What's on in Manchester
What's on in Manchester
Thursday 22 October 2026
English National Ballet - Romeo & Juliet
English National Ballet - Romeo & Juliet
Palace Theatre, Manchester
One of the greatest love stories ever told. Irresistible attraction, all-consuming passion, tragic consequences: Shakespeare's heartbreaking tale is reimagined in a ballet that is "as vital, as alive and as stirring as can be" (The Telegrap...Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
We are thrilled to announce a bold new revival of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's Little Shop of Horrors, is coming to Manchester in Autumn 2026. This cult classic musical will be brought to life in a major new production, continuing the...Paul Smith
Paul Smith
AO Arena, Manchester
Liverpool comedian Paul Smith, who is best known for the many viral social media clips of his lightning quick audience interaction, is hitting the road again with his brand-new tour Happy and this is the biggest, boldest show of his car...Hallé Orchestra - Rachmaninov's Symphony No 3
Hallé Orchestra - Rachmaninov's Symphony No 3
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Dream of far-off lands with sensuous, nostalgic music by Szymanowski and Rachmaninov. Conductor Nicholas Collon brings us a fantastic evening of early 20th-century works, from Rachmaninov's brilliantly brooding symphony to Ravel's en...King Lear
King Lear
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
David Threlfall returns to the Theatre after 27 years to play Lear 'You see how full of changes his age is' Shakespeare's most elemental tragedy charts a kingdom where power corrupts, families become enemies and prosperity devolves into war...Meera Syal
Meera Syal
Albert Hall, Manchester
Dame Meera Syal shares the hilarious and heartwarming true stories that have shaped her life and work as one of Britain's most beloved comedy legends. Growing up in the only Asian family in a West Midlands mining village, Meera Syal wanted ...Smithsonian Starstruck - An Immersive Experience
Smithsonian Starstruck - An Immersive Experience
Transmission House, Manchester
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a first-of-its-kind virtual reality adventure that doesn't just show you the universe - it places you inside it. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, th...Goldie Lookin Chain
Goldie Lookin Chain
New Century, Manchester
The Newport comedy rap troupe claim influences through their modifications of songs from artists such as So Solid Crew, the Streets and... Paul Gascoigne. Tracks, such as the UK no.3 hit "Guns Don't Kill People Rappers Do", tackle topics su...Manchester Contemporary Orchestra
Manchester Contemporary Orchestra
RNCM, Manchester
Manchester Contemporary Orchestra reflects the bold evolution of compositional voices at the RNCM. No longer confined to traditional orchestral formats, today's composers explore a wider range of ensemble configurations, often incorporating...The Umbilical Brothers
The Umbilical Brothers
HOME, Manchester
Do you love staring at screens? Are you staring at a screen right now? You should get out more. Specifically to a show that has an enormous screen smack-bang in the middle of it. The Umbilicals take the energy of live performance and...The Ogretones - Shrek Tribute Band
The Ogretones - Shrek Tribute Band
O2 Ritz, Manchester
Leave your pitchforks at the door and step into the swamp... The UK's #1 Shrek tribute band, The Ogretones, are an 8-piece live band featuring Shrek, Fiona and Donkey & Friends with legendary performances that will transport you straight...Turn Your F*cking Phones Off
Turn Your F*cking Phones Off
Waterside, Manchester
Hannah Maxwell presents her "tremendous takedown of big tech" (The Guardian) which was a total sell out at Edinburgh Fringe 2026, which scooped the Scotsman Fringe First, Bragi Award and The Stage Fringe Five. "Thank Christ, I was worried n...Un-Convention Manchester
Un-Convention Manchester
Band On The Wall, Manchester
The 116th Un-Convention music conference and showcase will once again bring together hundreds of pioneering artists, managers, labels, promoters, and festivals from over 50 towns and cities across the UK to explore the current state of the ...Machu Picchu - Journey to the Lost City
Machu Picchu - Journey to the Lost City
Transmission House, Manchester
Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City transports you back 450 years ago to the heart of the ancient Inca Empire in stunning virtual reality. You'll climb the breathtaking peaks of the Andes, wander through the Temple of the Sun, walk the f...K-Trap
K-Trap
Manchester Academy, Manchester
South London rapper K Trap has been unstoppable since emerging on the scene back in 2017, his mixtapes and veracious lyrics and collaborations have cemented his position as an undeniable pioneer. With UK Top 20 albums to his name, he reache...Airbag
Airbag
Manchester Academy, Manchester
For fans of Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Marillion, Astra, and Ozric Tentacles, Argentine hard rock sibling trio Airbag boast magnificent singing and prog atmospheres which compete for the lion's share with dark and captivating guitars, and...Chetham's Philharmonic Orchestra
Chetham's Philharmonic Orchestra
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
Chetham's Philharmonic boast some of the most outstanding young musicians in the UK. ...Personal Trainer
Personal Trainer
Band On The Wall, Manchester
Amsterdam's Personal Trainer is a rock band built around singer/songwriter Willem Smit. Live, they have an ever-shifting line-up with members from bands like Canshaker Pi, Pip Blom, Bull, Steve French, The Klittens, Home Counties and many m...Backstage with English National Ballet
Backstage with English National Ballet
