Band on the Wall: Manchester’s Historic Live Music Sanctuary
Historic Manchester music venue famed for intimate gigs, jazz roots, punk legacy, and a unique stage high on the wall.
Band on the Wall is a legendary live music venue located at 25 Swan Street in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter. Established originally as the George & Dragon pub in 1803, it evolved into a renowned cultural hub known for its intimate atmosphere, diverse music programming, and rich heritage in jazz, punk, and world music. With a unique stage mounted high on the wall, it has hosted iconic artists and remains a cornerstone of Manchester’s music scene.
A brief summary to Band on the Wall
- 25 Swan St, Manchester, M4 5JZ, GB
- +441618341786
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 5 pm-12 am
- Tuesday 5 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 5 pm-2 am
- Thursday 5 pm-2 am
- Friday 5 pm-2 am
- Saturday 12 pm-3 am
- Sunday 1 pm-12 am
Local tips
- Check the event schedule in advance to catch a variety of live music genres, from jazz to punk to world music.
- Arrive early for popular shows to secure good spots in the intimate venue.
- Enjoy the historic ambiance by exploring the venue’s unique elevated stage and its story.
- Use public transport or taxi services as parking near the Northern Quarter can be limited.
- Visit the bar for a selection of drinks and soak in the lively, friendly atmosphere before and after shows.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the Manchester Metrolink tram to the Shudehill stop, approximately 10 minutes’ walk from Band on the Wall. Trams run frequently throughout the day, with tickets costing around £3-£5 GBP depending on the zone.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Northern Quarter area, including services from Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations. Journey times range from 15 to 25 minutes, with single fares typically £2-£4 GBP. Buses run regularly but check schedules for evening services.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber provide convenient access to 25 Swan Street from anywhere in Manchester city centre. Travel time is usually under 10 minutes, with fares varying by distance and time of day.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in the city centre or Northern Quarter, Band on the Wall is easily accessible on foot within 15 to 25 minutes over mostly flat, urban terrain. The route is suitable for wheelchair users.
Band on the Wall location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Band on the Wall
Origins Rooted in Manchester’s Industrial Heart
Band on the Wall’s story begins in the early 19th century, originally licensed in 1803 as the George & Dragon pub. Situated in what was then a bustling market district, the venue served workers from nearby textile factories and markets. The building itself dates back to the late 1700s or early 1800s, making it one of Manchester’s oldest sites for public entertainment. Its early reputation was tied to informal musical performances that reflected the vibrant working-class culture of the Industrial Revolution era.The Iconic Stage and Musical Evolution
The venue’s name derives from a distinctive feature installed in 1937 by then-licensee Ernie Tyson: a small stage mounted halfway up the far wall. This innovative design allowed musicians to perform without sacrificing floor space for patrons, fostering a unique intimacy between artists and audience. Over the decades, the venue hosted a resident band and a variety of musicians playing accordion, piano, drums, and saxophone, evolving from traditional pub music to jazz and beyond.A Crucible for Jazz, Punk, and World Music
In 1975, jazz musician Steve Morris and Frank Cusick transformed the venue into a dedicated jazz club, officially adopting the name Band on the Wall. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw the venue become a pivotal site for Manchester’s punk and post-punk movements, hosting seminal bands like Buzzcocks, Joy Division, and The Fall. The venue also gained international acclaim for its world music programming, embracing diverse genres and artists, contributing to its reputation as a living music library.Architectural and Cultural Significance
Band on the Wall’s location in the Northern Quarter places it at the heart of Manchester’s historic market district, an area steeped in social and political history. The venue has been a meeting place for cultural exchange, political debate, and artistic innovation. Its architecture reflects its layered history, combining historic pub elements with modern renovations funded by significant grants, ensuring its preservation as a cultural landmark.Contemporary Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Today, Band on the Wall offers an intimate setting with excellent acoustics, vibrant lighting, and a welcoming atmosphere. It continues to showcase a broad spectrum of live music, from emerging local talent to internationally renowned artists. The venue’s bar and facilities cater to diverse audiences, maintaining accessibility and a friendly environment that honors its inclusive legacy.Legacy and Continuing Influence
Band on the Wall remains a vital part of Manchester’s cultural fabric, symbolizing the city’s rich musical heritage and ongoing creative energy. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of live music to bring communities together, celebrate diversity, and inspire new generations of artists and audiences alike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Robert Owen Statue
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Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
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A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Murrays' Mill
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Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.6 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Victory Over Blindness
0.8 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Arch of Chinatown
0.8 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
0.9 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
John Bright Statue
0.9 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Manchester City Council
0.9 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Dalton Entry
1.0 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Albert Memorial
1.0 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Mulberry Passage
1.0 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
St. Peter's Square
1.0 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal
1.0 km
A historic tram tunnel portal in Ancoats, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and urban transformation.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal
1.0 km
Historic tram tunnel portal in Manchester’s industrial Ancoats district, linking past mill heritage with modern urban regeneration.
