If you’re feeling a little weary as 2025 wraps up (why did that feel like the longest, most topsy-turvy 12 months ever?) allow us to brighten your spirits a little, with a list of things to look forward to in the new year.
Here in Manchester, things change fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different.
Over the next 12 months, we’ll see some cultural landmarks reopen for the first time in years (some sell beer…), major global events hosted here in our city, and more than a few major sporting updates too.
There are also some rather lovely food and drink openings on the horizon, plus plenty more.
So here you have it – 12 things to look forward to in Greater Manchester in 2026.
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Town Hall reopening
Inside Manchester Town Hall as more scaffolding comes down and reopening date confirmed
It is, comfortably, the most famous and impressive building in the city – and the Manchester Town Hall is finally set to reopen in 2026 (over budget and over deadline…)
It’s been years since any of us have seen the outside of the Grade I-listed building, never mind the inside – but the countdown is finally on.
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When it reopens, the Manchester Town Hall will have a free exhibition inside, and in the meantime there are plans for hard hat tours so us Mancs can see inside this world-famous structure for the first time since 2020.
Cat Cafe reopening
The cafe in Manchester where your latte was served with a side of kitten is set for a new lease of life, in a new location within the city centre.
The Cat Cafe teased it would return to Manchester (after shutting down in 2021) last year, but has been hit with more than a few delays.
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But addressing fans towards the end of 2025, they’ve announced they’re gunning for a spring 2026 reopening, this time in a huge space within the Barton Arcade on Deansgate.
The BRITs
The BRIT Awards will be hosted at Co-op Live. Credit: Supplied
First came Chanel, then came the MTV EMAs, and now Manchester has landed yet another event that will put us on a global scale – the BRITs.
The glittering music ceremony will be moving up north, taking over the Co-op Live in February and attracting some of the hottest names in the music industry.
There are plenty of nods to our city in the BRITs already, including the design of this year’s award itself – designed by internationally acclaimed British designer Matthew Williamson, inspired by his Manchester roots and built from an amber toned resin – resembling the golden honey of a worker bee.
The return of Sankeys
Sankeys Manchester will officially return to the city in January 2026 – and ahead of that, the legendary Manchester club has shared a sneak peek of how things are going to look.
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The intimate 500-capacity basement venue is promising to keep the DNA that made Sankeys one of the best clubs on the planet before its demise almost a decade ago.
In a video they’ve shared, you can see the stripped-back clubbing experience taking shape (which will include a no-phones policy).
That location is still strictly under wraps though…
Etihad Stadium expansion and The Medlock hotel
The Etihad Stadium has been busy every summer of late while the pitch is quiet, expanding the huge venue and building a brand-new, 401-bedroom, four-star hotel too.
Set to open in late 2026, The Medlock will be connected to the Etihad Stadium and operated by Radisson Hotel Group.
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Inside, there’ll be a choice of suites, deluxe and standard rooms, plus a luxury penthouse suite, and access to the food and drink outlets and museum experience that are being added to the expanded stadium area.
Rylands reopening
Manchester’s iconic Rylands building is being reborn
It’s one of Manchester’s finest buildings, an art deco-era landmark right in the heart of town that’s gearing up for a new chapter after the collapse of Debenhams.
Rylands Manchester will begin to reopen in phases in 2026, a new home for retail, leisure and workspaces all under one roof.
The plans also include a four-storey glass extension with panoramic views up on the roof.
The MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards are coming to Manchester. Credit: Nick Flynn
And it’s not just the BRITs heading up north this year – the 2026 MOBO Awards will also take place in Manchester for the very first time for its 30th anniversary celebrations in March.
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The MOBO Awards are the biggest celebration of Black music and culture in Europe, and has travelled the length and breadth of the UK since 2009.
But this is the first time Manchester will have the honour of hosting the MOBO Awards, for an unforgettable night at Co-op Live of live entertainment, tributes, recognition and celebration.
Manchester Street Food
Ducie Street Warehouse could be turned into a food hall
Food halls are, apparently, like buses – you wait for ages for one to open then loads come along at once.
Now new plans have been lodged to transform most of the ground floor of Ducie Street Warehouse into a 10-kitchen food hall, complete with arcade machines, pool tables, and an outdoor terrace.
It’s set to be operated by the same team behind Edinburgh Street Food, so this landmark building should be in safe hands. You can read more about the plans HERE.
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PINS Social Club
Earlier this year, the Grade II listed Art Deco building Sunlight House reopened its doors after a £35 million transformation.
There’s a new name set to move into a whopping 25,000 sq ft unit that spans three whole floors in 2026 – Liverpool’s PINS Social Club is finally heading to Manchester.
Manchester’s biggest new hospitality venue will be packed with bowling, tech darts, shuffleboard, karaoke, beer pong, and a dedicated sports bar.
Sister Moon
The Treehouse Hotel has breathed new life into a rather unloved building in Manchester, transforming the old Brutalist Renaissance hotel into a cosy, modern hotel with British restaurant Pip on the ground floor.
There’s still more to come though… Sister Moon, a 14th-floor Southeast Asian dining destination by Sam Grainger, is still to open in 2026.
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Expect ‘bold, punchy flavours’ and great views of the city.
The Shamrock reopening
The historic Ancoats pub The Shamrock will finally undergo a £1.8m revamp. Credit: Supplied
When Ancoats pub The Shamrock shut down, the neighbourhood looked very different. As new apartment buildings and restaurants have sprung up on all sides, it’s remained firmly bolted shut since 2018.
But now, Joseph Holt’s £1.8m revamp of this historic boozer, which dates back to 1808, has kicked off and it’s set to open up once again in 2026.
