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The Cure announce outdoor summer gig at Wythenshawe Park in Manchester

Boys don't cry but they do buy tickets

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 30th September 2025

The Cure have just been announced as a headliner for next summer’s Live From Wythenshawe Park.

The legendary band will be performing at the outdoor venue with support from Slowdive and The Slow Readers Club.

Formed in the late 1970s, The Cure – fronted by Robert Smith – are considered one of the most influential bands of all time.

Their big hits span generations and include Friday I’m In Love, Boys Don’t Cry, Lullaby, The Lovecats, and The End of the World.

Taking place on Friday 21 August 2026, The Cure will be performing hits from across the five-decade-long career.

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The Sussex-formed band have performed nearly 1,800 concerts worldwide, released 14 studio albums, more than 40 singles, as well as live albums, books, soundtracks, concert films and loads more.

The Cure were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.

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Joining The Cure in Manchester next summer will be shoegaze pioneers Slowdive, who’ve gone from strength to strength since reuniting more than a decade ago.

Also taking to the stage at Wythenshawe Park will be The Slow Readers Club, one of Manchester’s proudest exports known for their blend of electro-driven rock.

Live from Wythenshawe Park has become the hottest ticket in Manchester in recent summers, with previous headliners including Sam Fender, Fontaines D.C. and New Order.

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Next year’s line-up already includes a show from Lewis Capaldi, and now The Cure too.

Tickets to The Cure at Live From Wythenshawe Park in Manchester will go on general sale on Friday 10 October at 9am.

Pre-sale tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 1st October at 9am (you can sign up for pre-sale HERE)

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Featured image: Publicity picture

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Two decades at the forefront of clubbing: Manchester is celebrating 20 years of WHP

Danny Jones Danny Jones WHP 20th anniversary celebrations Manchester

You heard us right: The Warehouse Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and with 2026 already shaping up for another stellar programme, it’s a truly great moment in which to mark the milestone.

But besides the still-to-be-completed WHP26 lineup itself, the promotion has gone TONNES more in-store to help toast two decades of remarkable nightlife and music-filled autumns and winters.

From its raw beginnings over at the Boddies Brewery in Strangeways, through its formative years at Store Street, the Victoria Warehouse era, and now the modern Depot Mayfield era, WHP has truly only gotten bigger and better as time has gone on.

Now world-famous and even hosting overseas events in the likes of Rotterdam, people travel all over and from all over; nothing quite compares to a long night and well into the early hours over at the warehouse.

As you can see, in addition to the upcoming gigs and sets themselves, they’re looking back on their contribution to Manc club culture, including a brand-new film, podcast series, photography exhibition, and tonnes more.

WHP are even commissioning a special limited-edition print magazine.

This will document the countless people, artists and spaces, as well as Greater Manchester and creative communities that have shaped The Warehouse Project since its inception in 2006.

Speaking of the new six-minute documentary movie, Twenty Years In Manchester, is directed by filmmaker Leigh Powis, reflecting on the WHP story through the lens of iconic and some never-before-seen archive footage, as well as fresh scenes shot across Manchester.

Alongside the film, WHP is also launching a new podcast uncovering untold stories from its history, an outdoor photography exhibition, which will also feed into the aforementioned one-off music mag. documenting the artists, nightlife and culture that have shaped the past 20 years.

Shot across three nights in Manchester, this ‘definitive’ piece of cinematic art positions the city itself as a central character alongside a cast of authentic local dancers and clubbers who have graced these rooms over the years.

Some of it’s even been captured on the last remaining rolls of Kodak Ektachrome film in the world.

A cross-generational retrospective on pure Manc and UK dance music heritage.

The WHP film is set for digital online release globally from Thursday, 29 May, and will be available exclusively to Apple Music subscribers 48 hours before general release HERE as part of their continued collaboration with the streaming platform.

WHP co-founders, Sam Kandel and Richard McGinnis, said in a statement: “Reaching 20 years is a huge moment for us. The Warehouse Project has always been about progression and pushing the boundaries wherever possible.

