The stage is set for a massive music-filled take-over of Manchester city centre this summer as MCR Live ’25 celebrates the mammoth summer of live music coming to the city. An incredible 1.3 million music tourists are expected to visit Manchester this summer during an unmissable three months of live music – which gets underway this weekend – from some of the biggest artists on the planet.
To help celebrate what promises to be a sensational summer of sound MCR Live ’25 will see music-themed markets, pop-up shops, a festival bar and impromptu performances, as well as fabulous guitar-themed artworks and exhibitions take over the city’s streets, squares, shop windows and other venues.
What to expect at MCR Live ’25
Music for the Senses art trail
July 7 – August 31
Music for the Senses will take over the streets with a trail of amazing artworks, murals, mosaics and installations celebrating the people, places, moments and instruments of Manchester’s music scene.
There’ll also be an interactive installation on a to-be-revealed city centre street, and visitors can discover up to 50 donated guitars which have been transformed into one-of-a kind individual artworks by professional artists. You’ll spot them displayed in shop windows and venues across the city, alongside some extra special guitars donated by Manchester musicians and other famous faces.
The MCR Live Hub bar – Piccadilly Gardens
Opens 3 July – all summer long, 11am to 11pm
Roll with it this summer at the MCR Live Hub – your go-to city centre hangout for all things music. Whether you’re here for the epic Oasis homecoming gigs or exploring the packed calendar of live music across the city, the Hub is where the good times begin and keep on coming.
The Hub is more than just a meeting place – it’s a celebration. Grab a drink at the bar, sample some of the best street food in the North West, catch surprise acts and DJ takeovers on the outdoor stage, or bring the family along during the day for relaxed, music-inspired fun. As the sun sets and the city lights up, let the Hub be your basecamp – a place to connect, discover, and soak up the energy of one of the world’s greatest music destinations.
📍 Piccadilly Gardens Manchester, M1 1AF.
MCR Live ’25 markets – St Peter’s Square
July 9, 2025 – July 13/July 16, 2025 – July 20
From vinyl to vintage, rum and so much more, discover the heart of Manchester’s creative spirit at the MCR Live ’25 Pop-up Market in St Peter’s Square.
Running alongside Oasis’ legendary homecoming concerts, this buzzing market brings together local makers, artists and indie traders for a celebration of sound, style and city pride. Browse music-inspired prints, handmade jewellery, iconic Manchester merch, global street food, and limited-edition Oasis-themed gifts. Whether you’re a collector, a curious browser or just after something unique, the market is your soundtrack to summer in the world’s greatest music city.
📍 St Peter’s Square Manchester, M1 5AN.
Northern Quarter Block Party
Sat June 28, Fri July 11, Sat July 12, Sat July 19, Sun July 20, 12pm – 9:30pm
Head down to this laid-back gathering on Edge Street and Thomas Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, where it’s all about good vibes, local sounds, and a great atmosphere. Two stages will keep the energy flowing with DJs and live acts throughout the day. Independent bars and cafes will be out in full force – serving up food, drinks, and friendly faces.
📍 Edge Street and Thomas Street, Northern Quarter Manchester, M4 1LQ.
Oasis Week at Central Library
July 14 – July 19
To celebrate the homecoming of Oasis, Central Library is offering a week of free festivities. Featuring legendary Supernova live sets, Liam’n’Noel look-a-like competitions, a Big Oasis Quiz, Supersonic film screenings, and so much more. Look out for fantastic performances from a raft of Rock’n’Roll Stars including Noasis, Canter Semper, Ukelele Orchestra, Manchester String Quartet, and the New Horizons Choir.
Join esteemed Northern music journalist and frontman of the Membranes/Goldblade John Robb for a talk about his brand new book ‘Live Forever: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Oasis’ in a Q&A and book signing event to mark its release. Plus, head over to the Sound & Vision pods on the ground floor to find a trove of classic Oasis interviews that the Archives+ and Sound Archives team have unearthed from the Piccadilly Radio and Key103 audio archives.
📍 Central Library, St. Peters Square Manchester, M2 5PD.
