Band on the Wall
Band on the Wall
4.5
5:00 PM - 11:45 PM
Tuesday
5:00 PM - 11:45 PM
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 11:45 PM
Thursday
4:00 PM - 11:45 PM
Friday
4:00 PM - 11:45 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 11:45 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 11:45 PM
About
Band on the Wall is located on Swan Street, nestled between Manchester City centre’s bustling Northern Quarter and Ancoats districts. Our award-winning live music venue comes to life each night with a global programme of live music and DJ led clubnights by artists from around the world. Our bar is open to the public throughout, with no gig ticket needed. Band on the Wall is fully wheelchair accessible.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
How to get there
- Shudehill • 3 min walk
- Market St • 7 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Michelle M1 contributionBest in Town (Manchester)Was out for a night out on Saturday 9th December. I had an amazing night beautiful vibes as always when I go Band on the wall. The place is looking great and extremely spotless I could even see my face in the toilet! I’ll be back for Trevor Nelson in the next couple weeks ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 16 December 2023
- BigVigsStockport, United Kingdom10 contributionsGreat Venue.Went to the two Steve Rothery Band shows on Friday & Saturday nights. Always enjoy my visits to The Band on the Wall. Great venue. The raised stage gives a clear view of the band. Sound is superb. Good bar & toilets. Very easy to get to, only a short walk from the tram at Shudehill.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 18 June 2024
- Richard P15 contributionsGood venueExcellent venue. Reasonably priced drinks at the bar and good atmosphere. Staff friendly. Only problem being it was disorganised when coming to assemble for doors to downstairs being opened. Sound was good downstairs once thereVisited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 June 2024
- Dawn JStockport, United Kingdom5 contributionsBest venue in ManchesterBand on the Wall is my favourite music venue in Manchester. Really friendly staff, the gigs have an inimate vibe, they get some amazing artists performing. This was third visit in the last couple of months.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 June 2024
- Jet7754931 contributionOne of Manchesters best venues.Historic venue in the heart of Manchester dishing out the very best funk, soul, jazz and unheard music. Great acoustics, an intimate venue and an always appreciative audience. Do yourself a favour and go.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
255 reviews
Excellent
203
Very good
36
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
11
John E
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Couples
We went to the first Twisted Wheel Sunday at the Band On the Wall.
It was totally over subscribed 500 people in a place that was only fit for about 300.
We went in as a group of six, the ladies got a spot in the public bar, and the guys went to the bar.
The queue was horrendous so after 40 minutes we got to the corner of the bar when the manager came up and said " have you ever been in a bar before?".
I said "what do you mean? and she said "you don't know how to queue you are blocking the fire exits".
I said that we have been queuing for 40 minutes and that there should be more bar staff. There were only two behind the bar.
She said we gave covid issues with staff and I said we'll why have you let in too many people?
At that point she said "you are being abusive" and asked the security staff to have a word with us.
We are in our seventies and we have never been treated with such disgusting behavior,absolutely clueless management with no respect for their customers. We will never go there again and everyone we spoke to said the same.
It was totally over subscribed 500 people in a place that was only fit for about 300.
We went in as a group of six, the ladies got a spot in the public bar, and the guys went to the bar.
The queue was horrendous so after 40 minutes we got to the corner of the bar when the manager came up and said " have you ever been in a bar before?".
I said "what do you mean? and she said "you don't know how to queue you are blocking the fire exits".
I said that we have been queuing for 40 minutes and that there should be more bar staff. There were only two behind the bar.
She said we gave covid issues with staff and I said we'll why have you let in too many people?
At that point she said "you are being abusive" and asked the security staff to have a word with us.
We are in our seventies and we have never been treated with such disgusting behavior,absolutely clueless management with no respect for their customers. We will never go there again and everyone we spoke to said the same.
Written 13 March 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.
Hi - on the day in question we were a number of staff down due to illness, which combined with our front of house team being new recruits due to our closure for two years meant that service was a little slower than usual. We can only apologise if service was a little slow and thank people for their patience.
During busy periods we will ask customers to avoid blocking the fire exits while queuing at the bar, this is a health and safety requirement.
Regarding capacity, we were categorically not over subscribed, on this or any other event. This event however was sold out hence it was busy.
Many thanks
Written 16 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen W
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The totally misleading advertising for this event says “ taking you on an uplifting journey filled with Funk Soul , Disco and Motown classics “ .
We arrived in anticipation of a great night and left ninety minutes later thoroughly disappointed . During that time the DJ failed to play one classic , but chose to indulge himself playing an obscure playlist - obviously thinking that was much more ‘ cool ‘ than playing the classics customers mistakenly came to dance to . As I left I mentioned this to the doormen and he replied they get lots of similar complaints . Time for action !
