Manchester Venues — Updated 08 Jul 2026

Grassroots Venues in Manchester

Q: How many grassroots music venues are in Manchester?

GigXchange lists 123 grassroots music venues in Manchester, from small pub back rooms to mid-size standing rooms. Each listing includes capacity, backline provision, genres booked, and verification status. Browse the full national directory at UK Venue Directory.

Q: Which Manchester venues provide full backline?

11 of 123 Manchester venues offer full backline (drums, guitar amp, bass amp, PA). 67 provide at least a PA system. 9 include an in-house sound engineer. Use the filters above to show only venues with backline.

123 grassroots music venues across Manchester. Capacity, backline, genres, booking info. Updated weekly.

Manchester Grassroots Venue Score

0 /100

Strong — choice and coverage lead the mix, with room to grow on engineer.

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0Venues

0With PA

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0In-House Engineer

123 Venues in Manchester

123 Venues 67 With PA 11 Full Backline 9 In-House Engineer Updated 08 Jul 2026

Manchester has 123 grassroots music venues listed on GigXchange. 67 provide a PA system, 11 offer full backline, and 9 include an in-house sound engineer. Sign up free to view booking contacts and fee ranges.

123

grassroots venues hosting live music in Manchester

67 provide a PA system · 11 offer full backline
9 have an in-house sound engineer included
Booking contact, fee range and submission process available to signed-up artists

Manchester Venue Scene in Numbers

Live statistics from 123 grassroots venues across Manchester. Updated daily.

123

Total Venues

Across Manchester

54%

PA Provided

67 venues provide a PA system

Full Backline

11 venues offer full backline

In-House Engineer

9 venues include an engineer

Capacity Breakdown

Small

39%

Medium

40%

Large

21%

Equipment Provision

BYO

46%

PA Only

46%

Full BL

How many grassroots music venues are in Manchester? GigXchange lists 123 grassroots music venues across Manchester. 54% provide a PA system and 9% offer full backline (drums, guitar amp, bass amp, PA).

Do Manchester venues provide equipment? 9 venues include an in-house sound engineer. The majority of Manchester venues are medium (150–500). Data from GigXchange’s verified Manchester venue directory, updated daily.

Browse Manchester Venues

Filter all 123 venues by capacity, backline or area

Showing 24 of 123 venues

Photo: Google

9inety6ix

Manchester › First StreetBe first to review

First Street games bar with live music, open mics and DJ sets.

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Photo: Google

Aatma

Manchester › Northern QuarterBe first to review

PA Engineer

Underground Faraday Street music and events venue.

Manchester › City CentreBe first to review

Restored Wesleyan chapel on Peter Street, one of Manchester's most atmospheric music venues.

Bolton › Victoria SquareBe first to review

800-cap rock, indie, comedy and theatre hall.

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Photo: Google

Arley Hall And Gardens

Northwich › Arley, CheshireBe first to review

Cheshire stately home with outdoor concerts.

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5,000

Photo: Google

Aviva Studios - Warehouse

Manchester › Water StBe first to review

Factory International warehouse space for gigs.

Manchester › Northern QuarterBe first to review

PA Backline Engineer

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

Manchester › HulmeBe first to review

Hulme bar with DJ nights and live music.

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Photo: Google

Blarney Barrel

Stockport › BramhallBe first to review

Rustic Irish bar in Bramhall village.

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500

Central Hall Oldham Street M1 1JQ

Manchester › Northern QuarterBe first to review

NQ event space for pop and live shows.

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100

Photo: Google

Cheadle And Gatley Conservative Club

CheadleBe first to review

Conservative club with DJ and social nights.

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Photo: Google

City Airport (Barton)

Manchester › EcclesBe first to review

Historic 1930s aerodrome with R&B events.

Manchester › Etihad CampusBe first to review

The UK's largest indoor arena, on Manchester's Etihad Campus.

ManchesterBe first to review

10,000-cap former railway venue, home of The Warehouse Project.

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Photo: Google

Dulcimer

Manchester › Chorlton-cum-HardyBe first to review

Bolton pub with live music.

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200

Elevation13

London › Hyde, Greater ManchesterBe first to review

Rock and indie music venue.

WarringtonBe first to review

Warrington pop venue.

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Photo: Google

Factory 251

Manchester › Manchester City CentreBe first to review

Legendary NQ venue on FAC251 site.

Manchester › Mayfield / PiccadillyBe first to review

Piccadilly food and entertainment destination.

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250

Photo: Google

Frog and Bucket Comedy Club

ManchesterBe first to review

Award-winning Manchester comedy club.

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Photo: Google

Fuel Cafe Bar

Manchester › WithingtonBe first to review

Withington's monday-night free open mic at **Fuel Cafe Bar** — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7:30pm, 10-minut

Ashton-under-Lyne › MossleyBe first to review

Town hall with tribute act shows.

Manchester › Whitworth StreetBe first to review

Whitworth Street bar and live room.

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Photo: Google

Grafton Arms

Manchester › Chorlton-on-MedlockBe first to review

Joseph Holt pub with function room hire.

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Manchester Venue FAQs

How many grassroots music venues are in Manchester?

GigXchange lists 123 grassroots music venues in Manchester, from small pub back rooms to mid-size standing rooms. Each listing includes capacity, backline provision, genres booked, and verification status. Browse the full national directory at UK Venue Directory.

Which Manchester venues provide full backline?

11 of 123 Manchester venues offer full backline (drums, guitar amp, bass amp, PA). 67 provide at least a PA system. 9 include an in-house sound engineer. Use the filters above to show only venues with backline.

What size are Manchester's grassroots venues?

Of the 70 Manchester venues with known capacity: 27 are small (under 150), 28 are medium (150–499), and 15 are large (500+). The majority of Manchester’s grassroots scene is mid-size standing rooms.

How do I book a gig at a Manchester venue?

Sign up free on GigXchange to view booking contacts, fee ranges, and submission processes for every Manchester venue. Most grassroots venues accept email submissions with a link to your music, EPK, or social profiles. Check current UK fee benchmarks before quoting.

Are there open mics in Manchester?

Yes. GigXchange also runs the UK Open Mic Finder for Manchester, which lists weekly open mic nights with backline, day, and fee filters. Open mics are the main pathway from bedroom to stage for most grassroots artists. See also our guide on getting gigs in the UK.

What genres do Manchester venues book?

The most commonly booked genres across Manchester’s 123 grassroots venues are Rock, rock, indie, folk, acoustic. Many venues accept both original music and covers. Browse artist profiles by genre to find acts for your venue.

What are typical fees at Manchester venues?

Fees vary by venue size and event type. The GigXchange Rate Calculator shows current percentiles for Manchester by band size and venue type. Door splits are common at smaller venues; flat fees are more typical at mid-size rooms. The Musicians’ Union publishes recommended minimums.

Can I list my Manchester venue for free?

Yes. Submissions are free, take 2 minutes, and are verified within 48 hours. Once approved, claim your listing to self-edit your profile and manage bookings. Venues with a PRS licence can also list their music policy.

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