With just one week to go until Oasis storm Heaton Park for their long-awaited homecoming gigs, Manchester is gearing up for the ultimate summer takeover.
MCR Live ’25 is ready to electrify the city with a months-long celebration of music, marking what’s set to be the biggest season of live events in Manchester’s history.
The return of Oasis is just the beginning. From now through August, parks, plazas, venues and unexpected corners of the city will come alive with blockbuster gigs, pop-up performances and crowd-drawing festivals – drawing an estimated 1.3 million music lovers to Manchester.
To crank things up even further, MCR Live ’25 will transform the city with music-themed markets, festival bars, pop-up shops and street performances, plus striking guitar-inspired art trails, exhibitions and installations popping up everywhere from shop windows to public squares
MCR Live ’25
Manchester’s love affair with music is about to hit new heights, according to Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council.
With an estimated 1.3 million music fans flocking to the city this summer, and Oasis’ historic Heaton Park homecoming on the horizon, he said the cultural and economic impact will be massive.
Local businesses, from bars and clubs to hotels and shops, are set for a major boost. “Manchester’s music scene is world-famous, and this summer we’re going all out,” he said.
“We want everyone, locals and visitors alike, to get involved in what promises to be a huge celebration of the sound and spirit that define our city.”
Music for the Senses
Next week (Monday 7 July) also sees the opening of Music for the Senses – an art trail like no other by global art producer Wild in Art, with amazing artworks made from old guitars, mosaics, installations and murals, as well as the chance to see a selection of guitars donated by famous faces
Julie Gaskell, Head of Partnerships, Wild in Art, said: “I can’t wait for people to see the trail and get involved. It’s a brilliant chance for people to explore Manchester’s musical heritage whilst discovering some stunning pieces of art right across the city, painted by fantastically talented artists and placed in all kinds of locations from grassroots music venues to shop windows and even a railway station. And all for free!”
What is happening in the city for MCR Live ’25
Music for the Senses art trail
Music for the Senses will take over the streets with a trail of amazing artworks, murals, mosaics and installations celebrating the people, places, moments and instruments of Manchester’s music scene. At the heart of Music for the Senses is Guitar Street, an interactive installation on a to-be-revealed city centre street by Manchester artist Liam Hopkins, known as Lazerian. Liam’s artwork will lovingly repurpose broken guitars, donated by members of the public.
Meanwhile, you can also discover up to 50 donated guitars which have been transformed into one-of-a kind individual artworks by professional artists. You’ll spot them displayed in shop windows and venues across the city, alongside some extra special guitars donated by Manchester musicians and other famous faces. At the end of the trail the guitars will be auctioned to raise money to support grassroots music projects and venues throughout Greater Manchester.
Dates and times: July 7 – August 31
The MCR Live Hub bar – Piccadilly Gardens
Roll with it this summer at the MCR Live Hub – your go-to city centre hangout for all things music. Whether you’re here for the epic Oasis homecoming gigs or exploring the packed calendar of live music across the city, the Hub is where the good times begin and keep on coming. The Hub is more than just a meeting place – it’s a celebration. Grab a drink at the bar from local brewers Cloudwater and RKiD, sample some of the best street food in the North West, catch surprise acts and DJ takeovers on the outdoor stage, or bring the family along during the day for relaxed, music-inspired fun. As the sun sets and the city lights up, let the Hub be your basecamp – a place to connect, discover, and soak up the energy of one of the world’s greatest music destinations.
Dates and times: Opens 4 July – all summer long, 11am to 11pm.
MCR Live ’25 markets – St Peter’s Square
From vinyl to vintage, rum to records, discover the heart of Manchester’s creative spirit at the MCR Live ’25 Pop-up Market in St Peter’s Square. Running alongside Oasis’ legendary homecoming concerts, this buzzing market brings together local makers, artists and indie traders for a celebration of sound, style and city pride. Browse music-inspired prints, handmade jewellery, iconic Manchester merch, global street food, and limited-edition Oasis-themed gifts. Whether you’re a collector, a curious browser or just after something unique, the market is your soundtrack to summer in the world’s greatest music city.
Dates and Times: July 9, 2025 – July 13 / July 16, 2025 – July 20
Northern Quarter Block Party
Head down to this laid-back gathering on Edge Street and Thomas Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, where it’s all about good vibes, local sounds, and a great atmosphere.
Two stages will keep the energy flowing with DJs and live acts throughout the day. Independent bars and cafes will be out in full force – serving up food, drinks, and friendly faces.
Dates and Times:
Fri July 11 from 12 noon – 21:30
Sat July 12 from 12 noon – 21:30
Sat July 19 from 12 noon – 21:30
Sun July 20 from 12 noon – 21:30
Oasis Week at Central Library
To celebrate the homecoming of Oasis, Central Library is offering a week of free festivities.
Featuring legendary Supernova live sets, Liam’n’Noel look-a-like competitions, a Big Oasis Quiz, Supersonic film screenings, and so much more.
Look out for fantastic performances from a raft of Rock’n’Roll Stars including Noasis, Canter Semper, Ukelele Orchestra, Manchester String Quartet, and the New Horizons Choir.
Join esteemed Northern music journalist and frontman of the Membranes / Goldblade John Robb for a talk about his brand-new book ‘Live Forever: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Oasis’ in a Q&A and book-signing event to mark its release.
Plus, head over to the Sound & Vision pods on the ground floor to find a trove of classic Oasis interviews that the Archives+ and Sound Archives team have unearthed from the Piccadilly Radio and Key103 audio archives.
Dates and Times: July 14 – July 19
Capri Beach Club – Exchange Square
Kick back with a Manchester music-themed cocktail, mocktail or a pint of the finest ale at the Capri Beach Club, bringing Mediterranean vibes and Balearic beats to the heart of Manchester City Centre. A favourite for many years, Capri Beach Club is the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy MCR Live ’25 in style. Come along and bask in a summer of music.
Dates and Times: June 5 – August 25
Manchester Day 2025
This year’s Manchester Day on Saturday 26 July will also be hitting all the right notes this summer with a packed programme of music-themed free fun for all the family to help celebrate the city’s homegrown musical talent – with highlights on the day including a music-filled mini parade from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral.
Information on all the MCR Live ’25 events and activities taking place over the summer, along with links to live music venues across the city from the smallest of grassroots venues to big capacity arenas can be found at MCR Live 25’s website here
