manchester beer tour

Manchester Beer Tasting

The best group beer tasting experiences in Manchester!

Group Beer Tours

Whether you are a stag or hen party or a business looking for a team building event, we have a range of Manchester beer tasting experiences available for you to choose from.

Contact us today and we’ll create your perfect group beer tasting experience.

Discover a wide range of beer styles with our knowledgeable tour guides at Manchester’s best craft beer venues.

Stag Party Beer Tasting

In charge of organising a stag party?

Civilised stag groups are more than welcome to join us on a beer tasting experience where our guides will lead you around allowing the best man to relax for a few hours.

Discover a number of beer styles from lager to IPA on our educational tours at multiple venues.

Please kindly note we don’t operate a drink as much as you like pub crawl however you’ll taste third or half pint measures at various stops.

No fancy dress permitted but good times guaranteed.

Corporate Beer Tours

Entertaining clients or looking for a team building day out then look no further.

Our beer tasting experiences will have your team or clients enjoying a number of different types of beer whilst learning about the story behind them.

Visit multiple Manchester craft beer venues on a bespoke tour for your company.

Manchester Brewery Tours

Manchester is home to a fantastic range of craft beer venues and microbrewery taprooms. We visit a range of venues on our craft beer tours in Manchester and whilst most are city centre based we can accommodate tours or tasting experiences in most areas of the city.

Some of the venues that we visit on our tours include Beer Nouveau, Cloudwater, Track, Alphabet, Beatnikz Republic but if there is somewhere on your ‘must visit’ list please let us know and we’ll see if we can include this.

Tickets & Gift Vouchers

We also run regular Manchester Brewery Tours available to the public. Grab a ticket below:

TOP RATED GUIDES

Our tour guides are hand picked due to their expertise in their subject field.

They know a thing or two about how to taste a variety of different beer styles from lagers to IPAs and more!

You’ll get the full story behind each style you taste.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For IT

What previous guests have said about our beer tasting experiences in Manchester & around the UK.

Manchester Corporate Beer tasting

Here’s just a few of our happy corporate customers.

DISCOVER MORE FROM UKBT TOURS

We also have beer tours available in other UK cities along with gin and cider tasting experiences. Check out the links below for more details.

THE BEST Manchester Beer Tastings & Brewery Tours

Beer tastings & tours in manchester.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Craft Beer Tour around Manchester

2. Craft Brews of Manchester - A Private Beer Tour

3. Private Craft Beer Tour of Manchester

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Afternoon Tea Cruise in North Yorkshire

Chocolate Bar Making Workshop - York Cocoa Works

Harrogate Walking Food Tour

Small group Tasting Tour of York

Shared 3 Hours Hidden Gems Foodie Tour of York

Guided Historic Pub Tour (York)

Chocolate Manufactory Tasting Journey at York Cocoa Works

Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus

Eat and Explore Liverpool Walking Tour

Small-Group: Experience Local Food Tour in Liverpool

York on a Fork Food Tour

FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls

Fish & Chips Boat Cruise in York

Liverpool's Best Craft Drinks & Pub Food With A Local: Private & Personalized

Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Liverpool

Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting

Gin Tasting Masterclass

Bar & Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Leeds

Class - Introduction to Chocolate Making at York Cocoa Works

LIverpool beer or prosecco bike tour

7 Hours Pub Tours in Peak District

Gin School Experience

Leeds 'Hidden Gems' Food Tour

Liverpool Craft Beer Experience

Shared Gin & Vodka Making Experience at Nelson's Distillery

3-Hour Indian Food Tasting around Leeds

Food Walking Tour in Chester City

Si Manchester

Free Walking Tours in Manchester

• Manchester Free Walking Tour In English
• Manchester Free Afternoon Walking Tour
• Free Tour Manchester En Español
• Manchester Afternoon Walking Tour – English
• Tour de Fútbol en Español en Manchester
• Tour en Español “Descubre Manchester como un local” – Tour Manchester Alternativo
• Si Manchester – Blog
• Recomendaciones

Beer Tour Manchester

Manchester has a long and vibrant history with beer: from family run breweries still operating independently after over a century to a range of new microbreweries opening over the last 20 years making the city one of the most interesting ones in the world to discover beer. And we will help you with our “Beer Tour Manchester”

Our Beer tour will help you discover Manchester’s hidden gems, from tap rooms to the bars of the newest microbreweries finishing in a traditional Manchester pub. 

