6 Best Performing Arts Venues in Manchester, Liverpool, and the Peak District, England

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We've compiled the best of the best in Manchester, Liverpool, and the Peak District - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Aviva Studios

Spinningfields Fodor's Choice

Huge investment culminated in the 2023 opening of the world-class Aviva Studios cultural center. The home of Factory International, the riverside complex hosts a constantly evolving program of arts, dance, theater, film, and multimedia events that has cemented Manchester's status as a leading cultural destination.

Bluecoat

City Centre Fodor's Choice

The city center's oldest building is now a creative hub encompassing contemporary visual arts, live art, literature, music, and dance, along with a café and bistro.

Depot Mayfield

City Centre Fodor's Choice

In the historic former Mayfield railway station, with a backdrop that showcases the city's industrial past, this vast venue has a lively roster of arts, music, industry, culture, and community events. Its atmospheric spaces include the old concourse and the rooftop, open-air platform, and the place is dotted with street food vendors.

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University Quarter Fodor's Choice
This cutting-edge contemporary arts venue houses a main 450-seat theater, a studio theater space, a gallery, five cinema screens, and digital production and broadcast facilities, as well as a bar, a café, and a bookshop.

Manchester International Festival

Fodor's Choice
This biennial multi-arts festival has played a major role in Manchester's cultural development since it launched in 2007. With international artists such as Björk and Marina Abramović making appearances, it often premieres events that go on to tour nationally or globally. Events take place in some of the city's most popular performing arts spaces, as well as obscure locations such as disused buildings.

Royal Exchange Theatre

City Centre Fodor's Choice

Housed in the city's onetime cotton exchange, this innovative venue for classic and contemporary works includes a glass-and-metal structure cradling a theater-in-the-round, plus a studio space.