August is absolutely jam packed with gigs, from the al fresco to the intimate, and everything in-between. Fill the void left by the end of the Euros, grab your mates and get yourselves down to one of these shows.
Fans of a dance music will find parties at Progress Centre and the annual Moovin’ Festival, while those partial to a sing-along in a field will be well-catered for by Blossoms and New Order, headlining what should be a memorable weekend in Wythenshawe Park. Let’s hope the weather stays on side.
Do One’s 5th Birthday
Community dance party Do One celebrates its 5th birthday at the iconic Niamos. To celebrate, they have a very special live performance of Sufi music ‘Gnawa’ by Mohamed Errebbaa. Gnawa was developed by Black Africans from the Sub-Sahara and is a deeply hypnotic trance music rooted in Islamic culture of North Africa. Errebbaa is one of the leading artists of this sound in the UK. He’ll be joined by resident DJs Irfan Rainy, with Golden Lounge Sound System providing the sound.
Ziggy Alberts at Albert Hall
Critically acclaimed, Australian singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts brings his REWIND WORLD TOUR to the UK and Ireland this summer, including a date in Manchester. He brings his lively acoustic, indie-folk performance to Co-op Live on Friday 2 August.
Movere – Day to Night 10 Hour Party at Brickhouse Social
Movere return with another rooftop party at Brickhouse Social. Taking place on The Greenhouse terrace, the mammoth ten hour party will be powered by their state-of-the-art Funktion-One sound system with full lighting rig. Movere is the ultimate destination for house music lovers, with a line-up featuring Jermaine Lee, JMAL, Karen Lopez, Raz and Toúcanplay.
Iceboy Violet and Nueen at The White Hotel
The legendary Hyperdub returns to The White Hotel with a headline set from Iceboy Violet, currently at the vanguard of Manchester’s alternative electronic scene, thanks in no small measure to last year’s incendiary Not A Dream But A Controlled Explosion, released on Fixed Abode. Joined by Barcelona’s Nueen, this will be a live set not to be missed. They’re joined on the bill by Aya, BFFT, Rainy Miller and 96 Back.
Cooking with Palms Trax at Progress
Palms Trax cooks us up a delicious day and night summer party in the heart of Manchester, bringing the flavours of vintage house, disco and underground sounds to the Progress Centre. Expect a line-up of mega talent including The Ghosts b2b Peach, Francesco Del Garda and Kessie.
Your Dad Sells Avon V at Deaf Institute
Manchester’s queer events collective Your Dad Sells Avon returns for its fifth instalment this month. Promising another epic rave at The Deaf Institute, expect three floors of music, dancing and queer celebration from the YDSA DJs. This event’s line-up includes appearances from London-based Queer Club night LIL MISS JACKIE and The Request Line.
Phat Kat at Hip Hop Chip Shop
Detroit hip hop pioneer Phat Kat performs an intimate live show in Ancoats this summer. Heading to the Hip Hop Chip Shop on Sunday 4 August, he will be joined by MC Blacksmith, DJ Air Adam and the gang at WORKINONIT. As well as solo releases, Phat Kat has worked with the likes of the legendary Slum Village, Black Milk, Guilty Simpson and Elzhi.
Justin Timberlake at Co-op Live
Justin Timberlake brings his Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Manchester’s Co-op Live. Since starting his career with *NSYNC, Timberlake has been behind some of the biggest tracks of the last three decades, scoring chart topping hits like Cry Me A River, Rock Your Body and more recently Mirrors and Can’t Stop The Feeling.
Soul Central at Band on the Wall
Soul Central take over the Band On The Wall in the Northern Quarter for a night of resident DJs playing the best in nu-soul and all-round soulful grooves. Catch them on Saturday 10 August at the historic venue.
Northenden Fringe Festival 2024
Following its debut last year, Northenden Fringe Festival returns for its second instalment this August, as a series of alternative multi-venue events. Offering a community-focused experience, the Fringe coincides with New Order and Blossoms’ huge gigs at nearby Wythenshawe Park on the Bank Holiday weekend.
