Greg Freeman mines local history for character-driven tales of violence, loss and epiphany on his second album, Burnover.

Fresh from one of the year’s most uncompromising EPs, Kavari brings her Aphex Twin-endorsed, hard-clipped sound to Salford.

Gothic country ballads, psych-folk drones and pedal steel drawn long and slow. Ora Cogan brings her witchy country to Now Wave’s new (old) pub.

Victory lapping the best album of their career so far, there hasn’t been a better moment yet to catch these North Carolina rockers.

A Place To Bury Strangers bring their lacerating blend of post punk, noise rock and shoegaze to The White Hotel.

Catchy songs, colourful characters and sharp social satire combine in one of the most talked-about queer theatre hits.

O2 Apollo becomes Pysch Fest’s main stage for the first time, with Billy Nomates and bdrmm heading the final wave.

Preston comes alive with outdoor theatre, live music, dance 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, alongside Beethoven’s finest concerto.

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.