The Bridgewater Hall
The Bridgewater Hall
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Bridgewater Hall is Manchester's international concert venue, built to give the best possible space for music. The Hall hosts over 250 performances a year including classical music, rock, pop, jazz, world music and much more. The Hall is home to three resident orchestras: the Hallé, the BBC Philharmonic and Manchester Camerata. The Hall also programmes its own classical music season, the International Concert Series. The Hall works with a range of promoters and charity hirers on other programming.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- St Peter's Square • 4 min walk
- Deansgate-Castlefield • 5 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- joe2coolNewmarket, United Kingdom121 contributionsImpressive VenueHi went for the first time to see the legend Suzi quatro. We had previously heard so much about the hall & it's acoustics. The hall is very impressive in design & the sound is excellent. All the staff friendly & helpful. RecommendedVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 November 2023
- Trinity T1 contributionStunning venue, amazing staff.We visited the wonderful venue for the Far From Saints concert last night. It's a beautiful venue and we had a great time. I wanted to make a special mention to Andrew who was able to resolve an issue with seating. He was so compassionate and he's a credit to the team there.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 November 2023
- susan c5 contributionsFantastic show, venue and staff.Went with my Granddaughter yesterday to see the Muppets Christmas Carol. Amazing. We had a fantastic time, my granddaughter said she felt special, the staff simply couldn't do enough for us. Thank you to all the staff from security, people working on the bars and front of house, management should be proud of every single one of you.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 December 2023
- JohnfrisbeeChristchurch, United Kingdom2,654 contributionsFab venue, incredible Rick Wakeman concertMy first visit to The Bridgewater Hall: what a superb venue. Friendly staff, very comfortable seating - and wonderful Rick Wakeman on stage with his English Rock Ensemble! A brilliant, brilliant evening in a lovely space. Loved the 3 backing singers - what a clever idea to have them join Rick on his keyboard rig for the end of the encore! Full marks and huge thanks to all the band and tech team too.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 22 February 2024
- nottsguy57Nottingham, United Kingdom89 contributionsGreat place, shame about the bar pricesAmazing venue both inside and out. This place is so well maintained, looks no different to what it was when I last attended some years ago. Everything is so well organised including the way the main bar service works. The reason for only four stars is the over the top bar prices. £3.95 for a splash of coke in a rum. That is way overpriced. I did approach the duty manager to give my views on the ridiculous price for a splash of code and he agreed with me and said he would pass the feedback to the bar managerVisited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 April 2024
- Hazel S15 contributionsWorth adding the option of pre concert dining if you have the chance.I cannot recommend the pre concert dining in the Charles Halle restaurant enough. The food was excellent and really good value for money. The concert hall has wonderful acoustics making the whole visit thoroughly enjoyable. The seating is comfortable and roomy too.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 1 May 2024
- Dawn S42 contributionsBrilliant night out to see Layton and NikitaCame here on Sunday 30th June to see Layton and Nikita in their show. Having watched them in Strictly, I said they should do a tour as they are so good together, so happily they’ve done a few dates amid their other busy work schedules. Show was superb. The boys really bring out the best of each other, so talented, great fun chatting with audience between numbers while getting their breath back, excellent choreography. Great costumes, great venue, some good backing dancers (especially the female redhead- she really stood out as a dancer) and what made it extra enjoyable was an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. Some audiences we’ve been in lately (elsewhere) are like the living dead and that’s not so good for the performers. I hope the boys “Keep dancing” together!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 July 2024
- Matthew L4 contributionsNils FrahmI did not get to the venue till late (stuck in traffic), I arrived literally 5 mins before the start of the concert. So I didn't get to see much of the Bridgewater Hall, I've read reviews that the bar is expensive (where isn't it these days?), anyway the concert iteslf sounded absolutley fantastic!Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 11 July 2024
- Nicola WManchester, United Kingdom3 contributionsLive Shanty Music on a Saturday Night ... Absolutely wonderfulI attended this venue to watch the wonderful Shanty Music group Fishermen's Friends on Saturday 6th September. I would say it was around my 10th visit to the Hall. I absolutely love the place! It is so nice inside, the sound is epic and the staff are wonderful too. Bar prices are slightly high however so are most bars now in Manchester so I have not knocked them down for that with my my 5 stars. By the way, the Fishermen Boys were OUTSTANDING. Loved every single second.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 10 September 2024
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4.5
1,197 reviews
Excellent
861
Very good
230
Average
49
Poor
30
Terrible
27
Ian M
Greater Manchester, UK328 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I have watched a number of non classical concerts here so decided I should take the tour. It was a non event time so we had access to all areas but unfortunately the cafe and bars were closed.