We will visit a hidden tap room overlooking a brewery frequented by Mancunians, try beer by the brewery which gave birth to micro brewing in Manchester and visit one of the hippest new bars established by brothers from Salford. We will see the new generation honouring tradition with bar games and fun in a typical British style while experimenting with the beers flowing behind the bar and finish in a Traditional Manchester pub serving beer brewed for over 100 years.

We will try a beer in each of the 5 places we visit while discussing some of the history of beer and how it has influenced the world. You will get to experience a wide range of beer styles and learn a bit about the brewing process and brewing in Manchester.

Our tour is perfect for people who have an interest in beer and want to discover more or those who are new to beer but are interested to try new beers and see some interesting and quirky places frequented by locals.

Meeting Point:  

Outside Manchester National Football museumCathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG

This tour is only for +18 years old and a prove of age is required.The tour guide reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone visibly drunk or acting in an antisocial manner. 

Your ticket includes:

Admission to all the bars, a tour through the history led by a local and a drink at every bar

• Bournemouth
• My Bookings
• My Email Preferences
• Edit this page
• Access admin
• Back to search

Manchester Beer Tasting Tour

• Beatnikz Republic Bar

Description

• Walks & Tours, Food & Drink and Something A Little Different
• Tickets from £35.00
• This event has taken place.
• 12:00 - 14:00

Join us on our Manchester Beer Tasting Tour where our knowledgeable Beer Expert will take you around some of Manchester's best brewery taprooms. Discover great beers from passionate brewers on this hoppy walking tour.

Meet us at our first stop, the Beatnikz Republic Taproom in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter. We will set off rambling together on a fun and informative beerventure discovering hidden gems and learning about all things beer. We will visit 3 locations and discuss different beer styles, sampling as we go with a range of beers included at each stop.

Meeting point: Meet inside Beatnikz Republic Bar (not brewery)

Time in total : 2.5 hours

Language: English

Walking distance: Approx. 0.3 miles

Group size: 25 max

What’s Included:

- A fun informative tasting and tailored experience led by our friendly Beer Expert  

- Generous amounts of beer at each venue, across a range of beer styles

- Learn all about the history of beer in Manchester, the story behind beer styles and the ingredients that are used to make each beer unique.

- Specially reserved tables with table service at each venue

- Food is not included on this tour, but we can make recommendations on a number of lovely places for a bite to eat nearby at the end of your tour 

Accessibility: Good. Flat wheelchair friendly route. We use drop kerbs at all times. Accessible venues and toilet facilities. Any guests needing special accessibility options please contact us in advance at [email protected]

Prerequisites: None! Whether you are beer curious, or a certified beer geek, we’ve got something fresh to everyone's taste. All are welcome to join in to taste and learn something new.

Private Group Tours:

We’d love to host a private tour for your group for any occasion! Get in touch with us today at [email protected] to discuss and plan your next event with us. 

Cancellation policy:

If you need to change your dates, please get in touch with us at

[email protected]

with your ticket reference number and we will be happy to assist you.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the event.

Disclaimer:

Look  out for your final tour details email which will be sent out on the day before your tour. Please make sure your contact details are correct so we can inform you in the event of any last minute changes.

Due  to the ever changing nature of the businesses we visit we reserve the right to change the lineup of stops visited on the day and will  always look to substitute any venue with an alternative stop or tasting where possible. Tours inside the breweries are also subject to change if there are circumstances beyond our control. Walking is involved so please be aware of this and dress in appropriate clothing for all weathers. This tour takes place all year around, so please be prepared.

This is an educational tour so all guests will be expected to behave appropriately. Rights of admission may be refused by the tour guides/venues at any time and the tour guide’s decision is final.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets are available on the day.

Tickets/Times

Beatnikz Republic Bar, 35, Dale Street, Manchester, M1 2HF

Getting there

The Rambling Beer Co.

• View Website

More from The Rambling Beer Co.

