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

0Full Backline

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

The Blarney Stone

BoltonBe first to review

Bolton's Bradshawgate Irish bar — live bands and DJs at the rear Fri–Sun plus a Thursday open mic.

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Photo: Google

The Blossoms

Stockport › HeavileyBe first to review

PA Backline

Stockport pub with live entertainment.

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600

Photo: Google

THE BLUES KITCHEN, MANCHESTER

Manchester › City CentreBe first to review

Burgers, cocktails and live blues, soul & funk on Quay Street

Altrincham › BowdonBe first to review

Award-winning 1903 events and live-music venue in Bowdon

Manchester › Oxford Road / Grosvenor StreetBe first to review

Independent live-music venue and club on Manchester's Oxford Road corridor

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Photo: Google

The Britons Protection

ManchesterBe first to review

Traditional pub with house music events.

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Photo: Google

The Carlton Club Manchester

Manchester › Whalley RangeBe first to review

Whalley Range DJ and electronic members club.

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Photo: Google

The Castle Hotel

Manchester › Northern QuarterBe first to review

PA Backline Engineer

Northern Quarter's historic 80-cap live room for emerging bands.

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Photo: Google

The Copper Bar

ManchesterBe first to review

NQ cocktail bar with live music and pizza.

Manchester › UniversityBe first to review

PA Backline Engineer

Manchester's Thursday-night free open mic at 135 Grosvenor Street, M1 7HE — converted institute, full backline inclu

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The Eagle Inn

SalfordBe first to review

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Photo: Google

The Eagle Inn Salford

Salford › GreengateBe first to review

Salford's award-winning 80-cap grassroots music venue, live music almost every night

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Photo: Google

The Egerton Arms

SalfordBe first to review

Salford pub with live entertainment.

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Photo: Google

The Fitzgerald

ManchesterBe first to review

NQ atmospheric drinking den with live music.

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Photo: Google

The Flour and Flagon

Manchester › Chorlton-on-MedlockBe first to review

Atmospheric student-quarter pub on Manchester's Oxford Road corridor — sister bar to The Bread Shed, with DJs, live

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Photo: Google

The Flour and Flagon

ManchesterBe first to review

Oxford Road pub and gig room (The Bread Shed) on Manchester's student corridor

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Photo: Google

The Kings Arms

SalfordBe first to review

Salford's most bohemian back street boozer.

Manchester › LevenshulmeBe first to review

Manchester club venue.

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The Lodge, Manchester

Manchester › Grosvenor Street, near Oxford RoadBe first to review

Manchester rock, indie, alt and pop venue.

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Photo: Google

The Oddfellows Arms

Manchester › Swinton, CliftonBe first to review

Salford pub with live music.

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Photo: Google

The Old Market Square, Warrington

Warrington › Golden Square, Warrington town centreBe first to review

Warrington's open-air town-square concert space at Golden Square

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Photo: Google

The Peer Hat

ManchesterBe first to review

PA Backline

Mancunian bar with arts and live music.

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Photo: Google

The Pen & Pencil

Manchester › Northern QuarterBe first to review

Northern Quarter's wednesday-night free open mic at **The Pen & Pencil** — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from

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Photo: Google

The Rat And Pidgeon

Manchester › Piccadilly, Manchester city centreBe first to review

NQ punk rock bar and venue.

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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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