About

Band on the Wall — Manchester’s Iconic Music Venue & Charity

Band on the Wall, owned and operated by Inner City Music, has been at the heart of Manchester’s music culture for decades. Our unusual name dates back to the building’s days as The George and Dragon pub in the early 20th century, when house musicians literally played on a stage halfway up the back wall to make room in the packed pub—earning the nickname “Band on the Wall.”

Known for hosting the finest jazz, folk, blues, and international music, the venue also played a pivotal role in Manchester’s post-punk scene, with early gigs from Buzzcocks, The Fall, and Joy Division. Today, we continue to present an internationally acclaimed live music programme, promoting gigs in-house and at venues across the UK.

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Reopening & Transformation

After six years of fundraising and planning, Inner City Music proudly reopened Band on the Wall in 2022 following a £3.5m transformation. This rebirth created one of the UK’s best showcase venues of its scale and added purpose-built education spaces—including rehearsal rooms, studios, and a large communal music-making area. This expansion reflects our mission as a music charity: to celebrate the UK’s diverse communities and connect globally through music.

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World of Music — Courses & Community

Above our venue, the World of Music programme runs six days a week, offering:

• Family music sessions (including pre-school drop-ins)
• Youth workshops & Saturday music days
• Adult choirs & group music-making
• Instrument pathways & band sessions
• Community music projects with schools and local organisations

All spaces are fully accessible, and bursaries are available to keep music open to everyone. Learn, play, and create in a fun, informal setting designed for all ages.

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National Promoting

Band on the Wall is more than a venue—we are a national music promoter with a proud history of working with some of the world’s most influential and innovative artists. Over the years, we’ve collaborated with acts such as DakhaBrakha, Billy Bragg, Cory Wong, Femi Kuti, The Unthanks, Fatoumata Diawara, Fulu Miziki, and Hot 8 Brass Band, bringing their music to audiences across the UK.

Our national touring programme champions diversity and cultural exchange, ensuring that exceptional live music reaches communities far beyond Manchester.

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Partnerships & Community Engagement

As a leading music charity, Inner City Music partners with organisations to expand access to music education and cultural experiences. Key partnerships include:

• Community Arts Northwest — delivering creative projects with newly arrived families and communities.
• The Manchester College — providing workplace learning opportunities for students, including event production experience.
• Local schools and community groups — offering inclusive music-making projects and outreach programmes.

These collaborations help us champion diversity, inclusion, and creativity at every level.

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Why Choose Band on the Wall?

• Award wining Venue
• Live music gigs from global artists
• Music education programmes for families, youth, and adults
• Community projects supporting diversity and inclusion
• National music promoter with a strong heritage

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Get Involved

• What’s On (Live Gigs)
• Join a Course
• Venue Hire
• Support Our Charity