Manchester Academy 1, located in Manchester, United Kingdom, is one of the city’s most prominent and revered live music venues. Part of the University of Manchester Students’ Union complex, it sits within the heart of the bustling Oxford Road corridor and has become an essential fixture in the UK’s live music landscape. The history of Manchester Academy 1 dates back to its opening in 1990, which came about as a response to the growing demand for larger, purpose-built concert venues in the city, and in direct replacement for previous student union venues which were no longer fit for purpose.

Since its inception, Academy 1 has been renowned for its capacity, which currently accommodates around 2,600 people standing, making it one of the largest non-arena venues in Manchester. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent, as well as hosting internationally celebrated artists, and its proximity to the University has always drawn a diverse and energetic crowd. Culturally significant, Manchester Academy 1 has contributed immensely to Manchester's reputation as one of the UK's musical capitals, standing alongside venues like the Apollo and the Albert Hall in terms of legacy and influence.

Structurally, the venue has undergone significant changes since opening. Originally a straightforward concert hall, a major refurbishment began in 2007 and was completed in 2008, which updated its interior sound, lighting, facilities, and accessibility, ensuring that it could continue attracting world-class acts while enhancing the audience experience. The venue has remained at its original site since its establishment, but these periodic upgrades have allowed it to stay at the forefront of the live music scene in an ever-evolving city famed for its contribution to popular music.

Its ability to balance intimacy with scale has also made it a favorite location for tour warmup shows, album launches, and special one-off gigs. Notable artists who have performed at Manchester Academy 1 over the years span an incredible range of genres and generations, reflecting the venue's broad appeal and eclectic programming. Among the international and local acts are David Bowie, Blur, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Prince, Amy Winehouse, Muse, Radiohead, Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine, Lana Del Rey, The Prodigy, Florence + The Machine, Pulp, Queens of the Stone Age, Kendrick Lamar, The xx, Foals, Catfish and the Bottlemen, James Bay, Dizzee Rascal, and Manic Street Preachers.

The Academy has also played host to countless local heroes including The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Elbow, Courteeners, and Inspiral Carpets, further cementing its reputation as a vital incubator for the rich Manchester music scene.