We’re already well into 2025, and as you might imagine, both Manchester and Liverpool are gearing up for a glittering year ahead, with some huge events and celebrations set to pull the crowds not only from the north but also across the country.
If you’re keen to step out into these cities later this year in search of something a little different, here’s a quick preview of some highlights in Manchester and Liverpool that you’ll want to put in your calendar.
Make a move to Manchester
Manchester is already well-known for being full of cultural events and things to do – from gallery walks to its huge physical and online entertainment sector. One huge event being the revered Anime and Gaming con in April bringing a host of entertainment & gaming if you want to explore other avenues as well such as casino games and some of the biggest sporting action on the planet, you shouldn’t ever be stuck for things to keep you entertained here whether its out on the town or online.
However, one of the highlights of 2025 for visitors to Manchester will certainly be the Manchester International Festival. This year’s celebration will take place between 3rd and 20th July, and will see art, theatre, live performance, music, fashion and dance events scattered across the city. The festival only comes to town once every two years, so make a beeline if you really want to soak up the culture.
One of the biggest highlights of the summer for music fans, however, will be the return of Manchester’s own Oasis, with the Gallagher brothers set to bring five nights of live gigs to Heaton Park. The best tickets were going fast when the reunion was announced last year, so now really is the time to start booking if you’re thinking ‘definitely, maybe’. Keep your eyes peeled between 11th and 20th July.
If Britpop isn’t your scene, then maybe you’ll prefer some jazz – Manchester’s Jazz Festival returns to the city for the 30th time in 2025, celebrating three decades since its launch back in 1995. It will be a great chance to see some of the jazz world’s most celebrated international artists – and, yes, the piano trail will also be coming back. Mark your calendar for 16th to 25th May.
Finally, let’s discuss sport – specifically cricket! Emirates Old Trafford will open its doors to some major test matches this summer, with England v India in the Women’s International T20 taking place in July, and England v South Africa in the Men’s International T20 unfolding later in September.
What’s lighting up Liverpool?
If you’re new to Liverpool, then we’d certainly recommend taking a guided tour of the city, but if you’d prefer to go your own way, then there are more than a few events that you might want to mark on your route.
When it comes to live music, all eyes are likely to be on Liverpool when August bank holiday weekend rolls around, with Creamfields already starting to sell out tickets for its annual festival weekender. This year’s event promises to be just as mesmerising, with the launch of the new HALO stage and immersive video set to amaze the crowds later this year.
Liverpool is famous for being a capital for music royalty the world over, and in 2025, the city will be welcoming some of the biggest stars from the past 50 years. In particular, you might want to keep your eyes on Anfield for Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Dua Lipa concerts in June. In fact, if you look over towards Pier Head, you’ll also find Sting taking his 3.0 Tour to Liverpool on 22nd.
If you prefer more of a feast for the eyes than for the ears, then you might want to head for the Southport Flower Show! This famous arrangement of blooms is usually backed by some fabulous celebrity workshops, and you’ll need to head over to Southport between 14th and 17th August to see who’s attending.
Finally, if musical theatre is more your scene, two of the biggest stage musicals from the West End are finally coming to Liverpool in 2025. In particular, you’ll want to watch out for global smash hit Hamilton heading to the Liverpool Empire between 6th May and 7th June, and Roald Dahl’s Matilda from 2nd December.
As you can see, there’s plenty to get your teeth into across both cities this year. Do any of the above take your fancy? There’s always something to do in the north of England – you just have to know where to look! Start filling out that calendar and make the most of 2025.
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