Unmissable Music in Manchester – September Gig Guide

From McFly and Fields of Gold to ground-breaking performances in offbeat venues including the Gorilla and Albert Hall, Manchester is the home of Unmissable Music. Check out our roundup of events coming up in September. 

Manchester’s own GoGo Penguin team up with cognitive design studio TENENTNET for APOPHENIA – a feature-length show that combines live music with ground-breaking visuals will come to life at Aviva Studios on 18 September 2024. Expect electronica, trip-hop, jazz, rock and minimalism. Featuring Chris Illingworth on piano, Nick Blacka on bass and Jon Scott on drums, the trio are known for their captivating live performances. 

Get your tickets now. 

After an incredible 11-year run at St Mary’s Park in Prestwich, Festwich, the UK’s Biggest Tribute Festival, is embarking on an exciting new chapter by relocating to Heaton Park. Over 31 August and 1 September, tribute experiences for bands like ACDC, Metallica, PINK, Foo Fighters, The Smiths and Joy Division will make their way to Heaton Park for the ultimate tribute festival at an affordable price for the whole family. 

Get more information here. 

Join British pop legends McFly for a unforgettable gig at Barton Live. Immerse yourself in an unparalleled openair concert, set against the backdrop of Barton Airports bustling runway. Blasting off on 12 September, the four piece will be bringing their biggest hits like Obviously, Five Colours in her hair and All About You and promises an electrifying live show.  

Get more information here 

Celebrating 30 years since the iconic PULSE tour, this highly authentic show recreates the atmosphere of Floyd live – featuring top-flight musicians, a stunning light show and over two hours of incredible music. Head to Middleton Arena on 6 September 2024 for an unforgettable Pink Floyd experience. 

Get your tickets now. 

Ashton Cricket Field is welcoming back one of the UK’s best loved tribute festivals. Over 6 and 7 September, tribute experiences for huge artists like Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, New Order and The Killers to name a few will come to Ashton to perform. With plenty of food stalls, bars and traders joining in too. 

Find out more here. 

Norwegian alt-pop superstar girl in red returns to the UK with her ‘DOING IT AGAIN’ tour, in support of her sophomore album I’M DOING IT AGAIN BABY! girl in red first gained recognition and captured the hearts of audiences when she released her critically acclaimed 2021 debut album, if i could make it go quiet. Joined by Nieve Ella, who recently toured with Inhaler and The Courteeners. Coming to Manchester on 1 September. 

Find ticket information here. 

Cork-born alt disruptor Bambie Thug (they/them/fae) is smashing through gender and socio-political stereotypes to create an era-defining sound that borders on elements of pop, rock, electronic and more. Bambie represented Ireland at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with their spellbinding entry ‘Doomsday Blue’, finishing at 6th place – the highest placement for an Irish act in 24 years. Playing Gorilla on 3 September.  

Find out more here. 

Get ready to swing the night away with the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band as they bring to life the timeless music of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.  The show’s projected backdrop explores the intricacies of these greats, their music and various collaborators. Coming to Stoller Hall on 7 September, treat yourself to an evening of jazz classics. 

Find out more here. 

London-based baroque pop quintet The Last Dinner Party are coming to O2 Victoria Warehouse on 21 September. Having rose to fame in 2021 for their lead single Nothing Matters, the Brit-award winning band are touring their sophomore album The Feminine Urge across the UK and Europe throughout Autumn 2024.  

Find tickets here. 

The London-based Australian-born jazz-pop artist is making his way back to Manchester on 26 September as part of the UK leg of The Loop tour, Rakei’s fifth studio album. The grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist known for collaborations with artists like Laura Marling, Tom Misch and Disclosure is returning to Albert Hall this September to showcase his newest record. 

Find out more here.