Whether you want your gigs intimate or arena-sized, techno or classical, in a nightclub or an airport - it's all here this month...
From R&B to disco, the best in indie and also classical, plus some great dance music nights, it’s all going on this month. The likes of Daniel Caesar, A$AP Rocky and The Neighbourhood are at Co-op Live, plus André Rieu brings his orchestra for a night of classical music.
Elsewhere, Jorja Smith and Ezra Collective play some more intimate shows, and WHP hosts KI/KI, Rampa and &ME and Solomun. There’s even a one-off performance by Manchester Camerata of Brain Eno’s seminal album Music for Airports performed – where else? – at Manchester Airport. It simply is all going on in September…
The Neighbourhood
September 1st means autumn is truly on its way and with it, cosy melancholy alt-rock band The Neighbourhood play Manchester’s Co-op Live arena. Despite forming in California, their music is often thought of as the perfect pairing to crisp autumn evenings, most notably their 2013 hit Sweater Weather. Following the release of the new album (((((ultraSOUND)))))+, they’ve embarked on a world tour that lands in Manchester just in time for cosy season. This is the perfect reason to stick your Doc Martins on and romanticise the gloomy turn of the weather.
Jorja Smith
Silky smooth songstress of R&B, funk and afro-beats Jorja Smith is performing at Manchester’s New Century to celebrate her new album release. Her debut, Lost & Found, earned her a Critic’s Choice Award and Best Female Artist at the 2018 and 2019 Brits respectively, and now she’s back for her third. With three special performances across the country, including one in Manchester, this is not a show to be slept on.
Daniel Caesar
One of the most captivating voices of contemporary R&B, Daniel Caesar is known for his soulful lyrics and stunning vocals, he plays Manchester’s Co-op Live as part of a world tour. With chart-topping hits like Best Part and Who Knows, Caesar made a name for himself with gospel infused melodies, his new album features the likes of Bon Iver, Sampha, Yebba and Blood Orange. Strap in for an evening of moving soul and an exploration of life, legacy and reconciliation.
OK Williams
For those living under a rock, South London DJ and NTS Radio host OK Williams blends techno, funky house and jungle, and is known for her seamless mixing and high energy vibes. She’s taking over regular haunt White Hotel with support from none other than the incomparable SHERELLE, the champion of high speed dance music who has led a new generation of club kids to tempos of 160bpm and well beyond.
A$AP Rocky
Harlem-born rapper A$AP Rocky has dominated the music industry since his emergence in 2011. A huge name in his own right, he’s collaborated with the likes of Lana-Del Ray, The Weeknd and Pharrell Williams to make some of the biggest pop songs of recent years. His world tour, Don’t Be Dumb, lands at Co Op Live this September and is sure to be an unforgettable evening.
KATSEYE
The pop supergroup for the modern ages, KATSEYE take on Manchester’s Co-op Live for a night that is sure to be unforgettable. The girl group are known for their hit singles including Pinky Up, Gabriela and Gnarly, as well as the viral dance routines that go with them. These girls are pure performers and one thing’s for sure, they will put on a show.
André Rieu
World-renowned violinist and conductor André Rieu is joined by his Johann Strauss Orchestra to play a sumptuous night of classical music at Co-op Live. Modernising the genre with his own brand of frivolity and humour, he is a showman in the most elemental sense. This performance should be treat for fans and newcomers to classical music alike.
1-800 Girls
Following a sold-out YES debut earlier this year, 1-800 Girls will be taking over the Pink Room again for another unpredictable journey through UK dance music. Blurring the lines between deep nostalgia, euphoric electronics, and raw club energy, 1-800 Girls has garnered a reputation for his ability to seamlessly mix genres and weave in and out of influences. Expect a boundary-pushing, eclectic set and a crammed dancefloor.
Don’t F*ck With Disco
The nation-wide disco event that everyone’s talking about comes to Manchester for an open-air special. Embodying the hedonistic euphoria of disco, expect eight hours of disco grooves and dance tracks. Grab a ticket, and make sure you’ve got some headgear ready to go because you’ll be refused entry without a hat; the fun and funkier the better.
