Manchester News – Manchester celebrates mammoth summer of live music with MCR Live ’25

With just a week to go until Oasis’ much anticipated homecoming gigs in Heaton Park, the stage is set for a massive music-filled take-over of the city as MCR Live ’25 celebrates a mammoth summer of live music in Manchester.

The long-awaited Oasis gigs anchor a summer full of major live music events in Manchester’s parks, public spaces and other venues – all the way through to the end of August.

An incredible 1.3 million music tourists are expected to visit the city during this time for unmissable performances from some of the biggest artists on the planet.

To help celebrate this sensational summer of sound, MCR Live ’25 will see music-themed markets, pop-up shops, a festival bar and impromptu performances, as well as fabulous guitar-themed artworks and exhibitions take over the city’s streets, squares, shop windows and other venues.

Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is already known the world over for our music and our fantastic music scene that draws people to the city from every corner of the globe.  

“With 1.3m music tourists expected in Manchester this summer along with the historic homecoming Oasis dates in Heaton Park coming up next week, the economic impact on the city will be significant – with bars, clubs, restaurants, shops and hotels all set to benefit.

“We want everyone – Mancunians and visitors alike – to be able to enjoy this mammoth summer of live music so we’re going all out to celebrate the massive contribution that music makes to the city with a fantastic programme of music themed events and activities across the city for everyone to get involved in all summer long.”

Today (Friday 4 July) saw the official opening of the MCR Live Hub at Piccadilly Gardens, which alongside drinks and eats also promises a programme of live music and DJs on its stage throughout the summer.

John Lowery from MCR Live Hub said: “After months of hard work, we’re thrilled to be opening the doors to The Hub today. We’re delighted to be part of MCR Live ’25 and our open-air venue in the heart of the city is the perfect spot to visit with friends and family this summer.”

Next week (Monday 7 July) also sees the opening of Music for the Senses – an art trail like no other by global art producer Wild in Art, with amazing artworks made from old guitars, mosaics, installations and murals, as well as the chance to see a selection of guitars donated by famous faces.

Julie Gaskell, Head of Partnerships, Wild in Art, said: “I can’t wait for people to see the trail and get involved.  It’s a brilliant chance for people to explore Manchester’s musical heritage whilst discovering some stunning pieces of art right across the city, painted by fantastically talented artists and placed in all kinds of locations from grassroots music venues to shop windows and even a railway station.  And all for free!”

Here’s the full MCR Live ’25 lowdown for the summer:

Music for the Senses art trail

Music for the Senses will take over the streets with a trail of amazing artworks, murals, mosaics and installations celebrating the people, places, moments and instruments of Manchester’s music scene. At the heart of Music for the Senses is Guitar Street, an interactive installation on a to-be-revealed city centre street by Manchester artist Liam Hopkins, known as Lazerian. Liam’s artwork will lovingly repurpose broken guitars, donated by members of the public.

Meanwhile, you can also discover up to 50 donated guitars which have been transformed into one-of-a kind individual artworks by professional artists. You’ll spot them displayed in shop windows and venues across the city, alongside some extra special guitars donated by Manchester musicians and other famous faces.

At the end of the trail the guitars will be auctioned to raise money to support grassroots music projects and venues throughout Greater Manchester.

Dates and times:

July 7 – August 31

The MCR Live Hub bar – Piccadilly Gardens

Roll with it this summer at the MCR Live Hub – your go-to city centre hangout for all things music. Whether you’re here for the epic Oasis homecoming gigs or exploring the packed calendar of live music across the city, the Hub is where the good times begin and keep on coming.

The Hub is more than just a meeting place – it’s a celebration. Grab a drink at the bar from local brewers Cloudwater and RKiD, sample some of the best street food in the North West, catch surprise acts and DJ takeovers on the outdoor stage, or bring the family along during the day for relaxed, music-inspired fun.

As the sun sets and the city lights up, let the Hub be your basecamp – a place to connect, discover, and soak up the energy of one of the world’s greatest music destinations.

Dates and times:

Opens 4 July – all summer long, 11am to 11pm. 

MCR Live ’25 markets – St Peter’s Square

From vinyl to vintage, rum to records, discover the heart of Manchester’s creative spirit at the MCR Live ’25 Pop-up Market in St Peter’s Square. Running alongside Oasis’ legendary homecoming concerts, this buzzing market brings together local makers, artists and indie traders for a celebration of sound, style and city pride. Browse music-inspired prints, handmade jewellery, iconic Manchester merch, global street food, and limited-edition Oasis-themed gifts. Whether you’re a collector, a curious browser or just after something unique, the market is your soundtrack to summer in the world’s greatest music city.

Dates and Times:

July 9, 2025 – July 13

July 16, 2025 – July 20

Northern Quarter Block Party

Head down to this laid-back gathering on Edge Street and Thomas Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, where it’s all about good vibes, local sounds, and a great atmosphere.

Two stages will keep the energy flowing with DJs and live acts throughout the day. Independent bars and cafes will be out in full force – serving up food, drinks, and friendly faces.

Dates and Times:

Fri July 11 from 12 noon – 21:30

Sat July 12 from 12 noon – 21:30

Sat July 19 from 12 noon – 21:30

Sun July 20 from 12 noon – 21:30

Oasis Week at Central Library

To celebrate the homecoming of Oasis, Central Library is offering a week of free festivities.

Featuring legendary Supernova live sets, Liam’n’Noel look-a-like competitions, a Big Oasis Quiz, Supersonic film screenings, and so much more.

Look out for fantastic performances from a raft of Rock’n’Roll Stars including Noasis, Canter Semper, Ukelele Orchestra, Manchester String Quartet, and the New Horizons Choir.  

Join esteemed Northern music journalist and frontman of the Membranes / Goldblade John Robb for a talk about his brand-new book ‘Live Forever: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Oasis’ in a Q&A and book-signing event to mark its release.

Plus, head over to the Sound & Vision pods on the ground floor to find a trove of classic Oasis interviews that the Archives+ and Sound Archives team have unearthed from the Piccadilly Radio and Key103 audio archives.

Dates and Times:

July 14 – July 19

Capri Beach Club – Exchange Square

Kick back with a Manchester music-themed cocktail, mocktail or a pint of the finest ale at the Capri Beach Club, bringing Mediterranean vibes and Balearic beats to the heart of Manchester City Centre. A favourite for many years, Capri Beach Club is the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy MCR Live ’25 in style. Come along and bask in a summer of music.

Dates and Times:

June 5 – August 25

This year’s Manchester Day on Saturday 26 July will also be hitting all the right notes this summer with a packed programme of music-themed free fun for all the family to help celebrate the city’s homegrown musical talent – with highlights on the day including a music-filled mini parade from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral.

Find out more information on all the MCR Live ’25 events and activities taking place over the summer, along with links to live music venues across the city from the smallest of grassroots venues to big capacity arenas