A few years ago, I wrote a post about my trip to Rome, which occurred during a series of summers in my twenties where I travelled solo. On this same trip, I also visited Manchester, England. With the news of Oasis reforming, I not only got nostalgic about my childhood but about this trip. What makes it even more appropriate, is that I actually went to see a band while I was there. That band was Tame Impala and the venue was the Albert Hall. So, if you are curious what it is like to see a concert in Manchester on your own, please keep reading.
Manchester is a large city in North West England, a sort of sanctuary for football and music lovers everywhere. Since I was planning on visiting Scotland as well, I wanted to fit it in. The timing of the concert was actually a sweet coincidence. Also, the venue was right across from the hotel I wanted to stay at (The Edwardian Manchester, Radisson, a fantastic hotel by the way). It truly seemed meant to be. I still remember ordering my tickets in the middle of the night a few months in advance, leaving plenty of time to anticipate.
I planned to stay in Manchester for two nights. I took a train from London and arrived at Piccadilly Station in a few short hours. I could already tell that Manchester, while having a lot of the classic architecture, was much more industrial and moodier than London. It was cool. My hotel was in a perfect spot for first timers, within walking distance from the city centre. I could not have had a better view from my room. Once I got settled in, I did what I usually do on my first day anywhere: get familiar with my surroundings. The sun was shining in Manchester, although that would change pretty quickly. More about that later. Many people were out enjoying the weather. I walked down to Deansgate and then to Albert Square, home to many historic monuments including the landmark Town Hall. The Gothic architecture was beautiful and a theme I would notice in the city. This square is a great meeting spot with a variety of food and entertainment nearby. In the winter it hosts its famous Christmas markets.
Since the following day was concert day, I took it slow. I wandered to St Ann Square where you can find lovely cobblestone streets and churches, as well as theatres and shops. I also went to Arndale Shopping Centre which is the biggest mall in the city. I remember I bought a jacket for the concert here and a coin purse, which I still used until very recently (unfortunately Primark material does not last forever). This mall is a a popular hangout with not only tons of shopping but street entertainment and busking. To put it mildly, it was buzzing. After shopping, I had an early dinner at a restaurant in Albert Square. I sat outside and grazed on a bread basket and a glass of wine with Town Hall in view. The butterflies were starting to make an appearance. Once I got back to my hotel, I started getting ready and could see from my window they were setting up barriers. Things were getting real.
The Albert Hall is not just a music venue, it is a Grade II listed building. It used to be a chapel and was revived, hosting many popular bands by now. I got goosebumps when I walked inside. The Albert Hall in a way still feels like an abandoned building, because it sort of was for many years. It wasn't dark quite yet so there was light shining through the glass windows. It was casual and there was no reserved seating. The vibes in the crowd were mellow and good, so going alone really wasn't an issue. The band was absolutely amazing and I still get transported back to a night of atmospheric, wistful Australian psych-rock goodness when I listen to them. I am patiently waiting for that elusive next album like all other fans.
My favourite part of this night was when I walked back to my hotel afterwards, feeling elated from a night of music. After experiencing suspiciously sundrenched weather the last couple days, it was finally pouring rain. I literally got back to the lobby looking like a drowned rat, but a happy one at that. I almost felt honoured (?) to have experienced the Manchester rain. It really topped off the night and was a great parting memory of my time there.
So, my questions for you. Have you ever been to Manchester and, are you one of those lucky people who got tickets to see Oasis next summer?
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