For many years, Manchester’s Free Trade Hall was a focal point for public debate and cultural activity in the city. Built in the 1850s, it has historically been seen as a symbol of free trade and the wealth it helped bring to Manchester during the Industrial Revolution. After heavy bombing during World War II, the building was rebuilt and finally reopened as a concert hall in 1951.

A number of legendary music events have taken place at the Free Trade Hall. In May 1966, Bob Dylan played there, shortly after he “went electric” and at the height of the controversy over his alleged betrayal of his folk roots. It was here that one audience member called him a “Judas.” A bootleg recording of that concert was officially released in 1998 as The “Royal Albert Hall” Concert, in reference to the misnamed bootleg that circulated long before its release.

On June 4, 1976, the Lesser Free Trade Hall, a smaller room above the main hall, was the site of a Sex Pistols concert; a concert that has become legendary as a catalyst for the punk rock and New Wave movement. About forty people attended the concert, although many more have since claimed to have been there. However, it was believed that several key members of Manchester’s future music scene would be in attendance, including Tony Wilson (journalist, owner of Hacienda nightclub and Factory Records), Howard Deveto, Steve Diggle and Pete Shelly (of Manchester punks Buzzcocks). ), Peter Hook and Bernard Sumner (of Joy Division and later, New Order), Mick Hucknall (Simply Red), journalist Paul Morley, producer Martin Hannett, and Morrissey, who later formed The Smiths.

Following the success of this concert, the Sex Pistols were invited to return. This second concert, on July 20, 1976, was in many ways just as important as the first, as it finally saw the Buzzcocks debut in concert, and was attended by many more people, including Ian Curtis (Joy Division) , Johnny Marr (The Smiths) and Mark E Smith (The Fall).

In 1997, Manchester City Council sold the building to private developers, despite resistance from local groups such as the Manchester Civic Society, who viewed the idea as inappropriate given the building’s historical significance. After the Secretary of State rejected the initial planning application, a second, drastically modified planning application was submitted and approved. The reconstructed building retains the original façade, but has otherwise been completely rebuilt as the Radisson Edwardian Hotel, which is just one of many hotels in Manchester.

Despite the loss of the Free Trade Hall, there remains a strong music scene in the city; with a number of big venues including the Manchester Evening News Arena, the Manchester Academy and the Manchester Apollo; as well as smaller venues, including the Roadhouse, the Bierkeller, and the Night & Day Café.

The city also hosts the Manchester International Festival each year, which showcases a wide range of new music from new and established international musicians, comedians, circuses, dance and theatre, all of which help attract thousands of visitors to the area around the city. city ​​and results in the booking of hotels, hostels and guest houses in the city during the celebration of the festival.