Live music and Manchester
go hand in hand. From Joy Division, The Smiths, The Stones Roses and Oasis to Bugzy Malone, IAMDDB and The Mouse Outfit, Manchester has always been leading the way in British music. While you’re here in Manchester, you can see that legacy continue to grow by checking out artists at a huge variety of venues all over the city. GORILLA
With a capacity of around 600, this is still one of the smaller venues on our list - perfect for seeing artists just before they break into the big time. They also put on one off shows with huge artists - Kylie Minogue, Snoop Dogg and Foals have both played here in recent years so keep your eyes peeled and you might be able to see a mega-act in a small space! Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth St, M1 5WW
O2 APOLLO
Home to both music gigs and comedy nights, the O2 Apollo’s sloped floor means perfect views from front to back of the 3500-capacity venue. Ideal for hosting artists just before they make the step up to arenas, plenty of big names play here.
SOUP KITCHEN
Deep in the Northern Quarter is Soup Kitchen, a self-described canteen, bar and music venue playing host to live music and club nights. With a capacity of around 200, it’s perfect for catching smaller artists in the city. Named one of the 10 Best Night Clubs in the UK by Guardian in 2015 and winner of the Best Live Music Venue in Manchester in 2013 from DesignMyNight, this is a must visit for all music fans in the city. Soup Kitchen, 31-33 Spear St, M1 1DF
BAND ON THE WALL
Band on the Wall has, in some form, been a music venue in Manchester for the best part of a century, when in the early 20th century musicians would play for drinkers when it was a pub known as The George and Dragon. Nowadays it’s somewhat different, with a lovely bar serving over 50 gins and freshly made food served all evening. Adjacent to the bar is the 350-capacity music venue that hosts artists from a variety of different cultures all around the world, as well as homegrown talent from here in Manchester. Band on the Wall, 25 Swan St, M4 5JZ
ALBERT HALL
The Albert Hall is set a music venue set in an old chapel, featuring stained glass windows and a huge organ still in place. With a capacity of around 1,800, The Albert Hall is perfect for catching mid-sized acts in a gorgeous, unique setting. A must visit. Albert Hall, 27 Peter St, M2 5QR
O2 Apollo, Stockport Rd, M12 6AP 26
words Sam Peckett
A GUIDE TO MANCHESTER’S MUSIC VENUES
