Featuring fabulously flamboyant comedy, poetic folk-rock and timeless alt icons, Albert Hall’s 2026 programme brings another world-class lineup of live entertainment to the heart of Manchester, blending high-energy blockbusters with intimate storytelling and unmissable one-off performances from an assortment of legendary artists.
Returning to Manchester with by a full live band the following evening, Irish singer-songwriter and The Frames frontman Glen Hansard takes to the Albert Hall stage with a triumphant concert spanning his greatest works.
Known for his impassioned performances and soul-stirring lyricism, Hansard has carved a singular career spanning acclaimed solo albums, an Academy Award win for ‘Falling Slowly’ from the film Once, and collaborative work as one half of The Swell Season. His plaintive folk-rock sound blends raw emotion with poetic intensity, promising a night that traverses tender ballads and anthemic crescendos in equal measure.
Next October, alt-rock veterans The Lemonheads head to Manchester for a nostalgia-packed evening of melodic grunge and jangly pop hooks.
Led by the magnetic Evan Dando, the band rose to prominence in the early ’90s with their effortless blend of punk attitude and radio-ready melodies, releasing classics like ‘It’s a Shame About Ray’ and ‘Into Your Arms’.
Industrial pioneers Stephen ‘Mal’ Mallinder and Chris Watson, better known as Cabaret Voltaire, bring their influential electronic project to Albert Hall for the final time on Sun 19 Oct, joined by experimental art-pop visionary Gazelle Twin.
As one of Britain’s most innovative acts, Cabaret Voltaire shaped the sonic landscape of post-punk and electronic music, influencing generations of producers and performers.
Discussing the farewell tour, Mallinder said: “What a wonderful opportunity to go round the block one more time and share that with one of the most unique and spectacular artists we know. The connective tissue between ourselves, our history, and the world Gazelle Twin now conjures up will be out there and shared with people. It seems like a special, magical moment.”
In November 2026, revered American singer-songwriter Cat Power performs the entirety of her landmark 2006 album, The Greatest, in celebration of its 20th anniversary.
Renowned for her smoky vocals and emotionally charged songwriting, Power’s pivotal record remains a touchstone of modern soul-infused indie, featuring standout tracks like ‘Living Proof’, ‘Lived in Bars’ and the iconic title song in a blissful sonic ballet of vulnerability, elegance and musical ferocity.
Albert Hall, 27 Peter St, Manchester, M2 5QR
www.alberthallmanchester.com
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Thu 13 Nov 2025
Beloved across the globe as the breakout star of Queer Eye, best-selling author, podcaster, comedian and celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Van Ness brings their ‘Hot & Healed’ comedy tour to Manchester on Thu 21 May.
Having sold out theatres around the world, JVN’s latest show promises a dazzling mix of witty introspection, joyful absurdity and heartfelt honesty, delivered with signature unfiltered charisma. Expect sharp stand-up, riotous storytelling and all the unapologetic energy that makes Van Ness a true modern titan of self-expression and positivity.