• The Liverpool Craft Beer Experience
• The Manchester Craft Beer Experience
• Hackney Wick Brewery Tour and Tasting 5
• Bermondsey Cheese, Meat And Beer Tour 5

1. The ticket holder voluntarily assumes all risks and danger incidental to the event for which the ticket is issued, whether occurring prior, during or after the event. The ticket holder voluntarily agrees that the management, venue, event participants, DesignMyNight (WFL Media Ltd) and all of their respective agents, officers, directors, owners and employers are expressly released by the ticket holder from any claims arising from such causes. 2. Tickets are issued subject to the rules and regulations of the venue. 3. Please check your tickets, as mistakes cannot always be rectified. 4. Occasionally, events are cancelled or postponed by the promoter, team, performer or venue for a variety of reasons. If the event is cancelled, please contact us for information on receiving a refund from the responsible party. If the event was moved or rescheduled, the venue or promoter may set refund limitations. It is your responsibility to ascertain the date and time of any rearranged event. 5. The venue reserves the right to refuse admission and may on occasion have to conduct security searches to ensure the safety of the patrons. 6. Every effort to admit latecomers will be made at a suitable break in the event, but admission cannot always be guaranteed. 7. We regret that tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded after purchase. 8. Tickets are sold subject to the venue or promoter's right to alter or vary the programme due to events or circumstances beyond its control without being obliged to refund monies or exchange tickets. 9. If this ticket is re-sold or transferred for profit or commercial gain by anyone other than the promoter, venue management, DesignMyNight or one of their authorised sub-agents, it will become voidable and the holder may be refused entry to or ejected from the venue. 10. The venue may operate a No Smoking Policy. 11. The promoter, venue management and DesignMyNight accept no responsibility for any personal property. 12. The event listed on the purchased ticket is strictly for ticket holders who are over 18 years of age. Identification may be required.

Customer Reviews (18)

Closing the checkout will empty your basket. Do you want to continue?

• 0 Shopping Cart Free -->

Lianne Williams

Lianne has been leading Manchester brewery tours and tastings since 2018, welcoming hundreds of guests and introducing them to the best craft beer the city has to offer. She became a Certified Cicerone® in January 2022 and is passionate about great beer and helping people to learn more about the brewing process and the wide variety of styles available. She has also volunteered as a beer judge at the 2020 and 2022 SIBA Awards .

Lianne is enthusiastic about good beer and the Manchester beer scene and loves introducing tour guests to new places and giving lots of recommendations. Despite growing up in Birmingham, Lianne is a Mancunian at heart – hopefully, you will leave her tours loving beer and the great city of Manchester nearly as much as she does! Lianne also leads tours in Liverpool occasionally and she has also fallen in love with the city for its great range of new exciting craft bars and breweries and its more traditional pubs. And of course the stunning Royal Albert Dock !

Lianne also has a blog called Beer Babes where she writes about her many beer adventures around Manchester and beyond.

Check out her interview with Sarah Hyde here: QPCU: Ep.01

Book a Manchester Tour Now!

Book a Liverpool Tour Now!

Subscribe to our newsletter for info on upcoming events!

Email Address *

Manchester, Liverpool, London & Beyond

[email protected].

Privacy Policy

© Rambling Beer Co. 2023. All Rights Reserved.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page

Craft Beer Tour

Tickets 🎫 Ticket for 1 on the Craft Beer Tour, including tastings, a 3.5hr guided tour and more (see below) Each craft beer tour includes:

• Taste 10-12 craft beers (1/3 pints), each beer unique to the venue
• A 3 ½ hour guided tour & tasting experience around the city
• Visit four venues, including Manchester-based breweries and specialist craft beer bars
• A talk on each drink & the brand behind the beer by the experts at each venue
• All drinks included in the price

General Info 📅 Date and time: various Fridays and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. (select during purchase) 🕒 Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes 📍 Departure Point: Beatnikz Republic Bar, Dale House (the group returns to this bar after the tour) 👤 Age requirement: 18+ with valid ID ❓ For this event, all sales are final and tickets can’t be refunded, changed or modified. For more information, please refer to our T&Cs

Description Love Craft Beer? Then you'll love Craft Beer Tour Manchester! If you are looking to enjoy craft beers across Manchester then join our tour through the city every Saturday. Our friendly guide will introduce you to breweries and beer houses off the beaten track, making it the perfect day out for beer lovers visiting the city and locals alike! On each tour, you will get 10-12 beers (1/3 pints) of superb craft beer locally brewed in Manchester. At each venue a brewer or a tasting expert will guide you through some of the best produce the city has to offer. Join us for an unforgettable Manchester experience!

How to get there?

