What's on in Manchester and surrounding area
What's on in Manchester and surrounding area
Friday 1 May 2026
NE-YO + Akon
NE-YO + Akon
Co-op Live, Manchester
American R&B star Ne-Yo shakes up the generic club based R&B to create something truly different with elements of Europop, synth-pop and hip hop soul. He gained fame for his songwriting abilities when he penned Mario's 2004 hit "Let Me Love...Waiting for Godot
Waiting for Godot
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star in a new staging of Samuel Beckett's classic play - in which absolutely nothing happens. Set in a shifting, timeless landscape, Waiting for Godot follows two men, Vladimir and Estragon, as they wa...Double Indemnity
Double Indemnity
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Hollywood icon Mischa Barton (The O.C.) makes her UK stage debut in Double Indemnity, the gripping adaptation of one of the greatest crime novels of the 20th Century - the story that inspired Billy Wilder's film noir classic. Los Angeles, 1...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...Private Lives
Private Lives
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Jill Halfpenny returns to the Royal Exchange Theatre to play Amanda Prynne. 'I think very few people are completely normal really, deep down in their private lives.' In Noel Coward's savage comedy, there's nothing a cocktail can't cu...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...YES
YES
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
After their hugely successful 'Classic Tales Of Yes' UK Tour in 2024, Progressive Rock legends, YES, return to perform their 1971 classic album, Fragile, in its entirety, including such timeless songs as 'Heart of the Sunrise', 'South S...Ninja Sex Party
Ninja Sex Party
O2 Apollo, Manchester
American musical comedy synth rock duo Dan Avidan and keyboardist Brian Wecht are better known as Ninja Sex Party characters Danny Sexbang, an idiotic, exuberant, hypersexual Jewish man who tries to hit on women with varying degrees of suc...Justin Moorhouse
Justin Moorhouse
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Justin returns with "The Greatest Performance of My Life". After a successful and extensively extended tour of his 2022 show Stretch and Think (which you can catch in full on YouTube), he's back ...Ist Ist
Ist Ist
Albert Hall, Manchester
Regularly condemned as too 'out there' to be successful; through sheer determination, hard work and a bulging catalogue of songs, Ist Ist continue to silence the doubters and move from strength to strength. Displaying an arrogance akin to t...BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
RNCM, Manchester
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra continues its thrillingly up-close series at the RNCM with a heavyweight artistic collaboration - Chief Conductor John Storgards joins the acclaimed pianist Tamara Stefanovich in this exploration of the pure power...Candlelight - A Tribute to Coldplay and Ed Sheeran
Candlelight - A Tribute to Coldplay and Ed Sheeran
Hallé St Peter's, Manchester
Discover the music of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran performed by a string quartet at this awe-inspiring location under the gentle glow of candlelight. ...Candlelight - Hans Zimmer's Best Works
Candlelight - Hans Zimmer's Best Works
Hallé St Peter's, Manchester
The most awe-inspiring music from one of the greatest film composers of all time brought to you by a string quartet in an intimate candlelight setting. No doubt these tracks will sound familiar, as they give life to iconic films such as ...Luke Combs UK - Tribute to Luke Combs
Luke Combs UK - Tribute to Luke Combs
St Mary's Chambers, Rossendale
The World's leading tribute to the Grammy-nominated country megastar Luke Combs! Experience the heart and soul of country music as we pay homage to one of the genre's biggest stars. A night of incredible songs, authentic Southern vibes, an...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 ...Money For Nothing - Dire Straits Tribute Show
Money For Nothing - Dire Straits Tribute Show
Stockport Plaza, Stockport
Money For Nothing is a tribute to the Dire Straits like no other before. Prepare to be captivated by the authentic sounds of one of the most successful rock bands of all time. A show of the highest quality, meticulous attention is paid to...GIRL POWER LIVE
GIRL POWER LIVE
St Helens Theatre Royal, St Helens
Girl Power Live Get is the ultimate celebration of female musical icons! Girl Power Live brings together the timeless hits of the most legendary women in music, performed by an electrifying 8-piece live band. From the powerful anthems of Wh...The Bon Jovi Experience
