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The Best 18 Stops for Your Manchester Music Trail
- Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)
- New Century Hall
- O2 Ritz
- Band on the Wall
- Old Granada Studios
- Twisted Wheel Club
- 86 Palatine Road a.k.a.
- The Haçienda
- Mayfield Depot
- Lesser Free Trade Hall
- The Boardwalk
- Epping Walk Bridge
- Salford Lads Club
- The Iron Bridge
- Strawberry Studios
- Sifters Records
- The Deaf Institute
- Night and Day Cafe
Manchester is a city with a long and rich history, not just in the traditional sense, but also culturally.
Over the years, the Greater Manchester area has witnessed the rise and fall of its vibrant music scene, encompassing everything from classical music to soul, jazz, punk, post-punk, acid house, and contemporary alternative.
If you’re truly interested in exploring the city’s musical history, you can easily hire a guide or join a tour. However, embarking on an adventure by yourself can be even more rewarding.
This guide will help you navigate Manchester’s iconic music spots and uncover the stories behind them, so read on.
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)
Media from Royal Northern College of Music
Address: 124 Oxford Rd, M13 9RD
Contact details: 0161 907 5200
We think it’s fitting to start our list with one of the oldest genres in Mancunian and European music: classical. Therefore, it’s only right to mention the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).
RNCM has nurtured generations of classical and popular musicians since the 19th century. In fact, it’s one of Manchester’s most prestigious music conservatories and one of only four in the country qualified to give graded examinations and award diplomas in this field.
To give you an idea on who’s who from here, RNCM’s notable alumni include conductor and guitarist Paul Newland, and for the younger generation, singer and multi-instrumentalist Ruth Owens.
| Pro tip: Since the RNCM is both a performance venue and an academic institution, its operating hours vary. Please contact the management office directly to coordinate your visit. |
New Century Hall
Media from New Century
Address: 34 Hanover St, M4 4AH
Contact details: 161 552 6719
Operating hours:
- Monday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
New Century Hall is a popular music venue near the Manchester Victoria Train Station. Since opening its doors in 1963, it has hosted numerous legendary musical acts, including international music legends Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Tina Turner.
Each of the Grade II-Listed Hall’s three restored floors offers something unique.
The basement is home to the dB Institute, which teaches music production and game development courses. The ground floor features an in-house food hall, while the first floor boasts a state-of-the-art performance venue.
For the latest performance schedules, check out New Century Hall’s socials and official website, and be a part of history yourself.
| Pro tip: New Century Hall offers a unique rewards system for avid music fans. Earn special items and perks by attending more shows each quarter! |
O2 Ritz
Media from O2 Ritz Manchester
Address: Whitworth St W, M1 5NQ
Contact details: 0161 552 6374
The O2 Ritz, originally opened as “The Ritz” in 1927, was a ballroom and dance hall until the 1960s, when it transitioned into a nightclub. It was a bustling venue for socialising and ‘grab a granny’ nights, where adults danced to the best funk, soul, and disco music, until the 1980s.
Live bands also performed here, making it a significant part of the careers of many British bands such as the Beatles, as well as Mancunian-born ones like the Smiths, New Order, and Arctic Monkeys.
Although its popularity waned over the years, it remains standing today as a concert venue, albeit under new management and a new name.
| Pro tip: Before heading to the O2 Ritz, be sure to review the safety information. Note that large bags are not allowed inside the venue. |
Band on the Wall
Media from Band on the Wall
Address: 25 Swan St, M4 5JZ
Contact details: 0161 834 1786
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Wednesday to Friday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Band on the Wall originally opened as a pub in the 1860s. Its name humorously reflects its 1930s setup, where bands played on a high stage against the furthest wall, hence “on the wall.”
This iconic Manchester venue is celebrated not only for its age and heritage in introducing new blues, jazz, and folk music but also for its significant role in the 1970s post-punk scene.
The earliest gigs of famous 1970s home-grown bands like the Fall, Buzzcocks, and Joy Division were held here. Even though the stage is now in a safer location, Band on the Wall remains a must-visit stop on your personal Manchester music tour.
| Pro tip: Band on the Wall isn’t just a place to watch incredible music performances. If you’re up for the challenge, the venue also offers learning courses for budding musicians of all ages. |
Old Granada Studios
Media from Buono Pettinari
Address: Quay St, M3 3GS
Contact details: 0161 974 0740
While Old Granada Studios at the Quays is often discussed in the context of the UK’s television history, it also holds a significant place in Manchester’s music scene. This iconic venue is where some of the city’s (and UK’s) most famous musical acts made their television debuts.
The studios played a crucial role in UK music history, hosting the Beatles’ first telly performance in 1962 at the very start of their career. The Sex Pistols also had their anarchy-filled TV debut here in 1976.
