What's on in Manchester
What's on in Manchester
Wednesday 11 March 2026
Ballet Nights
Ballet Nights
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Featuring Royal Ballet Principals, international stars, ground-breaking choreographers, and electrifying live musicians, Ballet Nights delivers a dynamic, unforgettable evening that celebrates dance in all its forms. Ballet Nights is the ul...Lily Allen
Lily Allen
Aviva Studios, Manchester
The remarkable Lily Allen, whose new album West End Girl has received rave reviews, plays her first dates for seven years when she tours the UK in March 2026. The show - Lily Allen Performs West End Girl - will see the singer/songwriter pla...Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia!
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Sophie's quest to discover the father she's never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they'll never forget. Whatever age you are, you can't help but have the time of you...David Byrne (Talking Heads)
David Byrne (Talking Heads)
O2 Apollo, Manchester
The iconic Scotland-born, Canada-raised, Maryland frontman of Talking Heads returns to Europe. Known for his quirky stage presence and artful blending of rock, funk, world music, and avant-garde influences, beyond Talking Heads his prolific...Road
Road
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
By Jim Cartwright, featuring Lucy Beaumont, Shobna Gulati, Lesley Joseph, Johnny Vegas, and with special guest Sir Tom Courtenay on film. 'Road's coming round us!' It's 1986. Your rumbustious chaperone Scullery guides you down the road, pic...CMAT
CMAT
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
CMAT is the stage name of Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, the North Dublin-born global country-pop star who after relocating to Manchester aged 17 and forming the band Bad Sea, returned home to live with her grandparents before settling down in ...Echo & The Bunnymen
Echo & The Bunnymen
Albert Hall, Manchester
One of the most influential British bands in modern history, Echo & The Bunnymen will celebrate the songs that have brought the group twenty top 20 hits and nine top 20 albums so far during their incredible 40-year career. The band's semina...Luminiscence
Luminiscence
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Arriving in the UK for the first time, after dazzling over 1 Million people in Europe, the incredible immersive projection concert LUMINISCENCE transforms Manchester Cathedral into a fully immersive world of sound, story, and light. Featuri...The Empire Strips Back - A Burlesque Parody
The Empire Strips Back - A Burlesque Parody
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Dropping classic sci-fi characters into the world of burlesque, the hit parody The Empire Strips Back... is coming at last! Be delivered to the dark side! With comedy and allure, loving detail, and hilarious parody, The Empire Strips Back...Alkinoos Ioannidis
Alkinoos Ioannidis
Band On The Wall, Manchester
Greek Cypriot composer Alkinoos Ioannidis (Αλκίνοος Ιωαννίδης) is famed for his politically-inspired Cypriot folk songs. Joining him on stage will be four Cypriot musicians, new companions who bring a different approach t...The Fire Raisers
The Fire Raisers
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
A darkly comic and absurd play about the dangers of turning a blind eye to growing threats and the consequences of inaction. The debut show from We Merry Dancers Theatre Company brings Swiss novelist and playwright Max Frisch's constantly r...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 ...The Big Festoon
The Big Festoon
AO Arena, Manchester
Get READY! The UK's biggest business and life development event, The BIG Festoon, returns across the UK & the US in 2025 and 2026! Get ready to Show Up, Wise Up and Rise Up with awe-inspiring talks and performances from Dani Wallace, breakt...Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Welcome to Bubble Planet, where bubbles are bigger and more magical than ever. Let your inner child run free and follow your imagination in this spherical universe full of soap bubbles, air bubbles, and even virtual reality. Explore every ...Shakespeare's Othello (12A)
Shakespeare's Othello (12A)
HOME, Manchester
Shakespeare's Othello rages to life like never before in a compelling new production starring David Harewood OBE, Toby Jones OBE and Caitlin FitzGerald. Directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris OBE with music by PJ Harvey, this epic story...Daliso Chaponda
Daliso Chaponda
Waterside, Manchester
Hilarious Manchester-based Zambian-born Malawian comedian Daliso Chaponda shot to fame in 2017 when he finished third in Series 11 of Britain's Got Talent, and was the Golden Buzzer choice for Amanda Holden. As a result of his appearance...Adventures in Wonderland
Adventures in Wonderland
Z-arts, Manchester
Fall down the rabbit hole and have your very own magical adventure with Adventures in Wonderland at Z-arts! Created by Z-arts in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books, step into Alice's shoes and have your very own magical Adventure i...WILLE & THE BANDITS
WILLE & THE BANDITS
Night & Day Cafe, Manchester
Cornwall's Wille and the Bandits have been praised by critics for being one of the most dynamic bands around the globe, as they move from riff-tastic rock and roll to more acoustic sensibilities that only few bands manage. The use of strin...Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Science & Industry Museum, Manchester
An out-of-this-world premiere exhibition, now open at the Science and Industry Museum. Blast off into the solar system and embark on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new BBC Horrible Science TV series. Walk in...Race Across the World - The Experience
Race Across the World - The Experience
Stevenson Square, Manchester
Experience the official live adventure of the award-winning BBC TV show. No maps. No public transport. Just your wits, your team, and Manchester's streets. You've watched it on TV, now live it for real! Race Across the World: The Experience...Thursday 12 March 2026
Eric Bibb
Eric Bibb
The Stoller Hall, Manchester
"... one of the finest American exponents of acoustic blues, an engaging performer and rousing guitarist who is blessed with a quite remarkable voice." - The Guardian Two-time Grammy Award nominee Eric Bibb will come ridin' on to UK shores ...Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia!