The tour lasts for 90 minutes and the guide, Andrew, doubled as a steward and guide and so not only did he know the history of the building but also had stories about performers.
We learnt about the beginnings of the building which is the home of the Halle orchestra, the design and acoustics which make it the best for acoustics in the UK. He illustrated this by walking round the gallery with his back to us, speaking in his normal voice and when he reached the further east point we could clearly hear him.
We were able to go in the main dressing room and ended the tour in the base of the building and were able to see how it is able to prevent vibration from the trams outside etc which would otherwise affect the acoustics during a performance.
I can’t remember when I last got so much for £10!
The tour lasts for 90 minutes and the guide, Andrew, doubled as a steward and guide and so not only did he know the history of the building but also had stories about performers.
We learnt about the beginnings of the building which is the home of the Halle orchestra, the design and acoustics which make it the best for acoustics in the UK. He illustrated this by walking round the gallery with his back to us, speaking in his normal voice and when he reached the further east point we could clearly hear him.
We were able to go in the main dressing room and ended the tour in the base of the building and were able to see how it is able to prevent vibration from the trams outside etc which would otherwise affect the acoustics during a performance.
I can’t remember when I last got so much for £10!
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra F
64 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
Went to the Motown and Halle performance on the 29th December. My friend and I have been to most of the Motown and Northern soul concerts at the Bridgwater and have thoroughly enjoyed them, regardless of wether they have been a tribute act or acts supported by an orchestra.
What an absolute let down this night was and a complete waste of money. I have never experienced such dreadful vocalists at a concert, in partucular the male singer who was just appalling, the female singer came on with no microphone and later couldnt remember the words to a song, neither had any stage presence. It's not what i expect from this venue. I am in complete agreement with the above review, I have never wanted to leave a concert before the end but I could have quite happily left after 20 mins. At first the male vocalist was inaudible, we assumed it was a sound system gliche, unfortunately his vocals left a lot to be desired throughout the show, the backing singers were far better. He just couldn't sing Motown and the renditions of the Four tops, Jimmy Ruffin, Marvin Gaye and Stevie wonder songs were unbelievably shocking. There was no atmosphere whatsoever, and people were actually bored. It's of no use requesting audience participation if a more upbeat song is followed by several ballards. The entire evening was a let down and this was not just our opinion, many people during the interval were also complaining. At £44 each for our tickets, it was a truly terrible night out. I have heard better singers in local bars and far better at cheaper tribute Motown concerts. Thank you, Bridgwater Hall, for removing my negativeive post from your face book page. Please bring back Paul Stuart Davies and the guest singers along with the Manchester Camerata orchestra and repeat the Northern Soul/Motown concerts if you want to stage anymore Soul nights, all of whom were fabulous at singing and could entertain a crowd.
What an absolute let down this night was and a complete waste of money. I have never experienced such dreadful vocalists at a concert, in partucular the male singer who was just appalling, the female singer came on with no microphone and later couldnt remember the words to a song, neither had any stage presence. It's not what i expect from this venue. I am in complete agreement with the above review, I have never wanted to leave a concert before the end but I could have quite happily left after 20 mins. At first the male vocalist was inaudible, we assumed it was a sound system gliche, unfortunately his vocals left a lot to be desired throughout the show, the backing singers were far better. He just couldn't sing Motown and the renditions of the Four tops, Jimmy Ruffin, Marvin Gaye and Stevie wonder songs were unbelievably shocking. There was no atmosphere whatsoever, and people were actually bored. It's of no use requesting audience participation if a more upbeat song is followed by several ballards. The entire evening was a let down and this was not just our opinion, many people during the interval were also complaining. At £44 each for our tickets, it was a truly terrible night out. I have heard better singers in local bars and far better at cheaper tribute Motown concerts. Thank you, Bridgwater Hall, for removing my negativeive post from your face book page. Please bring back Paul Stuart Davies and the guest singers along with the Manchester Camerata orchestra and repeat the Northern Soul/Motown concerts if you want to stage anymore Soul nights, all of whom were fabulous at singing and could entertain a crowd.
Written 31 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LIZ L
Macclesfield, UK19 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
I went to the Bridgewater Hall for the first time this week. I went to see The Bootleg Beatles in concert
What a great place for a concert! The location is good and we found it easily enough. There are bars and places to eat nearby so plenty of choice.
The building outside was very modern in appearance and the staff outside and in the venue were very helpful and friendly. Lifts for people that can't use stairs or just don't want to climb them
It was well signposted inside so easy to find where we needed to go for our seats.