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the curtain at an English National Ballet production? Now's your chance to find out! With more than 100 dancers and musicians involved, there's a lot happening behind the scenes. Join us on this sp...Joanna Harries & Aleksandra Myslek
Joanna Harries & Aleksandra Myslek
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Praised for her "stylish" singing (Opera Magazine) and the "emotional force" (The Times) of her performances, mezzo-soprano Joanna Harries studied at the RNCM and RCS before becoming a young artist at the National Opera Studio. A keen recit...Friday 23 October 2026
English National Ballet - Romeo & Juliet
English National Ballet - Romeo & Juliet
Palace Theatre, Manchester
One of the greatest love stories ever told. Irresistible attraction, all-consuming passion, tragic consequences: Shakespeare's heartbreaking tale is reimagined in a ballet that is "as vital, as alive and as stirring as can be" (The Telegrap...The Brown Suite
The Brown Suite
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Get ready to turn up the volume and step into The Brown Suite, a thrilling new dance show where legendary music, electrifying movement and irresistible soul come together. Welcome to 1970s New York. The music is loud, the dancefloor is aliv...Westlife
Westlife
Co-op Live, Manchester
The UK's biggest-selling album group of the 21st century, celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2026. The Irish pop kings will deliver a euphoric, hit-filled set spanning their extraordinary 25-year career from timeless ballads to global c...Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular
Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular
Trafford Centre, Manchester
Something wickedly spectacular this way comes...! Dare you enter the haunted Big Top? Gandeys Circus returns, bringing you a brand-new, spine-chilling, and action-packed Halloween Spooktacular-a legendary show filled with frights, delights,...Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
We are thrilled to announce a bold new revival of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's Little Shop of Horrors, is coming to Manchester in Autumn 2026. This cult classic musical will be brought to life in a major new production, continuing the...The Shamrocks
The Shamrocks
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
The roaring, rousing atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs will be brought to stages across the country as Emmy Award-winning group The Shamrocks embark on their debut UK tour. After wowing audiences across the globe - from the Sydney Opera ...The Proclaimers
The Proclaimers
O2 Apollo, Manchester
Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid emerged 35 years ago with their debut album This Is The Story and Top 3 single Letter from America. Since then, their enduring appeal across generations has have over the years see...King Lear
King Lear
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
David Threlfall returns to the Theatre after 27 years to play Lear 'You see how full of changes his age is' Shakespeare's most elemental tragedy charts a kingdom where power corrupts, families become enemies and prosperity devolves into war...The Mary Wallopers
The Mary Wallopers
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Described by The Guardian as "invoking the raucous ghosts of The Dubliners and The Pogues to startling effect", The Mary Wallopers are a folk group from Dundalk, Ireland, breathing new life into both well known & rare ballads. Travelling th...Chetham's Symphony Orchestra
Chetham's Symphony Orchestra
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
Discover some of the UK's most incredible young musicians, as Chetham's Symphony Orchestra takeover The Bridgewater Hall. Chetham's Symphony Orchestra and chorus are joined by Grant Llewellyn (Chets alumni) to conduct Richard Harvey Con...Antony Szmierek
Antony Szmierek
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Manchester spoken word and indie hip-hop artist Antony Szmierek has a distinctive way of mixing introspective and poetic lyrics with cool nostalgic beats which have seen him compared to Mike Skinner and The Streets. "He is being lauded as o...Pressure
Pressure
IDRA, Manchester
Riff Raff Events present a brand-new weekly student night. With a 360 degrees DJ booth, massive sound system, warehouse production and packed dancefloors, every single week is expected to sell out. Whether you're coming for house music, si...The Coral
The Coral
Albert Hall, Manchester
When The Coral landed in the early '00s, there was every danger of being dismissed as just one more guitar-based "The" band in a scene overrun with them. But the Wirral sextet were anything but typical. From James Skelly's powerful, immedia...Candlelight - A Tribute to Oasis
Candlelight - A Tribute to Oasis
Hallé St Peter's, Manchester
Discover the music of Manchester legends Oasis performed by violin under the gentle glow of candlelight in this awe-inspiring location. ...Candlelight - The Best of Joe Hisaishi
Candlelight - The Best of Joe Hisaishi
Hallé St Peter's, Manchester
Relive your favourite anime scenes in this unique homage to Joe Hisaishi! The genius composer is responsible for creating Studio Ghibli's iconic soundtracks, in much-loved films such as Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle. An incredible ...Smithsonian Starstruck - An Immersive Experience
Smithsonian Starstruck - An Immersive Experience
Transmission House, Manchester
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a first-of-its-kind virtual reality adventure that doesn't just show you the universe - it places you inside it. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, th...