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Sophie's quest to discover the father she's never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they'll never forget. Whatever age you are, you can't help but have the time of you...Al Murray
Al Murray
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Hey cool cats! Hot on the heels of a sell-out 138 date tour of these green and groovy isles, The Guv will be back, baby, with a brand-new stand-up show for 2026. There's no denying the world's a mess daddio, but there is a glimmer of hope a...sombr
sombr
Aviva Studios, Manchester
Join 20-year-old singer-songwriter, producer and Indie rock breakout star sombr on his European headline tour after a year of chart-topping new music. A New York-native, sombr - born Shane Boose - started making music in his bedroom while ...The Hallé & Tine Thing Helseth - Walton's First Symphony
The Hallé & Tine Thing Helseth - Walton's First Symphony
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Following the lively 'Courtly Dances' from Britten's opera Gloriana, Alpesh Chauhan is joined on the platform by Norwegian trumpeter, Tine Thing Helseth who performs the UK premiere a new, exciting work, written especially for her. Musicall...Road
Road
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
By Jim Cartwright, featuring Lucy Beaumont, Shobna Gulati, Lesley Joseph, Johnny Vegas, and with special guest Sir Tom Courtenay on film. 'Road's coming round us!' It's 1986. Your rumbustious chaperone Scullery guides you down the road, pic...CMAT
CMAT
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
CMAT is the stage name of Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, the North Dublin-born global country-pop star who after relocating to Manchester aged 17 and forming the band Bad Sea, returned home to live with her grandparents before settling down in ...Cardiacs
Cardiacs
Albert Hall, Manchester
One of Britain's leading cult rock bands, Cardiacs' sound folded in genres including art rock, progressive rock, art punk, post-punk, jazz, psychedelia and heavy metal (as well as elements of circus, baroque pop, medieval music, nursery rhy...The Empire Strips Back - A Burlesque Parody
The Empire Strips Back - A Burlesque Parody
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Dropping classic sci-fi characters into the world of burlesque, the hit parody The Empire Strips Back... is coming at last! Be delivered to the dark side! With comedy and allure, loving detail, and hilarious parody, The Empire Strips Back...Sophia Stoyanovich & Derek Wang
Sophia Stoyanovich & Derek Wang
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
The daughter of composer Patrick Stoyanovich and conductor Elizabeth Stoyanovich, American violinist Sophia Stoyanovich grew up on Bainbridge Island, Washington State and has earned acclaim for her "lustrous tone" and "superb musical in...Eastbenders - A Drag Celebration of Eastenders
Eastbenders - A Drag Celebration of Eastenders
HOME, Manchester
Eastbenders Cabaret is coming to throw a big East End bash with the most iconic Albert Square residents as you've never seen them before... Get the bubbly out of the fridge, because we're taking the East all the way North, and turning the t...49th & Main
49th & Main
Band On The Wall, Manchester
No matter what obstacle gets in their way, 49th & Main refuse to be defeated. This hard-fought resilience to achieve their dream has long been ingrained in the Irish dance-pop duo. After meeting at school in Kilkenny, producer Ben O'Sulliva...The Fire Raisers
The Fire Raisers
Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
A darkly comic and absurd play about the dangers of turning a blind eye to growing threats and the consequences of inaction. The debut show from We Merry Dancers Theatre Company brings Swiss novelist and playwright Max Frisch's constantly r...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 ...Peter's Field - Sean Cooney, Rowan Rheingans & Sam Carter
Peter's Field - Sean Cooney, Rowan Rheingans & Sam Carter
Old School Rooms Middleton, Manchester
A new Rochdale made musical marking one of the most momentous days in working class history enjoyed a remarkable debut at FolkEast on the 205th anniversary of Peterloo. Written by award-winning songwriter and member of The Young'uns, Sean C...Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Bubble Planet - An Immersive Experience
