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.
Sam Fender describes his own ticket prices as ‘b*llocks’ and demands change for fans
Daisy Jackson
Sam Fender has kicked off about ticket prices for his own tour, ahead of his huge stadium summer next year.
The Geordie star announced his Proper Massive stadium tour last week, which will visit some of the UK’s biggest venues including The O2 in London, Etihad Stadium in Manchester, and St James’ Park in his home city of Newcastle.
But after ticket prices for the tour were announced, Sam Fender surprised us all by joining in with a moan about how expensive they were.
He described the ticketing strategy for his tour as ‘b*llocks’ and said he was ‘not happy’ with ticket prices.
And proving just how much sway an artist can have on ticket prices, Sam Fender then demanded that things be redone.
Sam first appeared in the comments on Gavin Davis’ Instagram account, which frequently shares tour leaks and ticket prices.
There, he wrote: “I’m not happy with these prices, they’re getting changed. It got inflated well more than I’d had in mind, it should only be inflated in relation to the cost of putting the show on.
“The standing will not be split as well, I had no idea about it. I have no idea how this was normalised in gigs.
“It’s bollocks and it won’t be happening on this tour.”
Then later, on his own Instagram stories, Sam Fender posted: “I’ve managed to get Front Standing tickets removed from the UK stadium tour. Whoever buys a standing ticket gets as much chance as anyone to be at the front.
“No more £120 standing tickets either.
“Costs are astronomical compared to two years ago, I can’t control the venue and ticketing fees, that’s a sad reality of today’s industry.
“This is gonna be the biggest and best show we’ve ever put on. Can’t wait to see everyone on the road next summer!”
The ticket prices for the Proper Massive tour are now confirmed by Sam Fender himself as being £85 for GA standing, and £55/£75/£95 for seats.
The Strokes at Co-op Live, Manchester – stage times, setlist, tickets and more
Lydia Mastrolonardo
This Autumn, everybody’s favourite New York-based indie band The Strokes have been treating fans across the globe to their energetic live shows – and Monday is finally Manchester’s turn.
That’s right – one of the most iconic indie rock bands of the era are set to bring their Reality Awaits tour to the Co-op Live for the first ever time, with their decade-spanning catalogue of indie anthems purely for our listening pleasure.
The Strokes formed back in 1998 and soon earned attention from major labels after becoming known for their intense live shows and with the release of their 2001 EP The Modern Age. This was closely followed by their first album, ‘Is This It,’ and ever since they’ve had fans absolutely transfixed.
These American rockers have dominated the charts with four Top 10 albums over the last decade, earning numerous awards along the way and even landing a spot on Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Debuts of All Time list. Now it’s our time to see them in the flesh – we absolutely can’t wait.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Manchester night, including dates, tickets, support, setlist, and how to get to the arena.
Gig Guide | The Strokes at Co-op Live, Manchester
Stage times for The Strokes at Co-op Live, Manchester
These are the only times that are confirmed, but it’s expected that support acts will begin around 8:00pm, followed by The Strokes on stage around 9:00pm.
For the Manchester gig, The Strokes will be joined by special guests, Alex Cameron and Fat White Family.
Alex Cameron is an Australian singer-songwriter, specialising in synth-pop and soft rock, joining us all the way from Sydney. He also has an impressive history having written for the likes of The Killers.
Fat White Family are and English rock band, which formed in 2011 in Peckham, London. The band are set to provide one of their typically high energy performances, which will be sure to get the crowd warmed up for The Strokes.
What songs can fans expect to hear?
It is set to be an unmissable show with frontman Julian Casablancas’ distinct vocals on albums containing crowd favourites like “Reptilia” and “Last Nite,” as well as material from their most recent album ‘The New Abnormal,’ and upcoming album ‘Reality Awaits.’
Based on the reported setlist from their Paris show on 22 October, Manchester fans can look forward to a strong selection of familiar hits, however as always it is subject to change.
The suspected set list goes as follows:
Going to Babble On
Reptilia
Hard to Explain
Dine N’Dash
Soma
Lonely in the Future
Juicebox
The Adults Are Talking
Heart in a Cage
Going Shopping
You Only Live Once
Meet Me in the Bathroom
One Way Trigger
Automatic Stop
Someday
Tyrants of the Mellow Moon
Take It or Leave It
Last Nite
Encore
New York City Cops
Threat of Joy
Ode to the Mets
Encore 2
Selfless
How to get to Co-op Live
Tram
For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus, which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live.
Getting there by car and parking
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue, but this must be pre-booked ahead of time, and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU, and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide on event day, though estimates will obviously vary:
Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live, but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly, and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes on the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
Daisy Jackson -
30th December 2025 
