Jazz in Greater Manchester

Your comprehensive guide to jazz in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester consists of ten distinctive metropolitan districts, with the city of Manchester - one of the country's major cultural destinations - at its centre. Divided by its football teams - Manchester United and Manchester City, but fused by a passion for alternative arts and fashion, the city has come a long way since the Industrial Revolution. The area is famed for its vibrant music scene, being home to bands such as Joy Division and Oasis, and has also fostered a host of lesser-known but equally imaginative jazz characters. With the Wigan International and Manchester Jazz Festivals, and over 80 venues in the county, including the RNCM, The Bridgewater Hall, Matt and Phred's Jazz Club in the Northern Quarter, and The Cinnamon Club, the area embraces New Bossa and New Orleans, Big Bands and Bebop. A flourishing pub jazz scene throughout the area also plays host to some of the nation's finest players, and sits alongside the cutting edge work emanating from the city centre.

Click the toolbar on the left for more about jazz in Greater Manchester. For other counties in the NW, click on the map.