Hilary Duff
After rising to fame as one of the OG Disney child stars, Hilary Duff helped to forge the now well-trodden path to becoming a world-renowned pop star. Her debut album Metamorphosis went 4X platinum when it came out in 2003, now she’s entering a new chapter, having released her first single since 2015, Mature. One of only four UK shows, make sure to catch it.
Ezra Collective
Modern jazz ensemble Ezra Collective are making the genre cool again. With a number of hits over the last few years including Victory Dance and No One’s Watching Me, their joyful vibrant jazz and soulful grooves have earned them a solid reputation as well as the 2023 Mercury Prize. To celebrate their new album they’ll be taking to the stage of Gorilla for a special DJ set. Tickets come in bundles with their new album on CD or Vinyl, or just come for the night.
Altered Images
Altered Images are heading out on a special UK tour that sees Clare Grogan perform their breakthrough 1981 album Happy Birthday in full, alongside a run of early 80s chart hits like Don’t Talk to Me About Love and I Could Be Happy. It’s a rare chance to relive the band’s bright, post-punk-pop at its source, led by the unmistakable voice that helped define a generation.
KI/KI
Hailing back to Manchester’s prime rave scene, WHP brings Dutch DJ KI/KI to the city for a headline set. One of the most exciting voices in electronic music, expect deep electronic trance, techno and acid merged with modern injections of energy. Whether you were a raver back in the day or a more recent techno lover, this set won’t disappoint.
Rampa and &ME
Keinemusik’s Rampa and &ME return to Manchester for the opening weekend of WHP’s celebration of 20 years. Known for fusing deep house and techno, they started the summer opening at Ibiza’s Pacha but if you’re after the holiday rave vibes a bit closer to home, their WHP set is bound to be transportive. Euphoric housey mixes from some of the best in the business? Sign us up.
Death Cab for Cutie
Icons of emo-indie, Death Cab for Cutie play the first night of their new UK tour at Manchester’s 02 Victoria Warehouse. The band who rose to meteoric success in the early 2000s, are touring their 11th studio album, marking a return to their independent roots after moving from a major record label back to an indie. Full respect.
Deptford Northern Soul Club
Deptford Northern Soul Club returns to YES for another night of up-tempo ’60s soul. This renowned Northern Soul night has cultivated community and culture, bringing the music forward for it to live on in the future. Still very much capturing the spirit of the original movement, you can expect athletic dancing and vinyl DJing, welcoming to newcomers and Soulies alike.
Sunday Club at White Hotel
White Hotel hosts their final Sunday Club of the season with a mega lineup including Shy One headlining and Zimbabwean-Mancunian mainstay Chunky as support. They’re joined by the holy trinity of residents, Finn, ESqueezy and BFTT. This is the last Sunday Club of the season and with the venue set to close their doors in January who knows when you’ll get the chance to go hard on a Sunday again.
Manchester Camerata play Brian Eno’s Music for Airports at Manchester Airport
Brian Eno’s pioneering contribution to ambient music will get its moment at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2, as Manchester Camerata perform his album Ambient 1: Music for Airports. As part of 6 free pop-up performances the acclaimed Manchester-based orchestra will perform what is widely cited as the greatest ambient record of all time in the newly revamped terminal. Furthering their mission to make orchestral music accessible for all, Manchester Camerata will be bringing this liminal space to life with the cinematic soundscapes of Eno’s celebrated work. If you’re not due to be flying out anytime soon, don’t worry there’s limited tickets available for spectators, but snap them up fast.
Solomun
Solomun plays his only UK headliner of 2026 for WHP’s 20 year celebration. Known for his emotional, melodic sounds and marathon sets, the show also marks the Bosnian-German DJ’s first performance in Manchester in five years. Don’t miss out, you could be waiting another five years – or longer – for this to come around. Come and witness a master at work.
Niall Horan
Having firmly established himself as a solo-artist Niall Horan returns to Manchester’s Co-op Live for another show. With hits like Slow Hands and This Town, the singer who rose to fame as part of One Direction has carved his own path, now with three studio albums under his belt. He plays Co-op Live as part the Dinner Party Live tour.