From triumphant homecoming shows to experimental jazz and classical, check out the best gigs coming to Manchester this week.
Featured image credit: Kristin Sollecitio
Gia Ford is one of the coolest artists we’ve stumbled across in a while. Her sound brings together an array of influences; there’s pop, funk, bits of country, and it all comes together brilliantly. A lovely way to kick off the weekend at a proper Manchester stalwart of live music.
It’s been a massive couple of years for Hyde’s finest, Antony Szmierek. This Friday, he brings is poetic blend of hip-hop and spoken word to Manchester Academy in what promises to be a very special homecoming.
Grammy-nominated five-piece Lake Street Dive bring their acclaimed blend of soul, folk, jazz and pop to the Albert Hall on Saturday night. A sound self-described as ‘joyful rebellion’, the group’s live shows have become notoriously joyous affairs.
A spellbinding evening celebrating the eerie back catalogue of Tim Burton and other gothic classics takes over Manchester Opera House this Saturday. Expect to hear pieces from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, Batman, Beetlejuice, Labyrinth and more.
A Certain Ratio have added a second date at Band on the Wall after the group’s first was met with overwhelming demand. They’ll be celebrating the anniversaries of both Sextet and Force, performing both albums in full with an interval in between, plus some surprises thrown in for good measure.
Performing as part of the Eorteme series, an indie programme of ‘experimental and uncategorisable’ music, Stockholm piano trio SPACE head to St Margaret’s Church in Whalley Range. Bringing together Lisa Ullén, Elsa Bergman and Anna Lund, the outfit moves between free jazz, improvisation and contemporary classical music. They arrive with their new LP London Concert, released this year by Fönstret and available on the night.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Mon 19 Oct 2026
Wonky Canadian art-punk arrives at The Abbey for a midweek pick-me-up. Hailing from Montreal, La Sécurité’s wonderfully fizzing 2023 debut, Stay Safe! featured on the Polaris Music Prize long list, with this year’s follow-up, Bingo! releasing on Simon Raymonde’s seminal British imprint, Bella Union.