Music in Manchester
With a vibrant mix of genres and a calendar full of major events
Manchester's music scene is shaping up to be thrilling. The city is well
known for its musical legacy from the post-punk days of Joy Division and The
Smiths to the current hits of Blossoms. The city’s musical vibe blends the
mix of indie rock, electronic, hip-hop, and folk supported by iconic venues
that cater to both up-and-coming and famous artists. With the rich history
and lively atmosphere Manchester is set to deliver a memorable year for
music lovers. Get yourself ready as we drop a is a list of famous music
festivals and venues in Manchester city.
Music Festivals in Manchester
1. Creamfields
Founded in 1998 by British club promoter Cream
Creamfields
started in Winchester but is now held annually in Daresbury, Cheshire,
England, over the August Bank Holiday weekend. This top electronic dance
music festival has grown from a one-day event with 25,000 attendees to a
four-day camping event hosting 70,000 people per day. In 2016 it introduced
the Steel Yard a massive stage with a 15,000 capacity. In 2022 Creamfields
added a second UK festival, Creamfields South, held in June over the
Platinum Jubilee weekend.
2. Salford Music Festival
Sponsored by Spirit of Salford, Salford City Council, Salix Homes and
ForHousing the
Salford Music Festival
showcases the mix of musical genres with concerts at various city venues.
This is an annual music festival in Salford, England, showcasing local
talent and artists from across the UK. In the year 2024 it celebrated its
10th anniversary with live performances at University of Salford venues.
3. Headlander Festival
The festival first took place in June 2015, featuring over 40 live acts
across various genres. The festival was known for its vibrant community
atmosphere, offering a mix of music, food stalls, local crafts, and
activities for families. The
Headlander Festival
was a family-friendly music event held in Bramhall, Cheshire, at the
Stockport RUFC grounds. Although the festival aimed to showcase both
established and emerging artists, there is limited information about its
continuation beyond its initial years, suggesting it may not have persisted
in later years.
4. Manchester International Festival
This festival began in the year 2007 and it showcases original new work
across arts including music, theater, dance, and visual arts. MIF features
world premieres by renowned artists in different city venues. The
Manchester International Festival (MIF)
is a major festival in Manchester, England and it is held every two years.
The next festival will be happening in 2025 Summer with all the energy.
Famous past artists who performed at the fest are Björk, Damon Albarn, and
Marina Abramović. MIF is especially known for its innovative programming and
focuses on engaging the local community.
Music Venues in Manchester
1. The Bridgewater Hall
Since opening in 1996, it’s been the stage for the Hallé Orchestra and BBC
Philharmonic, among others. The
Bridgewater Hall
in Manchester, England, is a buzzing spot for live performances, hosting
over 250 events each year. Upcoming shows include Max Richter in November.
With its diverse lineup, The Bridgewater Hall is a vibrant musical cultural
hotspot in the Manchester city!
2. O2 Ritz Manchester
The O2 Ritz in Manchester is a lively music venue with a diverse range of
upcoming shows. Look out for Los Bitchos in October 2024, Warmduscher in
November and DIVV in December. The venue has previously hosted acts like
Rise Against, Thomas Dolby, The Phonics and Russell Dickerson. With a cozy
capacity of about 1,500, the
O2 Ritz
is known for its great acoustics and vibrant atmosphere, making every
concert a memorable experience.
3. O2 Apollo Manchester
Since the opening in year 1938 the
O2 Apollo Manchester
in Ardwick Green has been the go-to spot for a wide range of musical shows
and acts. With a cozy capacity of 3,500, it's a place where you can catch
Paul Weller this November. If you are fan, it's your chance! The venue has
hosted legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Oasis and
Radiohead. Known for its fantastic acoustics and super chilled vibe the O2
Apollo is a vibrant hub in Manchester’s music scene.
4. AO Arena
The place has a massive capacity of 21,000, And it is the largest indoor
arena in the UK and the second largest in Europe. The
AO Arena
also known as the Manchester Arena is a standout indoor venue famous for
everything from concerts to sports. Opened in the year 1995 it boasts a
360-degree design for great views from every seating. The venue has
showcased shows of artists like Elton John, Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish
in music. Apart from music comedians such as Peter Kay and Lee Evans have
also performed here. The AO Arena continues to be a famous spot for major
music events in Manchester.
5. Climate Pledge Arena
With a capacity of around 17,100 for hockey games and up to 18,100 for
concerts it stands out for its commitment to sustainability as the world’s
first net-zero carbon arena.
Climate Pledge Arena
hosts various events, including concerts by artists like Paul McCartney and
Billie Eilish, family shows, and esports tournaments. It is located in
Seattle and is a modern venue built on the site of the former KeyArena. It
is home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. The arena
features a green roof energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources.
After a major renovation completed in 2021, it blends modern amenities with
historic touches.
