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 orchestral forces and venues, from the RNCM to the Hallé, Manchester Camerata to Manchester Collective.
Want more music? Head to our general Music guide for our latest scoop on the North’s best gigs and festivals.
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.
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.
Manchester’s new 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.
Join an evening of artistic solidarity, bringing together Palestinian, Irish and Mancunian musicians in a benefit concert for Gaza.
from £15
Mongolian singer Enji brings her contemporary spin on jazz, folk and traditional Mongolian music to Manchester as part of her first UK tour.
from £10
manchester jazz festival is back this May with 10 days of live music from some of the best northern, national and international musicians operating in the world of contemporary jazz.
0-£30
The RNCM presents two of mjf2024’s standout events, featuring pianist Nikki Iles and saxophonist John Surman.
from £24
Legendary American rock band Pixies are bringing their unmistakable and era-defining sound to The Piece Hall.
from £47.50
New Order play an all-day outdoor concert at Wythenshawe Park alongside Manchester’s own Johnny Marr and adopted Manc Róisin Murphy.
from £61.60
If you’re hunting for the perfect present – a Factory International Gift Membership could be just the ticket.
from £45.00
Get priority booking on the best seats, special discounts, invitations to exclusive events and much more. Are you in?
from £45.00
Manchester Psych Fest, the UK’s trailblazing psychedelic music and arts festival has announced a massive bill for its 2024 edition.
from £45.20
With June comes one of the RNCM’s annual highlights, as the College’s Symphony Orchestra takes to The Bridgewater Hall stage.
from £12.00
Leaning into the charm and delight of the silent era, Silents by the Sea features a weekend of talks and live-scored silent films set in the spectacular surrounds of the historic Winter Gardens theatre.
from £0.00
Read our highlights from the RNCM Summer Season, taking in huge collaborative events, internationally acclaimed artists and family adventures.
from £8.50
Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.
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.
Check out our updated theatre guide for dynamic new dance, prosecco-popping outdoor performance and must-see musicals.
From the latest installment in the Mad Max franchise, to silent movie masterpieces we highlight the best new releases and big screen classics showing near you this month.
We have an eclectic bunch of new gig picks for you this month, alongside free summer festivals and brand new concert seasons.
From intimate drawings and immersive displays on bees to the remaking of classic films, this month brings exciting new exhibitions.
From creative adventures, museum experiences and spectacular theatre, check out what's on for the family in Manchester and the north.
Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.
In this month's Tours and Activities guide we're looking to get our minds blown and our world views expanded by science.
From spotlights on indie presses to big hitters brought to you by the bookshops, festivals and libraries, you'll find plenty to whet your wordy whistle this month.