There’s a new name on the cards though – Joseph Holt asked the public to vote on what to rename The Shamrock, and it will reopen as The Spinners Rest.
Women’s Cricket World Cup
Emirates Old Trafford – the home of Lancashire Cricket – will be an official host venue for next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
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The stadium already holds the record for hosting more Men’s Cricket World Cup matches than any other ground, and now it’s time for a new significant milestone.
Daniel Gidney, Chief Executive of Lancashire Cricket, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to Emirates Old Trafford for the very first time. This moment reflects both the growth of the women’s game and our ongoing commitment to hosting world-class cricket events for all.”
Eggslut
The humble egg is the star of the show at this new arrival to Manchester (as she deserves) – viral sensation Eggslut is finally coming to town.
When this breakfast spot opens on Deansgate you’ll find brioche buns filled with soft scrambled eggs, plus sides like truffle hash browns, and French toast sticks to be dipped in a maple custard.
Eggslut was founded way back in 2011 and first opened in London a few years later, but this is the first time it’s left the capital to head north. They’re set to crack open the doors early 2026.
BRIT Awards 2026 nominations and first performer announced live in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
The full list of nominations for the BRIT Awards 2026 have been announced today live from Manchester, as the landmark music awards ceremony moves up north for the first time in its 30-year history.
With just weeks to go until the Co-op Live arena hosts one of the biggest nights in music, all eyes are firmly on Manchester.
And now, thanks to a live broadcast from the venue this afternoon, we know exactly who’s up for an award – and have our first live performer confirmed too.
Olivia Dean is set to perform live at the BRIT Awards when they take place in Manchester on Saturday 28 February.
She’s out in front as one of the most-nominated artists too, with five nominations including MasterCard Album of the Year, Song of the Year (for Man I Need), and Artist of the Year.
Also coming out on top with five nominations is Lola Young, marking a key moment for the next generation of British talent.
With four nominations, there’s Sam Fender, following on from his Mercury Prize win.
And with three nominations apiece is Lily Allen, Wolf Alice, Dave, Fred Again, and Jim Legxacy.
Representing as one of the north’s greatest bands are Sheffield’s Pulp, who have their first BRIT Awards nomination in 30 years.
Other artists to be recognised include Jade, Chapel Roan, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Little Simz, Skye Newman, Sombr, Wet Leg, and loads more.
The live-streamed announcement has been hosted by Charley Marlowe and Sarah Storey, with artists nominated across 15 categories revealed today at Co-op Live, and viewers given a glimpse inside the new home of the BRIT Awards.
There was also a performance from this year’s Critics Choice winner, Jacob Alon.
The actual awards will take place on 28 February, hosted by Jack Whitehall, with an amazing new trophy designed by Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson.
The BRIT Awards 2026 nominations have been revealed in Manchester
Some winners will be determined by public vote, including Song of the Year with Mastercard, and International Song of the Year – voting is open on the BRITs WhatsApp channel and socials from Friday 30 January until Friday 13 February.
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: “The breadth of artists nominated reflects a thriving year in music and reaffirms that British artists continue to capture imaginations across the globe. I think this list is a powerful demonstration of how vibrant and varied music is right now, with artists across different genres and generations reflecting music that is both commercially successful and has lasting cultural impact.
“At its core, the BRIT Awards exists to celebrate creativity, and these nominations set the stage for an exciting and memorable night.”
BPI Chief Executive, Dr Jo Twist OBE, said: “It’s fantastic to see British talent doing so well across the board, especially a next generation of brilliant artists who have broken through with such impact on the global stage in the past 12 months led by Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Sam Fender, PinkPantheress, Skye Newman, among others – our congratulations to all The BRITs nominees and their labels.
“The BRIT Awards with Mastercard in Manchester will provide a compelling moment for them all to shine brightly and to spotlight the diverse breadth of talent drawn across the UK and internationally.”
Manchester’s biggest live yoga class with a string quartet playing calming music is back for 2026
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s biggest live yoga class is back for 2026 to celebrate International Women’s Day.
After the first event sold out in days, Yoga Social Club has now announced an additional morning date for its highly anticipated International Women’s Day Yoga + String Quartet celebration, giving even more women the chance to take part in the unique yoga and live music experience right here in Manchester.
Taking place the day before International Women’s Day 2026, the second session has now been released following ‘overwhelming demand’ from the local community.
The two-hour immersive experience combines 50-minutes of breathwork and yoga set to live music from the Manchester String Quartet, performing works by female composers and artists like Beyoncé, Celine Dion, and plenty other iconic female music artists.
It’s then followed by an hour of ‘relaxed’ networking with refreshments.
The session – led by Yoga Social Club, Christina Whittingham – is designed to bring people together through movement, music, and meaningful connection.
“This event isn’t just about yoga,” Christina commented. “It’s about creating space to pause, breathe, connect and celebrate women in a really uplifting and joyful way, all while being surrounded by beautiful live music.
“Whether you come with friends or on your own, you’ll leave feeling connected, energised and part of something really special.”
Manchester’s biggest live yoga class with a string quartet is back for 2026 / Credit: Supplied
Yoga Social Club has gone from strength to strength since first launching.
What started as a small community-focused concept has expanded into a much wider network of classes and events led by trained community leaders – with sessions now running across more than 30 areas throughout Manchester, the North West, and the UK.
The International Women’s Day Yoga + String Quartet experience is taking place on Saturday 7 March from 9:30-11:30am at Hallé St Peter’s in Ancoats, and participants of all abilities and yoga experience levels are welcome.
Daisy Jackson -
30th December 2025 
