The final week of February 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark period for the North West. As the February chill begins to lift, the North West’s cultural calendar moves into high gear with a series of major national and international events. North West events February
Manchester makes history this week by hosting the BRIT Awards for the very first time. Meanwhile, Liverpool‘s waterfront and historic theatres are packed with world-class dance and family entertainment.
Whether you are a fan of musical theatre, a lover of live music, or looking for a family outing, there is plenty to explore. This guide breaks down the must-see performances and festivals taking place across Manchester, Liverpool, and Salford. Use the guide below to plan your trip and get important travel tips.
Mean Girls the Musical
The record-breaking Broadway musical based on the hit film arrives at the Manchester Opera House this February. Written by Tina Fey, the show follows Cady Heron as she navigates the social hierarchy of an American high school dominated by the infamous ‘Plastics’. This production brings a fresh energy to the beloved story with a contemporary pop score and fast-paced choreography.
It is a fantastic choice for fans of the original movie or those looking for a high-spirited night out with friends. The Manchester Opera House provides a classic setting for this modern comedy. Since the show has seen massive success in London, demand for the Northern tour is expected to be high.
Travel Tip: The venue is located on Quay Street. If you are taking the train, Salford Central is the nearest station. For those arriving via Deansgate, it is a short five-minute walk through the city centre.
The Red Shoes
Matthew Bourne’s Olivier Award-winning production of The Red Shoes returns to the Liverpool Empire for a limited run. This stunning dance performance is inspired by the classic film and the fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen. It tells a haunting tale of obsession and the desire to be the greatest dancer in the world.
The production is famous for its cinematic set design and a lush score that perfectly captures the glamour and drama of the 1940s. It remains one of the most accessible dance shows for general theatre audiences. Even if you are not a regular ballet viewer, the storytelling and visual spectacle make it a highlight of the February cultural calendar.
Travel Tip: The Liverpool Empire is directly next to Lime Street Station. This makes it one of the easiest venues to reach if you are travelling from outside the city by rail.
Disney on Ice: Into the Magic
Families can experience the spectacle of Disney on Ice at the M&S Bank Arena on the Liverpool waterfront. The ‘Into the Magic’ tour brings several iconic stories to the ice, featuring characters from Moana, Frozen, and Coco. It is a world-class production that combines impressive skating stunts with the familiar songs that children love.
This event is a significant draw for families across the North West. The arena at King’s Dock offers an excellent layout for viewing the ice from any section. It is a perfect way to celebrate the end of the month with a memorable outing for younger fans.
Travel Tip: Parking at the King’s Dock multi-storey can fill up quickly during family shows. Consider parking in the city centre and enjoying a walk past the Royal Albert Dock to reach the venue.
The BRIT Awards 2026
The UK’s most prestigious music ceremony makes a historic move to Manchester this year. For the first time, the BRIT Awards will take place at the Co-op Live arena. This shift marks a major recognition of the region’s cultural importance. The evening celebrates the best of British and international talent with a series of live performances and award presentations.
Being the largest indoor entertainment space in the country, the venue is a fitting choice for such a high-profile night. The atmosphere around the Etihad Campus will be incredibly busy. It is a landmark moment for the city and a must-watch event for music fans.
Travel Tip: Use the Metrolink to reach the Etihad Campus stop. It is the most efficient way to travel, as road closures often affect the immediate area during major televised events.
Operation Mincemeat
This Olivier Award-winning musical arrives at The Lowry in Salford after a legendary run in London. The show tells the incredible true story of a bizarre secret mission during World War II involving a stolen corpse and a suitcase full of fake documents. It is a brilliant blend of fast-paced comedy, heartfelt moments, and incredibly catchy music.
The production has gained a cult following for its clever writing and high-energy performances. Seeing it at The Lowry is a special experience, as the venue played a key role in the early development of the show. It is perfect for theatre fans who want something a bit different from the traditional big-budget musical.
Travel Tip: The Lowry is located at Salford Quays. If you are coming from Manchester city centre, take the Metrolink to the MediaCityUK or Harbour City stops. There is also a large multi-storey car park right next to the theatre.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
The Palace Theatre in Manchester becomes a sea of glitter and glamour this week as Priscilla Queen of the Desert returns to the stage. Based on the Oscar-winning film, this heartwarming musical follows three friends on a road trip across the Australian Outback in a battered old bus. The show is famous for its extravagant costumes and a soundtrack packed with dance-floor classics like ‘It’s Raining Men’ and ‘I Will Survive’.
It is an uplifting celebration of friendship and self-expression that never fails to get the audience on their feet. The Palace Theatre’s grand interior provides a perfect backdrop for the glitz and sparkle of this production.
Travel Tip: The Palace Theatre is located directly across from Manchester Oxford Road station. This makes it incredibly convenient if you are arriving by train from elsewhere in the North West.
Ross Noble: Cranium of Curiosities
The master of improvisational comedy, Ross Noble, brings his new tour to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 25 February. Known for his “tornado of tangents,” Noble’s shows are entirely unique every night as he builds his routine based on audience interaction and his own surreal stream of consciousness.
Cranium of Curiosities promises to be a wild ride through the comedian’s imagination. The Philharmonic Hall is an excellent venue for comedy, offering great acoustics and an intimate feel despite its size. If you enjoy stand-up that is unpredictable and genuinely spontaneous, this is the highlight of the week.
Travel Tip: The Philharmonic is situated on Hope Street. There is limited street parking, so it is often better to use the nearby Q-Park on St James Street or take a ten-minute walk up the hill from Liverpool Central station.
AnimeCon Manchester
Taking over Manchester Central on the final weekend of February, AnimeCon is the ultimate celebration for fans of anime, manga, and Japanese culture. The event features an extensive ‘Artist Alley’ with over 150 vendors, K-Pop dance workshops, and a massive cosplay masquerade where fans show off their handmade costumes.