The Bon Jovi Experience
The Met, Bury
The Bon Jovi Experience are the world's first and unquestionably finest tribute to the great Bon Jovi. They are the only tribute to have been featured on the band's official website, not to mention being the only tribute to have been reques...Horizon of Khufu - Journey to Ancient Egypt
Horizon of Khufu - Journey to Ancient Egypt
Transmission House, Manchester
The Pyramids of Egypt have arrived in the UK for the first time! This immersive and groundbreaking expedition takes you back to the golden age of ancient Egypt, allowing you to explore the depths of the iconic pyramids, meet the goddess Bas...Murder Mystery Evening
Murder Mystery Evening
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Nothing works up an appetite like exercising those brain cells. So bring your best detective skills and join us for a night of mystery and murder on one of our stunning heritage steam trains. If you love Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes -...Saturday 2 May 2026
Bank of Dave The Musical
Bank of Dave The Musical
Lowry, Salford
"If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's this: everybody hates bankers." Bank of Dave: The Musical is a home-grown, brand-new British musical - bursting with northern grit, laugh-out-loud humour and what Dave himself calls "the best ...NE-YO + Akon
NE-YO + Akon
Co-op Live, Manchester
American R&B star Ne-Yo shakes up the generic club based R&B to create something truly different with elements of Europop, synth-pop and hip hop soul. He gained fame for his songwriting abilities when he penned Mario's 2004 hit "Let Me Love...Manchester United v Liverpool
Manchester United v Liverpool
Old Trafford, Manchester
The Red Devils take on heated rivals Liverpool at The Theatre of Dreams in the Premier League. ...Waiting for Godot
Waiting for Godot
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star in a new staging of Samuel Beckett's classic play - in which absolutely nothing happens. Set in a shifting, timeless landscape, Waiting for Godot follows two men, Vladimir and Estragon, as they wa...Double Indemnity
Double Indemnity
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Hollywood icon Mischa Barton (The O.C.) makes her UK stage debut in Double Indemnity, the gripping adaptation of one of the greatest crime novels of the 20th Century - the story that inspired Billy Wilder's film noir classic. Los Angeles, 1...Clubland
Clubland
AO Arena, Manchester
In a spectacular 3-hour action-packed show, re-live the classic tunes in a party atmosphere and enjoy the Clubland experience which is set to bring all those amazing times back. Clubland began as a series of compilation albums in 2002 an...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...Private Lives
Private Lives
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Jill Halfpenny returns to the Royal Exchange Theatre to play Amanda Prynne. 'I think very few people are completely normal really, deep down in their private lives.' In Noel Coward's savage comedy, there's nothing a cocktail can't cu...Outwards Festival
Outwards Festival
Progress, Manchester
A new gathering for electronic music culture. Past. Present. Future. With a special guest still to be announced, Oribital headline with Manchester favourites Black Grape and A Certain Ratio among the likes of Phil Hartnoll and The Orb on th...ANNO: Four Seasons by Anna Meredith & Antonio Vivaldi
ANNO: Four Seasons by Anna Meredith & Antonio Vivaldi
Aviva Studios, Manchester
The Halle comes to Aviva Studios for the first time with Anna Meredith's atmospheric composition ANNO The Halle presents an immersive work by powerhouse composer Anna Meredith. A recontextualisation of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, ANNO takes the...Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals)
Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals)
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
40 years since double Brit-Award winners, The Fine Young Cannibals (FYC), stormed into the UK charts with their debut single and album in 1985, lead singer, Roland Gift presents Fine Young Cannibals at 40. As they celebrate 40 fine years, ...Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals)
Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals)
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
