{"id":662178,"date":"2025-12-30T09:33:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-30T09:33:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/662178\/"},"modified":"2025-12-30T09:33:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T09:33:20","slug":"45-huge-gigs-concerts-and-music-events-heading-to-greater-manchester-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/662178\/","title":{"rendered":"45 huge gigs, concerts and music events heading to Greater Manchester in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leading the pack are Take That, RAYE, The Brit Awards and… Jane McDonaldThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a>\"TakeTake That are some of the big musicians set to perform across Manchester in 2026(Image: Teesside Live\/Katie Lunn)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s safe to say that the last 12 months have reaffirmed Manchester\u2019s position as a cultural hub of music and events.<\/a><\/p>\n

Not only did Oasis dominate the world with their huge reunion tour after a 17-year hiatus, including a series of epic gigs at Heaton Park<\/a> over the summer, but the city-region also hosted some of the biggest names in music in 2025.<\/p>\n

We had Bruce Springsteen<\/a> play his only UK shows outside of the capital in Manchester, as well as big-scale productions from the likes of Lady Gaga<\/a>, Katy Perry,<\/a> and Billie Eilish<\/a> all selling out in rapid time. In-between all of that, there\u2019s even been comebacks from the likes of Five<\/a>, Scissor Sisters and even a mash-up between Busted and McFly.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"RAYERAYE will play Co-op Live on February 17 and 18(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

So, it\u2019s understandable that many of us may be thinking that it\u2019ll be hard to top all of that. But, with some huge musical events and awards ceremonies heading our way, there will be no slowing down in 2026. There will also be big shows coming our way from the likes of Take That<\/a>, Lily Allen and more.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for some concerts and events to pop into your diary, here are some of the big concerts, events and musical performances set to grace Greater Manchester throughout the next twelve months.<\/p>\n

Biffy Clyro<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fresh from their epic Glastonbury 2025 performance, Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro will be heading to Manchester in January for what is set to be a lively show. They\u2019ll play Co-op Live on January 17. Tickets can be bought via Ticketmaster<\/a> and Seat Unique.<\/a><\/p>\n

Strictly Come Dancing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Keeeeeep dancing! The ever-popular Strictly Come Dancing<\/a> tour will waltz back to Manchester with four shows across two days. Featuring judges Shirley, Craig and Anton, as well as famous faces from the most recent series and beyond, it\u2019s a must-see for fans. Heads to AO Arena on January 31 and February 1. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Jason Derulo<\/strong><\/p>\n

Can you really ever say his name without singing it? (No, you cannot). R&B hitmaker Jason Derulo will bring his The Last Dance World Tour to Manchester\u2019s Co-op Live on February 7. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Deftones<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hailed as one of the most influential alternative metal bands of the last three decades, Deftones will perform a host of fan favourites and modern classics at their Co-op Live show on February 14. Tickets can be bought here.<\/a><\/p>\n

RAYE<\/strong><\/p>\n

With a tour named \u2018This may contain new music\u2019, RAYE\u2019s shows in Manchester could feature a few surprises here and there. Fresh from the success of Where Is My Husband, the BRIT Award-winning singer will play Co-op Live on February 17 and 18. Tickets here.<\/a> VIP and hospitality packages here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Dion Dublin presents…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, football legend Dion Dublin is ready to show off<\/a> his love for funk, soul and Motown as he hosts a night of music from the likes of the eleven-piece Fillet-o-Soul band, made up of musicians from Jools Holland\u2019s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and the Strictly Come Dancing Band. Taking place at Albert Hall on February 19. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"AmericanAmerican rock band Kings of Leon will play Co-op Live on July 4(Image: Jake Darling)Disney In Concert<\/strong><\/p>\n

A special performance will bring Disney classics to life in The Sound of Magic. Celebrating celebrating 100 years of the Disney experience, the Novello Orchestra will perform songs from the likes of Aladdin, Moana, Frozen, The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. Will take place at The Bridgewater Hall on February 20 and again on March 29. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Florence + The Machine<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fellow BRIT winner Florence + The Machine will also play Co-op Live in February<\/a>. Having recently released sixth album Everybody Scream to critical acclaim, the singer and her band will play Manchester on February 20.<\/a><\/p>\n