In collaboration with GigPig, the festival’s launch event on Thursday 8 August will be headlined by legendary Libertines frontman Pete Doherty at former social club The Cringlewood. Hosted by John Robb, support will come from Jack Jones (Trampoline), Vona Vella and Evan Williams.
Supernature presents DJ Paulette at Freight Island
Good vibes galore at Freight Island as the magnificent beasts that are Supernature Disco present the queen of Manchester herself DJ Paulette for a jam-packed day of alfresco tunes. Joining Paulette will be a line-up of fabulous local crews including Good Custard, MACLO and SEZBENNY representing What She Said.
Noah Kahan at Co-op Live
GRAMMY-nominated artist Noah Kahan will play one the biggest shows of his career to date at in Manchester this month. The Stick Season hitmaker and TikTok star, who hails from Vermont, will play at Co-op Live on Tuesday 13 August.
The National Lottery’s Team GB Homecoming at AO Arena
The National Lottery is hosting an epic homecoming event for Team GB athletes on Saturday 17 August at AO Arena in Manchester. The landmark event will combine the worlds of sports, music and entertainment to welcome the sportspeople back from the Olympic games in Paris. Expect unique collaborations, stunning production and staging to celebrate the Olympians.
Hosted by Emma Willis and Vernon Kay, the line-up features UK artists including Clean Bandit, Jess Glynne, Pete Tong and Rag’n’Bone Man with many more to be announced. The show will act as an opportunity to party alongside the athletes and celebrate their incredible achievements, dedication and passion.
The event also serves to thank National Lottery players whose funding helps support Team GB athletes. Tickets are free (subject to a £2 booking fee per ticket) and you can enter the ballot to win a pair here.
Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip) at Freight Island
Freight Island celebrate summer with festival takeover series at the venue in Manchester, showcasing sounds from the finest music selectors and artists in the city. Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor headlines on Sunday 18 August with a wide-ranging set, joined by Body Heat DJs. As always at the venue, enjoy al fresco dining, drinking and dancing.
Manchester Pride 2024
One of Europe’s leading LGBTQ+ celebrations, the Manchester Pride weekend sees thousands enjoy the party atmosphere along Canal Street and beyond. This year’s festival is set to be no different, boasting an eclectic roster of acts which will see huge international stars sharing the stage with up and coming artists.
This year will be headlined by Brit Award-winner Jessie J and Broadway star Keala Settle on Friday, two-time Eurovision winner Loreen and global superstar Rita Ora on Saturday and British pop royalty Sugababes to close the main stage on Sunday.
Other performers across the weekend include drag artist BIMINI, Manchester’s very own DJ Paulette, Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton, Claire Richards from Steps, Danny Beard & Friends and loads more.
Moovin Festival 2024
Moovin Festival, Stockport’s boutique music event, returns this August Bank Holiday at Whitebottom Farm, Etherow Country Park. Boasting a mix of bass, funk, soul, reggae, house and d&b, the festival has become a favourite fixture in the music calendar since its first event in 2016.
This year’s lineup boasts an impressive array of artists, featuring the likes of Leftfield, Laurent Garnier, Sampa The Great and Souls of Mischief, as well as stars including DJ Paulette, David Rodigan, Greg Wilson and Graeme Park.
New Order at Wythenshawe Park
Manchester icons New Order headline Wythenshawe Park on Saturday 24 August. Following the success of Noel Gallagher’s show last year – the first event of its kind at the park – the Saturday night marks the Blue Monday hitmakers’ first homecoming show since 2021. Support for New Order comes in the form of their good pal and fellow legend Johnny Marr as well as adopted Manc Róisin Murphy, Nadine Shah, Kyris and DJ Tintin.