Lee Child
Lee Child
HOME, Manchester
One of the world's most celebrated crime writers, Lee Child joins us for an evening of insight and storytelling as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and the books that have shaped and influenced him as a writer. He will also off...nimino
nimino
New Century, Manchester
Nimino ("nih-mee-no"), is the stage name of London producer and DJ Milo Evans, whose work sits in the intersection of house, hip hop, and garage music. His breakout single "I Only Smoke When I Drink" reached no.48 in the Uk charts in the su...GoldFord
GoldFord
O2 Ritz, Manchester
Jeffrey Goldford is a singer-songwriter known for his soulful, emotive music that blends classic and modern pop and soul styles. With over 50 million streams on his hit song "Orange Blossoms," GoldFord has garnered support from artists like...
Saturday 24 October 2026
An Orchestral Tribute to Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy by Moonlight
An Orchestral Tribute to Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy by Moonlight
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
An Orchestral Tribute to Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy by Moonlight - An enchanting live performance of whimsical and otherworldly dark fantasy film music, brought to life by the Illuminated Orchestra, beneath the glow of a giant moon. A spellb...English National Ballet - Romeo & Juliet
English National Ballet - Romeo & Juliet
Palace Theatre, Manchester
One of the greatest love stories ever told. Irresistible attraction, all-consuming passion, tragic consequences: Shakespeare's heartbreaking tale is reimagined in a ballet that is "as vital, as alive and as stirring as can be" (The Telegrap...Westlife
Westlife
Co-op Live, Manchester
The UK's biggest-selling album group of the 21st century, celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2026. The Irish pop kings will deliver a euphoric, hit-filled set spanning their extraordinary 25-year career from timeless ballads to global c...Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular
Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular
Trafford Centre, Manchester
Something wickedly spectacular this way comes...! Dare you enter the haunted Big Top? Gandeys Circus returns, bringing you a brand-new, spine-chilling, and action-packed Halloween Spooktacular-a legendary show filled with frights, delights,...Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
We are thrilled to announce a bold new revival of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's Little Shop of Horrors, is coming to Manchester in Autumn 2026. This cult classic musical will be brought to life in a major new production, continuing the...Cody Johnson
Cody Johnson
AO Arena, Manchester
Known for his explosive live shows and electrifying stage presence, Nashville Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson has established a following of passionately loyal fans who regularly sell out shows across the country. MusicRow predicted ...Duke Dumont
Duke Dumont
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
London house DJ Duke Dumont is best known for his UK no.1 hit singles "Need U (100%)" and "I Got U", plus his no.2 hit "Won't Look Back" and "Ocean Drive". ...BBC Philharmonic & Alina Ibragimova - Mahler Symphony No 4
BBC Philharmonic & Alina Ibragimova - Mahler Symphony No 4
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
If Mahler's first three world-encapsulating symphonies come from an adult's point of view, his fourth wonders how a child's perspective might be different. But the childhood dreams Mahler weaves are not all naive. Though we eventually arriv...The Witcher in Concert
The Witcher in Concert
O2 Apollo, Manchester
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the critically acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as the open-world RPG's timeless score is brought to life with a live orchestra performance featuring special appearances by Polish folk metal band Perci...King Lear
