The stage is set for a massive music-filled take-over of Manchester city centre this summer as MCR Live ’25 celebrates the mammoth summer of live music coming to the city.
An incredible 1.3 million music tourists are expected to visit Manchester this summer during an unmissable three months of live music – which gets underway this weekend – from some of the biggest artists on the planet.
To help celebrate what promises to be a 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.
Here’s the full lowdown on what’s happening:
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, 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 3 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:
Sat June 28 from 12 noon – 21:30
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.
The long-awaited Oasis homecoming gigs at Heaton Park in July anchor a summer stuffed full of major live music events in Manchester’s parks, public spaces and other venues – from June through to the end of August.
Headline outdoor appearances from Charli XCX, 50 Cent, Elbow, Fontaines DC, Sam Fender, and Hacienda Classical, at Parklife, Sounds of the City, and Live in Wythenshawe Park, will sit alongside other live events including the ever vibrant sounds of Manchester’s annual Caribbean Carnival at Alexandra Park.
Manchester’s indoor arena venues are also gearing up for some big-name gigs this summer with artists including Olivia Rodrigo, Robbie Williams and Billie Eilish all heading to Manchester, alongside a jam-packed programme at the city’s renowned independent and grassroots venues.
The music-filled summer is also expected to bring a significant boost to the wider city economy – with Manchester’s smaller music venues, clubs, hotels, bars, restaurants, shops, and other cultural attractions all expected to benefit from the increased number of visitors to the city.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We’ve got a mammoth three months of unmissable live music coming up in Manchester this summer and can’t wait to welcome the 1.3 million music tourists who are heading our way.
“We’re already known the world over for the music we make and for our unrivalled music scene, and this summer we’re going all out with MCR Live ’25 to harness the moment and celebrate the massive contribution that music makes to the city.
“As well as providing a sensational soundtrack to our summer, the economic impact on the city of this year’s bumper summer of live music concerts will be significant and shouldn’t be overlooked. Last year alone music and culture had a multiplier effect on other businesses in Manchester that generated an economic impact of more than £342m for the city and supported more than 4,800 jobs.
“And with well over a million music fans set to hit the city’s streets this summer, businesses in the city look set to see a lot of added benefit from this.
“With a fantastic line-up all summer long of events and activities taking place across the city, as well as the promise of unmissable moments from some of the most iconic and legendary music artists of our time, Manchester is definitely – no maybe’s – the only place to be this summer.”
Information on all the MCR Live ’25 events and activities taking place over the summer can be found via a dedicated page on VisitManchester.com which also includes links to live music venues across the city from the smallest of grassroots venues to the big capacity arenas.
Victoria Braddock, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “Manchester has a long musical heritage producing some of the world’s greatest bands and artists, and this summer offers a great time to visit the city. Parklife, the Oasis reunion at Heaton Park, and a packed calendar of concerts will welcome visitors from across the world, who will experience a city with a passion for music. MCR Live ’25 will be a celebration of the city’s rich history, offering an opportunity for fans to explore our brilliant grassroots venues and uncover the many exciting events including the Music for the Senses guitar trail, Oasis Week at Central Library and a buzzing atmosphere that will make the city sing out.”
Residents and visitors who are planning to get out and about over the summer to enjoy the massive programme of activities and concerts are encouraged to make the most of the Bee Network and travel by bus, tram, bike or on foot. Passengers can travel from just £2 on buses using ‘tap and go’ contactless and travel seamlessly between bus and tram to pay for their journey without the need for a ticket.
People are reminded that no trams are running from Piccadilly Station to city centre stops due to essential track improvement works between Tuesday 3 June to the end of service on Sunday 10 August. Find out more information
Plan your journey and get all the latest travel information or download the Bee Network app.
Find out more information about MCR Live ’25 events
Find out more information about the Music for the Senses guitar art trail and related activities
