Unmissable Music in Manchester – December Gig Guide

From Disney on Ice and The Snowman to ground-breaking performances in offbeat venues including the Night and Day and Eagle Inn, Manchester is the home of Unmissable Music. Check out our roundup of events coming up in December. 

Through music, dance and spoken word, Movement is a dynamic multi-artform production seeking to address the tribulations and experiences of black creatives, created by The Untold Orchestra. With collaborators including Shirley May, Jenna G, Chunky, Yemi Bolatiwa, Cookie Love, Maisha Kungu, Seren Marimba and the NIA Choir. Performing on 6 December at Aviva Studios. 

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Giacomo Turra is an Italian musician born in 1997. Intrigued by the vinyls of his father. In 2020, Giacomo started posting video performances on his Instagram account, soon gaining hundreds of thousands of followers from all over the world and getting recognition by celebrities such as Tom Holland, Jamie Foxx, Ty Dolla Sign, Jack Black and many more. Playing live at Band on the Wall on 8 December.  

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Legendary 70’s Tyneside folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne present a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members fronted by founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. Lindisfarne’s power to galvanize festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet and singing along. Coming to Stoller Hall on 13 December.  

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Grab your mouse ears and get ready as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures skates back into the UK, whisking families away on an immersive getaway full of magical participatory moments. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations. Sliding into AO Arena from 11 to 15 December.  

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Barn Records take on the Eagle Inn for a night of house and garage. Bringing artists like Jack Garratt, Hallwork, J:ME, Theo Cave and Brandon Urmston to Salford’s favourite venue. Promising to be a masterpiece of a show, keeping the party going until 4am on 14 December.  

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A. G. Cook is an artist, producer and songwriter known for reshaping the landscape of contemporary pop music. As the founder of influential record label, PC Music, which announced in 2023 that it will be transitioning into an archival label, Cook has left an indelible mark on the fabric of the music industry. A. G. Cook continues to be a force at the forefront of pop’s evolution, recently releasing his 3rd album, Britpop, a 24 track, 3-disc project, split sonically between past, present, and future. Coming to New Century Hall at 17 December. 

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Experience the captivating blend of music and storytelling on the Hallé’s big screen, perfect for audiences of all ages. In the first half, join Mimi on a perilous journey to return a baby dragon to its mother in Mimi and the Mountain Dragon. The second half will have you Walking in the Air as Raymond Briggs’ timeless tale, The Snowman is brought to life with Howard Blake’s wonderful score. Flying onto Bridgewater Hall stage on 21 and 22 December. 

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Northern Grooves consists of founder Isaac Lloyd and Greta Kaur-Taylor. Northern Grooves are making it their mission to create a community for soul music to be more accessible to the masses of Manchester and beyond. Mixing the traditional with the contemporary, their style can be admired by all ages. Expect huge northern soul classics, stompers, and modern soul dancers throughout their sets. Coming to Night and Day Café on 27 December. 

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The Gerry Cinna-Man Experience will bring their upbeat, high energy show back to Definitely Maybe Bar, nestled in Bolton’s high street. Come and celebrate the end of 2024 in style at this indie rock extravaganza. From 7pm, head to Definitely Maybe Bar on 27 December. 

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