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 April, so allow us to get you all excited about what’s to come in live music this month.
1. Olly Alexander – Aviva Studios, Friday 4th April
Join the critically acclaimed singer and actor Olly Alexander for one night only at Aviva Studios. Olly Alexander rose to fame as the frontman of Years & Years – the wildly successful, chart-topping pop band who formed in 2010. In 2021, he received a string of nominations for his stunning performance as Ritchie Tozer in the Channel 4 drama series It’s a Sin.
Coming to Manchester’s impressive Aviva Studios this month, the intimate tour will feature songs from his new album ‘Polari‘, including newly released single Cupid’s Bow. ‘Polari’, inspired by Olly’s first album, is a pop album for the ages, looking back on history as a means to learn more about yourself. This will be an epic yet intimate gig, with support from the wonderful Jacob Alon.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ.
2. Lordi – Manchester Academy 2, Saturday 5th April
Instagram post via @tarakum_photography
Iconic Finnish rock band Lordi are back and scarier than ever with a show at Manchester’s Academy 2. With now-iconic costumes, intense tunes and a fanbase like no other, it’s always a party when Lordi come to town, and with this one happening at Academy 2, the vibes are set to be buzzing. With the likes of Hard Rock Hallelujah and Devil is A Loser, Lordi always put on a good time.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 Academy 2, Manchester University Students Union, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PR.
3. Badly Drawn Boy – Aviva Studios, Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Badly Drawn Boy stops off at Aviva Studios on a new UK tour – celebrating 25 years of the Mercury Prize-winning debut album ‘The Hour of Bewilderbeast’. Badly Drawn Boy – aka Damon Gough – will perform the entire album with a full band. Expect much-loved singles Once Around The Block, Another Pearl and Disillusion as well as classics and old favourites from his extensive back catalogue.
Released in 2000 to widespread critical acclaim, ‘The Hour of Bewilderbeast‘ combines folk, rock and electronica with distinctive lyricism. The shows are set to be a feat of artistry and will be made all the more incredible by the surroundings of Aviva Studios.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ.
4. The Lathums – O2 Apollo, Thursday 10th & Friday 11th April
Wigan‘s own The Lathums are taking it up a notch, with two nights at Manchester’s beautiful Apollo this month. The band returns with their third album ‘Matter Does Not Define‘, the follow up to 2022’s chart-topping album ‘From Nothing To A Little Bit More’. These Manchester shows are set to be bigger than ever, and it’s a great opportunity for fans to see them in such a beautiful venue.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 O2 Apollo, Stockport Rd, Manchester M12 6AP.
5. Sugababes – Co-op Live, Friday 11th April
Making an absolutely huge comeback, everyone’s favourite 00’s girl group Sugababes are back in Manchester with some of their biggest hits. With six-number-one singles and millions of global sales, the iconic trio – Siobhan Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan are back and bigger than ever, continuing their triumphant comeback with their UK 2025 tour, the biggest of their career.
Since reuniting in 2019, the original lineup have solidified their place in British pop history as one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of the 2000s and have been warmly welcomed back. Expect bangers including Push the Button, About You Now and Overload, plus plenty of other surprises.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 Co-op Live, Etihad Campus, 1 Sportcity Way, Manchester M11 3DL.
6. Candlelight: The Best of Britpop ft Oasis, Blur & More– Manchester Cathedral, Friday 11th April
Ever wondered what your favourite Britpop tunes would sound like on the strings? Well, now you don’t have to wonder, because Manchester Cathedral is hosting a string quartet concert consisting of the songs of Blur, Oasis, The Verve, Supergrass, Ash and so many more – all under the gorgeous glow of candlelight. Surrounded by hundreds of candles, you’ll see Manchester Cathedral in a whole new beautiful light, and hear these absolute bangers like never before.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 Manchester Cathedral, Victoria St, Manchester M3 1SX.
7. Primal Scream – Aviva Studios, Friday 11th April
Primal Scream are bringing their iconic sound to the Warehouse. Known for blending guitars, psychedelia and dance, the band started out in 1982 in Glasgow before carving out a career that’s seen them produce anthems like Loaded, Movin’ on Up and Country Girl. This is set to be an iconic show and if you’re lucky enough to get a ticket, you’ll be in for an absolute treat.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 Aviva Studios, Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ.
8. Ocean Colour Scene – O2 Apollo, Saturday 12th April
Ocean Colour Scene‘s rip-roaring live shows have long been one of the most extraordinary sights in modern rock, which boast the most life affirming sing-a-longs you’ll ever hear. They lit up the Britpop party, chalking up three top five albums – ‘Moseley Shoals’, ‘Marchin’ Already’ and 1999’s ‘One From The Modern’ with a run of Top 20 singles including the immortal The Riverboat Song. This is an incredible opportunity to see this iconic band live, don’t miss out!
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 O2 Apollo, Stockport Rd, Manchester M12 6AP.
9. Northside – Gorilla, Saturday 12th April
Formed in Manchester in 1989, and signed to the iconic Factory Records by the late, great, Tony Wilson after seeing them live at a sold out show in The Boardwalk later that year, Northside return home with an intimate show at Gorilla. This month, all three original members Dermo, Cliff and Wol will be heading out again (with a new guitarist) on the ‘Let’s Take Another Trip‘ tour – music to the ears of fans.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth St, Manchester M1 5WW.