A major highlight for 2026 is the appearance of guest May Hong, alongside several renowned English dub voice actors. Whether you are there to shop for rare collectibles or to join the Saturday after-party, the energy is always fantastic. Manchester Central’s iconic vaulted arches provide a massive space that easily accommodates the thousands of fans who attend.
Travel Tip: Manchester Central is in the heart of the city. The nearest tram stop is Deansgate-Castlefield. If you are cosplaying and travelling by train, Manchester Piccadilly is about a 15-minute walk away.
The Woman in Black
The legendary ghost story returns to the Liverpool Playhouse for a chilling limited run. This gripping production has terrified over seven million people worldwide through its masterful use of atmosphere, illusion, and dark storytelling. The play follows a lawyer’s account of his encounter with a vengeful spirit in a remote house on the marshes.
The intimate setting of the Playhouse is perfect for this immersive experience. It relies on the audience’s imagination to create a sense of true dread. If you enjoy controlled suspense and a classic “theatre of the mind” horror, this remains a must-see event on the Liverpool stage.
Travel Tip: The Playhouse is located in Williamson Square. It is less than a five-minute walk from Lime Street Station and Liverpool Central, making it very accessible for those arriving by rail.
English National Opera: Così fan tutte
The English National Opera makes its debut at The Bridgewater Hall with two semi-staged concert performances of Mozart’s Così fan tutte. Set in a 1950s Coney Island fairground, this production brings a playful, vibrant energy to the classic comic opera. It features the award-winning Orchestra and Chorus of the ENO.
The performance focuses on the incredible vocal agility of the cast and the precision of Mozart’s score. It is a landmark event for Manchester, marking the beginning of a new long-term partnership between the ENO and the city. It is an excellent introduction to opera for newcomers and a treat for regular fans.
Travel Tip: The Bridgewater Hall is located near the Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop. If you are staying in the city centre, it is easily reachable on foot or via the free city centre bus.
Boyzlife
Fans of 90s and 00s pop can head to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 26 February to see Boyzlife. The supergroup features Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy, formerly of Westlife and Boyzone. The show is a nostalgic journey through the biggest hits of both bands, including ‘Flying Without Wings’ and ‘No Matter What’.
The evening is designed for audience interaction and big singalong moments. The Philharmonic Hall provides a fantastic acoustic setting for these pop classics. It is a high-energy night out that celebrates two of the most successful boybands in music history.
Travel Tip: Hope Street is home to several fantastic bars and bistros for a pre-show drink. Give yourself extra time to find parking if you are driving, as the area can be busy on gig nights.
Earth, Wind & Fire Experience
The legendary Al McKay brings the Earth, Wind & Fire Experience to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 27 February. This show captures the authentic soul and funk sound of the original supergroup. Expect to hear massive hits like ‘September’, ‘Boogie Wonderland’, and ‘Let’s Groove’.
Al McKay was a core member of Earth, Wind & Fire during their classic era, and his 13-piece band delivers a powerhouse performance. It is a vibrant, rhythmic show that is guaranteed to get the audience moving. For lovers of disco and soul, this is arguably the best live music event of the week.
Travel Tip: If you are staying overnight, look for hotels in the Georgian Quarter or near the University of Liverpool to stay within easy walking distance of the venue.
A Place in the Sun Live
For those dreaming of a life overseas, A Place in the Sun Live takes over Manchester Central from 27 February to 1 March. This is the UK’s largest overseas property exhibition. It brings together estate agents, legal experts, and financial advisors from all over the world to help visitors navigate the process of buying abroad.
The event features live seminars and Q&A sessions with the show’s popular TV presenters. Whether you are seriously looking to move or just curious about the market, it is a great place to gather information and expert advice in one location.
Travel Tip: Manchester Central is right next to the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink station. It is also well-connected to the NCP Great Northern car park if you are travelling by car.
Two Mr Ps in a Podcast: Live
The award-winning education podcast comes to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 28 February with their new show, Let That Be A Lesson. Real-life teacher Mr P and his brother Adam share hilarious, cringeworthy, and heartwarming stories from the classroom. It is a celebration of the chaos and comedy of school life.
The show relies heavily on audience participation and anonymous confessions from parents and teachers. It has become a cult hit across the UK for its relatability and sharp wit. It is the perfect night out for anyone who has ever worked in a school or simply remembers their own school days with a smile.
Travel Tip: The show starts at 7:30 PM. Since it is a Saturday night in the city centre, consider booking your post-show transport or taxi well in advance.
Top Tips for Visiting the North West in February
Planning a trip during such a busy week requires a bit of foresight. Here are a few essential tips to ensure your visit runs smoothly.
Prepare for the Weather
February in the North West is notoriously unpredictable. You can expect a mix of crisp sunshine and sudden showers. Temperatures usually hover around 7°C, so a warm, waterproof coat is essential for walking between venues. If you are heading to the Liverpool waterfront for Disney on Ice, be aware that the breeze off the River Mersey can feel particularly cold.
Use Public Transport
With major events like the BRIT Awards and AnimeCon happening simultaneously, city centre parking will be at a premium. Manchester’s Metrolink and Liverpool’s Merseyrail networks are the most efficient ways to get around. Most venues listed in this guide are within a ten-minute walk of a major rail or tram station. If you must drive, always pre-book your parking space through the official venue websites to avoid disappointment.
Book Dining in Advance
The surge in visitors for the awards and theatre shows means that popular restaurants will fill up quickly. Areas like the Northern Quarter in Manchester and the Baltic Triangle in Liverpool are likely to be very busy on Friday and Saturday nights.