Peter Capaldi<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, THAT Peter Capaldi. Star of Doctor Who, The Thick of it, Paddington and so much more will be showcasing his musical wares with a show at Manchester Academy 3 on February 26. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

The BRIT Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n

And speaking of BRIT winners, a whole host of musicians could be set to join RAYE and Flo as alumni when the BRIT Awards<\/a> take place in Manchester for the first time ever. Held at Co-op Live on February 28, the award ceremony will be hosted by Jack Whitehall and will feature a special Manchester-inspired trophy<\/a> by designer Matthew Williamson. Tickets can be purchased here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Lily Allen<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a mammoth few months for Lily Allen following the surprise release of her acclaimed album West End Girl. And she\u2019s also set for a busy 2026 with a packed list of dates on the tour<\/a> to coincide with the record.<\/p>\n

She will play Aviva Studios on March 10 and 11, before returning to the city again to play two nights at the AO Arena on July 19 and 20. Tickets via Ticketmaster<\/a> and See Tickets.<\/a><\/p>\n

Kesha<\/strong><\/p>\n

TikTok singer Kesha will be bringing back the glitz and glamour with a rowdy show following her Albert Hall performance in 2025. Her cheekily-named tour will be heading to Aviva Studios on March 13 and 14. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Dave<\/strong><\/p>\n

Acclaimed British musician Dave will embark on his first headline tour since the release of his last album in 2021. Following the 2025 success of The Boy Who Played the Harp, his third album, he will play Co-op Live on March 16 and 17. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"DojaDoja Cat will bring her Me Vie World Tour to Manchester in May(Image: Kevin Mazur\/Getty Images for iHe)Primary School Bangers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Viral TikTok star and former teacher James B Partridge will bring school assembly nostalgia to the Albert Hall on March 16. Expect all the greats. Tickets for Primary School Bangers can be bought here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Wu-Tang Clan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hip hop giants Wu-Tang Clan<\/a> have claimed their latest tour will be their last, and with it being named The Final Chapter, it would appear they\u2019re going all out on that. The band will play a massive show at Manchester\u2019s Co-op Live on March 19.<\/a><\/p>\n

Sigrid<\/strong><\/p>\n

Also on March 19 will be Norwegian pop songstress Sigrid. Fresh from the release of her third album, There’s Always More That I Could Say, she will play Manchester Academy on March 19. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Gorillaz<\/strong><\/p>\n

Offering a unique type of show you won\u2019t really be able to see anywhere else, animated indie band Gorillaz will bring their The Mountain Tour to Co-op Live on March 20 and 21. Tickets can be bought on Ticketmaster<\/a> and Seat Unique.<\/a><\/p>\n

The MOBO Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n

Declared Europe\u2019s biggest and most influential celebration of Black music and culture, the MOBO Awards are also heading to Manchester for the first time in its history. The award ceremony will take place at Co-op Live on March 26. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Basement Jaxx<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dance pioneers Basement Jaxx will bring the good times to Aviva Studios with a big performance following their sell-out show at Manchester\u2019s Sounds of the City in 2025. They\u2019ll play on March 28 with tickets available via See Tickets.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Prodigy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joined by special guest Carl Cox (in a two-hour, three-deck vinyl set), The Prodigy will be bringing a very loud and lively show to Co-op Live on April 16. Tickets can be purchased here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Not only that, but the band will play Wythenshawe Park<\/a> on Bank Holiday Sunday, 30 August, 2026. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Rick Astley<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can\u2019t go wrong with a bit of Never Gonna Give You Up, now can you? The legendary singer will be playing Co-op Live on April 17 and he\u2019ll be joined by special guest Gabrielle. Tickets here.<\/a> VIP and hospitality tickets available via Seat Unique.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"LilyLily Allen will bring her West End Girl tour to Manchester’s Aviva Studios and AO Arena in 2026(Image: FilmMagic)Oasis Supernova<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re still after a bit of an Oasis fix in 2026 then popular tribute band Oasis Supernova will play a Maine Event 30th Anniversary show (paying homage to the Manchester band\u2019s iconic 1996 shows at Maine Road). However, this time round, the celebrations will be held at Manchester Academy 2. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

