Music for the Senses Art Trail
This summer, Music for the Senses is a free art trail that covers Manchester from 7 July to 31 August. You can find more than 50 guitar artworks in shop windows, museums, galleries, and even on the streets. Each guitar is decorated by different artists, turning old or donated instruments into beautiful public art pieces. One fun part is called Guitar Street: here, broken guitars hang on a street and the artist Lazerian stencils the faces of local musicians on them. There are also big installations like the Cathedral of Sound, made from many old guitars, where you can walk through and feel surrounded by music. At the end, all the decorated guitars will be auctioned, and the money will help small music projects and venues in Manchester. It is a colourful, happy, and creative way to celebrate Manchester’s famous music scene.
To join the Music for the Senses trail, you can download the free app or pick up a paper map from many places around Manchester, like libraries, museums, and cafes. The app shows you where to find all the decorated guitars and gives you information about each artist. You can visit the guitars in any order, at your own pace. If you check in on the app at different guitar locations, you can collect digital stamps. When you collect enough stamps, you can win small prizes, like postcards, keyrings, or even free tickets to local music events. It’s a fun activity for families, tourists, and music fans. You don’t need to spend any money to enjoy it, and it’s a great way to explore Manchester while learning about its music and art.
Dates and Times
July 7 – August 31
MCR Live ’25 markets in St Peter’s Square
This summer, the MCR Live ’25 Market in St Peter’s Square is a fun place for everyone in Manchester. You can walk around small stalls and find cool things like music prints, handmade jewellery, local Manchester merchandise, and even Oasis-themed gifts. There are also delicious street food options from around the world. The market feels lively and friendly because it is full of local makers, artists, and traders. It is a great spot to explore for collectors or for people who want to find something unique and enjoy the summer atmosphere in Manchester’s biggest music celebration.
Dates and Times
9th – 13th July
16th – 20th July
MCR Live Hub
This summer, the MCR Live Hub bar in Piccadilly Gardens is a great place to enjoy music and meet friends. It is open every day from 11 am to 11 pm and offers drinks from local breweries and tasty street food. There are surprise live acts and DJs on the outdoor stage, giving visitors a fun atmosphere to enjoy a relaxed, music-inspired day together. As the sun sets, the Hub becomes a central place to connect, discover music, and feel the energy of Manchester’s big summer event, MCR Live ’25.
Dates and Times
Opens 4 July – all summer
Northern Quarter Block Party
This summer, the Northern Quarter Block Parties are a fun and lively event in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. They take place on Edge Street and Thomas Street. During the day, there are two stages with live DJs and bands that create a great atmosphere. Independent bars, cafes, and food stalls open in the street so friends can enjoy drinks and local dishes together.
The whole event has a relaxed and friendly vibe, where people can meet, dance, and enjoy music under the summer sky. It is a perfect way to join the city’s biggest music summer and feel the Northern Quarter’s creative spirit.
Dates and Times
July 11, July 12, July 19, July 20
12:00 to 21:30
Oasis Week at Central Library
This summer, Oasis Week at Manchester’s Central Library is a fun and free event for everyone.
You can take part in the Big Oasis Quiz, see a film, join a look‑a‑like competition for Liam or Noel Gallagher, and hear old interviews from Piccadilly Radio and Key 103.
Listen to Northern music journalist John Robb talk about his book Live Forever.
The week ends with Live Forever, a special music day: expect performances by the Manchester String Quartet, a ukulele orchestra, vocal group Canter Semper, and the top tribute band Noasis.
It’s a great way to enjoy Oasis’s music all week, and best of all—it’s free!
Dates and Times
14th to 19th July
Capri Beach Club at Exchange Square
This summer, the Capri Beach Club at Exchange Square brings a little Mediterranean sun to the heart of Manchester.
The floor is real sand, and there are comfy cabanas, lounge chairs, and beach‑style decorations. You can enjoy chilled Ibiza-style DJ music and even a live saxophonist in the evenings. The bar sells all kinds of drinks like cocktails, Aperol spritzes, and frozen mocktails, and there are street food stalls with pizza, burgers, fish and chips, and ice cream. It’s a relaxed, sunny place to sit with friends, feel like you’re at the beach, and enjoy Manchester’s summer music celebration.
Dates and Times
June 5 to August 25
11 am to 11 pm
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