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Welcome to Bubble Planet, where bubbles are bigger and more magical than ever. Let your inner child run free and follow your imagination in this spherical universe full of soap bubbles, air bubbles, and even virtual reality. Explore every ...Lime Garden
Lime Garden
Yes, Manchester
Four girls from Brighton who, whilst growing into adulthood together, are writing coming of age indie-rock with the influence of the modern pop culture that surrounds them. Their sound is a love letter to the indie music they surrounded the...Adventures in Wonderland
Adventures in Wonderland
Z-arts, Manchester
Fall down the rabbit hole and have your very own magical adventure with Adventures in Wonderland at Z-arts! Created by Z-arts in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books, step into Alice's shoes and have your very own magical Adventure i...Kyle Falconer (The View)
Kyle Falconer (The View)
Night & Day Cafe, Manchester
Fans of The View can look forward to an extraordinary evening of soul-stirring songs as lead singer Kyle Falconer takes to the stage. A Scottish musician who has captivated audiences for years with his soulful voice and undeniable talent...Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Horrible Science - Cosmic Chaos
Science & Industry Museum, Manchester
An out-of-this-world premiere exhibition, now open at the Science and Industry Museum. Blast off into the solar system and embark on a cosmic adventure guided by familiar characters from the brand-new BBC Horrible Science TV series. Walk in...
Friday 13 March 2026
Chris Ramsey
Chris Ramsey
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Chris Ramsey is a critically acclaimed Stand Up Comedian and regular face on TV. He has hosted two series of his own show The Chris Ramsey Show on Comedy Central as well as Chris Ramsey's Stand Up Central and the panel show Virtually Famous...Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia!
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Sophie's quest to discover the father she's never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they'll never forget. Whatever age you are, you can't help but have the time of you...Kesha
Kesha
Aviva Studios, Manchester
Kesha is back with The Tits Out Tour - her first headline run in the UK and Europe in over a decade - in celebration of her eagerly awaited new album . (PERIOD). . (PERIOD) arrives one year after Kesha returned on her own terms with smash c...Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes
Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes
O2 Apollo, Manchester
One of three line-ups currently touring, Gipsy Kings featuring original vocalist Nicolas Reyes will be bringing their Catalan rumba, flamenco, and salsa party to town. Founded in 1979 in Arles, France, by French born Catalan musicians fr...Philharmonia Orchestra
Philharmonia Orchestra
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Celebrating their 80th anniversary in 2025, The Philharmonia is a world-class symphony orchestra for the 21st century, based in London at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. The Philharmonia was founded in 1945 by EMI producer Walter Le...The Mystery of Banksy - A Genius Mind
The Mystery of Banksy - A Genius Mind
Depot Mayfield, Manchester
Europe's most popular Banksy exhibition lands in Manchester, opening from the 13th March 2026 at Depot Mayfield. Step inside the mind of Banksy with an art experience for all, featuring over 200 reimagined works by the acclaimed street ar...Road
Road
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
By Jim Cartwright, featuring Lucy Beaumont, Shobna Gulati, Lesley Joseph, Johnny Vegas, and with special guest Sir Tom Courtenay on film. 'Road's coming round us!' It's 1986. Your rumbustious chaperone Scullery guides you down the road, pic...Luminiscence
Luminiscence
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Arriving in the UK for the first time, after dazzling over 1 Million people in Europe, the incredible immersive projection concert LUMINISCENCE transforms Manchester Cathedral into a fully immersive world of sound, story, and light. Featuri...Cavetown
Cavetown
O2 Ritz, Manchester
Cavetown began life as a YouTube channel from Camebridge teenager Robin Skinner, who attracted a healthy following by covering songs from the likes of Justin Bieber, twenty one pilots and The Libertines on his ukelele and sharing them on...Stiff Little Fingers