Most notably for Manchester, its home-grown lads, Joy Division, made their television debut here at Old Granada Studios in 1978, performing “Shadowplay.”
| Pro tip: The Old Granada Studios still serve as a TV production site, but parts of the building have been converted for mixed use. It now houses various establishments, including restaurants and hotels, catering to both creatives and visitors. |
Twisted Wheel Club
Media from Katy White
The Twisted Wheel Club, then located near Manchester Piccadilly train station, was a non-alcoholic pub and music bar established in 1963. This venue became one of the earliest homes of Northern Soul music in the UK.
The club was famous for its all-night sessions where DJs played rhythm and blues (R&B) records until the early hours, making it a prime spot for discovering new music in the genre.
Sadly, the club closed in the early 1970s and has since been demolished and converted into a car park. However, dedicated music fans can still visit the site today and take photos of the historical plaque that marks the club’s location.
| Pro tip: The Twisted Wheel Club’s legacy continues! A dedicated fanbase regularly hosts events that capture the club’s unique atmosphere, so we highly recommend checking out Northern Soul forums (like this one) for the latest events and updates. |
86 Palatine Road a.k.a.
Media from Bert Magoo
86 Palatine Road in Didsbury was the home of Alan Erasmus and the birthplace of much of Manchester’s post-punk music. In 1978, the first floor of this house became the initial office of Factory Records, the label founded by Erasmus and Tony Wilson.
Factory Records, often referred to as “The Factory,” introduced the world to many beloved Mancunian acts, including the Durutti Column, Joy Division, New Order, and Happy Mondays. The label remained a post-punk powerhouse until its closure in 1992.
Today, the building still stands and features a Blue Plaque above its main door. Fans can visit to see the humble beginnings of one of Manchester’s most influential music eras.
| Pro tip: 86 Palatine Road is located in a residential area. Please be respectful and maintain proper decorum, especially if visiting in a group. |
The Haçienda
Media from FAC51 The Haçienda
After establishing Factory Records, Erasmus and Wilson created The Haçienda (also known as FAC51 in the label’s catalogue) at an old yacht builder’s shop and warehouse on Whitworth Street West.
The club opened its doors in 1982 and quickly became a central figure in the “Madchester” scene, known for its acid house vibe and rave music until the 1990s.
Although The Haçienda as a club no longer exists, music fans can still visit it as part of their Manchester tour. The building got converted into residential flats but kept the iconic name and now features a commemorative marker, honouring its rich musical history.
| Pro tip: The Haçienda’s beloved vibe continues with regular Haçienda-themed raves. For more details, check out this site. |
Mayfield Depot
Media from Depot Mayfield
Address: 11 Baring Street, M1 2PY
Contact details: 0161 806 0161
Mayfield Depot is a prime example of repurposing a historical structure into a vibrant cultural space. Built in 1910, the depot served as a railway passenger station and a Royal Mail distribution centre before being left unused for nearly half a century.
In 2019, it was transformed into Depot Mayfield, an arts and events venue with a capacity of up to 10,000 people. It regularly hosts The Warehouse Project‘s electronic music festivals.
Music fans can visit the depot during event nights or simply walk by during the day to appreciate its historical significance.
| Pro tip: Check out Depot Mayfield’s social media for latest event announcements. |
Lesser Free Trade Hall
Media from The Edwardian Manchester Hotel
The Lesser Free Trade Hall in Spinningfields is an iconic music venue, famously known for the 1976 Sex Pistols performance that inspired at least three of Manchester’s greatest bands, including Morrissey and the Smiths, the Fall, and Joy Division.
Built between 1853 and 1856, the Free Trade Hall has hosted numerous historic events in Manchester, from Charles Dickens’ plays to Sir Winston Churchill’s “Free Trade” speech. In 1997, it was acquired by private developers and converted into a hotel.
Thanks to this transformation, the Free Trade Hall still stands today in its full Victorian-era glory.
| Pro tip: If you have the budget, why not stay the night at the Free Trade Hall’s successor, the Radisson’s five-star accommodation, the Edwardian Manchester? Same building, classier vibe. |
The Boardwalk
Media from Susan Lee Donlan
Aside from The Haçienda, the Boardwalk was another popular destination during the “Madchester” and C86 eras. It operated from 1984 to 1999. Before that, it was a church school and later a rehearsal studio for the Halle and the Green Room theatre company.
Notable acts that performed here include Happy Mondays, Verve, and Rage Against the Machine. The basement also served as rehearsal studios for Oasis in the ’90s before the band became famous.
Today, the Boardwalk is a modern office building. However, curious music fans can still visit and take a picture of its Blue Plaque with the famous yellow smiley.
| Pro tip: The Boardwalk is also a great stop for fans of NME’s C86 (also known as the cassette that started the indie music genre’s first wave of popularity in the UK). |
Epping Walk Bridge
Media from David J. Hopkins
We’ll never tire of the original Manchester post-punk icons, Joy Division. Any Manchester music tour is incomplete without a visit to Epping Walk Bridge, where renowned music photographer Kevin Cummins shot the band’s iconic photos on a snowy day in 1979.
Located near Princess Road, the bridge looks like any other pedestrian bridge in the UK. However, the Joy Division effect is undeniable—many fans visit to pay homage to the band’s late frontman, Ian Curtis, and recreate the cover of the band’s compilation album, “The Best Of.”
