Music

Manchester venue guide: the best local music and comedy clubs

The epitome of cool, Manchester isn’t short of great gig venues.

While acts like Def Leppard, Madonna, Florence + the Machine and Little Mix are gearing up to headline Manchester Arena, the city will also welcome the likes of Frank Turner, Marilyn Manson, Everything Everything and A$AP Rocky to various other (great) venues in the coming months.

Here, we highlight Manchester’s key music and comedy spots, along with some of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

Albert Hall

Where: 22 Peter St, M2 5QR

Why: Now a thriving part of Manchester’s music scene, this historic venue attracts some of the biggest names in pop and indie to the city.

Who: The Cribs, Bloc Party and The Cinematic Orchestra will all headline this side of 2015.

The Ritz

Where: Whitworth St West, M1 5WY

Why: This Grade II listed building makes for one of the most stunning music venues in town. Expect everything from big DJs to the hottest new stars in indie and electro.

Who: The Bluetones, Fightstar, FIDLAR, Reverend and the Makers and Ash are all coming up.

The Deaf Institute

Where: 135 Grosvenor St, M1 7HE

Why: Expect sweaty rock gigs and themed club nights.

Who: Gabrielle Aplin, Pretty Vicious, Gin Wigmore, Surfer Blood and loads more.

The Lowry

Where: Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ

Why: Comedy, art, drama and musicals.

Who: Swan Lake, Nina Conti, Daniel Sloss, Lee Nelson, Stewart Francis are just a taster of the venue’s packed schedule.

Bridgewater Hall

Where: Lower Mosley Street, M2 3WS

Why: A truly eclectic schedule that means you can see one of three resident orchestras one night, then major rock and pop tours the next.

Who: Collabro, Texas, Josh Groban, Squeeze are our top picks.

Soup Kitchen

Where: 31-33 Spear St, M1 1DF

Why: Good food, charming basement gigs and local musicians.

Who: Ben Ottewell, God Damn, Sundara Karma, Rolo Tomassi are some of our recommendations before January.

O2 Apollo Manchester

Where: Stockport Road, M12 6AP

Why: Rock, indie, hip-hop, electro and comedy.

Who: Kid Ink, The Wombats, Dynamo, Bill Bailey, Kevin Bridges and Alan Carr all play within days of each other.

Tell us your favourite venue in Manchester over at @TicketmasterUK.