I did find the seats a bit low for me and not much room between rows. This is just my opinion of course and that is because I have mobility issues and prefer a bit more room to manoeuvre myself
There was a bar which we didn't visit as the queue was very long but people seemed to come back into the auditorium with a variety of drinks all in plastic beakers/bottles.
Big thank you for the lovely usherette who allowed us to move to the row behind as we had the first half hour of the concert spoilt by 2 men who may as well have spent the evening in the pub chatting
I found them both very irritating and it was spoiling what I hoped was going to be a great night. Once we moved, the evening improved vastly. The band and the supporting orchestra were absolutely fantastic and I was singing along to all the classic hits of The Beatles
Everyone in rhe stalls and up in the gallery were having the best time and you could tell as people were singing along and dancing
I did visit the loos which were clean an modern and no issues there.
I'd highly recommend the Bridgwater Hall as a venue and look forward to visiting it again in warmer weather as it was minus 7 degrees in Manchester that evening so not the weather to want to spend time walking about getting food and drinks
What a great place for a concert! The location is good and we found it easily enough. There are bars and places to eat nearby so plenty of choice.
The building outside was very modern in appearance and the staff outside and in the venue were very helpful and friendly. Lifts for people that can't use stairs or just don't want to climb them
It was well signposted inside so easy to find where we needed to go for our seats.
I did find the seats a bit low for me and not much room between rows. This is just my opinion of course and that is because I have mobility issues and prefer a bit more room to manoeuvre myself
There was a bar which we didn't visit as the queue was very long but people seemed to come back into the auditorium with a variety of drinks all in plastic beakers/bottles.
Big thank you for the lovely usherette who allowed us to move to the row behind as we had the first half hour of the concert spoilt by 2 men who may as well have spent the evening in the pub chatting
I found them both very irritating and it was spoiling what I hoped was going to be a great night. Once we moved, the evening improved vastly. The band and the supporting orchestra were absolutely fantastic and I was singing along to all the classic hits of The Beatles
Everyone in rhe stalls and up in the gallery were having the best time and you could tell as people were singing along and dancing
I did visit the loos which were clean an modern and no issues there.
I'd highly recommend the Bridgwater Hall as a venue and look forward to visiting it again in warmer weather as it was minus 7 degrees in Manchester that evening so not the weather to want to spend time walking about getting food and drinks
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
diz023
Blackburn, UK42 contributions
Dec 2019
Visisted several times in 2019, for film nights, guest speakers, and music, the last visit being for the Christmas Eve sing-a-long which is always fabulous and a great way to kick off the holidays with the family. Young and old alike loved it and joined in, superb!
Also, this was the second year we had booked to eat in the restaurant before hand, on the ground floor (it overlooks the canal, behind the bar area, you wouldnt know it was there unless you go looking ofr it!).
Food was excellent, lovely service, and a decent price. Will be visiting again for sure, pre theatre.
Also, this was the second year we had booked to eat in the restaurant before hand, on the ground floor (it overlooks the canal, behind the bar area, you wouldnt know it was there unless you go looking ofr it!).
Food was excellent, lovely service, and a decent price. Will be visiting again for sure, pre theatre.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hugh C
Kendal, UK11 contributions
Dec 2019
We went to see the Halle Orchestra and chose to sit in the stalls. I had heard that this was a modern venue with excellent design for acoustics and audience visibility. I was very disappointed that all I could see from my seat were the backsides of the second violins and the conductor. At the interval, I went to the back of the auditorium, to see if the higher seats gave better visibility, but even then I could only just see the heads of the orchestra. I would definitely never book a seat in the stalls again. Acoustics were OK. The seats had collapsed cushioning and need to be replaced.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DinkyDolly L
Clayton le Dale, UK1,287 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Before attending this concert we read the rules & conditions which were on the email we got after booking online.
It specified every person had to produce either an official covid 19 double jabbed letter or a negative covid test results etc before being let into the event
The only thing that was checked was my bag
Nothing mentioned about covid at all
Hardly anyone wore a mask yet in all the info it stated masks must be worn
It’s totally changed now inside here as there used to be a great shop inside on the ground floor and a bustling bar area on all floors
We were seated in the centre circle yet hardly any seating or tables laid out and some thin free programmes on a table ?
Felt really cold and strange
There was no social distancing at all in the hall where peoples seats had been allocated . It seemed it was as if there had not been a pandemic at all
Not the best experience
It specified every person had to produce either an official covid 19 double jabbed letter or a negative covid test results etc before being let into the event
The only thing that was checked was my bag
Nothing mentioned about covid at all
Hardly anyone wore a mask yet in all the info it stated masks must be worn
It’s totally changed now inside here as there used to be a great shop inside on the ground floor and a bustling bar area on all floors
We were seated in the centre circle yet hardly any seating or tables laid out and some thin free programmes on a table ?
