Whether you’re taking it easy in January, or cracking on like Christmas and New Year never stopped, there are plenty of gigs and clubnights going on for those who require social interaction over abstinence.
There’s ‘Barrioke’ with Barry from EastEnders, a live art battle, a blast from the indie noughties, an afrobeat icon and one of the very best rappers in the world today set to absolutely tear up the Manchester Academy.
Varma Ballet: The Nutcracker at The Bridgewater Hall
This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-King and his mouse army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins. It arrives at the Bridgewater Hall on 2 January.
Varma Ballet: Swan Lake at The Bridgewater Hall
The second of the Varma Ballet’s productions at the Bridgewater is perhaps the greatest romantic ballet of all time, brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. We can’t think of a more magical thing to do in January.
Barrioke at Band On The Wall
Get ready to belt your favourite tunes with Shaun Williamson in the iconic Barrioke at Band On The Wall. The star of EastEnders, Extras, Life’s Too Short and more recently a million viral videos, Shaun has taken the music scene by storm, bringing his Barrioke to thousands of music lovers across the UK. Head down to the Northern Quarter venue early to get your name on the list and have a decent track ready.
Art Battle MCR XXV at Aviva Studios
Manchester’s most energetic art event Art Battle MCR takes over Aviva Studios in January for its next event. Coinciding with Factory International’s immersive David Hockney exhibition, painters, illustrators, tattooists and street artists will go head-to-head in the epic art battle. Each artist is given a blank canvas and 30 minutes to create a masterpiece. Crowds can move around the action, watching the art come to life and ultimately deciding who will be crowned champion. Hosted by broadcaster and DJ Hattie Pearson, Art Battle MCR XXV will mix up the live art with DJs, street food and plenty of drinks.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ at AO Arena
Following the success of Glow Party, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ has announced its new theme for 2025 – Glow-N-Fire. This exciting new experience will feature the same level of fun and excitement that fans have come to expect, but with an added fiery twist. Get ready for more heat and action as the ultimate monster truck show comes to Manchester’s AO Arena on 18 and 19 January 2024.
Ricky Gervais at O2 Apollo
Multi-award winning comedian Ricky Gervais brings his brand new stand-up show Mortality to Manchester in January 2025. The creator and star of some of the biggest TV shows of all time – from The Office to Extras – Gervais follows his most recent stand-up special Armageddon with new production, which will once again be filmed for Netflix.
The Magic Numbers at Band on the Wall
Noughties folk-pop sensations The Magic Numbers arrive at Band On The Wall. Made up of two pairs of siblings (Romeo and Michele Stodart, Sean and Angela Gannon), they’re known for their sweet harmonies, melodic hooks and exceptional songwriting, seen on their self-titled, Mercury-nominated debut and follow up Those The Brokes.
Femi Kuti at Band On The Wall
Band On The Wall present the genuine Afrobeat icon that is Femi Kuti this January. Renowned for his relentless energy and powerful, vibrant performances, Femi – son of the legendary Fela – continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his thought-provoking messages and exhilarating shows. A sought-after collaborator, he has worked with an array of artists, from Coldplay and techno producer Robert Hood to French hip-hop group IAM. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see him and his ensemble, The Positive Force, as they bring an electrifying celebration of Africa to Manchester.
Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium at Co-op Live
Legendary metal icons Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium land at Co-op Live. The bands will be celebrating their respectively albums The Poison and Trivium, playing both in full.
Du Blonde at YES
Du Blonde – the project of musician and artist Beth Jeans Houghton – comes to YES, bringing their grunge-infused psych rock in support of fourth album Sniff More Gritty.
Top Vibe For 25: O., Cardinals, The Orchestra (For Now) at YES
Banish the January blues with New Wave as they present Mood Swings with O., Cardinals and The Orchestra (For Now). Saxophone and drum duo O. headline, with support from Cardinals (who are fresh from a support tour with Been Stellar) and seven-piece The Orchestra (For Now), who won the Green Man Rising award this summer.
Good Looks at YES Basement
Jangly, indie, skate-adjacent dudes Good Looks from Austin, Texas, arrive at YES’s basement for an intimate show featuring gear from their albums Bummer Year and this year’s Live Here For A While. Go and give them as warm a welcome as January will allow.
CupcakKe at Gorilla
Chicago rapper CupcakKe has achieved viral success with her edgily explicit tracks, conjuring the likes of Lil Kim and Foxy Brown. Expect unflinching, raunchy hip hop from her long-players Queen Elizabitch (2017) and Ephorize (2018).
Midland at The Loft
The Loft springs back into action with the first party following what was most likely a lengthy New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day bash. Graded main man Midland will be providing the soundscape, alongside sets from Partok and Nusheen late into the night.
JPEGMAFIA at Manchester Academy
JPEGMAFIA – aka Peggy aka Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks – is back in Manchester to bring an end to the nightmare that is January with blasts of ear-splitting distortion, grimy loops and insanely rowdy mosh pit action. Expect stone cold classics like BALD!, 1539 N. Calvert, Kenan vs Kel and maybe for a bit of local flavour, I Cannot Fucking Wait Til Morrissey Dies. One of the most visceral performers working in hip hop today.
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