When you think of Manchester one of the first things that comes to mind obviously after ‘best city in the world’ is one word: ‘music’.
Our capital of the North West has birthed some of the world’s greatest singers of all time and welcomed some of the planet’s biggest stars.
Manchester has many live music venues to host impressive gigs including stadiums, arenas, parks and a wide variety of performance spaces.
The real reason these artists keep coming back is because of you, everyone who shows up and shows out to every single tour and performance happening in our culturally rich city.
Although not 2008, here is Kylie in all her grandeur at AO Arena in 2014 / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
With a tour titled ‘KylieX2008’, the Aussie sensation made our heads spin around in 2008 as she graced the AO Arena for six nights of pop perfection from 11 July to 18 July.
Minogue has a special connection to Manchester and this arena specifically, performing here over 30 times to a total of 400,000 people.
Taylor Swift performing on the B-Stage at Etihad Stadium in 2018 / Credit: The Manc Group
‘Baby let the games begin!’ Swift opened her ‘Reputation Stadium Tour’ in 2018 while standing behind a backdrop of snakes, scales and reptile-like patterns.
The legendary pop star commanded the stage even walking through the crowd to greet fans with smiles and high fives, making sure to get up close and personal even in a venue this grand.
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‘Tay-Tay’s last visit to the North West saw her playing three nights of her monumental ‘The Eras Tour’ just a stone’s throw away at Anfield Stadium and who knows, maybe once the Etihad renovation is complete, she might be keen to make another appearance.
11. Oasis: 80,000 – Maine Road (1996)
In signature Liam style, the tambourine is in hand and ready to accompany both the brother’s vocals.In signature Liam style, the tambourine is in hand and ready to accompany both the brother’s vocals / Credit:Wikimedia Commons
The Burnage boys were always destined to be on this list in one way or another due to their incredible impact in pushing Manchester music and bands to the mainstream.
Singing hits from their well-known music catalogue, Oasis attracted 80,000 to Manchester City’s former ground in the mid-90s.
Unlike the tour taking place in 2025, tickets for this gig would’ve only set you back £17.50, you’d have been silly not to grab yourself one!
10. Drake: 94,000 – Co-op Live (2025)
Drake played four non-consecutive gigs at Co-op Live with roars from the crowd each night/ Credit: The Come Up Show (via Flickr)
Canadian rap heavyweight Drake played four huge Co-op Live dates as recent as last week and with two more on the way, with four nights of smash hits
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Also referred to as Champagne Papi, the hip-hop artist has played out four impressive nights at Co-op Live on a similarly impressive 360 stage which sees Drake getting up close and personal with fans.
His 2025 visit to the music capital of the North marks his largest scale gig to date and saw him sharing the bill with fellow Canadian performer PartyNextDoor.
9. Billie Eilish – 94,000 – Co-op Live (2025)
Global superstar Billie Eilish had the crowd hooked all four nights at Co-op Live / Credit: Lars Crommelnick via Wikimedia Commons
Bedroom-pop sensation turned global megastarBillie Eilish has visited Manchester three times through her rise to stardom with her most recent being at Co-op Live.
The American singer-songwriter played four non-consecutive nights of her current ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ tour, where she commanded 23,500 fans.
Eilish has a soft spot for Manchester as she debuted her single ‘TV’ at AO Arena in 2022 and brought out her brother and fellow musician Finneas as a special guest at her most recent city centre dates.
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8. Harry Styles: 99,526 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2022)
The former One Direction star Harry Styles spent two nights in June spreading the love with his mega ‘Love On Tour’ and the feeling was definitely mutual.
On 15 and 16 June the ‘Watermelon Sugar’ singer had nearly 100,000 devotees in the palm of his hand as he belted out some of his best solo numbers.
The Cheshire-born superstar even paused his show to find his primary school teacher who he’d been informed was in the crowd, thanking her for all her help and hard work while he was in education. Adorable.
7. Foo Fighters: 100,000 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2024)
The Washington-formed band put on two impressive nights where Mancs witnessed ‘music royalty’ on their ‘Everything or Nothing at All Tour’ in June.
As well as ‘The Pretender’ hitmakers, the sold-out shows were spoilt with not one but four support acts split across the two dates, including Wet Leg.
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On 13 June the rock champions even previewed an unreleased track ‘Unconditional’ for the first time, adding it to the setlist for the 15 June show too!
Foo Fighters played out to 100,000 people at Old Trafford Cricket Ground / Credit: The Manc Group / Publicity Picture (Supplied)
6. Spice Girls: 150,955 – Etihad Stadium (2019)
Etihad Stadium and Spice Girls spiced up our lives three times in 2019 with three non-consecutive performances from 29 May to 1 June.
This tour was missing one key ingredient, ‘Posh Spice’, who missed out on this string of shows for the first time in her career.
In addition to these four fierce ladies, another UK household act Jess Glynne joined them on the bill as a support act. The girls were met with raptures as they made their entrance to Manchester after 11 years since their last visit.