Unmissable attractions to see
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
0.1 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
The Makers Market
0.2 km
Discover Manchester’s creative pulse at The Makers Market, where artisan crafts, street food, and live music unite in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
NQ Mural
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant NQ Mural, a colorful centerpiece of Manchester's Northern Quarter renowned for its dynamic street art and creative energy.
Express Building
0.2 km
A timeless Streamline Moderne masterpiece blending historic print heritage with vibrant modern workspaces in the heart of Ancoats, Manchester.
DRY BAR
0.3 km
Discover the lively ambiance and eclectic music scene at DRY BAR, a premier bar and nightclub in Manchester's vibrant nightlife.
Manchester Buddhist Centre
0.3 km
A serene urban sanctuary in Manchester’s Northern Quarter offering meditation, wellness, and a unique sober bar experience.
Shops
0.3 km
Discover Oldham Street, Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter hotspot for vintage fashion, indie shops, live music, and authentic urban culture.
Breakout Manchester Church Street
0.3 km
Experience thrilling, immersive escape rooms on Manchester’s Church Street with diverse themes and challenging puzzles for all skill levels.
Stevenson Square
0.3 km
Manchester’s Stevenson Square: the energetic Northern Quarter hub for bars, culture, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.
Hallé at St Michael's
0.3 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant music and community venue in Manchester’s cultural heart of Ancoats.
Afflecks
0.3 km
Explore Manchester’s legendary alternative indoor market, home to over 60 independent traders and a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.
SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Ancoats
0.3 km
Explore SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE in Ancoats—where craft beer meets delicious food in a vibrant pub atmosphere.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
0.3 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
Blue Rinse Manchester and Kilo Shop
0.4 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures by the kilo in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, blending style with sustainability.
Cutting Room Square
0.4 km
A vibrant urban square in Ancoats blending industrial heritage, contemporary dining, and cultural art installations.
Essential places to dine
Yard & Coop Manchester
0.2 km
Savor the best buttermilk fried chicken in Manchester’s Northern Quarter with bold flavors, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
TNQ - The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar
0.2 km
A beloved Northern Quarter gem serving seasonal British cuisine with award-winning roasts and warm, attentive service in a relaxed brasserie setting.
Almost Famous NQ
0.2 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
63 Degrees
0.2 km
Experience meticulous French cuisine and elegant dining in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter at 63 Degrees.
Liquor and Burn
0.2 km
Experience bold Mexican street food and vibrant cocktails in Manchester’s artistic Northern Quarter at Luck Lust Liquor & Burn.
Cane & Grain
0.2 km
Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.
Evuna NQ
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Trof Northern Quarter
0.2 km
A multi-level Northern Quarter gem serving hearty British comfort food, craft beers, and rare bourbons in a lively, rustic setting.
