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.
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.
From gritty rave spots hidden in industrial estates to late-night sanctuaries, these are the places where Manchester’s real nightlife pulses loudest.
If you find yourself in the North West of England looking for a spa day, look no further, check out our guide featuring our favourite spots.
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.
Brewery tours across the North offer more than just a behind-the-scenes look at hops and fermenters. They’re a window into the region’s character.
Looking for somewhere to eat outside in Manchester in these hot summer months? Here's our guide to the restaurants in Manchester with the best areas for al fresco dining.
Fancy some Japanese food? We've uncovered the five best restaurants in Manchester.
A round-up of the best walks in Liverpool, including the city centre, its many parks, and over the water by Creative Tourist.
Here are some of the best cafés and best coffee shops we’ve come across in Manchester – independents (almost) all.
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
Here’s our summertime guide to great food and drinks across the North.
July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.
Get stuck into some talking, baking and walking in this months top picks of Tours and Activities in the North.
Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.
Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.
From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.
The summer holidays are here and what a packed programme of events we have in store for you!
