O2 Apollo Manchester

Historic Manchester concert hall hosting iconic rock, pop, and comedy acts since 1938 in a vibrant, versatile setting.

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The O2 Apollo Manchester is a historic concert hall on Stockport Road, Manchester, renowned for hosting major rock, pop, and comedy acts since its opening in 1938. This iconic venue offers a versatile space with both seated and standing formats, attracting a vibrant mix of live performances. Its rich legacy and lively atmosphere make it a premier destination for music and entertainment lovers in the UK.

A brief summary to O2 Apollo

Stockport Rd, Manchester, M12 6AP, GB
+441612736921
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 5 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Book tickets early for popular shows as the venue often sells out quickly.
Check seating plans carefully if you prefer seated events to ensure the best view.
Arrive early to enjoy nearby food and drink options around Stockport Road.
Use public transport such as Piccadilly rail or tram stations for convenient access.

Getting There

Public Transport

Take the train to Manchester Piccadilly station, approximately 15-20 minutes walk or a short taxi ride to the venue. Frequent tram services also stop at Piccadilly, offering a convenient route. Tickets cost around £3-£6 depending on your starting point.
Bus

Several bus routes serve Stockport Road, including routes 192, 201, 203, 204, and 205 from Manchester city centre. Buses run frequently with journey times of 15-25 minutes. Single fares typically range from £2 to £4.
Taxi

Black cabs and private hire vehicles are readily available in Manchester city centre. A taxi ride to the Apollo usually takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic, with fares around £8-£15.

O2 Apollo location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about O2 Apollo

A Storied Venue with Enduring Legacy

Opened on August 29, 1938, the O2 Apollo Manchester stands as one of England's premier concert halls, deeply rooted in the city's cultural fabric. Originally designed to host live performances, it has evolved into a versatile venue that accommodates a wide range of events, from rock and pop concerts to comedy shows. Its longevity and continued popularity speak to its importance as a cornerstone of Manchester's entertainment scene.

Architectural Character and Atmosphere

The Apollo features a classic theatre layout with a combination of stalls and circle seating, alongside standing areas for more energetic events. Its interior blends historic charm with functional design, creating an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. The venue’s acoustics and sightlines are carefully maintained to ensure an engaging experience for all attendees, whether seated or standing.

Dynamic Event Programming

The venue regularly hosts top-tier artists and touring acts, spanning genres and styles. From legendary rock bands to contemporary pop stars and celebrated comedians, the Apollo’s calendar is packed year-round. This diversity of programming attracts a broad audience, contributing to the venue’s reputation as a cultural hub.

Location and Accessibility

Situated on Stockport Road in Manchester's M12 area, the Apollo is well connected to the city’s transport network. Visitors can access the venue via nearby Piccadilly rail and tram stations, frequent bus routes, and taxi services. Its urban setting places it within easy reach of Manchester’s vibrant city life, including dining and nightlife options.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

The Apollo offers amenities such as restrooms, drink and food options, seating areas, and information boards to enhance visitor comfort. The venue’s staff are experienced in managing large crowds and providing a safe, welcoming environment. Its blend of historic ambiance and modern event facilities ensures a memorable experience for concertgoers.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Beyond its role as a performance space, the O2 Apollo Manchester is a landmark of cultural heritage. It has witnessed decades of musical evolution and remains a symbol of Manchester’s vibrant arts scene. Its continued operation and adaptation to contemporary entertainment trends underscore its enduring significance.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Manchester Histories

0.8 km

Uncover the vibrant history of Manchester at Manchester Histories, where stories of the past come alive through engaging exhibitions and community events.

The Queen's Arch

0.9 km

The Queen's Arch: Manchester’s iconic Gothic gateway to a rich academic and architectural heritage on Oxford Road.

The Old Quadrangle

0.9 km

Victorian Gothic grandeur where academic tradition meets architectural magnificence in Manchester's heart.

Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal

1.1 km

A historic tram tunnel portal in Ancoats, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and urban transformation.

Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal

Victory Over Blindness

1.1 km

A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.

Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal

1.1 km

Historic tram tunnel portal in Manchester’s industrial Ancoats district, linking past mill heritage with modern urban regeneration.

Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal

John Dalton Statue

1.3 km

Honoring John Dalton, father of atomic theory and pioneer of colour blindness research, with a distinguished statue in Manchester.

Arch of Chinatown

1.5 km

Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.

Statue of the Duke of Wellington

1.5 km

A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.

Historic England

1.6 km

Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.