35 Dale St, Manchester M1 2HF, UK, M1 2HF

Select date and session

No booking fees

Similar Experiences

Relaxed walking wine tasting tour of manchester's best wine spots, the manchester cheese crawl, manchester gin: gin-making experience, alcotraz prison cocktail bar - manchester, manchester craft beer festival 2024, manchester gin distillery tour: taste the distillery, manchester gin tasting experience, manchester bar crawl, boy toy bottomless brunch - manchester, brunch uk garage.

Sorry, JavaScript must be enabled to use this web app

THE 10 BEST Greater Manchester Breweries

Breweries in greater manchester.

• Cooking Classes
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Farmers Markets
• Distilleries
• Distillery Tours
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Other Food & Drink
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Robinsons Brewery

2. Cloudwater Brew Co

3. Irwell Works Brewery

4. Runaway Brewery

5. The Brewery Bar

6. Tinhead Brewery

7. Track Brewing

8. Beer Nouveau

9. Two Left Feet Brewery

10. The Lancashire Mead Company

11. Stubborn Mule Brewery

12. bank top brewery.

13. Northern Monkey Brew Co Tap Room

14. Harrington Arms

15. Brewery Inn

16. Marble Brewery

17. Ol Nano Brewery & Bar

18. Joseph Holt Hollin Lane

19. seven bro7hers brewing, what travellers are saying.

Report: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

Manchester United - Sun May 12 - 16:30

The title race will go right to the very final whistle after Leandro Trossard’s first-half strike was enough to grind out another win on our travels.

It will be the first time in 25 years that we have been involved in the title race on the final day of the season, after we completed the league double over Manchester United for the first time since 2006/07 to move back to the top of the table, though Manchester City have a game in hand.

It was also our 27th league win of the campaign, the most we have ever recorded in a 38-game programme. Next up, Everton at home on the final day, with the championship still up for grabs.

Trossard again

We pinned back the hosts early on, the first three or four minutes were played almost exclusively in the United half, but we only had a flicked-on Declan Rice corner and tame Bukayo Saka shot to show for it.

At the other end Rasmus Hojlund shot over after Thomas Partey was dispossessed just outside his own box, and Alejandro Garnacho had a shot blocked as our fast start petered out.

But just as the balance of play evened out, we struck the first blow. Kai Havertz was in acres of space, played onside by the slowly retreating Casemiro, and was able to pick out the arriving Trossard with a low cross. The in-form Belgian finished first time from close range for his 17th of the season, and our 89th in the Premier League this season – our most prolific campaign in the competition.

Few chances

For a while, it looked as though the goal would give us the lift we needed. Takehiro Tomiyasu had a fierce drive charged down and Ben White blasted over from a narrow angle – both chances came after a storming Rice run into enemy territory.

But in truth the rest of the half was fairly flat, with neither team able to take control, and chances were limited.

The second half began how the first finished, it was 10 minutes after the restart until we had a sight of goal. Rice’s shot from 20 yards was blocked, and Trossard was crowded out when the rebound fell to him.

At the other end Garnacho blazed over when space opened up for him, and then William Saliba made a superbly-timed tackle to deny the Argentine winger as he burst into the box. Odegaard at last worked Onana, his low shot was safely dealt with though, after being set up by a Havertz flick.

Late chances

Midway through the second half Mikel Arteta sent on Gabriel Martinelli for goalscorer Trossard to try to inject some verve to our attacking play. The Brazilian brought a smart save from Onana after shifting the ball onto his right foot inside the box, then forced another save after good work on the right.

Rice was the next to test the keeper with a low curler from 20 yards before Saka was forced off late on – replaced by Gabriel Jesus.

The game had started amid summery temperatures, but ended in thunderstorms. In the slippery conditions though, we kept our footing – and our nerve – to see out another hugely important win.

Facts and stats

We have won three successive Premier League games against Manchester United for the first time since September 1998, while this season is just the fourth time they’ve done the double over them in the competition, after 1997/98, 2001/02 and 2006/07.

Our win at Old Trafford was our 27th in the Premier League this season, only winning more league games in a campaign in the top-flight in 1970/71 (29) and 1930/31 (28).

Manchester United have lost 19 games in all competitions this season, their most since 1977/78 (also 19), while their nine defeats at Old Trafford this term is their joint-most at home in a season.

We have kept a clean sheet in seven of our last eight Premier League away games, while only Chelsea in 2008/09 (12) have kept more away from home in a single season in the competition on the road than their 11 this term.

