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O2 Apollo

Creative Tourist
O2 Apollo (Some rights reserved by The Message)

Originally built as a cinema in 1938, The Apollo is a majestic, Grade II listed Art Deco building which, for a 3500-capacity venue, offers great views of the stage wherever you stand, thanks to sloping steeped floor.

Springsteen, Dylan, Elton, Freddie Mercury, The Who, U2, Bowie, Oasis, Prince… The list of legends who’ve graced the Apollo stage is endless, and wildly eclectic; shows span every genre, from rock to pop, with lots of comedy in the programming, too.

With both fully seated and part-standing formats, this versatile venue increases its footfall and presentations year on year, and remains central to the British touring circuit, attracting Best Venue nominations and patrons from across the globe.

Want to read about more Manchester music venues? We have a guide for that.

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Photo of the Halle orchestra at Bridgewater
Music Venues in Manchester

Manchester 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.

What's on near O2 Apollo

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Where to go near O2 Apollo

Manchester
Shopping Centre
Longsight Market

Sick of overpriced “vintage” markets? Try Longsight’s bustling neighbourhood market which, every Tuesday, lays on a thriving flea market that’s a miniature (albeit slightly less glamorous) version of the famous Les Puces in Paris.

Much Ado About Nothing at Victoria Baths
Manchester
Event venue
Victoria Baths

Victoria Baths no longer functions as a ‘water palace’ and Turkish Baths, but the Grade II-listed building hosts regular events and is a stunning visit, with stained glass, terracotta tiles and mosaic floors.

Manchester
The Circus House

Learn a new skill or take on a new challenge within a warm and friendly community of circus performers at The Circus House.

Manchester
Gallery
Chuck Gallery

Chuck Gallery is the first private art space in North West England dedicated to the promotion of contemporary African art in Manchester and beyond. Our focus is the provision of a varied collection of high quality, original and exceptional artwork

Manchester
Library
Gaskell Society

These regular talks in both Manchester and Knutsford unpack the meaning and significance of Elizabeth Gaskell’s writing.

Manchester
Museum
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House has been lovingly restored; you can now sit at her desk, see where Charlotte Brontë hid behind the curtains, and have tea in the downstairs café. The Pankhurst Centre is also nearby.

Manchester
Event venue
Number 70 Oxford Street

70 Oxford Street (the building formerly occupied by Cornerhouse) has been transformed into the Manchester Metropolitan University Arts and Culture Hub. It now hosts a vibrant and exciting programme of theatre, film, and creative writing.

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Manchester District Guides

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Culture Guides

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Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

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Theatre in the North

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If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.