You can surely do the same, any time of the year you want to.
| Pro tip: Please remember that Epping Walk Bridge is public property, so be considerate of people using it as a thoroughfare. Vandalism is highly frowned upon—let’s respect the place, as the lads did back in the day. |
Salford Lads Club
Media from Salford Lads Club
Address: Coronation St, Salford M5 3SA
Contact details: 0161 872 3767
If you’re a fan of the Smiths, the Salford Lads Club should be familiar to you. This recreational club, similar to the YMCA, is prominently featured on the sleeve of the band’s 1986 album, The Queen is Dead.
Founded in 1903, the club offers activities like football, snooker, boxing, and dance, along with various community events for the youth (yes, the lads and gals!) of Salford.
The Lads Club remains a cultural icon in media and entertainment. Recently, it was a filming location for the final season of Peaky Blinders and hosted a Chanel event in 2023.
| Pro tip: No need to book a visit to the Salford Lads Club. Simply turn up during the set visiting hours of 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Wednesday and Saturday! |
The Iron Bridge
Media from The Smiths etc
Here’s another one for the Smiths’ fans. Located just off Stretford‘s Kings Road is the Iron Bridge, a narrow yet sturdy pedestrian thoroughfare that helps locals cross over the train tracks in the area.
This bridge became a famous spot for the band’s fans after it was mentioned in the song “Still Ill” as the place where Morrissey kissed someone and got sore lips. It’s also quite near Morrissey‘s teenage home, adding to its significance.
Since the bridge is open to the public, fans are often seen visiting and taking pictures of the structure as part of their own music pilgrimages.
| Pro tip: It’s best to visit the Iron Bridge during the daytime for better lighting and general safety. |
Strawberry Studios
Media from AUDIO NORTH
Named after The Beatles’ song “Strawberry Fields Forever” by one of its founders, Eric Stewart (of the 10cc fame), Strawberry Studios evolved from a small recording studio above a city music store into a renowned music recording and mastering powerhouse.
The studio became famous for its state-of-the-art equipment, producing tunes that defined both the US and UK’s music industries. Big names such as Neil Sedaka, Paul McCartney, Joy Division, the Stone Roses, the Smiths, and the Ramones recorded some of their albums here.
Although very iconic and influential, Strawberry Studios wasn’t immune to any problems. It operated from 1967 until its eventual closure due to financial issues in 1993.
| Pro tip: Immerse yourself in the rest of the Strawberry Studios lore before visiting by reading through the studio’s official website. |
Sifters Records
Media from Oasis Fans Club
Address: 177 Fog Ln, Didsbury M20 6FJ
Contact details: 0161 445 8697
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday and Wednesday – CLOSED
Mr Sifter and his record shop are immortalized in Oasis‘ song “Shakermaker.” The band’s undeniable legendary status and appreciation for the humble store makes it a must-visit stop on your Manchester music trail.
Opened in 1977, Sifters Records still operates today under the same management from day one—the one-man team of “Mr Sifter,” a.k.a. Pete Howard, who can always be seen at the shop, behind the counter, tending to his records and customers alike.
Beyond the Oasis reference, Sifters Records is a fantastic destination to find vinyls, cassettes, CDs, and DVDs from yesteryear, which make great collectibles or souvenirs.
| Pro tip: Sifters Records is open for only a few hours in the afternoon, five days a week. Plan your trip accordingly. |
The Deaf Institute
Media from The Deaf Institute
Address: 135 Grosvenor St M1 7HE
Contact details: [email protected]
Oxford Road’s famous student hangout, The Deaf Institute, might have an ironic name, but it offers much more than its curiosity-inducing title suggests.
Originally, it served as a facility for educating deaf and mute individuals. After a long period of disuse following the war, it re-emerged as one of the best music venues in the city centre.
The Deaf Institute’s first-floor music hall may not be as large as its contemporaries, but its 250-person capacity provides an intimate setting for high-calibre performances. Notably, Johnny Marr held a career-resurging residency here about a decade ago.
| Pro tip: All events at The Deaf Institute are for individuals aged 14 and up. Leave the kids to a nanny first if you plan to visit! |
Night and Day Cafe
Media from Night and Day
Address: 26 Oldham St, M1 1JN
Contact details: 0161 236 1822
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: £
We conclude our list of iconic Mancunian music spots with one of the most popular contemporary live music venues in the city, the Night and Day Cafe.
Conveniently located in the Northern Quarter, this cafe and bar has been a testament to Manchester’s vibrant and evolving music scene since 1991.
The venue is small, but this adds to its charm and intimacy, ensuring a memorable music experience. Many pop and alternative acts, including Jessie J, Lizzo, and the Arctic Monkeys, have graced its stage.
Aside from the live music acts, the cafe offers a variety of food and drink, making it a great all-day hangout spot in the city.
| Pro tip: The Night and Day Cafe hosts events almost every day. Be sure to check its website and social media for the latest event announcements. |
