Our top picks
Cabaret Voltaire at Albert Hall
More than 50 years after Cabaret Voltaire’s first gig, this is your final chance to see the band that did it first, doing it one last time.
Bill Callahan at Aviva Studios
Bill Callahan brings his new album My Days of 58 to Aviva Studios, facing down mortality with warmth and dry humour.
Opening Night: Built for the Hallé at The Bridgewater Hall
James MacMillan’s new symphony gets its world premiere next week as The Hallé opens its 2026/27 season and marks 30 years at The Bridgewater Hall.
Auris Sound Art Festival
Manchester’s debut Sound Art Festival brings three days of installation, performance, spatial audio, talks, workshops, soundwalks and film screenings.
My New Band Believe at The Golden Lion
Former black midi bassist Cameron Picton fronts a project that’s equal parts lush chamber pop and feral, goading chaos.
Madra Salach at New Century
This Irish folk six-piece released a crushingly beautiful debut EP that gives little hint of their “feral, snarling” live show.
The Hallé 2026-27 Season
New brand, new roles, new premieres. It’s all happening at the Hallé, and these six concerts are where it’s happening most.
Lauren Auder at YES Basement
British-French singer-songwriter Lauren Auder brings her second, post-industrial love album to YES Basement.
International Concert Series at The Bridgewater Hall
Nine centuries of music, one incredible local story, and a Wagner opera that the composer feared would drive people mad.
More Music
Lauren Auder at YES Basement
British-French singer-songwriter Lauren Auder brings her second, post-industrial love album to YES Basement.
From £15.61
Bill Callahan at Aviva Studios
Bill Callahan brings his new album My Days of 58 to Aviva Studios, facing down mortality with warmth and dry humour.
From £40.00
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Queer Up North
Queer Up North’s new digital archive sparks a city-wide programme including a return for The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at HOME.
The Hallé and Opera Rara: Offenbach’s Barkouf at The Bridgewater Hall
Silenced for 157 years after scandalising Paris, Offenbach’s political satire Barkouf finally gets its UK premiere in Manchester.
From £18.00
Madra Salach at New Century
This Irish folk six-piece released a stark and often beautiful debut EP that gives little hint of their “feral, snarling” live show.
From £21.00
–
Auris Sound Art Festival
Manchester’s debut sound art festival brings three days of installation, performance and soundwalks across the city centre.
From £12.50
Cabaret Voltaire at Albert Hall
More than 50 years after Cabaret Voltaire’s first gig, this is your final chance to see the band that did it first, doing it one last time.
From £35.00
My New Band Believe at The Golden Lion
Former black midi bassist Cameron Picton fronts a project that’s equal parts lush chamber pop and feral, goading chaos.
From £18.00
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Explore Music by city
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Music Venues in LiverpoolWhen it comes to music venues, there's more to Liverpool than the Cavern Club. Lots more. Here are our top spots in the city.
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Music Venues in LeedsBoasting a strong musical heritage, Leeds has a wealth of music venues to match: from suburban social clubs and former textile mills to co-operatively run DIY spaces.
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Music Venues in ManchesterManchester is still a great place to watch new and innovative music – so here’s a guide to where to watch the best live music in the city.
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Music Venues in SheffieldWith a strong and diverse musical heritage, you'll find many music venues, appeasing different tastes, in the city of Sheffield.
Hotel Guides
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Hotels in ManchesterTo make life easy when it comes to booking your stay, here’s our guide to Manchester's best hotels.
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Hotels in LiverpoolThere’s no shortage of hotels in Liverpool, but you don’t have to go far to find something a bit more stylish than a Travelodge. Here’s our guide.
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Hotels in LeedsLeeds has plenty of new types of accommodation, from sleek, modern luxury to affordable art hostels and grand accommodation in green space.
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Hotels in BradfordFor a weekend break in a private apartment or an overnight stay in high luxury, we've rounded up the best places to stay in Bradford, Ilkley and Saltaire.
Recently covered restaurants
Manchester
Zouk
Manchester has more than one top-tier Indian restaurant, but Zouk is right up there with the best, and counts Drake as a fan.
Manchester
Dahlia Stereo
Dahlia Stereo is a Latin American-inspired open-fire kitchen and bar off the Northern Quarter’s Stevenson Square, with a pitch perfect soundsystem.
Manchester
New Century Kitchen
Grand food hall with a superb outdoor space and a smart selection of in-house indie food traders
Manchester
The Head of Steam Manchester NQ
The Head of Steam chugs into the Northern Quarter showcasing high-quality drinks, and cult burger smashers That Burger Thing manning the kitchen.
Manchester
Gaucho Manchester
High-grade Argentinian steak in this wonderful looking restaurant, with some pocket-friendly deals.
City Centre
Albert’s Schloss
Fancy your Sunday roast with a hint of the Germanic? Head to Albert’s Schloss.
Manchester
Balance Taproom
Manchester has a glut of taprooms, and Balance Brewing’s is far and away the best. Drinks, decor, service – all a cut above.
Manchester
Higher Ground
Higher Ground is a restaurant in Manchester city centre, showcasing the skills of former Where The Light Gets In Head Chef Joseph Ottaway.
Spotlight on
Food and Drink in the North
Step into autumn safe in the knowledge that you have the North's very best mid-September guide to food and drink in Manchester and beyond.
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