Preston comes alive with outdoor theatre, live music and family-friendly creativity in one of the North West’s most joyful festivals.

Manchester’s premier concert hall celebrates 30 years with the debut of a new orchestra and guest artists drawn from Manchester’s grime, dancehall, drag and jazz scenes.

James MacMillan’s new symphony gets its world premiere as the Hallé opens its 2026/27 season, marking 30 years since The Bridgewater Hall became the orchestra’s home.

British-French singer-songwriter Lauren Auder brings her second, post-industrial love album to YES Basement.

Silenced for 157 years after scandalising Paris, Offenbach’s political satire Barkouf finally gets its UK premiere in Manchester.

This Irish folk six-piece released a stark and often beautiful debut EP that gives little hint of their “feral, snarling” live show.

Former black midi bassist Cameron Picton fronts a project that’s equal parts lush chamber pop and feral, goading chaos.

30 years after writing a piece for The Bridgewater Hall’s opening celebrations, Thomas Adès returns to conduct it alongside Stravinsky and a world premiere.

John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score, co-written with Sigur Rós’s Jónsi, gets a rare live-to-picture performance this Christmas.

Finding new things to say with one of the oldest instruments around, Jonny Greenwood’s eight-hour organ piece takes over Manchester Cathedral.

Jonny Greenwood plays live the instrument that gave his Oscar-disqualified film debut its unmistakable, unforgettable voice.

At the top of a packed season, we’re taking a closer look at six Hallé concerts that lean toward the more contemporary, adventurous end of things.