You’ve finally bought tickets to a Candlelight tribute and now you’re getting the show night jitters. Not to worry – to help you settle your doubts and resolve all your concerns, we’ve compiled a short list of things to know before attending Candlelight, including how to dress, what to expect at the venue and correctly planning your journey.
1. Look up the venues
Candlelight concerts take place at historic and emblematic Manchester venues. So a helpful tip is to learn more about the history and architecture of the venue and make the whole experience more meaningful. This season, Manchester Cathedral and Hallé St Peter’s are welcoming these classical tributes, offering a breathtaking backdrop to such special live music performances.
For instance, did you know that Manchester Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the city? It was formerly known as Collegiate Church, a place of great importance, where tons of abolitionists would meet to protest the transatlantic slave trade.
2. Plan your journey
Certainly, an essential thing to know before attending Candlelight. For every captivating tribute, doors open 30-45 minutes prior to the start of the show and you might not be allowed in if you arrive late. So remember to always check all the public transport options ahead of time and plan your journey accordingly. Luckily, Candlelight venues are usually well-located in Manchester so there’s really no excuse. Best to arrive early, find a good seat and admire the gorgeous venue lit up by thousands of twinkling candles.
3. Wear what you want
Within reason, of course. But most guests come dressed in a smart casual style. Also, not everyone has a dinner or smoking jacket sitting in their closet so there is absolutely no obligation to dress up in your finest attire. If you want to still wear something nice for a special evening of live music, that is fine. And if you want to emphasise comfort over aesthetics, there’s no need to pull out all the stops.
4. What to expect once you get to the venue
At the venue, you’ll be greeted by the helpful staff, who will scan your tickets and guide you to your seats. You’ll notice that the corridors and stage are covered in flickering LED (but super realistic) candles that help to set the tone to what’s to come next. Prepare to be wowed because it’s not just one or two candles, there are thousands of candles dancing to timeless melodies.
5. Be mindful of the unwritten rules
This might seem obvious but it’s an essential thing to know before attending Candlelight and it bears repeating. Unless you’ve reserved a private session, most Candlelight concerts are meant to be shared with other music aficionados so remember to respect the musicians and other audience members. That means, try to refrain from humming or singing along to the songs and keep your phone on silent throughout the performance.
Typically, musicians will notify audiences when they can take pictures or record videos and that usually happens in the last set or song of the concert. After all, it is important to live in the moment and truly enjoy the experience, and that is a bit more difficult to achieve if you’re constantly on your phone in a snapping pics frenzy. Not to mention that it is rude for other viewers and can ruin the experience for them, too.
In short, try to prepare beforehand with this guide we’ve prepared for you to really maximise the good times.
And if you enjoyed the experience, spread the love and give the gift of Candlelight to one of your loved ones. Anytime you need to think of a gift, whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary, Valentine’s Day or Christmas, these enchanting performances by candlelight make for a unique way to show them your love and affection.