What's On in Manchester
Thursday 05 November 2026 · This weekend · City guide
Manchester has never been shy about doing things properly, and this particular Thursday — Bonfire Night, no less — the city is absolutely incandescent with possibility. From a pound-a-ticket comedy club to one of the biggest live music nights of the year at Depot Mayfield, there is a version of this evening that was made precisely for you. Step away from the fireworks and let the city light you up from the inside.
Highlights

WHP26 - THE STREETS — Depot Mayfield — the cavernous, endlessly atmospheric former railway depot — plays host to The Streets as part of WHP26, and if you have ever bellowed 'Fit But You Know It' in a crowd of thousands then you already know why this is unmissable. Mike Skinner's knack for turning everyday British life into something euphoric and profound feels absolutely right for a Bonfire Night crowd. Doors at 7:00pm — check the website for tickets, and do not leave it too late.

Tove Lo - ESTRUS — Swedish pop phenomenon Tove Lo brings her ESTRUS tour to the O2 Victoria Warehouse, a venue whose industrial bones and great sound system are perfectly matched to her bold, emotionally fearless music. Expect high production values, anthems you know every word to, and an atmosphere that crackles with energy from the first note. Doors at 7:00pm — check the website for tickets.
One Pound Comedy: Thursday — For the price of a bag of crisps you can spend your Thursday evening laughing until your face hurts at Creatures Comedy Club — a genuine Manchester gem that believes good comedy should be accessible to absolutely everyone. A rotating lineup of sharp, hungry acts takes the stage from 7:00pm, and at £1 a ticket, the only thing you have to lose is a bad mood. Arguably the best value entertainment in the city tonight, full stop.

Trainspotting The Musical — Yes, you read that correctly — and yes, it is every bit as visceral, funny, and unexpectedly moving as you would hope. Palace Theatre Manchester hosts this electrifying stage adaptation of Irvine Welsh's landmark novel, which has been turning heads and raising eyebrows on its tour in the very best way. Curtain up at 7:30pm — check the website for tickets, and perhaps brace yourself just a little.

Eat Static — For those who like their Thursday evenings a little more cosmic, Eat Static at Rebellion is a proper treat — psychedelic electronic music that sits somewhere between rave culture and science fiction, delivered live with genuine ferocity. This is the kind of show that dedicated fans travel across the country for, and having it on your doorstep on Bonfire Night feels like the universe is rewarding you specifically. Doors at 7:00pm, tickets £20.

Romare (Live) — Band on the Wall is one of those venues that seems to make every act sound better than they have any right to, and Romare's richly layered live show — blending hip-hop, blues, and electronic production into something that feels entirely its own — is a genuinely wonderful match for the space. If you want something a little more considered and atmospheric to round out your evening, this is it. Doors at 7:30pm, tickets £22.
Full listings
| Event | Venue | Time | Price | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Music | |||||
| WHP26 - THE STREETS | Depot Mayfield | 7:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Eat Static | Rebellion | 7:00pm | £20 | Tickets | |
| Tove Lo - ESTRUS | O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester | 7:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Dizzee Rascal | Manchester Academy | 7:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Ole 60 - Off the Grid Tour | Manchester New Century Hall | 7:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| theboyshadow | The Star and Garter | 7:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Chanel Beads | Gorilla | 7:00pm | £21 | Tickets | |
| Chanel Beads | Manchester Gorilla | 7:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Cigarettes For Breakfast + Special Guests @AATMA | Aatma Manchester | 7:00pm | £10 | Tickets | |
| Future Palace | Manchester Academy 3 | 7:30pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Romare (Live) | Band On The Wall | 7:30pm | £22 | Tickets | |
| Gidiki - Manchester | The Carlton Club Manchester | 7:30pm | £23 | Tickets | |
| Comedy | |||||
| One Pound Comedy: Thursday | Creatures Comedy Club | Creatures Comedy Club | 7:00pm | £1 | Tickets | |
| PLANE COMEDY - The Bread Shed, Manchester | The Bread Shed | 7:00pm | £15 | Tickets | |
| Thursday night Comedy || Creatures Comedy Club | Creatures Comedy Club | 8:30pm | £5–£8 | Tickets | |
| Late Night with Kyle and Evan || Creatures Comedy Club | Creatures Comedy Club | 11:00pm | £3 | Tickets | |
| Arts & Theatre | |||||
| Trainspotting The Musical | Palace Theatre Manchester | 7:30pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| General | |||||
| Sea Life Manchester - Standard Entry | SEA LIFE Manchester | 10:00am | Check website | Tickets | |
| Undefined | |||||
| Romare (Live) | Band On The Wall. | 7:30pm | Check website | Tickets | |