Felt really cold and strange
There was no social distancing at all in the hall where peoples seats had been allocated . It seemed it was as if there had not been a pandemic at all
Not the best experience
Written 1 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol G
Market Drayton, UK46 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Wonderful show in brilliant surroundings. Such great acoustics in this building. Brilliant seats in the circle too able to see all the dancers, singers and orchestra with nothing to distract from the show. All staff really friendly and helpful too. Thank you Bridgwater Hall hope to be back again soon
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony H
Southport, UK129 contributions
Oct 2021
We went to the Michael Bolton gig at Bridgewater Hall last night and were extremely impressed with the venue. Right through from the girl in the box office, when we picked up our ticket, to the security staff, everybody was so polite and helpful. The venue itself is ideal for this sort of concert and we will certainly be looking to return in the future.
Written 1 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelcrazy727
Birmingham, UK152 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
Attended Blade Runner with orchestra.
Very nice theater with awesome sound and acoustics. Seats are pretty comfy with adequate leg room but arm rests are short and not very useful.
Well organised entry with pleasant staff.
All areas clean and well directed.
Confirmation Email stated proof of both vaccinations or recent covid test required for entry. However, nobody was asking for these on arrival.
We would definitely attend future shows here.
Very nice theater with awesome sound and acoustics. Seats are pretty comfy with adequate leg room but arm rests are short and not very useful.
Well organised entry with pleasant staff.
All areas clean and well directed.
Confirmation Email stated proof of both vaccinations or recent covid test required for entry. However, nobody was asking for these on arrival.
We would definitely attend future shows here.
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snig1964
Macclesfield, UK224 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
We went to watch Billy Ocean on the 21st April, first time I have been to the hall…seating and view in the gallery was excellent. We had been waiting a year to watch his show…slight observation about the hall…the sound had been directed at the stalls and there was no relay up to the gallery…this made the sound for the poor people in the gods distorted and not very clear. The hall does not provide a half time bar order which created large queues which dampened the experience…also they didn’t keep the bars open so we couldn’t go out during the performance to get another drink…bar prices were expensive over £23 for two wines and a pint of beer…staff were great and very helpful…
Written 22 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long before an event do you receive tickets?
Written 25 December 2022
Hi Clare
My Tony Hadley tickets arrived a week prior to the concert.
As one of the other responders states, the staff are excellent and if you have your order reference (take a photo of it), you should have no problem if you physical tickets don't show in time.
I hope that assists!
Stuart
Written 27 December 2022
Does anyone know of rucksacks can be stored in the cloakroom?
Written 21 November 2022
Not sure. We were screened electronically on entry. Perhaps give them a ring ?
Jonathan.
Written 22 November 2022
Hi I am wondering does anyone know if circle A means circle alcove? And if so are these ok seats?? Thanks 😊
Written 9 May 2021
Hi, I booked seats in the Choir Circle (at the side) A3-7. The seating plan does not indicated that these have a restricted view in any way but I wondered if anyone has sat in the side choir circle (A1-12 or A37-48) and can let me know what the view is like?
Thanks in advance.
Written 10 November 2019
I was sat in the choir circle. It was superb.
Written 30 November 2019
Does anyone know, where the stage door is please. Thanks
Written 18 September 2019
go round to side of building facing Jurys inn hotel theres a red barrier across the parking area . the s/ door is there in that area . its not signed as a stage door
Written 20 September 2019
How bad are gallery seats G 58 and 59 view wise hadn't realised we had restrictive view until now.
Written 12 April 2019
Sorry, not good seats.
Written 12 April 2019
Booked row B of the stalls is it a good view? They was the dearest tickets.
Written 20 January 2019
I am sure most people like the stalls however our choice for the best view is the back row ( N ) of the circle there is no restrictive views from there and you are looking down onto the stage rather than up and up close in the stall. You can see all the stage from upstairs and all the dance formations right to the back you cannot see that in the stalls. This is however our personal choice, but as we are in our 70s and have been going since the Bridgewater opened we feel we do have some experience. Hope you enjoy whatever you see and wherever you sit.
Written 20 January 2019
Looking at booking Christmas extravaganza next year, going by train how long is the show, please? TIA
Written 25 December 2018
You need to phone the Bridgewater and ask them as it’s specific for your booking.
Written 26 December 2018
I was just wondering if there is a dress code? I’m visiting on the 28th December and wasn’t sure how formal the venue was.
Written 16 November 2017
Smart casual wear, I have seen people in jeans. Whatever you are comfortable in.
Written 16 November 2017
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