Band on the Wall Open Mic

Name: Open Mic at Band on the Wall
Location: Band on the Wall

Band on the Wall Open Mic — Quick Facts

Manchester's Sunday-night free open mic at 25 Swan Street, M4 5JZ — historic music venue, full backline including piano, 10-minute slots.

✓ Verified active Last verified 28 Apr 2026 Source: bandonthewall.org + venue confirmation

The Details

Everything you need before you turn up

DaySunday

Start8pm

Sign-up7:30pm walk-in

Slot length10 min

EntryFree · 18+

Capacity~250 standing

Performer typesMusic · Jazz

Sound engineerIn-house, included

Where

Band on the Wall 25 Swan Street
Northern Quarter
Manchester M4 5JZ

Contact

Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team

Highlights

Free entry

Full backlineIn-house engineer

MusicJazz18+Walk-in

Spotted something wrong with this listing? Closed, moved night, different start time? Let us know and we'll re-verify within 48 hours.

What's on Stage

PA + monitors

Drum kit

Guitar amp

Bass amp

Keys / keyboard

3 vocal mics

In-house engineer

Band on the Wall has been a Manchester music venue since the 1930s. Sunday open mic uses the main stage with full backline.

180 minutes, 18 acts at 10 minutes.

Sign-up process

Sheet at the bar at 7:30pm. Walk-in.

Getting there

25 Swan Street, M4 5JZ. 6 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly.

The venue

Large multi-genre music venue. 18+. Capacity ~250.

Common Questions

Seven things people ask before turning up at Manchester's Band on the Wall open mic.

How do I sign up to play at Band on the Wall open mic?

Walk-in sign-up only, opens at 7:30pm. Arrive early — slots fill on the night. Backup options if you don't get on: other Manchester open mics the same week.

What backline does Band on the Wall provide?

Full backline: drum kit, guitar amp, bass amp, vocal mics, plus an in-house sound engineer. Bring your own instrument and pedals. Want a similar setup elsewhere? Filter the open mic directory by “Full backline”.

How long is a slot at Band on the Wall open mic?

10 minutes per act — typically 3 songs solo or 4 for a band.

Is Band on the Wall open mic free?

Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Manchester mics are free; browse the list.

Can I bring a band to Band on the Wall open mic?

Yes — full bands welcome and the backline is set up for it. Once you've played a few of these, see our guide on how to get paid gigs in Manchester.

Where is Band on the Wall?

25 Swan Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 5JZ.

What's the audience like on a Sunday night?

Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Manchester regulars who turn up across the Manchester live music scene. Manchester open mic crowds tend to listen attentively — this isn't a chatter-over-the-music kind of night.