Music

From a city that has brought to the world such famous musicians as Oasis, The Stone Roses, 10cc, New Order, Take That, Simply Red and the Verve you can expect as equally diverse a mix of venues. Below are three we felt were worth a mention.

1. Manchester Evening News Arena

Opened in 1995 the MEN Arena with its capacity of 21,000 people is considered to be one of Europe's biggest indoor concert venues. Everyone who is anyone has graced the arena with either single or multiple tour date appearances. Most recent highlights have included a number of dates on Girls Aloud recent hit tour in 2009 and in 2010 expect dates from Rihanna, Westlife, Leona Lewis and JLS. The MEN also hosts a wide variety of other events throughout the year including sports events like boxing with Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan having fought there, wrestling, Strictly Come Dancing and X Factor live shows aswell as the impressive Cirque du Soleil.

The MEN Arena is situated at the northern end of the city centre next to Manchester Victoria Station and tram stop and the Printworks, making it easily reachable by all forms of city centre transport.

We will keep you in touch with everything that is happening or is announced and you can of course check before you book your stag or hen weekend what is on by visiting their website at www.men-arena.com. Tickets can be purchased online or via the telephone number for tickets and enquires 0844847 8000.

2. The Manchester Academy

This is a far more intimate venue than others you will come across and exists as the Students Union at Manchester University. However just because it's smaller doesn't mean that the talent doesn't arrive here. Lined up for forthcoming gigs in 2010 are Jamie T, Shed Seven, Marilyn Manson, Tinchy Stryder and the Noissettes to name but a few.

The venue is situated on Oxford Road to the south of the city centre and is again very easy to get to. Take a bus in the 40's from Piccadilly Gardens or a train to Oxford Road Station from Piccadilly Station. Trams do not head that far south in the city centre. A taxi will also get you there for under £10.

You can of course check before you book your stag or hen weekend what is on by visiting their website at www.manchesteracademy.net.

3. The Manchester Apollo

Larger than the Academy but smaller than the MEN Arena this venue has a capacity of 3,500 and is situated in between its two differing rival venues. As it's closer to town, it does mean that it is a venue that is easily walkable from the centre. Should you want to take transport then the venue is one mile south of Piccadilly Station Metrolink tram stop and a taxi from the centre will cost you about £3.

Amongst those lined up for forthcoming gigs in 2010 are JLS, Kelly Clarkson, Peter Andre, Ronan Keating and Norah Jones to name but a few.

You can of course check before you book your stag or hen weekend what is on by visiting their website at www.carling.com/music/venue/manchester_apollo.html.