PUPA Restaurant & Bar
0.2 km
Authentic Mediterranean charcoal grill and vibrant atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, perfect for steak lovers and lively dining.
Sicilian NQ - Restaurant and Bar
0.3 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and vibrant bar life in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, famed for arancini and inclusive vegan options.
Pieminister Manchester
0.3 km
Savor award-winning British pies in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, where tradition meets modern comfort food in a lively, welcoming setting.
Jimmy's Manchester
0.3 km
Discover Jimmy's Manchester: A lively bar serving delicious American BBQ and inventive cocktails in Ancoats.
Canto
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Portuguese tapas and Mediterranean flavors in the stylish heart of Ancoats, Manchester’s buzzing culinary hotspot.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Ancoats
0.4 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza with light, airy crusts and traditional toppings in a lively, rustic setting in Manchester’s Ancoats district.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
0.1 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Kiku Boutique
0.1 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
&made
0.1 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and artworks at &made, a creative studio in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter craft hub.
Jessica6 Designs
0.1 km
Discover unique luxury gifts and local artistry at Jessica6 Designs within Manchester’s vibrant Craft & Design Centre.
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
0.1 km
Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
Deadstock General Store
0.2 km
Discover useful beauty at Deadstock General Store, where Liam Jackson curates high-end Japanese designs, artisan gifts, and tailoring in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Form Lifestyle Store
0.2 km
Discover Manchester's hidden gem: a light-filled Grade II listed haven brimming with indie-crafted homewares, gifts, and creative workshops in the Northern Quarter.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Annea Veleta
0.2 km
A curated, maker-focused gift boutique in Ancoats offering handcrafted homewares, stationery and tasteful Manchester-themed keepsakes.
Pop Boutique
0.3 km
Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
The Norah Store
0.3 km
Boutique womenswear in Ancoats with a slow-fashion, carefully curated edit of rare and independent labels.
Cow Vintage Manchester
0.3 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
Thunder Egg
0.3 km
Dive into a rainbow of quirky fashion and gifts at Thunder Egg, Manchester's colorful boutique for unique vintage-inspired styles and playful outfits.
Fred Aldous Ltd
0.3 km
Manchester’s vibrant, family-run arts and crafts emporium with 30,000 products, vintage photo booths, and a creative spirit spanning over 130 years.
Store Retail Group Ltd
0.3 km
Explore the vibrant retail scene in Ancoats, Manchester, at Store Retail Group Ltd, where local craftsmanship meets urban charm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar Fringe
0.1 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
The Crown & Kettle
0.1 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
Behind Closed Doors
0.2 km
Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
0.2 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
Science And Industry
0.2 km
Sophisticated cocktails and a stylish vibe await you at Science and Industry, the first-floor bar of Cane & Grain in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Wolf at the Door
0.2 km
A vibrant Northern Quarter bar serving innovative tapas-style bao buns, craft cocktails, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Wilson's Social
0.2 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
The Daisy
0.3 km
Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
0.3 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Flok
0.3 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
Night & Day Cafe
0.3 km
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
KERB
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Intimate natural wine haven in Ancoats: curved peach walls, pet-nat sparklers, and expert tastings in a Scandi-style cocoon.
Dusk Til Pawn
0.3 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
The Fitzgerald
0.3 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
The Edinburgh Castle Pub
0.3 km
Historic Ancoats boozer reborn: cosy Victorian pub vibes meet seasonal gastropub mastery and local brews in Manchester's industrial heart.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Mint Lounge
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Funkademia
0.2 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Aatma
0.3 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.4 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Cargo
0.5 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
0.5 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Bijou Club
0.8 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Club Tropicana
0.9 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Satans Hollow
0.9 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Club Liv Manchester
1.0 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Venue Nightclub
1.1 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
1.1 km
Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
42's
1.2 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
1.3 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
History Nightclub
1.3 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Relaxing
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Photowalk
- Nightlife
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
