Why Manchester is the best UK city for live music

Manchester is a city that lives and breathes music—it’s woven into the very fabric of the city.

From the pounding bass of underground clubs to the electrifying energy of stadium shows, this is a place where music isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of life.

With a staggering number of gigs taking place year after year, Manchester is unrivalled as the UK’s music capital.

But what makes Manchester so special? Maybe it’s our ability to attract the big stars. The city is well placed on the national tour circuit with large stadiums like the AO Arena, Co-Op Live, Factory International and the O2 Apollo as well as venues like the Emirates Old Trafford and the Etihad attracting the biggest names from around the globe. We’ve even got Wythenshawe Park, Heaton Park and Castlefield Bowl for when the weather (occasionally) decides to play ball. And even if it doesn’t we’re going to have a great time anyway.

But although the big events put the city on a world stage, It’s the smaller clubs and venues that give the city the street cred. Although too numerous to mention, grassroots venues like YES, Deaf Institute, Peer Hat, Night and Day, Gorilla, give younger and fledgeling bands a place to cut their teeth on a big stage. There is truly a venue for everyone in Manchester, and long may this continue.

How could we forget, the gorgeous, Albert Hall? Band on the Wall?  We are chock a block with top venues there’s almost too many to mention.

Even MTV took notice having the MTV European Music Awards in the city last year. It’s a special time to be in the city, but it’s always a special place to come and catch a gig.

Manchester – the UK’s number one music city

Ellice Eadie from the AO Arena gave us her opinion of why Manchester is number one when it comes to the UK’s music cities.

She said: “Manchester has always had a natural, deep-rooted musical heritage – it runs through the city’s veins!

“From the amazing independent and grass-roots venues to the large-scale arenas, this city has been lucky enough to create some of the world’s best talent. Just look at the likes of Oasis, Happy Mondays, Blossoms—the talent is phenomenal.

“Ultimately, I think it’s the Mancunian spirit that makes Manchester feel so special. It has passionate audiences across all sorts of genres that create a sense of community. It’s this idea of belonging and connection that makes Manchester a magnet to artists and fans alike.”

Ellice points to the city’s intrinsic cultural diversity and ‘rebellious spirit’ that drives the creativity of its residents.

She added: “The city is renowned for pushing musical boundaries, from the post-punk of Joy Division to the Madchester movement and Britpop icons, it’s the perfect recipe for cultivating culture and art.

“As the AO Arena only knows too well, Manchester’s music scene feels electric. Music is part of the fabric of this city, and you can feel it at every gig. Whether you’re in an underground scene or a stadium show, there’s a shared passion between Manchester fans and their artists that makes Manchester special.

“We might be known for grey and rainy days, but the music scene couldn’t be more vibrant.”

David Fox, Manchester International Festival

The little things still matter too, according to David Fox of the Manchester International Festival, which regularly connects Manchester with artists from all over the world.

“While we’ve got established large scale venues from the Bridgewater Hall to the Apollo it’s the small pop up venues/arts spaces and start-up ventures like Islington Mill and the White Hotel that really give the city its range and depth musically. I think part of it is the combination of a rich cultural landscape across a comparatively small city centre.”

So perhaps the secret lies in its size. But is small beautiful when it comes to the music scene? Small events can become catalysts for big things as the Sex Pistols gig at The Free Trade Hall on 4th June 1976 famously illustrates.

The variety of venues also has to play a part. The city is home to some unique and quirky sounding places. You can enjoy regular live music sessions at the unlikely-sounding Soup Kitchen and The Deaf Institute, not to mention the iconic open mic night at the Whiskey Jar, and a running theme is the big welcome given by such small spaces to emerging artists.

These are just a few examples of venues where amateur acts are given the chance to take to the same stage where the big names have played. Night & Day Café on Oldham Street has welcomed the likes of The Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian and The Manic Street Preachers over the years whilst still maintaining its new band nights.

“The local live music scene is forever thriving in Manchester,” says Gareth Butterworth of Night & Day. “We like to act as a platform for local musicians to perform whether it’s as a part of an unsigned night or supporting a touring artist. Artists across all genres portray so much passion here.”

Karen Gabay on Why Manchester has the musical magic

Top Manchester music journalist Karen Gabay believes Manchester’s love for music is deeply ingrained in the city’s DNA.

“Something in the water! The grey skies of the city. Manchester has always been open to global music, from metal to mento, rave to jazz. Audiences show up for all genres of music; they can be rowdy, they love a sing-song, can be critical, and love to show love and loyalty to musicians.”

She highlights the city’s unique ability to welcome artists back time and time again. “Venues such as Night and Day, Gorilla, Matt and Phreds, and Band on the Wall support emerging talent, but also attract established artists who love to return to the city. Other cities are not always the best at welcoming bands and singers back, but Manchester is different.”

Karen also points out that Manchester has long been a playground for international artists, with legendary visits from Public Enemy, Nas, David Bowie, Destiny’s Child, Jon Bon Jovi, The Crusaders, Usher, and Brandy, all of whom have left a lasting mark on the city’s music scene. “The power of bars and clubs like Dry, Matt and Phreds, and Nia were places where people could meet, hear DJs, and discover music. Youth clubs from back in the day also played a crucial role in shaping future musicians, producers, and dancers.”

“I love attending gigs in Manchester because the audiences bring humour, vibrancy, and an energy that feels truly unique. Audiences are often intergenerational—people go because they adore the artists, not just because it’s a tourist activity.”

This is a city which welcomes a range of genres and opens up audiences to new material through events such as Manchester Jazz Festival and Sounds From the Other City, Parklife, Green Island and Manchester Folk Festival, to name just a few.

Mark Carlin from Sounds From The Other City on why Manchester is the GOAT

Mark Carlin, director of Sounds from the Other City, sees Manchester as a city with an undeniable musical heritage that continues to thrive.

“There is the undeniable heritage from seminal bands of the past—that energy still seems to draw people who are interested in creating and being involved in music to the city.”

He also credits Manchester’s diverse music scene, where world-class orchestras, DIY club nights, and grassroots music exist side by side.

“There’s music across all genres and scenes, and a big youth population that wants to see and experience music.”

When asked why so many iconic bands have emerged from Manchester, Mark said: “It was really sunny on Friday, and I noticed how hard it was for everyone to focus—we all just wanted to enjoy the sun! The rainy city reputation might be a cliché, but I do think it contributes to how much people congregate to create, make, and share. Manchester has also consistently been a city where people migrate to, and that keeps fresh energy and new ideas flowing through it.”

Mark’s festival, Sounds from the Other City, plays a key role in supporting local talent: “Our role is really about opening up space for grassroots culture, championing and showcasing the very best of the city’s musical energies, and combining it with brilliant new acts from across the globe. We bring together creative minds to programme something authentic and distinctive—a snapshot of the creative scene at that time. The quality of music coming out of Manchester is incredibly high.”

You can find out more about Sounds from the Other City by clicking here

Whether it’s in a sweaty basement, a historic music hall, or a massive stadium, Manchester’s music scene continues to prove why it is, and always will be, the UK’s number one music city.