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?
13. 5 Seconds of Summer
The Australian pop-rock group brings their Everyone's A Star! tour to Manchester in support of their new sixth studio album. Known for their catchy anthems and passionate fanbase, they play the Co-op Live on April 4. 📌 Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU | Getty Images for iHeartRadio
14. James
Manchester's own indie stalwarts continue their enduring career, returning for two huge shows across the North West. They play Liverpool on April 11 and Manchester on April 18. 📌 M&S Bank Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool, L3 4FP / Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU | Getty Images
15. The Prodigy
The undisputed kings of electronic punk return to the North West for two huge shows. They bring their high-voltage energy to Co-op Live on April 16 and close the summer concert season at Wythenshawe Park on August 30. 📌 Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU / Wythenshawe Park, Wythenshawe Road, Manchester, M23 0AB | AFP via Getty Images
16. Rick Astley
The pop icon and beloved figure brings his arena show to the region, promising a set packed with classic hits and his recent material. Astley plays Co-op Live on April 17. 📌 Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU | Provided
17. Louis Tomlinson
The former One Direction member returns to the arenas on his solo world tour, supporting the release of his new single 'Lemonade.' Tomlinson plays the Co-op Live on April 24. 📌 Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU | Provided
18. Olivia Dean
The rising star of UK R&B and soul brings her biggest headline tour yet, The Art Of Loving Live, to Manchester for two nights. Known for her infectious grooves and smooth vocals, Dean performs on April 25 and 26. 📌 Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU | WireImage