High Hoops Pride Part 1 at The White Hotel
The queer-run, inclusive club night celebrates Manchester Pride by bringing the first of two consecutive nights of sweaty dance-floor action to The White Hotel. High Hoops are known for putting on some of the most interesting house and techno nights in the city. Expect seven hours of music from resident DJ Fastlove, sebastieN. with a b2b headline stint from Danish artist Courtesy and Berlin-based DJ and producer Byron Yeates.
Blossoms at Wythenshawe Park
Blossoms’ ‘biggest ever show’ will take place at Wythenshawe Park this month. Set to take place on Bank Holiday Sunday, 25 August, the Stockport favourites will be joined by a number of other acts for the all-day outdoor gig – Inhaler, Shed Seven, The K’s, Seb Lowe and TTRRUUCES. The show follows New Order’s homecoming the night before. Grab tickets here.
High Hoops Pride Part 2 at The White Hotel
The queer-run, inclusive club night celebrates Manchester Pride by bringing the second of two consecutive nights of sweaty dance-floor action to The White Hotel. High Hoops are known for putting on some of the most interesting house and techno nights in the city. Expect seven hours of music from Costa Rican DJ Paul Wolsch and Todmorden’s own Kim Lana, headlined by Edinburgh-based producer Prosumer.
Niall Horan at Co-op Live
Directioners assemble. Niall Horan is landing in Manchester on 27 August, as part of his The Show live tour. The performance at Co-op Live is slated to feature a cross-section of songs from his three-album discography, including tracks from the recent UK No.1, ‘The Show.’
Killer Mike at Club Academy
The majestic Killer Mike – activist, rapper, actor, documentarian, multiple Grammy-winner and all-round mensch – will arrive in Manchester on 27 August for a set of solo bangers and doubtless a crop of Run The Jewels tracks too at the Manchester Club Academy.
Bonnie Prince Billy at New Century Hall
One of the definitive American singer-songwriters of the past 30 years, Will Oldham is better known by the stage name Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy (but also aliases including Palace Music, Palace Brothers and simply Palace), a prolific force and pioneer in the world of alternative country music. As much an on-stage raconteur as he is musician, he will be bringing songs – and fine banter – from his vast back catalogue, including 2023 album Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You, to the glorious auspices of New Century Hall.
Mongo’s Dance EP Release Party at SOUP
Join Manchester-based record label Mas O Menos as they celebrate the release of Jos Ma’s new EP Mongo’s Dance. Head down to Soup on 30 August for a stellar line up of DJs including Jos Ma, Levi Love and Joey T all playing live.
Cheshire Fest 2024
Boutique festival Cheshire Fest returns this summer at a brand-new location of Capesthorne Hall in Macclesfield. Taking place on 31 August, the festival will see artists including jazz and funk outfit the Brand New Heavies, the legendary Jocelyn Brown and house heavyweights The Shapeshifters take to the stage over the Bank Holiday weekend. From heritage acts to emerging talent and reality star DJs, the festival’s multiple stages will have something for everyone to enjoy.
Live From The Grill 2024 at Deansgate Square
Live From The Grill returns to Deansgate Square at New Jackson on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September for a weekend of mouthwatering BBQ dishes, alongside live performances from some of Manchester’s best musical talent.
Expect day-long parties from 12pm – 8pm, with Saturday dedicated to the city’s top DJ talent from collectives Habitat, G2 & Friends, Rare Groove and Funkademia, while Sunday shifts to live performances, curated by Gigpig, featuring acts like jazz/soul singer Kemani Anderson with his full band, Yemi Bolatiwa, blues duo Corduroy Moustache, Ruby J and Grace Kelly, as well as a set from DJ Lenny.
Manchester Psych Fest 2024
The UK’s leading Psychedelic multi-venue music and arts festival returns to Manchester for an all-day takeover across venues large and small including Albert Hall, o2 Ritz, Projects Skatepark, The Union at Man Met, Gorilla, YES, The Bread Shed & Deaf Institute. Headlining are Manchester-based collective BC Camplight ad Dutch psych rock outfit Altin Gün. The line-up features the likes of Goat Girl, Mary Lattimore, Temples, John Francis Flynn and more.
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