Featured image: Rebellion
By the time Freshers Week is over, all you’ve been left with is a hole in your pocket and a hatred of Playground. In a city renowned for its nightlife, it would be silly to end up in Hotmess every Wednesday without fail. If the same three clubs have left you wanting a bit more, broaden your horizons and check out our top picks for nights out.
So hardcore techno isn’t your thing — we hear you. Matt and Phred’s is a jazz club with heart. Boasting live music from Monday to Sunday, there’s no better showcase of Manchester’s emerging talent. Enjoy seated or standing, with an expertly-made cocktail.
Self-described ‘community hub in a pub’, the Old Abbey Taphouse in Hulme is the stuff of dreams. From dub to open mic nights, this hidden gem is one you’ll want to get behind. Plus, to beat the end-of-week blues, head down to their renowned Sunday Sessions to enjoy a roast with sounds from guest DJs.
This is where it all began. Stevenson Square great Eastern Bloc began as a record shop in 1985 before transcending into a cultural landmark. Café by day, effortlessly cool bar by night. Catch local talent, classic vinyl spinning and multi-genre madness at this cosy little number.
If you like cheesy hits and pale ales, this might be the one for you. The top pick for a (very silly) Wednesday night quiz, plus classic club nights every weekend, Lost Cat has it all. Save yourself the freeze from queueing for Freemount.
Home to CROP radio, this intimate Northern Quarter venue knows how to throw a party. From gigs, to club nights or live radio, there’s something for everyone. Sure to stretch your music taste far past anything you could anticipate.
The definition of a ‘mixed bag’, Rebellion has hosted the likes of While She Sleeps, WARGASM and Of Mice and Men, whilst also hosting raves minutes from campus. If it’s techno, jungle, death metal or otherwise — Rebellion will probably cover it.
Not just a pizza joint, Ramona Radio goes live every Wednesday night. Laid-back party vibes are guaranteed, with genre weaving and artists encouraged to share their favourite tunes in this intimate atmosphere. Grab yourself a bite to eat before dancing the night away.
A classic but a goodun, Withington’s best is home to Warped Wednesdays, alongside the best up-and-coming promoters’ nights. Your favourite basement rave, this venue is small but packed full of love, no matter the genre.
Featured image and gallery: Sam Holmes From Mirfield to Manchester, this Yorkshire-born four-piece bring their funk-interwoven indie rock to a sold-out Gorilla for their biggest headline show to date. Fresh off the back of their new single ‘Watch Life Burn’ and signing their first record deal with This Feeling/ LAB Records, there is already a…
Featured image and photography: Aaron Parsons / Press Haiden Henderson isn’t a name known to many in Manchester, but the Californian rockstar certainly made sure to leave a lasting impression. With sensual and sexy songs, Henderson really knows how to heat up a crowd in more ways than one. Unreleased track ‘Freak For You’ sets a…
Feature image: Press The Manchester Film Festival has wrapped its 12th edition, running over 11 days and showcasing a strong line-up of local and international talent from across the independent film industry. Festival director Neil Jeram-Croft reflected on this year’s programme, filled with a mix of features, shorts and documentaries spanning the cities’ cinema hotspots:…
Featured image: Press Toots and the Maytals return to Manchester for their ‘Reggae Got Soul’ 50th anniversary tour. Following their hugely successful 2025 tour, Toots and the Maytals return to Manchester to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their landmark album, Reggae Got Soul. Fronted for decades by Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert – named by Rolling Stone…
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