United have conceded in 10 successive games in all competitions for the first time since October 2021, while the 82 goals they’ve conceded this season is their most since 1970/71 (also 82).

None of Leandro Trossard’s 20 Premier League goals since the start of last season have been a penalty; only Phil Foden (28) and Gabriel Martinelli (21) have more non-penalty goals in the competition during that time.

Only Cole Palmer (19) has been directly involved in more Premier League goals in 2024 than Kai Havertz (14 – 8 goals, 6 assists), with eight of those involvements coming away from home (4 goals, 4 assists), bettered only by Kevin De Bruyne (11).

What’s next

Our title bid will go to the final game of the season, regardless of what Manchester City do against Tottenham on Tuesday night. 

We face Everton at home in our last fixture of 2023/24, knowing a win will be enough to become champions for the first time since 2003/04, as long as City drop points in one of their final two fixtures, and we maintain our superior goal difference. The lowest we can now finish is second.

Copyright 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.

Bench Cam: Mikel's reactions in Old Trafford win

We continued our fine form in 2024 with a 1-0 win away to Manchester United on Sunday, and you can watch how Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff reacted during the game in the latest episode of Bench Cam.

Going up against Erik ten Hag, the two managers rarely took their seats in a match that was delicately poised at 1-0 to Arsenal for the majority of its runtime.

Needless to say, Mikel thoroughly enjoyed Leandro Trossard giving us the lead in the 20th minute!

Press play on the video above to enjoy the latest episode of Bench Cam.

Fixtures & Results

Arsenal Membership

Always be ahead of the game

Arsenal Football Club Highbury House 75 Drayton Park London, N5 1BU

Telephone Number 020 7619 5000

Explore our  Help Centre  for answers to common questions

For all other enquiries please use our  New Enquiry  form

Website feedback?  Fill in our form

Report  abuse and discrimination here

Check out our exclusive Wallpapers for desktop and mobile today!

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Family Friendly

Restaurants, buy the visit manchester pass.

Discover Manchester with the Visit Manchester Pass - Entry into 13 of Manchester's top attractions plus over 30 discounts and offers.

Spirit of Manchester Distillery

Breweries & distilleries in manchester.

Embark on a spirited journey through Manchester's thriving craft beer and distillery scene. Explore a diverse array of breweries and distilleries, each offering a unique taste of the city's brewing heritage. From hop-forward craft beers to meticulously crafted spirits, discover the artistry and passion behind Manchester's libation culture. Our curated guide unveils hidden gems and popular hotspots, inviting you to savour the rich flavours and craftsmanship that define this vibrant city. Cheers to an immersive experience, as you sip, sample, and delve into Manchester's dynamic world of breweries and distilleries.

Search for something...

Continue your Manchester story by exploring further.

Ratings Powered by

Childish Gambino Has Unveiled A Bunch Of Dates For ‘The New World Tour’ In 2024 And 2025

Today is a big one for Donald Glover fans: He just released Atavista , a new Childish Gambino album, and now he’s announced tour dates, too.

The New World Tour kicks off in August in North America before going to Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand between then and early 2025. Willow will open the North American shows while Amaarae will support for the international dates.

The general on-sale for tickets starts May 17 at 10 a.m. local time. Fans can also sign up for early access via the artist pre-sale, and there’s an exclusive American Express pre-sale as well for North American, Australian, and select UK dates. The start times of those pre-sales vary by market, so find more information about tickets via the tour website .

Check out the list of tour dates below.

