Unmissable Music in Manchester: July 2024

From Stevie Nicks and Sound of the City to ground-breaking performances in offbeat venues including the Band on the Wall and Castle hotel, Manchester is the home of Unmissable Music. Check out our roundup of events coming up in July. 

1. Stevie Nicks at Co-op Live  

The legendary singer, songwriter and storyteller Stevie Nicks will perform on 9 July at Co-op Live. Best known for her iconic contributions to the rock band Fleetwood Mac, Nicks joined the group in 1975, introducing her distinctive voice, poetic songwriting, and captivating stage presence. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and as a solo artist in 2019, Stevie Nicks continues to be celebrated for her musical prowess. 

Find out more here. 

2. Janelle Monae at AVIVA Studios 

After an unforgettable, sold-out performance at Manchester International Festival 2019, Janelle Monáe is back with a series of electrifying but intimate nights of music. One of the most celebrated artists of the modern era, Monáe fuses a blend of genres – soul, funk, hip hop and new wave – with big concepts and slick pop productions. Performing at AVIVA studios for three nights across 2 – 4 July.  

Find out more here. 

3. Craic by the Creek 

The UK’s most authentic Irish & Country Festival attracts more than 3,000 revellers to the beauty spot in Stockport, Greater Manchester, from July 19-21. Nineties chart toppers B*Witched top the bill along with Irish and Country singer no 1 Nathan Carter who shot to fame in 2012 with his cover of Wagon Wheel. 

Find out more here. 

4. Summer Season 2024 – Disco Dynamite 

Follow the call of the disco ball and join Stephen Bell, the Hallé and four sensational singers for this dazzling devotion to disco. With infectious beats, funky basslines and extravagant orchestral arrangements, celebrate the exhilarating groove of an era defined by glittering nightlife and unbridled energy. Join the dance floor at Bridgewater Hall on 27 July. 

Find out more here. 

5. Dialled In Festival  

Dialled In is an artist-led platform showcasing the breadth of South Asian creativity from across the UK and beyond. This year, its hosted at Niamos on 20 July and will host over 30 local artists and DJs. Running from 12 – 10 pm, the day will be filled with workshops, food, music and festivities. Following on from its success in London, Dialled In Manchester looks to be an exquisite showcase of South Asian talent. 

Find out more here. 

6. VALA at Yes Pink Room 

Chris Hawkins, Greyline, F-10 and Academy Events presents Awesome Friends at Yes Pink Room on 19 July. Headlined by Manchester’s self proclaimed boy band Vala, a pop-embracing indie quartet that take inspiration from everything from The Strokes to Taylor Swift. After a successful few years on the scene and seeing streaming and tour success, Vala are back in Manchester to headline the iconic Pink Room, with support from The Mercians and Hungry.  

Find out more here. 

7. Radar Festival  

Over the weekend of 26 to 28 July, one of the most exciting new festivals, Radar, is back for its fourth year in action. Hosted at O2 Victoria Warehouse, join artists like Tesseract, Dirty Loops, The Midnight, Leprous and others for a weekend packed with prog rock, food stalls and drinks. With the recent announcement of Holding Absence, the 2022 Best New Festival is set to be a big one for Manchester’s prog rock fans. 

Find out more here. 

8. The Matchbox at Castle Hotel 

Having supported bands like The Hubbards and Twin Atlantic, indie band The Matchbox are in Manchester to headline Scruff of the Neck’s event at Castle Hotel on 13 July. Bringing captivating lyrics of hope in the future, and live performances that breed escapism from the brave new world, with new music on the horizon – if you’re an indie fan looking for a new favourite, The Matchbox are a great place to start. 

Find out more here. 

9. Sounds of the City 

Sounds of the City is back for July 2024, taking over Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl for a series of headline concerts, featuring The National, The Saw Doctors, Tom Grennan, Jungle and Hacienda Classical. Spread out across July, Castlefield Bowl is being taken over by talent from across the globe. Sounds Of The City has established itself as a staple part of the Manchester music scene with some of the most acclaimed live artists taking to the stage. Starting with The National on 4 July and finishing with Hacienda Classical on 13 July.  

Find out more here. 

10. All My Friends club night with Andy Burnham at Band on the Wall  

After two sell out night in 2023, All My Friends returns to Manchester for a night of indie, pop and rock on Friday 19 July, with Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham their very special guest DJ for the evening. Andy will be playing all his favourite Manchester classics and much more as AMF comes to Band On The Wall for the very first time. See you down the front for a dance! 

Find out more here.