1. Girls Aloud at AO Arena
For 3 days (23, 24 and 25 May) the 2000s pop superstars Girls Aloud return to Manchester for their 2024 tour. Hosted at AO Arena, this string of shows will be the first time they’ve toured in over 10 years and the first time they’ve toured as a four piece. Expect their classics like Love Machine and The Promise and relive those noughties pop classics later this May.
2. Take That at AO Arena
One of the UK’s most successful bands and one of Manchester’s own Take That have announced their hometown show at the AO Arena to celebrate their ninth album This Life. Playing 7 shows across May and June, the trio will be joined by special guest Olly Murs. This Life On Tour will see Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald cover their extensive and well-loved catalogue and is set to be an exciting string of shows.
3. World Percussion Group at Bridgewater Hall
Following stunning success in 2019s Manchester performances, World Percussion Group are back with more action-packed percussive virtuosity at Bridgewater Hall on 28 May. Compromised of over 50 artists from around the globe that have achieved tremendous accolades from Grammy nominations to government recognition. Experience the fusion of classical arrangements for marimba and percussion alongside new groove-based pieces.
4. Manchester Jazz Festival around Manchester City Centre
The city’s longest running music festival kicks off again this year from 17 to 26 May. Traversing the city’s music venue and public spaces including First Street, Matt & Phred’s, Band on the Wall, St Ann’s Church, Stoller Hall, Carlton Club and Forsyth’s. Premiering new and original work from regional, national and international artists. With over sixty free and ticketed events each year, there’s a great programme for all types of jazz lovers to enjoy this Spring.
5. Swiftogedden Era’s Tour at O2 Ritz
A club night dedicated to one of the most successful artists of this generation, this latest instalment of Swiftogedden at O2 Ritz will feature every track from Taylor Swift’s albums Evermore, Midnights and the newest album The Tortured Poets Department. With a promise of including deep cuts, fan favourites and her biggest hits, it’s set the be a perfect way to get ready for the UK Eras Tour dates later this year. Join the Mancunion swifties on 25 May at O2 Ritz.
6. The Shires at RNCM
The UK’s biggest country music export The Shires have announced an intimate acoustic tour for 2024. The Two of Us tour will see Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes tour the length and breadth of the UK performing all their classic tracks. Coming to the RNCM on 11 May and bringing their #1 country albums to the city.
7. Tanner and the Tones at Area Club
Tanner and the Tones are back for an evening of live big band jazz, this time they are in Manchester city centre at AREA. They'll be bringing back a couple of old classics, as well as loads of new tunes to get dancing too. Coming to the city on 2nd May, just in time for Manchester Jazz Festival.
8. Meltchester at Projekts Skatepark
Mancunian promoter Sour Grapes have partnered with Projekts Mcr to turn the DIY Skate park under the Mancunian Way into a music venue to host the city’s most inventive day festival. Meltchester has a day filled with all things garage, psych and punk on 20 May, with music starting at 2pm until late, with an after party at Big Hands.
9. Martial Arts at White Hotel
The Manchester post-punk five piece Martial Arts are bringing their compelling, experimental and energetic sound to Salford’s White Hotel. Having seen recent success with their latest release Warsaw, their show on 25 May. Announced as a joint headline with Splint, the South Manchester four piece that are bringing their gritty verses and wiry riffs to Salford. Brought to White Hotel by Manchester promoter Akoustik Anarkhy.
10. Leash at Yes Basement
Coming to Yes Basement on 26 May is Neo-Industrial band LEASH. Known previously to its fans as Ballamona, the four piece have their first headline as its new identity and are set to bring a hard-hitting performance to the city. With support from Crimewave and Peace Talks, this is not one to be missed.
11. Jeramiah Ferrari at Empire Rochdale
Fusing styles of reggae, rock, ska and pop, Jeremiah Ferrari are a live sensation that won’t disappoint. Coming to Empire Rochdale on 10 May, the Manchester band have forged a sensational reputation for bringing incredible live shows to their fans and have shared the stage with huge artists like Madness and UB40. If you’re looking for a truly memorable and fresh sounding show, grab your tickets now.
12. Getner at Eagle Inn
Getner are a Manchester-based four piece with Irish roots, bringing their genre-bending rock show to Eagle Inn in Salford on 10 May. The band’s unique chemistry brings to life a mixture of rock and roll with an Irish storytelling twist. See their powerful and distinctive show come to life on the iconic Eagle Inn stage this Spring.