Just look at those iconic fits! Spice Girls performing at Wembley Stadium on the same tour that visited Manchester / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In 2023 they brought their Music Of The Spheres world tour to Manchester from 31 May to 4 June for four nights of dazzling lights, wowed fans and of course incredible live arrangements.
Altogether, these shows brought together almost 200,000 attendees who had the opportunity to get involved with the show’s production themselves by cycling electric bikes and kinetic dancefloor which both helped power the stage.
The Coldplay lads in all their glory.An awe-inspiring crowd lighting up the already phenomenal Etihad Stadium.Coldplay performed four nights at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium in 2023 / Credit: Wikicommons / The Manc Group
4. Ed Sheeran: 218,639 – Etihad Stadium (2022)
Starting his musical career just over the hill busking in Hebden Bridge before becoming one of the UK’s most prominent and successful artists of all time.
In 2022, the ‘Galway Girl’ singer took to Manchester City‘s awesome stadium to play hits from his full discography titled ‘The Mathematics Tour’ in honour of his equation-themed album titles.
The one-man, one-guitar show attracted almost 55,000 people across four nights who watched the singing red-head belt out his bangers on a 360 circular stage.
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Ed Sheeran at V Festival in 2014, already a star in his own right / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
3. The Stone Roses: 225,000 – Heaton Park (2012)
The Manchester rock pioneers played a three-night hometown residency as part of their reunion tour following a 17-year concert hiatus.
Fans came in abundance to pack out to Heaton Park, a notorious music-hosting site which has hosted a plethora of acts as well as this formidable band.
Spanning from 29 June to 1 July, The Stone Roses played to a whopping 75,000 fans every night across the three sold-out Manchester shows at Heaton Park in 2012.
The Stone Roses performing at Fuji Rock Festival in 2012, the same year as their Heaton Park residency / Credit: Wikicommons Media
2. Oasis – 400,000 – Heaton Park (2025)
This year has seen some cracking live music events but none will ever be as monumental as the five nights the two Burnage boys and their troupe hosted this summer.
Liam and Noel Gallagher decided to get the band back together for a series of groundbreaking shows titled ‘Oasis Live ’25’.
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Each night drew in 80,000 avid bucket-hat wearing Oasis fans and the support acts were just as legendary with The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft and Liverpool lads Cast helping make history.
Oasis was one of the biggest dates in Manchester’s music calendar ever/ Credit: The Manc Group
In 2011, ‘The Flood’ boys put on a remarkable eight nights for nearly half a million lucky Mancs from 3 June till 12 June, making for a summer everyone could ‘Never Forget’.
However, they weren’t the only boyband gracing the Manchester City stadium as dance duo Pet Shop Boys supported them on their ‘Progress Live’ tour across the UK.
A fan-captured moment of Take That reunited amidst their eight show run at Etihad Stadium in Manchester/ Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Honourable mention:
One Love Manchester, 55,000 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2017)
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Even though this event may not be topping the attendance records, this concert was a special and remarkable moment in Manchester’s history.
Fronted by Ariana Grande, just two weeks after the Manchester Arena attack, Old Trafford Cricket Ground saw a multitude of artists coming together to celebrate the importance of music while paying respect to those affected by the events in the month prior.
BBC reported the ‘One Love Manchester’ live show had 14.5 million viewers at its peak with an average of 10.9 million worldwide and this benefit concert has since raised more than £10 million for the ‘We Love Manchester Emergency Fund’.
Featured Image – Eva Rinaldi (via Wikicommons)/The Manc Group/Lily Redman (via Wikicommons)
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BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
Featured Image – Rahul Kukreja (via Unsplash)
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Live from Wythenshawe Park – lineup, travel, tickets, times, and everything you need to know
Lydia Mastrolonardo
What a month August has shaped up to be – and it’s far from over yet, with the Live from Wythenshawe Park gig series on the way.
Five massive headline gigs will take place in the south Manchester suburb in the coming weeks, pulling together yet another star-studded lineup to round off summer on a high.
This year, performances will come from the likes of Courteeners, Lewis Capaldi, The Cure, Pulp, and The Prodigy, all with huge support acts.
Be sure to mind the weather, drink plenty of water, look after each other and, above all else, enjoy yourselves.
If you’re heading down to the Live at Wythenshawe Park gig series, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know.
Travel guide: How to get to Wythenshawe Park
Relax, we’ve done the hard work for you so that you can focus on the important stuff. You know, like planning your outfits and where to pre-drink.
We’d always advocate for travelling as green as possible and using public transport where you can and so without further ado…
Our number one recommendation would be Live From Wythenshawe Park’s fantastic shuttle bus service, to get you safely back into the city centre.
Shuttles will depart from Aytoun Street/Minshull Street (near Kampus) every six minutes and head straight to Wythenshawe Park, or you can grab one from Parrs Wood in East Didsbury, which run every 15 mintes. Check out the timings and locations HERE.
Alternatively, Big Green Coaches will also be travelling to the gigs and are available from various locations.
There are also three tram stops to choose from: Wythenshawe Park, Moor Road and Baguley. However, it’s worth noting that both Wythenshawe Park and Baguley will be closed from 9pm, so you won’t be able to get back home this way.
