As September approaches, we’re looking ahead to another month of live music across the city, from the stadium-sized to ‘room above a pub’ type affairs. Whether you’re into anthemic feminist pop (in the form of the all-conquering Self Esteem), raving with an earlier bed time (a la Annie Mac’s Before Midnight), or homegrown indie bangers (Corella, who else?) you better take note of September’s best music events.
49th & Main
49th & Main bring their jazz and indie-fused take on house to Band On The Wall. The dance-pop duo will take to the stage at the NQ venue on Friday 5 September, following a string of headline dates and performance at Glastonbury Festival. Having recently reached a huge milestone of 100 million streams and, armed with more new tunes ready to play out, this is the perfect time for fans to see the duo.
Dope Lemon
Dope Lemon, the award-winning project of Aussie musician Angus Stone, embarks on a world tour this summer, including a stop in Manchester. Celebrating the recent release of highly anticipated fifth album GOLDEN WOOLF, Dope Lemon will perform at New Century on 6 September.
Clints Festival 2025
Clints Fest lands in Manchester on Saturday 6 September, capping five years of streetwear-driven momentum from the label that began as Junior Clint’s self-taught sneaker venture from his bedroom in Moston. Happening at Barton Aerodrome, it will be headlined by the mighty Mike Skinner alongside K-Trap, with Chip, Children of Zeus, Skeete and loads more on the bill.
Annie Mac’s Before Midnight
Annie Mac brings her renowned Before Midnight series to The Warehouse Project for the very first time. A celebration of dance music for those who love to start (and end) their night earlier, Before Midnight has redefined club culture with its fresh approach to nightlife. Expect high energy, impeccable music, and all wrapped up before the clock strikes twelve. Annie takes over the Concourse, delivering a signature set.
Daði Freyr
Icelandic musician Daði Freyr achieved global fame with his song Think About Things, which was due to be the song to represent Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, before it was cancelled due to Covid. Instead, he represented his country with the song 10 Years in 2021, finishing in fourth place. Following the success of Think About Things, the singer has achieved a loyal following. Catch him at Albert Hall on 8 September 2025.
Sherelle
The unstoppable Sherelle zips up the M1 for an elongated set at Salford’s Finest, The White Hotel. Expect rave-based carnage through the night, with the NTS regular joined on the decks by a yet-to-be-announced special guest. There will be vibes.
Black Country, New Road
Named after a dual carriageway in the West Midlands, Black Country, New Road have garnered a loyal following of fans since they formed in 2019. Their experimental style blends violin and saxophone with guitar and keyboard for an energetic sound. Catch them at Albert Hall on 12 and 13 September.
Robbie Cavanagh
Singer-songwriter Robbie Cavanagh plays a headline show at The Castle. With three studio albums, plenty of festival appearances and an emerging artist award under his belt, the Manchester-based country-influenced artist invites music fans to join him for a hometown gig.
Lewis Capaldi
Scottish superstar Lewis Capaldi marks his return to the spotlight with a string of date across the UK and Ireland. After two years, the Someone You Loved hitmaker will perform for fans in Manchester on 20 September. Taking place at Co-op Live, support comes from Sky Newman and Aaron Rowe.
Keyshia Cole
AO Arena welcome American R&B superstar Keyshia Cole to the stage, celebrating two decades since the release of her debut studio album The Way it Is. She will be joined by legendary American rapper Lil Kim as part of The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour. You can catch her in Manchester on Thursday 25 September.
Simply Red 40th Anniversary Tour
Four decades of soulful tunes, chart-topping albums, and a fan base that stretches from Manchester to the far corners of the globe—Simply Red isn’t just a band; it’s a legacy. As they gear up for their 40th-anniversary UK & Ireland arena tour, mark your calendars for an unmissable Manchester show. They’re hitting Co-op Live on 27 September 2025, and you’ll want to be there when Mick Hucknall belts out every hit from ’85 till now.
Self Esteem
Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self Esteem, brings her biggest tour to date to Manchester. Celebrating the release of her critically-acclaimed third album A Complicated Woman, the Rotherham-born musician will play at Manchester Academy on 27 and 28 September 2025.
Corella
After numerous sold-out headline tours of the UK, and captivating appearances at the likes of Reading & Leeds, Latitude, Kendal Calling and Neighbourhood Festivals, as well as stints on the road in Europe, Corella return to home turf to play one of the city centre’s biggest venues – the historic New Century. The phrase ‘indie bangers’ is somewhat maligned, but there couldn’t be a more accurate descriptor when it comes to these four lads.
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