As Spring blooms across the city, Manchester comes alive with a range of exciting events and activities to enjoy throughout April. From cultural exhibitions and wellness activities to food and drink festivals and music concerts there's something for everyone to enjoy! Join us as we explore the top happenings and must-see attractions that make Manchester the place to be this April. Whether you're a local looking for new adventures or a visitor eager to immerse yourself in the city's diverse offerings, get ready to embrace the spirit of Manchester this month…
The Northern Music Awards @ Albert Hall
The FIRST EVER Northern Music Awards show is being held in Manchester this month and will honour the best contributions to the music industry in the North of England, including Artists, Festivals, Venues and Industry Figures from across the North of England. Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest Music Therapy Charity, are hosting the event at the iconic Albert Hall and will be raising money so that Northern communities can have access to its transformative power, reducing social isolation and enhance connection for local people, through music. Celebrate the best bands and artists from the North being recognised for their outstanding contribution to music in the past year and see exclusive live sets from shortlisted acts including Liam Fray, Lisa Stansfield, The K’s, English Teacher and Antony Szmierek.
On Tuesday 23rd April! Tickets & more information.
Peter Kay @ Coop Live
One of the most successful stand-up comedians of all time, Peter Kay, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, is marking a monumental moment in Manchester’s history as he is headlining the first performance at the UK’s largest live entertainment venue, Coop Live! The Gig is part of Peter Kay’s, record breaking, 110 show tour that started in 2022 and is due to finish in 2025. The Executive Director & General Manager of Coop Live, Gary Roden, said: “When you think of Manchester, it’s hard not to think of Peter Kay. He embodies what this city is about, and to have him headlining Co-op Live is tremendously exciting,” The 23,500-seat arena is hosting some more of the largest artists in the world this summer including, Take That, Olivia Rodrigo, Liam Gallagher, Stevie Nicks and more!
On Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th April! Tickets & more information.
The Craft Spirit Show: The Ultimate Gin, Rum & Vodka Festival @ Manchester Cathedral
Attend the multi award-winning festival and Largest Craft Spirit Show in the UK, with over 300 different craft Gin, Rum, Vodka, Tequila & more! Dive into a realm of flavour exploration as you indulge in UNLIMITED TASTING SAMPLES crafted by passionate artisans, that you can engage with and discover the expertise of their creations. There will be fabulous live music and entertainment guaranteed to lift your spirits and enhance the fun!
On Friday 26th & Saturday 27th April! Tickets & more information.
Wizard of Oz @ The Palace Theatre
One of the world’s most loved musicals comes to The Palace Theatre, Direct from The London Palladium, as a sensational new production! Join Dorothy, Toto, and all the iconic characters on an adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz. Starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion, ex JLS member Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, this will be a magical production for all the family to enjoy.
On from Wednesday 24th April – Sunday 5th May! Tickets & more information.
Sunrise Yoga with The Yoga Social Club @ One Silk Street
Enjoy 45 minutes of yoga, followed by a hot drink on the best rooftop terrace in Ancoats, overlooking the city. The sell-out classes are designed to give you all the benefits of yoga, while building a social community. The Yoga Social Club specialise in bringing yoga to the masses and create gorgeous vinyasa flows, so start your day right by soothing the mind & body, then unwinding & connecting with likeminded people post-class over a coffee. You are guaranteed to leave feeling fresh & ready to tackle the day! The sessions are weekly, EVERY THURSDAY and take place at 7:15am in The Works, at One SILK STREET or the rooftop terrace in the summer - catching that beautiful sunrise!
Every Thursday in April & beyond! Ticket & more information.
Sofar Sounds @ Flint Glass Works
The intimate music concert, Sofar Sounds, is coming to our Flint Glass Wharf development. Discover three diverse acts from across the city, each with a unique music style, and share the joy of getting lost in the music. Sofar Sounds is a global music community that connects artists and audiences through live music, bringing people together to create space where music matters in 400 cities around the world. Before the rest of the world heard of the likes of Leon Bridges, Khruangbin, Billie Eilish and Hozier, they were featured at Sofar Sounds events, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy upcoming artists in an intimate venue!
On Friday 5th April with more dates to be announced! Tickets & more information.
Greater Mancunians photography exhibition @ Manchester College
Experience the remarkable 'Greater Mancunians' project presented by photography students from The Manchester College at a landmark exhibition in the iconic Main Exhibition Hall of Manchester Central Library. This innovative photography venture captures the essence of Manchester's most illustrious figures, including icons like Noel Gallagher, Maxine Peake, and John Cooper Clarke, against the backdrop of various city locales. Don't miss this unique occasion to celebrate the remarkable individuals who have shaped Manchester's rich tapestry and their outstanding contributions to the city's legacy.
From Friday April 19th to Sunday 30 June! Tickets & more information.
PeopleFest: PUBLIC ANTHROPOLOGY FESTIVAL @ Manchester Uni
The Association of Social Anthropologists of the UK (ASA) is holding its first anthropology festival in Manchester, PeopleFest: Public Anthropology Festival 2024, which will celebrate anthropology and is aimed to encourage more people to be curious about work in this field, and to appreciate what Social Anthropology can bring to the world. There is something for everyone at PeopleFest as it offers an exciting programme of exhibitions, performances, films, book talks, walking tours and more, all based on groundbreaking research in society and culture around the world. Explore what it means to be human, uncover hidden stories, and join in the conversation!
From Friday 5th to Sunday 7th April! Tickets & more information.
Women in Music Event – Outer City @ Off the Square
Get ready to groove to the rhythm of empowerment at the upcoming Women in Music Showcase, set to grace Off the Square this April! Created by Lizzie, Daisy, and Ryan, a trio who crossed paths while studying Music Management at Salford University, this event is a testament to their passion for championing female-identifying artists in the vibrant Manchester music scene. The lineup features local talents such as @tonimusician, @gracekellymusic, and @effinicki, who are sure to inspire and entertain! This is a chance to support rising stars, women in music and a local start up events company while enjoying an evening of live music in Northern Quarter.
Thursday 11th April! Tickets & more information.
Manchester Literature Festival @ Central Library, St Peter’s Square
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of words at the Manchester Literature Festival, a highlight of April's cultural calendar. The festival brings together literary enthusiasts, acclaimed authors, and emerging talents for a celebration of the written word in all its forms. From engaging author talks and thought-provoking panel discussions to immersive poetry readings and interactive workshops, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or simply looking to explore new literary horizons, the Manchester Literature Festival offers a diverse lineup of events that promise to inspire, entertain, and ignite your imagination. Take the opportunity to connect with fellow bibliophiles and celebrate the power of words and the joy of writing in the heart of Manchester.
Wednesday 10th April – Friday 10th May! Tickets & more information.
Maker Market Ancoats @ Cutting Room Square
The Ancoats Makers Market returns this month, and will of course, be featuring an impressive lineup of our beloved local independent traders. Indulge in delicious artisanal food and drink, explore unique homewares and soft furnishings, discover funky accessories, prints, ceramics, and so much more. Held monthly at Cutting Room Square and popping up at various Manchester locations on different dates, there's no better opportunity to explore and support our thriving local community. A guaranteed delightful, wholesome Sunday outing and the chance to treat yourself and show your support for our talented artisans and makers!
Sunday 7th April! More information.
Northern Group wish you a fantastic April filled with memorable experiences in Manchester, and with the arrival of spring, we're hopeful that the weather improving will create the perfect conditions to explore all that our vibrant city has to offer. Thank you for reading, and we hope you discovered events that pique your interest and bring you enjoyment this month!