A new open-air concert series launches in Manchester this autumn, with local favourites Pale Waves set to headline the debut edition.
Plus Minus Equals: The Block takes over the car park at un.titled studios. Pale Waves kick things off on Fri 11 Sep, headlining a special live show, KISS ME IN MANCHESTER, with support coming from further female and gender diverse fronted acts including Crawlers, Nxdia, HotWax and more to be announced.
Every Plus Minus Equals lineup is curated in direct collaboration with the artists themselves, shaped by their influences, taste, and the scenes that surround them, providing a new platform on which emerging talents can share stages with established names.
Running from mid-afternoon into the evening, the site will bring together food, indie brands and local collectives before shifting to live performances and DJ sets in the evening.
Ahead of the event in September, Pale Waves and The Block are championing the next wave of talent with an open call for emerging local artists to perform at KISS ME IN MANCHESTER. Taking place in front of 3,000 fans, the show will see one Greater Manchester-based artist selected to join the lineup, with Pale Waves personally choosing the winning act. The selected act will also receive a performance fee.
Heather Baron Gracie from Pale Waves commented: “We know how tough it can be to get those early breaks as a young band, and how much they can mean. As a band proudly formed in the city we want to play our part in lending a hand to some of the amazing young talent in Manchester today. We also know how hard it can be financially for young artists so we’re making sure that the fee for whoever we choose means they don’t have to stress about being here, and their talent and performance is properly valued”.
Tickets are on sale now. Book yours below.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Mon 20 Jul 2026
