We’ve welcomed in the New Year, and for those not observing a January hibernation, there’s plenty of live music and club nights to get out and enjoy, from Scottish stadium rock to glamorous striptease.
We are not joking…
These are the best gigs and club nights going on in Manchester this January…
Teletech New Year’s Day Party
For those who eschew New Year’s Eve (or, alternatively, want to keep the party going into 2026 from the night before). Teletech will be dominating all three floors of Hidden, bringing the New Year in with a bang. On the bill are sets from AEREA, Afem, Syko, Alex Farell, AnD, BIXBITA, BYØRN, CALLUSH, DJ Schnake, ELIIZA GEA, Kander, Lola Cerise, Mosmoz, Neon Graveyard, SaltySis, SIKOTI and Stinny Stone.
LUMINISCENCE at Manchester Cathedral
The world-renowned immersive experience LUMINISCENCE is set to light up Manchester Cathedral, combining 360° projections, orchestral performance and a stirring new script by BAFTA Award winner Tim Whitnall, narrated by Christopher Eccleston. Having dazzled audiences across Europe and the US, the show reimagines the Cathedral’s gothic architecture as a living artwork, enveloping visitors in waves of colour, sound and emotion. It’s a mesmerising celebration of Manchester’s creativity and heritage – part light show, part concert, part cinematic dreamscape – offering a rare chance to see one of the city’s most historic spaces transformed from the inside out.
Barrioke – The Big Farewell
The star of EastEnders, Extras, Life’s Too Short, and more recently a million viral videos, Shaun Williamson has taken the music scene by storm, bringing BARRIOKE to thousands of music lovers at venues and festivals across the UK. Shaun hosts BARRIOKE with his trademark warm and jovial manner, accompanying and singing with audience and guest participants on stage, creating a riotous, joyous moment that people will never forget. Whether you go or not, he’s gonna do it anyway… he’s gonna do it anyway…
Biffy Clyro at Co-op Live
Scottish rock legends Biffy Clyro return to the stage in support of their 10th studio album Futique. Simon, Ben and James will bring their signature volume and raw energy to the stage at Co-op Live on 17 January 2026. Co-op members will be first in line for tickets, with the Co-op pre-sale launching on Tuesday 29 July at 10am.
All Time Low
Multi-platinum Maryland quartet All Time Low are Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, Rian Dawson and Zack Merrick. Known for their anthemic pop punk sound and fiercely loyal fanbase they’re back on tour, with a stop at Manchester’s Co-op Live. They’ll draw from their extensive back-catalog, which happens to five consecutive Top 10 albums on the Billboard Top 200 in addition to picking up multi-platinum, platinum, and gold certifications. Expect the crowd to know every single word.
John Talabot, DJ Masda and Huck at The Loft
The Loft – recently crowned the best club in the UK by DJ Mag – has a cracker of a party for those non-observant of January abstention. Barcelona’s John Talabot (Hivern, Permanent Vacation) will be heading over to command this bijou 200-capacity dancefloor, with support from Japan’s DJ Masda and Huck.
Legowelt at The White Hotel
Cocoon, Ghostly International, Dekmantel and Rush Hour don Legowelt – aka Danny Wolfers – lands at The White Hotel for a night (and morning) of techno, electro, acid and everything that exists in between. He’ll be joined by Identified Patient and Flames Disperse.
Dita Von Teese at O2 Apollo
Legendary queen of burlesque Dita Von Teese brings her most enchanting show to date to Manchester. Inspired by the magicians of the 19th century, Nocturnelle sees Dita blend an exquisite mix of old-Hollywood allure, theatrical magic and the high-art ‘stripscapes’ she is best known for.
White Lies
Macabre British rockers White Lies – whose hits like ‘To Lose My Life’ and ‘Farewell to the Fairground’ were huge hits on the noughties Indie scene – are back on the road. Having just shared new music for the first time in three years, two singles from forthcoming album ‘Night Light’, the trio are heading to the cathedral-like Albert Hall for two nights. It’s the perfect venue in which to enjoy their music, which has a fondness for the gothic and theatrical. Catch them on either Tuesday 27 or Thursday 29 of January.
Dream Wife at YES
English-Icelandic band Dream Wife are heading to YES’ Pink Room, and if their name doesn’t sound fitting of a feminist punk band, that’s because it’s deliberately sardonic. Rakel Mjöll, Alice Go, Bella Podpadec and Alex Paveley are known for their bold stage presence and unapologetic lyrics about injustices of all stripes. Their last album, ‘Social Lubrication’ came out in 2023, so we await fresh material, and fresh righteous anger. It’ll be a sweaty one, this.
Miles Kane at Albert Hall
Former Rascals frontman, and half of The Last Shadow Puppets, Miles Kane comes to Albert Hall this January. Now firmly in his flamboyant, leopard print era, he tours his latest album ‘Sunlight In The Shadows’. Kane’s riding high at the moment, critics have called his new output ‘all-killer stadium filler’. Expect a real rock show, from a performer who has collaborated with some of the best in the business. Oh, and bangers too. Plenty of bangers.
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