Hotspur House

1.6 km

Historic Hotspur House blends Manchester’s industrial past with bold modern redevelopment, preserving heritage amid vibrant urban renewal.

Canada House, Manchester

1.6 km

Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.

Connaught Building

1.6 km

Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.

Murrays' Mill

1.7 km

Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.

Friedrich Engels Statue

1.7 km

A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.

Unmissable attractions to see

Elizabeth Gaskell's House

0.7 km

Step into the Victorian world of Elizabeth Gaskell in this beautifully restored Manchester home, rich with literary history and period charm.

The Pankhurst Centre

0.8 km

Explore the birthplace of the suffragette movement and celebrate women's activism in this historic Manchester museum and garden.

The University of Manchester

0.8 km

Explore The University of Manchester’s iconic blend of historic grandeur and modern innovation in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant cityscape.

Manchester Museum

0.9 km

Discover Manchester Museum’s vast natural history and cultural treasures in a stunning Victorian setting with free entry and immersive exhibits.

The Vimto Park

1.0 km

Discover the historic green oasis celebrating Manchester’s iconic Vimto drink in a tranquil urban park setting.

FAC251 - Factory Manchester

1.1 km

Dive into Manchester's vibrant nightlife at FAC251 - Factory Manchester, a premier nightclub and live music venue that promises unforgettable experiences.

Victoria Baths

1.1 km

Manchester’s Edwardian water palace, where ornate tiles, stained glass, and grand pools tell a story of civic pride and community life.

The Whitworth

1.1 km

Discover The Whitworth, Manchester’s vibrant art gallery blending historic and contemporary art within scenic parkland surroundings.

Alan Turing Memorial

1.2 km

A poignant tribute in Manchester’s Sackville Gardens honoring Alan Turing, the father of computer science and a symbol of courage and equality.

Beswick arches

1.2 km

Historic railway viaduct with iconic brick arches standing proudly in the heart of East Manchester’s evolving Beswick district.

The Tree of Life

1.2 km

A heartfelt memorial in Manchester’s Gay Village symbolizing hope, resilience, and remembrance for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Sackville Gardens

1.3 km

A tranquil urban garden in Manchester, home to the Alan Turing Memorial and vibrant LGBTQ+ cultural events.

The Beacon Of Hope

1.3 km

A striking and unique memorial in Manchester honoring those living with and lost to HIV/AIDS, symbolizing hope and resilience.

Whitworth Park

1.3 km

Spacious self-catered student flats at the heart of Manchester’s University campus with excellent facilities and vibrant community life.

Via Manchester

1.3 km

Discover the lively nightlife of Via Manchester, a premier nightclub and bar on Canal Street, offering unforgettable experiences amidst a vibrant atmosphere.

Discover Jimmy's Manchester: A lively bar serving delicious American BBQ and inventive cocktails in Ancoats.

Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.

O2 Apollo Manchester

A brief summary to O2 Apollo

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Public Transport

Bus

Taxi

O2 Apollo location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of O2 Apollo

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about O2 Apollo

A Storied Venue with Enduring Legacy

Architectural Character and Atmosphere

Dynamic Event Programming

Location and Accessibility

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Manchester Histories

The Queen's Arch

The Old Quadrangle

Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal

Victory Over Blindness

Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal

John Dalton Statue

Arch of Chinatown

Statue of the Duke of Wellington

Historic England

Hotspur House

Canada House, Manchester

Connaught Building

Murrays' Mill

Friedrich Engels Statue

Unmissable attractions to see

Elizabeth Gaskell's House

The Pankhurst Centre

The University of Manchester

Manchester Museum

The Vimto Park

FAC251 - Factory Manchester

Victoria Baths

The Whitworth

Alan Turing Memorial

Beswick arches

The Tree of Life

Sackville Gardens

The Beacon Of Hope

Whitworth Park

Via Manchester

Essential places to dine

Store Street Exchange Restaurant

Habesha Restaurant

The Refuge

Tariff & Dale

Higher Ground

Street Urchin

Namii Kitchen & Cocktails

Viet Shack Restaurant

Don Giovanni - Italian Restaurant Manchester

Fumo by San Carlo - Manchester

WOOD Manchester by Simon Wood

Erst

Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Ancoats

Canto

Jimmy's Manchester

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Cute Things By Aggie

The University of Manchester Gift Shop

Utility Gift Store

SHMYLS - Thoughtfully Made

Urban Exchange

needi

Stare Society

Manchester Souvenirs & Convenience Store

Bionic Seven

T.La Art & Craft Gallery

Fred Aldous Ltd