Childish Gambino 2024 & 2025 Tour Dates: The New World Tour

08/11/2024 — Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center * 08/12/2024 — Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center * 08/14/2024 — Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum * 08/15/2024 — Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center * 08/17/2024 — Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena * 08/18/2024 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena * 08/20/2024 — Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena * 08/21/2024 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center * 08/23/2024 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden * 08/24/2024 — Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Arena * 08/26/2024 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center * 08/27/2024 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center * 08/29/2024 — Washington, D.C. @ Capital One Arena * 08/30/2024 — Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena * 09/01/2024 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena * 09/02/2024 — Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena * 09/04/2024 — Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena * 09/05/2024 — Sunrise, FL @ Amerant Bank Arena * 09/07/2024 — New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center * 09/08/2024 — Houston, TX @ Toyota Center * 09/10/2024 — Austin, TX @ Moody Center * 09/11/2024 — Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center * 09/13/2024 — Denver, CO @ Ball Arena * 09/14/2024 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Delta Center * 09/16/2024 — Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center * 09/18/2024 — Los Angeles, CA @ Crypto.com Arena * 09/19/2024 — Los Angeles, CA @ Crypto.com Arena * 09/21/2024 — San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center * 09/23/2024 — Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena * 09/24/2024 — Portland, OR @ Moda Center * 09/25/2024 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena * 09/27/2024 — Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome * 09/29/2024 — Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place * 10/02/2024 — St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center * 10/03/2024 — Chicago, IL @ United Center * 10/31/2024 — Lyon, FR @ LDLC Arena # 11/02/2024 — Milan, IT @ Unipol Forum # 11/04/2024 — Cologne, DE @ Lanxess Arena # 11/06/2024 — Hamburg, DE @ Barclays Arena # 11/08/2024 — Oslo, NO @ Oslo Spektrum # 11/10/2024 — Copenhagen, DK @ Royal Arena # 11/12/2024 — Prague, CZ @ O2 arena # 11/13/2024 — Berlin, DE @ Uber Arena # 11/19/2024 — Paris, FR @ Accor Arena # 11/21/2024 — Munich, DE @ Olympiahalle # 11/23/2024 — Brussels, BE @ ING Arena # 11/24/2024 — Amsterdam, NL @ Ziggo Dome # 11/26/2024 — Manchester, UK @ AO Arena # 11/28/2024 — Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro # 11/30/2024 — London, UK @ The O2 # 12/01/2024 — London, UK @ The O2 # 12/03/2024 — Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena # 12/05/2024 — Dublin, IE @ 3Arena # 01/28/2025 — Auckland, NZ @ Spark Arena # 02/01/2025 — Brisbane, QLD @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre # 02/04/2025 — Sydney, NSW @ Qudos Bank Arena # 02/07/2025 — Melbourne, VIC @ Rod Laver Arena # 02/11/2025 — Perth, WA @ RAC Arena #

* with Willow # with Amaarae

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Legendary rock band deliver ‘spellbinding’ performance as Co-op Live arena finally opens

Share this with

After countless setbacks, the UK’s biggest live music venue, Co-op Live in Manchester , has finally opened up to fans, and they weren’t left disappointed.

The inaugural show on Tuesday night hosted a concert from the band Elbow , following the recent release of their 10th studio album, Audio Vertigo. 

The £365million venue was supposed to open in April with comedian Peter Kay, but the venue’s big night has been repeatedly pushed back due to ‘technical issues.’

The arena cancelled three shows at the last minute since then, including Olivia Rodrigo ’s Guts tour and rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s concert, which was scrapped at the last minute when part of the ventilation system became detached.

It’s since been reported that the Manchester spot has completed an inspection and are ‘satisfied’ with the result, which found the ventilation issue was an ‘isolated’ fault.

On Tuesday, the £365million venue officially opened its doors to ‘apprehensive’ fans, before rock band Elbow, who hail from Manchester, took to the stage after support act The Waeve performed.

Frontman Guy Garvey told the audience those who had been working on the building had been ‘so excited today, so nervous and so excited’, in a video shared on X.

‘There was already electricity in the air before you lot got in here and now it’s fully amped up. I hope you can feel it,’ he said.

Concert-goers branded the show ‘spellbinding’ while @foofoo50 said: ‘Seriously impressed with the arena. Glad the local lads of Elbow are the openers.’

‘A grand band for a grand opening,’ @GBSticks11 added.

Elbow opening the @cooplive Manchester tonight ,spellbinding . pic.twitter.com/WHHAt1LqzZ — paul mckeever (@paulmckeever16) May 14, 2024

Can’t believe it’s taken me and @mooreVMD 22 years to finally see @Elbow on their own turf for a concert! Wow! Great start in Manchester! pic.twitter.com/B75vOTqYRM — Janine Czarnecki (@JMCzar) May 14, 2024

A grand band for a grand opening. (I could make a joke about needing a hard hat but I won’t.) The magnificent @Elbow at the newly finished (probably) Coop arena. Very impressive – aside from the parking cost. But I’ll let them off cos they gave us free beer. pic.twitter.com/jcAd8Pg47m — GB Sticks (@GBSticks11) May 14, 2024

Seriously impressed with the arena. Glad the local lads of Elbow are the openers — Fee (@foofoo50) May 14, 2024

Issues at the arena began after a test event in April led to the rescheduling of comedian Kay’s stand-up dates.

