For nearly 90 years, the Grade-II listed The Abbey has been an iconic cultural landmark in Wavertree, Liverpool. Opening in 1939 with a showing of ‘The Joy of Living’, The Abbey survived as a cinema for 40 years, at one point being the only cinema in the city to screen three strip Cinerama. Since its final screening of ‘The Towering Inferno’ in 1979, the space has been used as squash courts, a snooker club and a bingo hall run by Liverpool legend Ken Dodd, always playing a r

Wyatt Manchester-based quartet Wyatt are continuing to prove that keeping it in the family is not always such a bad idea as brothers Harvey and Evan O’Toole, alongside members Emily Mason and Joe Ward release their debut single ‘Morning’. Capturing a rustic charm, the track delivers an instant warmth where for three minutes and twelve seconds pretentiousness becomes a forgotten notion as the band's genuinity seeps through every angle of the track. Reminiscent of Stereophonics

Festival season doesn’t end with the summer. Last Saturday, Manchester saw its streets light up as crowds poured in and out of beloved, legendary music venues all across the city centre. Now a decade since the first Neighbourhood Festival was born, the lineup continues to spotlight some of the best Indie acts of the new generation. Here's our top 5 picks from the day... Photo Credit: Paul Lang Florence Road Wicklow four-piece Florence Road have made waves on the Indie Pop sce

Nowadays Neighbourhood Festival is considered a staple in the indie calendar. However, ten years ago, when the festival first started, no one could have imagined the success the event has become. In its first year, the festival saw acts including Blossoms, Circa Waves and Liam Fray take to the stage. Ten years on, almost all the acts didn’t exist when the festival first opened its doors, but the aim of bringing the best up and coming bands to new fans, remains the same. Phot

Manchester's premiere music conference and festival Beyond The Music returned this month, this time taking over Salford's Media City. The daytime conference brought together some of the most influential and forward-thinking music business professionals for discussions on industry inequalities, innovative music-making and the future of the industry landscape. Highlights were the discussion with the team behind Yungblud and the keynote with Steve Coogan marking the anniversary

On a warm Autumn night in Manchester, we saw the long awaited return of one of the city's brightest talents, Phoebe Green, all thanks to the work wonderful work of Independent Venue Week who have showcasing the #BestofBritish at shows across the country. Photo Credit: Kitty Handley Known for her introspective and uniquely relatable lyricism and hypnotic electro-pop textures, Phoebe has long been at the forefront of Manchester's emerging scene. Her 2020 single 'Reinvent' beca

Beyond The Music, Manchester's creative industry conference and music showcase returns from October 6-9 for three days of vital, policy-setting, conversations, lectures and networking events as well as three nights of break through music showcased across venues in Salford. TICKETS ON SALE NOW Photo Credit: Mark Waugh The full 2026 conference programme titled Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness details Beyond The Music’s commitment to a strengthened, connected and colla

Since 2021, No Play have provided grassroots music for the scene, by the scene, and this year's festival is no different. 35 Bands across 5 stages provided the perfect day out for any Alternative or Hardcore Fans, with a strong sense of community throughout every aspect of the festival. No Play Festival encapsulates everything incredible about the Hardcore and Alternative fellowship, especially within the North West. Photo Credit: @eyes_widephotography Based in the heart of L

Twenty years since it first landed in Daresbury, Creamfields has cemented itself as one of the UK’s biggest dance music festivals, and this was my first time making the trip. Located just outside Warrington, the site pulls crowds from Liverpool and Manchester in their thousands, alongside ravers from every corner of the country. Several transport options run into the site, with signposts and security stationed throughout to keep the flow of thousands moving in the right dire

Keyside didn’t ease their way into their debut album ‘Keyside’ , they kicked the door wide open. With driving guitars and soaring choruses, Keyside makes an immediate statement of intent. But beneath the bright and infectious surface of the album, lies something darker. With songs tackling addiction and emotional struggle yet never losing their irresistible sense of melody. ‘Runaway’ establishes the balance of the album immediately. With the upbeat guitar line and expansive c

Located in Manchester's Northern Quarter, Maki & Ramen serves up traditional Japanese dining with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We paid them a visit to try their famous Ramen and the first thing that struck us was the decor. The room is bright and colourful, filled with mirrors and bright pink flowers hanging down the wooden beams, giving the room a fresh, Japanese feel. The traditional Japanese drum that is struck by the waiters when you arrive instantly gives your trip a

Back in 19th century New York history, some people in the area didn’t know how trains worked. The ‘Westside Cowboys’ were born from this, horseback riders who helped keep train speeds in check. This is where the Manchester indie folk band originated their obscure but fitting name as Westside Cowboy, a band that invites you in to join their herd with folk infused alt rock tracks from their debut album ‘It Goes On’. This eleven track brand new album features a variety to liste