Elbow and Co-op Live give back to Northern Quarter’s iconic grassroots venues

Manchester’s Northern Quarter has always thrived as a beating heart of creativity and sound.

From the hum of amps in dimly lit bars to the euphoric roar of a packed crowd, the city’s grassroots venues are a vital part of its musical identity.

Now, a year after Elbow made history by opening the doors of Co-op Live Arena with an unforgettable performance, they’re giving back to the city that shaped them.

Elbow X Co-op Live

In collaboration with Co-op Live, Elbow is helping to inject fresh energy into the Northern Quarter’s iconic venues. A generous donation of premium sound equipment and financial support will benefit six legendary spots: Night & Day Café, Matt and Phreds, Aatma, SOUP, Peer Hat, and The Castle Hotel.

From new PA systems to cutting-edge backline technology, the contributions will be tailored to meet the specific needs of each venue, ensuring Manchester’s live music culture continues to thrive.

Speaking of the initiative, elbow frontperson Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded. When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter, and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”

Jennifer Smithson, owner of Night & Day Café, emphasised the importance of this ecosystem: “Live music is a careful ecosystem, and everyone has an important role to play.

“It’s wonderful to see Co-op Live recognise the local and national impact of venues such as ours, and we are thankful to Elbow for working with the arena to help strengthen what we are offering to artists and fans. Manchester has always been famous for our sound, and we are delighted to come together to extend our legacy in 2025 and beyond.”

Co-op Live’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, Guy Dunstan, echoed the sentiment: “Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”

The initiative is part of Co-op Live’s broader commitment to giving back. In addition to the support for grassroots venues, the arena has pledged to donate at least £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation, its official charity partner. Recent contributions also include support for artist-led initiatives, such as Liam Gallagher’s Happy Doggo and Eric Clapton’s Crossroads addiction recovery centre.