Concert
Concerts in Manchester
Co-op Live, the AO Arena, the Apollo and the Albert Hall: Manchester gigs and what the crowd made of them.
Manchester has two big arenas, and it is easy to mix them up. Co-op Live, which opened in 2024 on the Etihad Campus in east Manchester, presents itself as the UK’s largest indoor arena; the Etihad Campus Metrolink stop is right next to it. The AO Arena sits on top of Manchester Victoria station, on the northern edge of the city centre, with trains and trams arriving underneath.
For mid-sized tours, the O2 Apollo Manchester in Ardwick is an art deco former cinema, and the Albert Hall, a converted chapel off Peter Street, is known for its atmosphere and acoustics. The Bridgewater Hall is home to the Hallé orchestra, and the Northern Quarter is full of small rooms where new bands play. Every June, the Parklife festival takes over Heaton Park, in the north of the city.
Before you go, read our guides to getting to Co-op Live, getting to the AO Arena and the best seats at the AO Arena. Theatre and comedy are on what’s on in Manchester.
Just back from a Manchester gig? Rate the show and the venue for the next fans.
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Date changed
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Cancelled
Concert
Cancelled
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Concert
Alice Cooper Devil on My Shoulder Book Tour
Alice Cooper
Opera House, Manchester · Manchester
Upcoming
Concert
Mercury Rev - All is Dream 25th Anniversary Tour
Mercury Rev
O2 Ritz Manchester · Manchester
Upcoming
Concert
Latest reviews in Manchester
No reviews here yet. Seen a show in Manchester? Write a review.
Frequently asked questions
What are the biggest concert venues in Manchester?
Co-op Live and the AO Arena are the two large indoor arenas. Below them come the O2 Apollo Manchester, the Albert Hall and the Bridgewater Hall, plus outdoor stadium concerts in summer.
How do I get to Co-op Live?
Take a Metrolink tram to the Etihad Campus stop, next to the arena, from stops such as Piccadilly or Piccadilly Gardens. Walking from the city centre is also possible. Full details in our guide to getting to Co-op Live.
Is the AO Arena the same as Co-op Live?
No. The AO Arena is in the city centre above Manchester Victoria station, while Co-op Live is a separate arena on the Etihad Campus, in east Manchester. Check the venue on your ticket before you set off.
How do I get to the AO Arena?
The AO Arena is directly above Manchester Victoria, served by trains and Metrolink trams, so most people arrive by public transport. See our guide to getting to the AO Arena.