Entertainment in Salford

Culture vultures have a choice of two theatres in Salford. The most popular is The Lowry Theatre at Salford Quays, which is the largest theatre outside London, and here you’ll find three theatres in one. The main stage, ‘Lyric’, welcomes huge acts in theatre, music and comedy such as Peter Kay and Morrissey. ‘The Quays’ and ‘Studio’ are more intimate theatres, which host smaller gigs and productions. There is a busy schedule of shows all year round so it is well worth checking what’s on during your stay.

An alternative to The Lowry is Salford Arts Theatre. This is a great little independent theatre which is made by the community, for the community. Its 112-seater auditorium hosts regular pantomimes and classic plays, such as Cinderella and Blue Remembered Hills, and it’s located on Kemsing Walk, just off Liverpool Street. If you are staying at our Manchester City Centre (Arena/Printworks) hotel, you can get there by jumping on a bus to Salford University from Shudehill Bus Station.

Visit Salford on the weekend, and you will have a whole host of sporting options available during your stay. Football fans can head down to Moor Lane to watch Salford City F.C. This club is part-owned by Manchester United legends Ryan Giggs, Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes. They ply their trade in The National League, the fifth tier of English football, after a string of successive promotions in recent years. If the name sounds familiar, you may have seen the BBC documentary ‘Class of 92: Out of Their League’ or Sky’s ‘Class of 92: Full Time’ – both of which focus on the Salford club. Matches are usually played on Saturdays, with occasional midweek fixtures.

If you are more of a rugby fan, then why not head to The AJ Bell Stadium to watch Salford Red Devils, the city’s rugby league team. The club has a long history, with six league titles and one challenge cup among their list of accolades since forming back in 1873. The Red Devils compete in a series of competitions throughout the season, usually playing on Fridays or Saturdays, so be sure to check the fixture list before your visit.

If you fancy a taste of top-flight football, read our guide on entertainment in Manchester to find out more about the nearby Manchester United and Manchester City.

All of the above sporting venues are easily accessible from any of our Salford hotels.

When it comes to music, nearby Manchester certainly takes the plaudits ahead of Salford. That said, if you are into small, intimate venues with up-and-coming artists and tribute acts, there are a few here which you will enjoy. The first of which is The Eagle Inn on Collier Street in the Greengate area of Salford. This is a nice little pub with an impressive live music schedule. Alternatively, just a stone’s throw from Salford Central Station is The Kings Arms. Tipped as ‘Britain’s most bohemian back-street boozer’ by The Guardian, this pub welcomes musicians, comedians and theatre with open arms. Finally, you can get your live music fix at The Old Pint Pot on Adelphi Street, next to Salford Cathedral. This is a pretty riverside pub, which turns into a great gig venue when a band is playing.

When staying at any of our hotels in Salford, you are only a short trip away from some of the best live music venues in Manchester, such as Manchester Arena, The 02 Academy and The Ritz. Find out more in our guide to entertainment in Manchester.