Manchester is known for its rich musical culture and still rivals most cities with its live scene. From iconic returns to the stage to rare performances in incredible venues, it’s all going on with Manchester gigs. We’ve truly got the low-down on the biggest gigs happening in Manchester in January, so allow us to get you all excited about what’s to come in live music this month.
Large/mid-scale gigs in Manchester
1. City Sessions: Franz Ferdinand – Aviva Studios, Saturday 18 January
Franz Ferdinand join forces Aviva Studios to perform an exclusive, up-close set as part of Amazon Music’s City Sessions, presented by Aviva. A transgressive art-school perspective, but with a love of a big song, Franz Ferdinand continues to push boundaries with their latest album, The Human Fear. Expect a mix of new tracks and classic hits including the seminal Take Me Out, delivered with the unmatched vigor of this era-defining band.
🎟️ Register here.
2. Paganfest 2025 – Victoria Warehouse, Saturday 18 January
Paganfest returns after 10 years and is back with a blast. One of the most successful tours of the pagan and folk metal scene, don’t miss this huge line-up featuring Alestorm, Ensiferum, TÝR, Heidevolk and Elvenking.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
3. Candlelight: A Tribute to Céline Dion – Manchester Cathedral, Saturday 18 January
Candlelight Concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before. Experience the gorgeous sounds of Céline Dion under the gentle glow of candlelight, performed beautifully by a wonderful string quartet. Songs will include: Because You Loved Me, Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien, Beauty and the Beast and the iconic My Heart Will Go On.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
4. The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals – AO Arena, Monday 27 January
To celebrate 30 years of National Lottery funding theatre and performing arts across the UK, a spectacular night of musicals will take place on Monday 27 January at the AO Arena, Manchester. Returning for its incredible fourth year, The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will be hosted by Jason Manford and will once again bring together theatre’s biggest West End and touring shows for a night of spectacular celebrations.
This year there will be incredible performances from the likes of Disney’s Hercules, Mean Girls, Bat Out of Hell The Musical, Here & Now – The Steps Musical, Calamity Jane and Dear Evan Hansen, with many more to be announced.
🎟️ Tickets available here.
5. Bullet For My Valentine & Trivium – Co-op Live, Thursday 30 January
Legendary metal icons Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium announced last year that they will be coming to Co-op Live for a special anniversary show of their albums ‘The Poison’ and ‘Ascendacy’, and now it’s just around the corner. The bands will be playing both albums in full, celebrating twenty years of two of hard rock’s most iconic albums.
🎟️ Tickets are still available here.
6. Moovin-In presents Todd Terje, Mr Scruff, Werkha (live) & Andrea Trout – Manchester Cathedral, Friday 31 January
Prepare for an electrifying night as Norwegian producer Todd Terje takes over the stunning Manchester Cathedral. Known for his genre-defining fusion of disco, Todd Terje will transform the historic cathedral into a dazzling dancefloor, inviting you to lose yourself in his infectious beats and cosmic soundscapes.
The night promises an unforgettable journey through Terje’s signature sound – an irresistible blend of smooth grooves, uplifting melodies, and funky rhythms that have earned him a global following. From the beloved Inspector Norse to his other iconic tracks, expect a night where music and architecture come together to create a truly transcendent experience.
Todd Terje’s distinctive take on disco music has earned him widespread acclaim, making him one of the most influential figures in the genre. His performance at Manchester Cathedral will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends his pioneering sound with the awe-inspiring acoustics of this historical venue.
🎟️ Get your tickets here.
7. Kehlani – Victoria Warehouse, Friday 31 January
Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Kehlani is back with their fourth studio album Crash, the follow up to 2022’s Blue Water Road. The Crash tour even has its own Instagram account, giving info on upcoming afterparties and the next cities coming on the tour, alongside a whole load of amazing photography, so it’s a must for Kehlani fans.
🎟️ Get tickets here.