James<\/strong><\/p>\n

As part of their biggest ever arena tour, James will play a huge culminating show at Co-op Live on April 28. The band will be joined by special guests Doves. Tickets on Ticketmaster<\/a>, with hospitality packages via Seat Unique.<\/a><\/p>\n

Olivia Dean<\/strong><\/p>\n

British singer Olivia Dean proved to be a knockout success in 2025 and demand to see her live has proved to be as equally as popular. She will play Co-op Live on April 25 and 26. Tickets from Ticketmaster<\/a> and Seat Unique.<\/a><\/p>\n

Yungblud<\/strong><\/p>\n

Also playing on April 25 will be Doncaster rocker Yungblud. He will bring his Idols tour to the AO Arena, with tickets available to purchase now from the likes of Ticketmaster<\/a> and AXS<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Blue<\/strong><\/p>\n

On April 26, boyband Blue will celebrate their 25th anniversary with a special show in Manchester. Playing a host of big hits and fan favourites, tickets for the show at the Bridgewater Hall can be bought here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Doja Cat<\/strong><\/p>\n

Having headlined Parklife back in 2024, American singer and rapper Doja Cat returns to the city as part of her Me Vie World Tour.<\/a> She’ll play Co-op Live on May 23. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Pixies<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pixies will celebrate 40 years with an epic world tour – including two dates in Manchester. The late-80s American alternative rock band will play Aviva Studios on May 24 and 25. Tickets via See Tickets.<\/a><\/p>\n

Peter Hook & The Light<\/strong><\/p>\n

Celebrating 50 years in music, Manchester legend Peter Hook will play a special career-spanning set<\/a> with very special guests Buzzcocks. He’ll play Manchester Academy on June 4. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

North West Calling<\/strong><\/p>\n

Celebrating some of the best up-and-coming grassroots and indie bands the North has to offer, North West Calling will return in 2026. The day-long festival will take place at Manchester Academy on June 6 with tickets available now.<\/a><\/p>\n

Sounds of the 60’s Live<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hosted by Tony Blackburn OBE, this special performance will see Radio 2’s Sounds Of The 60\u2019s All Star Band & Singers play some of the biggest hits from the decade. It’ll take place at The Bridgewater Hall on June 9. Tickets can be bought here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"DaveDave will play Co-op Live on March 16 and 17(Image: Getty Images)BAFTA Games in Concert<\/strong><\/p>\n

Always wanted to hear songs from the likes of Cuphead, Baldur\u2019s Gate 3, Fallout 4 and Tomb Raider: Legend performed live in front of you? Well, a 65-piece orchestra backed up with dynamic visuals and gameplay on screen will play Aviva Studios on June 7. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Take That<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gary, Mark and Howard will be bringing back their 2009 The Circus tour with a new and revamped version this summer. Titled The Circus Live \u2013 Summer 2026<\/a>, the tour will kick off in Southampton on May 29. But, excitingly, It will include four shows in Manchester too. Take That will play the Etihad Stadium on June 19, 20, and 21, and again on July 1. Tickets can be bought from Ticketmaster<\/a> and See Tickets.<\/a><\/p>\n

The B-52s and DEVO<\/strong><\/p>\n

New wave icons The B-52s and DEVO will co-headline a special tour which will also mark the first UK shows for The B-52\u2019s in seven years. Expect Love Shack and Whip It to both receive a wild reception. They\u2019ll play AO Arena on June 21. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Kings of Leon<\/strong><\/p>\n