A terrible first visit to Band on the Wall . I suggest the powers that be replace the current DJs and find some that know what a Funk , Soul , Disco and Motown classic sounds like .
We arrived in anticipation of a great night and left ninety minutes later thoroughly disappointed . During that time the DJ failed to play one classic , but chose to indulge himself playing an obscure playlist - obviously thinking that was much more ‘ cool ‘ than playing the classics customers mistakenly came to dance to . As I left I mentioned this to the doormen and he replied they get lots of similar complaints . Time for action !
A terrible first visit to Band on the Wall . I suggest the powers that be replace the current DJs and find some that know what a Funk , Soul , Disco and Motown classic sounds like .
Written 11 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.
Hi - sorry to hear you did not enjoy the Soul Train night.
This event was not an in-house Band on the Wall event, but produced a third party promoter hiring the venue, and as such we were not in control of the music played.
We will speak to the event organiser with your feedback - Band on the Wall is a multiple award-winning venue rated #1 in Manchester on Tripadvisor, and we pride ourselves on providing the best experience we can for all visitors.
Written 12 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jim B
Preston, UK4 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
I had been looking forward to seeing the SOS Band for years so was thrilled when they announced a concert at Band on the Wall. We got to the venue at 7 as, 3 artists were performing on the night and expected a start at 7.30 ish. A sign was put up to say the gig would start at 8.30 so we nipped out, grabbed a beer or two and returned at 8.15. Alas a queue had formed outside the venue which we joined and we finally got in around 8.35 having been told that there were "technical issues." Melissa Morgan, one of the acts, materialised at 9.30, did her set and Glenn Jones appeared at 10.20. We, like many others, had travelled to Manchester by train to attend. Hotel accommodation was not available as Take That were in town. Our last train was scheduled for 11.30. Needless to say that we didn't get to see SOS band at all. The late start (staff blamed the promoter for "technical issues") meant we didn't get to see the band we paid to see. The venue probably needs to give consideration to people who don't live in Manchester and who need to travel. The irony is, is that from 8.35 to 9.30 two dj's were on with zero technical issues. Disappointed is an understatement. What a complete waste of money!
Written 12 May 2024
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.
Adam P
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Watched Sammy Rae here on 27/01/2023. Show was excellent, and the venue was fantastic. You can get right up to the front if the stage, which is always a plus for us. The bar area is nice, my drink (an old fashioned) took a little while to make while the bartender was being trained, but that's to be expected with new staff sonetimes, so no worries there.
Only letdown was that we arrived early, had a drink in the bar, and then as soon as people started lining up for the venue we headed outside in the cold to make sure we could get near the front. But we later learned that they let a few people in from the bar area before doors opened, effectively allowing them to queue jump. These people then hogged the best spots at the front of the stage for the whole show. I've never been to a venue where they let people in early like that, especially with a hundred people already waiting patiently outside in the cold.
Only letdown was that we arrived early, had a drink in the bar, and then as soon as people started lining up for the venue we headed outside in the cold to make sure we could get near the front. But we later learned that they let a few people in from the bar area before doors opened, effectively allowing them to queue jump. These people then hogged the best spots at the front of the stage for the whole show. I've never been to a venue where they let people in early like that, especially with a hundred people already waiting patiently outside in the cold.
Written 28 January 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.
Emma L
2 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
I've lived in Manchester for over 20 years and Band on the Wall has always been one of my favourite venues and a place I hold close to my heart. So many amazing gigs and nights. Last night I was let down by this venue and its door staff who quite frankly are a joke. 1st night out with my best mates since before lockdown. Stayed sensible on the drinking side in order to enjoy a good dance at the Huey Morgan and Don Letts night only to be turned away by the idiot door woman who stated that myself and a friend had drank too much. It was humiliating and totally uncalled for. As a longstanding Manchester club scene veteran I understand club eticate and know fully that neither myself or my friend were in any sort of state to have been given this treatmemt. We weren't inebriated, could talk completely straight and hold ousrelves together. We were absolutely no risk to anyone. No refund for our tickets either. The power hungry door staff need a talking too. Sad and disappointed by their very bad judgement. Also sad to say I won't be returning to this much loved venue. Do not recommend. Discriminate door staff. Saw this happen to other friendly not drunk revellers too. Hope they put a complaint on here and persue a refund. Still reeling.
Written 6 March 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.
Hi,
We have investigated your complaint and spoken to our staff who were working on that evening.
Unfortunately our staff deemed you far too intoxicated on the door to allow entry. This is a licensing condition - it's against the law for us, or any licensed premises for that matter, to permit entry to people who are too drunk.
We did offer you the opportunity to sober up and come back later, which you declined. We also offered you a refund, and you were then threatening and abusive to our staff.
