5 electrifying live shows to catch in Manchester in 2026

Manchester’s live calendar continues to brim with highlights across genres this year.

This week brings news of Shed Seven's exciting winter tour celebrating three decades of anthems and recent chart success, whilst Reverend & The Makers announce dates to showcase their most expansive, soul-tinged material so far.

Before then, multi-BRIT nominee Jessie Ware will delight audiences with her glittering, groove‑driven showmanship, and the summer heats up with a record-breaking performance by Haçienda Classical at Castlefield Bowl, and Glen Hansard headlines with a full band.

Get your tickets below...

Shed Seven - O2 Apollo, Manchester

December 5, 2026

Following a huge run of success that has seen them secure two UK number one albums in 2024, and as they celebrate 30 years of their defining anthem ‘Chasing Rainbows’, Shed Seven are thrilled to announce the return of their iconic winter tour, Shedcember X, spanning multiple dates across the UK this November and December.

Marking this much-loved festive run, the band have unveiled a heartfelt fan-focused film celebrating the tenth Shedcember, written and directed by guitarist Paul Banks, and capturing the essence of Shed Seven’s shows and the appreciation they have for their dedicated fanbase.

Since its inception in 2007, Shedcember has grown into a cult institution for fans, becoming the definitive start to the festive season, with Shedcember X promising to be their biggest and most celebratory outing yet.

Tickets go on sale here at 10am today.

Reverend & The Makers - Manchester Academy, Manchester

November 27, 2026

As the release of their new album ‘Is This How Happiness Feels?’ approaches, Reverend & The Makers have announced a 13-date nationwide UK tour kicking off this November.

Out on May 8, the new 13-track record sees frontman Jon McClure at his most vulnerable and musically ambitious. It’s the Sheffield five-piece’s most musically accomplished album yet, merging vintage, sparkling, life-affirming soul with contemporary lyrical storytelling.

Jon said: “This album has been a labour of love owing to personal reasons, but has emerged as a joyous triumph. It’s easily the best thing we’ve ever done and will surprise a few people too.”

Last year saw the band mark two decades together with their most ambitious headline show yet - a massive homecoming set for 30,000 fans at Sheffield’s Rock N Roll Circus.

Tickets go on sale here at 10am today.

Jessie Ware - Co-op Live, Manchester

December 5, 2026

Jessie Ware has announced The Superbloom Tour - her biggest tour to date and first-ever UK arena run - in support of her forthcoming album of the same name.

‘Superbloom’ marks the next chapter in Jessie’s acclaimed run of releases following ‘What’s Your Pleasure?’ and ‘That! Feels Good!’, both of which cemented her reputation as one of the most exciting voices in modern pop. Expanding her increasingly euphoric sonic world, the album erupts into a glittering rush of Studio 54-inflected groove-pop, exploring themes of pleasure, intimacy, connection and transformation.

Jessie said: “I am so excited to be performing my biggest shows ever. We made it to arenas! I am playing iconic venues around the world and I couldn’t be happier. The Superbloom Tour will be filled with celebration, dancing, theatre, cowboys and goddesses, and of course a LOT of singing. Can’t wait to step into my garden where we all shall bloom!”

Tickets are on sale here now.

Sounds of the City presents Haçienda Classical - Castlefield Bowl, Manchester

July 4, 2026

Haçienda Classical is set to celebrate 10 years of iconic performances at the historic Castlefield Bowl this July, fusing the spirit of the legendary Haçienda with the timeless sounds of classic dance tracks.

Resident DJ Graeme Park carefully curates a selection of iconic anthems from the late 1980s and early 1990s, which are then reimagined with orchestral arrangements by the Manchester Camerata Orchestra.

The result is a not-to-be-missed experience featuring powerful vocals and special guests, which this year include Ultra Naté, Barbera Tucker, Cece Rogers and Julie McKnight, alongside DJ sets from Mike Pickering, Graeme Park, Peter Hook and Tom Wainwright.

Tickets are on sale here.

Glen Hansard - Albert Hall, Manchester

May 22, 2026

Glen Hansard and his full band are set to embark on a 16-date run of shows this Spring, in support of his new album ‘Don’t Settle (Vol. 1 – Transmissions East)’.

Glen’s journey began in Dublin in the early 1980s, when he left school at 13 to busk on the streets. In 1990, he formed the rock band The Frames, which released its debut album in 1991 and quickly became a powerhouse in Ireland, achieving national recognition.

But it was Hansard's acting in the indie film ‘Once’, alongside Markéta Irglová, that catapulted him to international fame. The film earned critical acclaim, with the featured song ‘Falling Slowly’ also winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008.

Tickets are on sale here.