Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region’s most cherished ensembles and venues.
Want more music? Head to our general Music guide for our latest scoop on the North’s best gigs and festivals.
Explore the uplands near Bradford with a sound walk from opera north featuring newly commissions sonic worlds as well as the music of Bradford’s compositional son Frederick Delius.
The RNCM has launched its brand new Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.
Home to the Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic orchestras, the Bridgewater Hall attracts some of the biggest names in classical music. Purpose-built to the tune of £42m, the hall was designed around its acoustic needs; it floats on 280 earthquake-proof isolations springs that mute all external noise, perfect for shielding around 250 performances a year from the trams outside.
The Royal Northern College of Music is both a music venue and an academic institution training up some of the country’s finest music students.
Still Manchester’s newest kid on the concert hall block, The Stoller Hall opened its doors in April 2017 to further enhance the city’s already enviable live music provision.
The 1930s Art Deco Philharmonic Hall, home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, gives no hint of the sensuous curves of the auditorium inside from its hard exterior.
Hallé St Peter’s is a deconsecrated Grade-II listed church, once a theatre prop store, then a knitting factory, before being restored and becoming home to the Hallé orchestra.
Manchester’s Albert Hall is an astounding Wesleyan Chapel turned live music venue, regularly hosting classical concerts.
Manchester Cathedral dates back to at least the 1400s and has been rebuilt many times. In current, striking form, it’s still a place of worship, but also host to regular gigs and events.
Leeds Caribbean & African Centre hosts sound system parties, workshops and events, celebrating African-Caribbean culture in the heart of Chapeltown.
The Loft is an intimate, industrial-style club tucked away on the edge of Manchester city centre. Known for its impeccable sound system and low-key vibe.
The Engine Room is a creative community hub in Southport’s Wayfarers Arcade, offering co-working space, cultural events and collaborative opportunities for artists, freelancers and educators.
Altogether Otherwise is a haven of activity where all are encouraged to make, do, dance, read and enjoy pursuing creativity with no pressure.
Future Yard is the Wirral’s most exciting music venue providing a stage and opportunities for musicians and the local community.
The largest of Rough Trade stores, it’s record shop, event space and concert venue in the heart of Liverpool, complete with its own gift shop
Round the Corner provides excellent drinks, local music and good vibes, with a rooftop bar and an event space in Liverpool’s Fabric District.
QUARRY is a grassroots music venue that works with and for the community, providing a platform for local musicians and other creatives.
Factory Square is a huge beer garden, on the banks of the River Irwell, with top-quality drinks and street food selections.
Our flagship Feel Good Club in Manchester, open 7 days a week, providing a beautiful friendly environment for coffee, brunch, lunch, cocktails and beers with an amazing selection of non alcoholic beverages too.
Opened in September 2017, The Edge Arena is Wigan’s performance, conference and event venue.
Tapestry Arts is a live-music venue and bar, arts complex and theatre all rolled into one.
The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.
Manchester's art scene is thriving - here's our guide to the best art galleries, from artist-led studios to major institutions.
There's no shortage of places to drink in the Northern Quarter. From hidden bars in launderettes and pawn shops, to record stores and even traditional pubs.
To make life easy when it comes to booking your stay, here’s our guide to the best hotels in Cheshire, including Chester, Crewe and Macclesfield.
Leeds has long been a city built on beer — from its industrial-era brewing giants to the new wave of craft innovators reshaping the scene today.
A growing number of breweries and independent tour operators now offer behind-the-scenes access to the city’s thriving beer scene.
The world's at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
The finest places in Manchester to sip Darjeeling, eat dainty finger sandwiches and slap extra clotted cream on a freshly baked scone.
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
Discover the treasures waiting to be discovered as you work your way through our hand-picked selection of museums in Leeds.
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
Take me there
From outdoor shows to drama in the dark, our theatre guide celebrates genre-pushing work, new writing and contemporary performance.
From Lyra Pramuk’s sacred synths to the sugar rush of YAANG, our latest music picks bring ritual, rebellion and ridiculous levels of fun.
"Tours, tours, tours!" If this month's Tours and Activities guide were a sentient speaking person, this is what it would say.
Take some eating-out tips from our August guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
August brings a huge LGBTQ+ film festival, plus a reggae classic and a spotlight on Japanese animation.
Our latest round-up features plenty of one-off live literature events to wrap your ears about, so get those diaries ticking over...
August and beyond brings all sorts of family joy - with a huge amount of science, creativity and more.
