Music and nightlife

Manchester boasts one of the liveliest music and nightlife scenes in the UK, with live music and club nights taking place across the city every day.

Live music

Manchester produces and attracts some of the world’s biggest bands and DJs, as well as plenty of up-and-coming talent.

Catch big names on international tours at: 

Discover the best new and independent acts at:

Classical performances

Manchester is home to the world-famous Hallé and BBC Philharmonic orchestras, which both perform at the purpose-built concert venue Bridgewater Hall.

Leading chamber orchestra Manchester Camerata also performs there, as well as at the Royal Northern College of Music, which stages a diverse programme of music.

You can also catch regular performances at the University’s Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama, with international names, resident ensembles and Manchester students bringing classical and experimental music to our campus.

Social scene

Manchester's thriving nightlife covers a dazzling variety of clubs, bars and other nighttime venues.

The Warehouse Project brings the world’s biggest dance acts to Manchester. Recent headlining shows include Thom Yorke, Chic, Disclosure, Rudimental and The Prodigy.

The Printworks is home to some of busiest and most popular venues, such as Tiger Tiger, Hard Rock Cafe and Bierkeller.

Canal Street, known locally as the 'Gay Village', is a vibrant LGBT-friendly area, where all are welcome to enjoy its many restaurants, bars and clubs. 

Deansgate and the Locks offer glitz and glamour, while the Northern Quarter favours artistic independents.

Favourites within the radius of our campus include:

  • The Deaf Institute – everything from grime to indie, motown to nu-disco, and reggae to electro.
  • Joshua Brooks – old-school R&B and hip-hop, underground house and techno, and even a cult film night.
  • Sandbar -  laid back, friendly venue that hosts wide range of events from cabaret to life drawing, DJs to art installations.