American rock band Kings of Leon will return to Manchester for another high-scale show in the summer. They\u2019ll play Co-op Live on July 4 with support from snuts. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Def Leppard<\/strong><\/p>\n

Praised for being \u2018the UK\u2019s Greatest Arena Rock Band\u2019, Def Leppard will play their first UK and EU headline solo shows in three years with a date set for Co-op Live on July 6. They\u2019ll be joined by special guests Extreme. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Sex Pistols<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fronted by Frank Turner, the Sex Pistols will celebrate 50 years of punk<\/a> with a series of headline shows across the UK. They’ll play Castlefield Bowl on July 12. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"TakeTake That will play four shows at the Etihad Stadium this June and July(Image: Dave Hogan\/ Hogan Media Ltd\/Shutterstock)Manchester Psych Fest<\/strong><\/p>\n

Psych Fest returns in 2026 with a big line-up of more than 70 acts across a number of venues, including the likes of The Beta Band, Working Men\u2019s Club, Freak Slug, Gwenno and Ghostwoman. It\u2019ll take place across the likes of Manchester Academy and Academy 2 on September 5. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Evanescence<\/strong><\/p>\n

Known for mega-hit Bring Me To Life, n\u00fc-metal and post-grunge band Evanescence will play their first major headlining world tour in four years in 2026. Led by Amy Lee, the band will play Co-op Live on September 10<\/a>. They will be supported by Poppy and K. Flay. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Jane McDonald<\/strong><\/p>\n

Offering a very alternative night out on the same evening as Evanescence\u2019s show will be camp legend Jane McDonald. The iconic singer will bring her Living The Dream tour to the AO Arena on September 10. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

World of Hans Zimmer<\/strong><\/p>\n

Multiple Academy Award and Grammy Award winner Hans Zimmer has curated a special live show featuring some of his biggest and most loved film music. Whilst the soundtrack artist won\u2019t appear on stage himself, an acclaimed orchestra will bring his songs to life. At Co-op Live on October 7. Tickets here.<\/a> Hospitality tickets via Seat Unique.<\/a><\/p>\n

Westlife<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Irish boyband will be performing some of their biggest hits when they head to Co-op Live for three shows towards the end of the year. It\u2019s a long wait, but they\u2019ll perform in Manchester on October 23, 24 and 25. Tickets can be bought on Ticketmaster<\/a> and See Tickets.<\/a><\/p>\n

Hits Radio Live<\/strong><\/p>\n

Featuring a varied line-up of some of the biggest pop acts playing on the airwaves right now, Hits Radio Live will return to Manchester in November. It\u2019ll take place at Co-op Live on November 21, with tickets available from Ticketmaster here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Bloc Party and Interpol<\/strong><\/p>\n

00s indie bands Bloc Party and Interpol will team up for a very special co-headlining tour. They\u2019ll play Aviva Studios on November 23 and 24. Tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Darkness<\/strong><\/p>\n

Marking their largest headline tour in 20 years, British rockers The Darkness will bring the vibes to the AO Arena at the end of the year. And due to its timing, it could even be set to include a rendition of Don\u2019t Let The Bells Ring. They\u2019ll play Manchester on December 11, tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Leading the pack are Take That, RAYE, The Brit Awards and… Jane McDonaldThis article contains affiliate links, we…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":662179,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8813],"tags":[139532,21149,40638,748,1936,393,10841,4884,2465,134782,61764,696,711,13899,86290,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-662178","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-manchester","8":"tag-albert-hall","9":"tag-ao-arena","10":"tag-aviva-studios","11":"tag-britain","12":"tag-co-op-live","13":"tag-england","14":"tag-festivals","15":"tag-great-britain","16":"tag-manchester","17":"tag-manchester-academy","18":"tag-manchester-apollo","19":"tag-manchester-music","20":"tag-pop-music","21":"tag-take-that","22":"tag-the-bridgewater-hall","23":"tag-uk","24":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115807833789709933","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=662178"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662178\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/662179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=662178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=662178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=662178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}