“Since that first event when Public Enemy played the opening night at Boddingtons Brewery, we’ve always tried to keep things moving and respond as the music and culture around us have evolved.

“That feels like only yesterday! We have some truly incredible parties and line-ups in the pipeline for this 20th season, and both feel so proud to still be here in Manchester, being able to do this.”

With all that in mind, it seems as good a time as any to let you know that you can also win a full season pass for the entire Warehouse Project 2026 calendar.

Long live rave culture, and long live WHP.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Warehouse Project (supplied)/Rob Jones

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New Century to open new 450-capacity gig venue in Manchester

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo New Century to open new 450-capacity gig venue, Locker, in Manchester

New Century has announced it will introduce a brand-new live music and events venue, ‘Locker’, this autumn.

Ever since the much-loved, reborn building announced that the current food traders would be moving out, with the New Century Kitchens food hall concept making way for a ‘new chapter’, we’ve been on the edge of our seats wondering what would take its place.

And now the legendary mid-century building has confirmed that a second, 450-capacity gig venue will be opening beneath the iconic existing music hall.

New Century have just revealed that part of their ground floor space will now be a brand new live music venue called ‘Locker’, and it’s opening to the public this autumn. 

This new intimate venue joining Manchester’s ‘live music ecosystem’ is set to host both Manchester-based and nation-wide artists, catering to all music lovers and showcasing a whole range of music genres from rock, jazz and hip-hop to electronic music and more. 

Manchester has always been home to some of the most influential live music venues, and this one is hoping to leave its mark as a platform facilitating the exposure of emerging talent, whilst remaining an exciting food and drinks space, in the heart of Manchester. 

New Century believe in the importance of supporting smaller artists and pride themselves on providing new opportunities and a platform for promoters and talent new to Manchester’s music scene, whilst simultaneously providing an affordable space for the public to enjoy live music. 

New Century Kitchens is to remain operating throughout the transformation later this year, with the current food vendors moving out on a staggered basis over the summer, to make way for the introduction of one central food concept.

New Century to open new 450-capacity gig venue, Locker, in Manchester
New Century to open new 450-capacity gig venue, Locker, in Manchester
Locker will be opening where the existing New Century Kitchens is based
Locker will be opening where the existing New Century Kitchens is based

The new food concept will operate alongside the new separate, sound-proofed space that is ‘Locker,’ equipped with a high-spec live setup, described as one of the best available to us here in Manchester for a venue of its capacity. 

Fear not – the existing bar is there to stay, alongside the spectacular outdoor seating area which will remain capturing the sunlight just right in these summer months, as well as there being plenty of exciting plans in place for us over summer, including screenings for the World Cup and much more. 

Abby Mudge, Managing Director of New Century, said: “Locker aims to reimagine our ground floor in a way that enables us to support grassroots talent further, as well as providing independent hospitality for which New Century is known and loved.

“Our loyal guests will still be able to enjoy the same look and feel, the same great team, our beautiful bar and an exciting new food concept throughout the day and into the evening. We’re proud to be creating more space in the city for emerging artists and promoters in a building that lives and breathes music.

“Locker will also provide even more experience and opportunities for the students who call our building home at dBs Institute, supporting New Century’s musical ecosystem. We can’t wait to welcome Manchester to Locker in the Autumn!”

The arrival of Locker is also warmly welcomed by the Music Venue Trust, as Jay Taylor, the organisation’s Regional Venues Alliance Coordinator added: “New Century expanding to incorporate a second 450-capacity grassroots space is a huge step forward which will create significant opportunities for artists, promoters and audiences.

“This is a really encouraging addition to Manchester’s live music ecosystem, strengthening our vital infrastructure and grassroots scene.”

Nestled within Manchester’s NOMA district and a only short walk from both Manchester Victoria Train Station and Shudehill interchange, this venue is easily accessible to all music and food lovers on the hunt for a refreshing new venue to visit. 

We never thought we’d say it but autumn can’t come soon enough. 

For the latest news on Locker and exclusive access to 25% off opening tickets plus the chance to win a £200 food and drinks tab sign up to their newsletter HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied

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