Simplest of all, your best bet is downloading the Bee Network app, where you’ll find all the key details in one convenient place. Be warned – get there with plenty of time to avoid queuing and congestion on public transport in and around Greater Manchester.
If all else fails, there are still some car park tickets that you can buy online from the Live From Wythenshawe website.
For more information, you can find all the up-to-date travel stuff HERE or check out (TfGM) Transport for Greater Manchester’s guidance and even use their interactive map.
Who’s playing Live from Wythenshawe Park 2026?
The Cure – Friday 21 August – 4.30pm-11pm – SOLD OUT
Lewis Capaldi – Saturday 22 August – 4pm-11pm – extra tickets released
Pulp – Friday 28 August – 4.30pm-11pm – SOLD OUT
Courteeners – Saturday 29 August – 3pm-11pm – final tickets
The Prodigy – Sunday 30 August – 3pm-11pm
Are there any tickets left for Live from Wythenshawe Park?
I’ll give you the bad news first – both The Cure and Pulp are sold out, though you may still be able to find some on resale websites nearer the time.
However, if you’re a Lewis Capaldi, Courteeners or The Prodigy fan, then you’re still in luck.
Click HERE for a mix of regular and VIP tickets for Lewis Capaldi from £80.85 and HERE for The Prodigy from £73.35.
For Courteeners, there are tickets from £74.55 each left that you can access HERE.
Hurry, these aren’t ones to miss out on.
Live from Wythenshawe Park festival site map
The Cure
The Cure have announced a Manchester gig at Wythenshawe Park
Starting things off is The Cure – we’re set to be graced by a performance from one of the most influential rock bands of all time, and with five decades of experience under their belt, this isn’t a gig to miss.
If you’ve managed to bag tickets your ears are about to be blessed with iconic tracks such as Just Like Heaven, Boys Don’t Cry and Friday I’m in Love – just know I’m seething with jealousy.
Joining them as special guests is Slowdive, the influential rock band central to the UK shoegaze scene, alongside Manchester’s very own The Slow Readers Club supplying some absolute anthems.
Set times for The Cure at Live from Wythenshawe Park:
The Cure – 20:15
Slowdive – 18:35
The Slow Readers Club – 17:25
Doors – 16:30
Lewis Capaldi
After previously having to cancel his performance at Wythenshawe Park in 2023, we are finally getting a chance to hear Lewis Capaldi at the same venue, and our guess is the wait will have been well worth it.
With many fans eager to hear some of Capaldi’s more recent releases from his 2023 album, ‘Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent,’ in addition to some crowd favourites like ‘Someone You Loved’ and ‘Bruises’ – be sure to pack the tissues.
Bringing further emotive lyrics and captivating stage presence in support of Lewis will be the talented writer, actor and UK hip-hop legend Loyle Carner, as well as the beloved Glasgow-raised, indie-folk artist, Charlie Phillips AKA Quiet Man, maintaining the correct Scot-Englishman ratio for the night.
Lewis Capaldi set times (subject to change):
Lewis Capaldi – 21:00
Loyle Carner – 19:30
Quiet Man – 18:30
Doors – 16:00
Pulp
Pulp have announced an epic Live at Wythenshawe Park gig, with support from Self Esteem
Following the release of their first album in 24 years, Pulp are set to headline Live From Wythenshawe Park and as one of the rare opportunities to see them live, this isn’t one to miss.
You can expect a combination of classics like ‘Common People,’ ‘Babies’ and new hits from their album ‘More.’
Pulp will be performing alongside Self Esteem AKA musician and actress Rebecca Lucy Taylor. Self Esteem is known for her brilliant songwriting, as well as being a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and even a theatre composer – what can’t she do?
Courteeners
Courteeners will play Live from Wythenshawe Park this year
Courteeners have also kindly agreed to a huge one-off performance for us and you’ll kick yourself if you miss out on this one.
Not only are you getting Courteeners but they will be joined by a sensational lineup including The Vaccines, The Coral, Get Down Services, and Girl In The Year Below – what more could you ask for?
Just imagine the sun setting on one of the last nights of summer, plastic pint glass in-hand, surrounded by friends having listened to some of your favourite nostalgic indie music and then Courteeners walk out onto the stage to end the night.
Just do yourself a favour and buy a ticket – You’re ‘Not Nineteen Forever.’
The Prodigy
The Prodigy have announced a gig at Wythenshawe Park. Credit: Rahul Singh
Off the back of their fastest ever selling tour earlier this year, The Prodigy are down to headline at Wythenshawe Park too with their Warriors Dance experience, as one extra show for us Mancunians – aren’t they good to us?
Just imagine hearing ‘Firestarter’ in the flesh.
Not only that, but the legendary band is set to make history, uniting four of the most influential musicians of our time for one night only.
Joining The Prodigy will be Carl Cox, Andy C and Mr David “Ram Jam” Rodigan, as well as sets from DJ and producer ¥ØUUK€ ¥UK1MATU and Trap Metal pioneer SCARLXRD.
Everyone ‘Breathe’ – we can’t quite believe it either.
Thomas Melia -
2nd August 2025 