10. Father John Misty – O2 Apollo, Sunday 13th April
Father John Misty, also known as Josh Tillman, returns with his sixth album ‘Mahashmashana’, the follow up to universally acclaimed ‘Chloe and The Next 20th Century’. He’ll bring his dreamy, indie sound to the Manchester stage this April, so get ready for good vibes and great tunes.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍O2 Apollo, Stockport Rd, Manchester M12 6AP.
11. Songs of Resistance – YES Pink Room, Tuesday 15th April
A not-for-profit concert raising money for Doctors Without Borders, with live performances celebrating protest music throughout history from the likes of: Yemi Bolatiwa, Sam Buttery, Samrai, Meme Gold, Rootz, Roukaya B, Meduulla, Yeguachita with poetry from Shirley May, Nasima Bee & Nikki Mailer and more.
Hosted by Jenna G with DJs Lil Minx & Zeyla and music accompaniment from members of The Untold Orchestra. All proceeds raised at this event will go to support MSF’s work in Sudan, Palestine and the Congo.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 YES, 38 Charles St, Manchester M1 7DB.
12. FINNEAS – O2 Apollo, Friday 18th April
GRAMMY award winning artist, songwriter and producer FINNEAS heads out on tour to celebrate his latest record ‘Cryin’ Out Loud!‘, a collection of timeless and emotive hits, with his unique cutting-edge sound and rich, warm melodies. Also known for his work on sister Billie Eilish‘s music, FINNEAS really is one to see in the flesh if you can, and now your chance! All tickets include a £1 net donation to the global music sustainability non-profit, Reverb.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍O2 Apollo, Stockport Rd, Manchester M12 6AP.
13. Central Cee – Co-op Live, Saturday 19th April
Coming off the heels of the release of long-awaited debut album, ‘Can’t Rush Greatness‘, UK’s global rap sensation Central Cee is off on his first world tour of the same name – with a special stop here in Manchester. This is set to be an extremely popular show, and fans can expect to hear hits including BAND4BAND from the album, plus plenty of extra special surprises along the way.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 Co-op Live, Etihad Campus, 1 Sportcity Way, Manchester M11 3DL.
14. Sean Paul – AO Arena, Sunday 20th April
International superstar Sean Paul is set to return to the UK this month for his biggest UK Tour to date. Sean Paul smashed it with 2023’s ‘Scorcha Tour’ of the UK, plus a special pit stop to his ancestral home in Coventry in 2024, and his recent 8th studio album ‘Scorcha’ saw the star bring his unique, genre-spanning music and live spectacle to his enormous UK fanbase.
Alongside newer ‘Scorcha’ hits, fans can expect iconic tunes including Get Busy and Gimme the Light plus more recent collaborations with the likes of Clean Bandit and Dua Lipa with Rockabye and No Lie – it’s just tune after tune!
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 AO Arena, Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M3 1AR.
15. Burna Boy – Co-op Live, Monday 21st April
Global Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy is set to light up Co-op Live on Easter Monday (April 21) as part of his highly anticipated 2025 tour. Fans can expect an electrifying night filled with chart-topping hits, captivating performances, and the infectious energy that has made Burna Boy one of the biggest names in contemporary music. Not only is Burna Boy known for incredible collaborations with the likes of Jorja Smith, but his solo work is immense and loved by so many – so expect good vibes and a packed out Co-op Live.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 Co-op Live, Etihad Campus, 1 Sportcity Way, Manchester M11 3DL.
16. One Night in Nashville – Albert Hall Manchester, Saturday 26th April
One Night in Nashville is the UK’s number one and only true Downton Nashville Honky Tonk Experience, and it’s coming to the Albert Hall on 26th April. Inspired by today’s Nashville music scene, the show features the biggest modern country hits from Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves and more, alongside an iconic tribute to their idols, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Glen Campbell – all performed by incredible musicians.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 Albert Hall, 27 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR.
17. Tim Burgess: Live and In Conversation – AO Arena, Sunday 27th April
Tim Burgess is undoubtedly synonymous with the Manchester music scene, being the lead singer of The Charlatans and campaigning to keep live music in business around the city, and now’s the chance to get up close and personal. Hosted at the exclusive The Mezz within the AO Arena on 27th April, the evening will feature Burgess performing stripped-back versions of his most beloved songs, paired with an insightful in-conversation session hosted by BBC 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins.
This intimate setting offers a unique opportunity for fans to connect with The Charlatans frontman, as he reflects on his storied career, musical inspirations, and personal anecdotes. With a cosy atmosphere and a seated format, this event promises a night of candid stories, unforgettable music, and a truly special experience for attendees.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍 AO Arena, Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M3 1AR.
18. Anastacia – O2 Apollo, Wednesday 30th April
International pop icon Anastacia heads out on her European tour ‘Not That Kind‘, marking 25 years since the singer’s debut album of the same name, featuring smash hit I’m Outta Love. Encompassing so much of what we loved about the 00’s, Anastacia really one of the top pop princesses of our time, and everyone who grew up with her music should head down to her Manchester show this April for all the nostalgia.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
📍O2 Apollo, Stockport Rd, Manchester M12 6AP.