicting narratives of identity, Homecoming is the result of finding a peaceful and nourishing environment that felt like home, empowering the raw and assured sound throughout the project. Celebrate the release of their new album Homecoming at Band on the Wall on 5 August. Pairing his reggae and hip hop infused set with a 15 minute short film.

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6. Moovin Festival at Whitebottom Farm

Having started as a secret barn festival, Moovin has quickly become an August Bank Holiday staple. Stockport’s best kept secret is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Between 23 and 25 August, and will be a weekend full of reggae, drum and bass, funk, house and soul. Artists include Laurent Garnier, Sampa the Great, Souls of Mischief and much more.

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7. Jessie Murph at Albert Hall

Rising star Jessie Murph etches raw emotion into strikingly sincere songs laced with country-style storytelling, hip-hop-infused production, alternative experimentation and unassuming pop appeal – which she’s now bringing to Manchester, on the 22 August. The 18-year-old Alabama vocalist and songwriter has quietly emerged as a phenomenon on her own terms.

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8. Jessie J at Manchester Pride Parade

Multiplatinum BRIT Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated songstress Jessie J is headlining Manchester Pride’s Gay Village Party on Friday 23 August. Bringing their high energy pop classics to the main stage to kick off the Pride celebrations. Joined by BIMINI, charlieeeee, Pecs and The Enby Show for the first day of the party, it’s set to be a thrilling evening celebrating Pride.

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