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.
An annual festive favourite is back with a bang as the Hallé take to The Bridgewater Hall for their family Christmas concert.
The RNCM has launched its brand new Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.
The 27th instalment of The Bridgewater Hall’s flagship classical music series is here. True to form, there are some incredible concerts to look forward to, featuring some of the leading ensembles and musicians of our time.
From soul legends to fantastical opera, live art to dance’s cutting edge, we select our highlights from the RNCM’s eclectic Autumn Season.
Leeds International Concert Season is on a mission to push boundaries, expand horizons, and ask the question: ‘What haven’t we heard?’ as it presents its city-spanning Sound Out Leeds series.
Dress up and get down to The Bridgewater Hall this New Year’s Eve, for an uplifting gala concert themed around Let’s Groove.
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.
This January, legendary Afrobeat artist Femi Kuti plays an intimate Manchester date with his band, The Positive Force.
from £27
ArkEnsemble and dancers from Company Chameleon unite to produce an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary.
from £12.00
Having sung with everyone from Dusty Springfield to Scott Walker, experience the soaring soul of Madeline Bell.
from £12.00
Join The Hallé elves and their presenter Pippa the Christmas Bat for a festive journey through family film scores, tinsel clad classics and seasonal orchestral favourites.
from £18
Let the Hallé transport you to a galaxy far, far away…
from £18.00
From soul legends to fantastical opera, live art to dance’s cutting edge, we select our highlights from the RNCM’s Autumn Season.
from £8
The RNCM launches its brand new Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.
from £12.50
Leeds International Concert Season is on a mission to push boundaries, expand horizons, and ask the question: ‘What haven’t we heard?’ as it presents its city-spanning Sound Out Leeds series.
from £10.00
The Bridgewater Hall’s flagship concert series brings the best international orchestras, celebrated recitalists and world-renowned choirs to Manchester.
from £8
Get priority booking on the best seats, special discounts, invitations to exclusive events and much more. Are you in?
from £45.00
Band on the Wall bring people together to make, as well as watch, music. Join them to learn folk tunes from all over the world.
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer, Romy brings her Club Mid Air tour to Manchester.
from £29.50
From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.
Take me there
From the team behind the Kazimier, the Invisible Wind Factory is Liverpool’s most eclectic live music venue and nightclub.
District Liverpool is a multi-purpose venue in the Baltic Quarter, hosting gigs, club nights, films, cabaret, festivals and much more.
LIPA providing education and entertainment.
Hallé at St Michael’s is a second space in Ancoats for the Hallé’s artistic and education activities and provides space for community events.
A multi-purpose event space in the Northern Quarter. Located just off Stevenson Square.
This music hall and canteen recently opened in the former site of Leeds Children’s Palace – a three-storey recreation hall and nursery school.
The apple in Now Wave’s eye, YES boasts four floors of live music and DJs, and offers food via two outlets. It also has a huge outdoor roof terrace!
The First Direct Arena is a 13,781 capacity entertainment-focused arena located in the Arena Quarter of Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Munch away the Autumnal blues with this foodie orientated guide of Tours and Activities in Manchester and the North.
From Afrobeat to psychedelia, alternative rock to glistening pop, we take a look at some of the best gigs happening in early 2025.
Before the festive season completely takes over, we've rounded up some of the best exhibitions to see right now.
Film festivals, animation and the art of action are amongst our highlights of a busy month at the cinema.
Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.
Take some autumnal eating-out tips from this month's guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.