Kay, 50, who was meant to be the ‘first artist in the world to perform at Manchester Co-op Live’, according to promotional posters, had his shows postponed twice as the venue was not ready to open.

The problems also led to the venue rescheduling a Black Keys gig.

The venue then planned for US rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie to open the arena on May 1, but it was called off just over an hour before his performance and after doors had opened to fans – due to the ventilation system becoming detached.

Before Tuesday evening’s gig, Steve Jones, 58, from Rhyl in North Wales, told the PA news agency he was a ‘bit apprehensive’ about everything going to plan.

‘Hopefully everything goes OK,’ he said. ‘It’s been a long time in the coming, seeing all the other ones that have been cancelled, because we live 60-odd miles away and then you’re thinking “hope everything goes OK”.’

Nigel Thomas, 56 and from Chester, had come with family members, with one relative travelling from Hong Kong to see the band. He said recent cancellations at the arena had left him feeling ‘scared’ and ‘worried’.

‘We (were) worried if it would go to another venue, possibly just be postponed, and we wouldn’t all be able to meet and make it happen, so tonight feels a little bit weird, still a bit apprehensive that it hasn’t actually started yet, so we’ve still got a few hours to go.’

Neville Lawson, 58, from Durham, spoke to PA alongside Jo Elliott, 53, from Middlesbrough.

Lawson, who was wearing an Elbow T-shirt from a concert he attended 21 years ago, said: ‘We’ve had the tickets for a while, we didn’t think it was going to come off actually.

‘To think a Manchester band, which Elbow are, the first band to open the arena, it’s amazing isn’t it. To think of all these other (acts) – Peter Kay, Take That – and all of them, we’ve got a Manchester band opening up, it’s brilliant.

‘(We have been) worried it was going to cancel, (and) it’s not going to happen. Or are we going to get moved to the other arena in Manchester which is just a big aircraft hangar really.’

Tim Leiweke, chief executive of the arena’s operator Oak View Group, said fittings in the arena had been ‘triple checked’ after the May incident, which could have been ‘catastrophic’ if it had happened just 15 minutes later.

He told BBC News he was confident it was ‘the safest building in the world’, adding there had been ‘no way’ operators could have known the ventilation was not installed correctly.

‘They didn’t put the bolts in. It wasn’t visible to the eye,’ he said. ‘And it fell out. So we [have since] got that double checked and triple checked. We’ve looked at thousands of bolts up in that ceiling now. We’ve looked at the life safety lines. And we were going to take our time to make sure we did this right.

‘There was no way we were opening the doors until we checked every screw and every bolt and every one of those 95 shafts.’

The ventilation issue meant scheduled performances by US pop star Olivia Rodrigo and British band Keane were postponed, while a series of shows by Take That were moved to the AO Arena in Manchester.

Last week, East Sussex rock band Keane announced their postponed gig has been rescheduled for October 19, while new dates are yet to be announced for Olivia.

The venue also added a headline performance from US rapper Travis Scott, who will be bringing his Circus Maximus Tour on July 13.

The Co-op Live arena is a joint venture between Oak View Group, co-founded by Leiweke and US music mogul Irving Azoff, and City Football Group, owned by billionaire United Arab Emirates royal and deputy prime minister Sheikh Mansour.

Harry Styles is among the other investors.

Following the cancellations, Co-op Live released a statement earlier this week reading: ‘Following the incident in the bowl on 1 May 2024, an inspection and verification report was undertaken by SES subcontractors.

‘In consultation with Manchester City Council, responsible authorities, and wider stakeholders, we are satisfied with the process and outcome of the investigation identifying the HVAC nozzle as an isolated manufacturing default.

‘This is a standard process of review in any venue when such an incident occurs. We now look forward to welcoming fans to Elbow’s opening performance on 14 May 2024.’

A Council statement added: ‘The Council has received documentation that confirms that the venue has carried out the necessary investigations following the incident with their air ducting that provides reassurance that they have considered their duties under Health and Safety law.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : 70s rock icon announces live comeback with first UK shows in almost a decade

MORE : Almost two decades on, this vibrant UK city is still a ‘Capital of Culture’

MORE : 7 iconic musicians who hated their biggest hit singles

Get us in your feed