8. Kaluki: Planet X: Ben Sterling, Prospa + more – Albert Hall, Friday 31 January
Kaluki and Planet X are bringing their biggest night of the year to Manchester’s Albert Hall in January. With a stacked line-up featuring Ben Sterling, Beltran, FLETCH, and Prospa, this is not a night to miss! If you’re fancying a good old dance all night long, why not get out to a classic rave and dance night like this?
🎟️ Tickets available here.
Small/intimate gigs in Manchester
9. Joshua Bassett – O2 Ritz, Thursday 16 January
Following his 2022 EP’s Sad Songs In a Hotel Room and Different, Emmy award-winning actor and musician Joshua Bassett shares his debut album The Golden Years, which delves into bittersweet nostalgia of a long-lost love. This show was moved from O2 Apollo Manchester on Tuesday 22 September 2024, but all original tickets will still be valid. If you’ve got tickets already, your ticket agent will be in touch to tell you more.
🎟️ Get tickets here.
10. Deptford Northern Soul Club – YES The Pink Room, Saturday 18 January
Returning to YES’ Pink Room, Deptford Northern Soul Club are bringing the best Northern grooves and disco beats to Manchester once again this month. If you’re a fan of a dance and love a bit of old school – think 70s-90s – this club night is for you, and we can’t recommend it more – whether you want to do the splits or not.
🎟️ Grab a ticket here.
11. The Oldham Tinkers – Band on the Wall, Sunday 19 January
The Oldham Tinkers are a legendary folk band hailing from the heart of Lancashire. Formed in the early 1960s, this remarkable group has become synonymous with the preservation and celebration of the rich folk traditions of the North West. Comprising multi-talented musicians and singers, their distinctive style is deeply rooted in the working-class heritage of their hometown, Oldham. We couldn’t think of anything more Manchester.
🎟️ Tickets available here.
12. Destroy Boys – O2 Ritz, Saturday 25 January
Sacramento punk rock quartet Destroy Boys are back with their fourth album Funeral Soundtrack #4, which features guest spots from American punk bands, Mannequin Pussy and Scowl. If you’re a fan of punk, rock, garage and the renaissance of these genres, you’ll want to check them out.
🎟️ Tickets available here.
13. Secret Affair + Purple Hearts: 45th Anniversary Tour – Band on the Wall, Saturday 25 January
Secret Affair will be celebrating the 45th anniversary of their seminal debut LP ‘Glory Boys‘ with a limited run of UK tour dates. The seminal album featured two hit singles – Time For Action and Let Your Heart Dance, which of course will get their time on stage at this Manchester gig.
Formed by Ian Page and David Cairns from the ashes of Power Pop band New Hearts, Secret Affair built their reputation with sell out shows at the Bridge House in Canning Town, London and with a high profile support slot on The Jam‘s 1979 tour. They’ll be joined by Purple Hearts, an English mod revival band, formed in 1977 in Romford, often considered one of the best English mod revival groups – celebrating the 45th anniversary of their album ‘Beat That!’.
🎟️ Get tickets here.
14. Day Fever – New Century, Saturday 25 January
The UK and Ireland’s biggest daytime party, Day Fever, is back with a bang this January, treating New Century in Manchester to and all day do. If you like the idea of boogying the day away, dressed up to the nines with your mates, then being in bed by 11 and up bright and early the next day, this one’s for you. You can even submit your own song requests ahead of time, which for all of us wannabe DJs is the icing on the cake.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
15. High Fade – Deaf Institute, Sunday 26 January
Edinburgh-based trio High Fade continue their explosive ascent as they deliver their funk-filled new single Burnt Toast & Coffee. Channeling the same dynamic nature as early Red Hot Chili Peppers with a more disco-infused edge throughout, Burnt Toast & Coffee makes for an incredibly fun and upbeat listen. Jam-packed with killer grooves, insatiable hooks, and infectious vocals throughout, this one will have you up and out of your seat in no time, and their live show most definitely follows suit.
🎟️ Get tickets here.