We pride ourselves on being an open, friendly and inclusive space for everyone, as outlined on our Core Values policy here: https://bandonthewall.org/visit/core-values/
I hope that in the cold light of day you understand why we couldn't let you in on that night, and you give us another try in the future.
Many thanks
Written 11 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
richard g
7 contributions
Mar 2022
Firstly, in order to obtain a membership discount a lengthy code is required. But this is absolutely pointless, given that you still have to show the membership card at the door. Why not just tick a box for member discount.
Secondly in addition to a compulsory booking fee they also charge a compulsory delivery fee .... for an electronic ticket sent by email.
Secondly in addition to a compulsory booking fee they also charge a compulsory delivery fee .... for an electronic ticket sent by email.
Written 14 March 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.
Hi,
The membership code is used so members prices are only visible to members when booking, so non-members don't accidentally book members rate tickets.
Members are asked to show their cards on the night to verify they have a valid members card. This isa system we've had in place for many years and has so far served us, and our customers well.
Regarding fees, all fees are charged by our ticket agent Ticketline, and not by us. Tickets for all shows are available in-person from our box office at face value.
Many thanks,
Band on the Wall
Written 15 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caroline B
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Solo
My favourite venue in Manchester by a long way! Band on the Wall is a regular port of call for artists from overseas on tour in the UK. I've seen so many amazing gigs here in the past few months, including several bands from West Africa and the Caribbean. And it just gets better and better. The venue is recently renovated, super-friendly, draws a great multi-generational crowd, and is a very easy place to go on your own. There are few places where you can get so close up to the stage, whether seated or dancing. It's also within very easy walking distance from the station and main bus and tram stops. Basically, it rocks!
Written 1 August 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.
Mark M
Lancaster, UK109 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Top venue. Great sound. Visited many times recently. Just a minor gripe. Charley Crockett last night. Onstage at 9.20pm? Please can we get artistes during the week on earlier. My last train home leaves at 10.20pm. It was his only gig in the north of england and many people travelled in by train. You are a 15 minute walk to the nearest station. I saw about half the gig before I had to leave to get my train. Other than that. You rock.
Written 5 September 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.
thingsweliketoo
Macclesfield, UK7 contributions
Jul 2023
Such a good vibe!
I've been going to BotW for 25 years and it never disappoints.
Some absolutely world-leading live gigs and the staff are always super-friendly.
The main thing is that it seems to attracts a fabulous mixed crowd. All ages and backgrounds. The power of soulful music!
I've been going to BotW for 25 years and it never disappoints.
Some absolutely world-leading live gigs and the staff are always super-friendly.
The main thing is that it seems to attracts a fabulous mixed crowd. All ages and backgrounds. The power of soulful music!
Written 2 August 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.
Kevin C
Holmfirth, UK7 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Our first visit to Band On The Wall, although not our first attendance at. Mary Coughlan gig. We were very impressed with the venue and truly moved and delighted with Mary and her two colleagues on stage. An utter joy from beginning to end.
Written 1 August 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.
Hi We are thinking of going to the Craig Charles funk and soul night on 27th October but never been before and a bit worried about age group as we are late fifties. Don’t want to go if it’s a ‘young scene’. Thanks in advance. Lisa
Written 21 October 2018
We went to a gig and we are 40s and had no issue... Would imagine each gig attracts the relevant crowd..
Written 23 October 2018
Is there any cheap or free parking nearby? We would be needing about 6 hours - until 10pm roughly? Also is there any disabled parking?
Written 23 April 2018
Sorry, I used the train and metro tram system to get to a friend's house afterwards. There are NCPs around but worth contacting the venue direct regarding disability access.
Written 24 April 2018
What time does the main act usually finish? were not sure whether to get the train or drive, and if they finish late we will drive.
Written 8 March 2018
we had time for a pint on the way back to the station for a train back to Huddersfield at@11
Written 9 March 2018
Do you serve food
Written 22 February 2018
Hi, I have never been here before And I am travelling up from Wales next week. What sort of place is this, should I dress smartly or is it more casual? Karen
Written 31 March 2017
Hi Always
Dress as you like, the fact that you ask means you can be sure you will be fine! What gig are you attending? Please note our kitchen is closed at the moment, but plenty of restaurants around about. Parking if after 6pm is on road or plenty of car parks about. Best regards BotW team
Written 31 March 2017
What hours do they serve food at BOW. Last time I went I was disappointed they'd stopped serving food.
Written 3 January 2017
Hi Mel, please see this blurb re: food service from their website:
The Picturehouse Bar is open to the public from 5pm on event nights.
Pop in for good beer, a handpicked selection of music from around the world and some of the finest home-cooked food the city has to offer. Open to the public, no gig ticket needed.
*times may vary on clubnights.
Written 7 January 2017
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