2026 is already looking like an incredible year for music in the North West, and that’s just the acts that have been announced this side of the new year.
From multi-award winners from shores afar, through to the best current crop of UK artists and cult favourites, we anticipate that there will be more to come after the Christmas break, but announcements are still coming in thick and fast.
We’ve highlighted 33 shows coming to the area next year that have caught our interest, and we’ve included venues and dates to make marking that new 2026 calendar you’ll no doubt be getting in your stocking this year slightly easier.
The only question for yourselves then would be - how many of the shows will you possibly be attending so far?
7. MGK (Machine Gun Kelly)
The multi-platinum selling artist brings his Lost Americana Tour to the North West in support of his latest studio album. MGK (Colson Baker) promises an electrifying live show that blends pop-punk intensity with his rap origins on March 7. 📌 Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU | Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Nickelodeon
8. Dave
The highly respected, Mercury Prize-winning rapper and storyteller takes his The Boy Who Played The Harp Tour to Manchester for two nights. Known for his razor-sharp lyrics and introspective approach, Dave performs on March 16 and 17. 📌 Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU | TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images
9. Reneé Rapp
The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and actress brings her biggest headline European tour to date, the Bite Me Tour, to Manchester. In support of her forthcoming sophomore album, Rapp performs her genre-blending pop at the AO Arena on March 18. 📌 AO Arena, Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, Manchester, M3 1AR | David Jackson
10. Wu-Tang Forever
Hip-hop legends and cultural icons Wu-Tang Clan bring their Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber tour to the North West. Expect a high-energy performance featuring some of the most influential MCs in history, running through their colossal back catalogue on March 19. 📌 Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU | Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for SiriusXM
11. Gorillaz
Damon Albarn’s ground-breaking, animated supergroup returns for a spectacular live show, featuring a massive cast of guests and elaborate multimedia visuals. They play two nights in Manchester on March 20 and 21, and a single night in Liverpool on March 29. 📌 Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU / M&S Bank Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool, L3 4FP | Getty Images for Coachella
12. Richard Ashcroft
The legendary former Verve frontman and Britpop icon performs a solo headline show in Liverpool on March 26. Ashcroft is celebrated for his unique vocal style and deep catalogue of anthems. 📌 M&S Bank Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool, L3 4FP | Getty Images