O2 Ritz

Built in 1928 by architects Cruickshank and Seward, our Grade II listed venue was originally a dance hall with a sprung dancefloor and revolving stage and was one of the most popular destinations in Manchester during the 1930s and 1940s.

With the emergence of pop and rock ’n’ roll, O2 Ritz Manchester was transformed into a live music venue, hosting shows from some of the greats including The Beatles and Frank Sinatra.

O2 Ritz Manchester also hosted the Dancing In The Dark night with Phillip Moss throughout the 1950s and 1960s, who was the band master for 17 years and known as ‘The King of The Ritz’.

Cover photo by Wesley Harding