40 years since double Brit-Award winners, The Fine Young Cannibals (FYC), stormed into the UK charts with their debut single and album in 1985, lead singer, Roland Gift presents Fine Young Cannibals at 40. As they celebrate 40 fine years, ...Justin Moorhouse
Justin Moorhouse
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Justin returns with "The Greatest Performance of My Life". After a successful and extensively extended tour of his 2022 show Stretch and Think (which you can catch in full on YouTube), he's back ...Manchester Forever
Manchester Forever
Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester
The biggest celebration of the 90's Manchester Rave Scene, a Bank Holiday recreation of the biggest and most authentic 10-hour Manchester rave reunion in history! Spanning four arenas and a full 90s fairground experience, it will feature 60...Puressence
Puressence
Manchester Academy, Manchester
Legendary Mancunian rock group Puressence are back, after performing their first live date in over 11 years with a huge hometown show at the Albert Hall in June 2024. James Mudriczki, Kevin Matthews, Lowell Killen, and Anthony Szuminski...The Piccadilly Sinfonietta - Vivaldi's Four Seasons by Candlelight
The Piccadilly Sinfonietta - Vivaldi's Four Seasons by Candlelight
Manchester Cathedral, Manchester
Few things are more magical than hearing the world's most breath-taking classical music being performed live by a brilliant orchestra in beautiful surroundings, by the flicker of candlelight. This experience comes to life when the city's...Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Peep! Peep! Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at East Lancashire Railway. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. There will be lots to enj...The Piccadilly Sinfonietta - Vivaldi's Four Seasons by Candlelight
The Piccadilly Sinfonietta - Vivaldi's Four Seasons by Candlelight
St Ann's Church, Manchester
Few things are more magical than hearing the world's most breath-taking classical music being performed live by a brilliant orchestra in beautiful surroundings, by the flicker of candlelight. This experience comes to life when the city's...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 ...Sugar Pie Honey Bunch - The Music of the Four Tops
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch - The Music of the Four Tops
St Helens Theatre Royal, St Helens
Previously known as the "American Four Tops Motown Revue Show", this is the only American tribute show touring the UK which celebrates the music of the The Four Tops and other legendary Motown artists. Paying homage to the legends, vocal gr...
Sunday 3 May 2026
Manchester United v Liverpool
Manchester United v Liverpool
Old Trafford, Manchester
The Red Devils take on heated rivals Liverpool at The Theatre of Dreams in the Premier League. ...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...Taylormania - Taylor Swift Tribute Show
Taylormania - Taylor Swift Tribute Show
Manchester Opera House, Manchester
Not to be missed, TAYLORMANIA is coming to a theatre near you in 2026. An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis a self obsessed 'Swiftie' with an incredibl...Paul Carrack
Paul Carrack
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
As a solo artist and member of Ace, Squeeze, Roger Water's Bleeding Heart Band, and perhaps most famously, Mike + The Mechanics, among others, Sheffield vocalist Paul Carrack has enjoyed hit after hit, earning him the nickname by the BBC, "...FOLA
FOLA
Albert Hall, Manchester
Nigerian Afrobeats star Folarin Odunlami rose to fame in 2022 following the release of his song "Ginger Me". In the UK, he has scored hits include You, Eko, Caricature, and Paparazzi. ...Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Peep! Peep! Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at East Lancashire Railway. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. There will be lots to enj...MC Hammersmith
MC Hammersmith
Lowry, Salford
The multi-award winning freestyle rap comedian is the world's leading gangsta rapper to ever emerge from the ghetto of middle class west London. He presents his latest show "Hippity Hoppity Get Off My Property" - an evening of improvi...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 ...Smash Into Pieces
Smash Into Pieces
O2 Ritz, Manchester
Multiple award-winning Swedish rock-export Smash Into Pieces have past half a billion Spotify streams & YouTube views. They have evolved into one of the fastest rising Scandinavian alternative rock bands after making a big breakthrough in t...Swiftogeddon - The Taylor Swift Club Night
