O2 Apollo — Attraction in Manchester

Limited car park alongside the Apollo venue which was advertised at £7 , but us actually £10. Still a lot cheaper than other Manchester car parks. If it rains you will need to avoid massive puddles and muddy ground; as thr ground is rough and the edges are just soil. Huge queues waiting to enter as doors didnt open on time. Be prepared to have your ticket and bag checked several times on entry. Safety is important, but I wasn't expecting to have to get my phone out a number of times within the space of 2 minutes. Large open area for standing shows with a slight raking , so you have a chance of seeing the band. Seating on the balcony was available. Venue gets hot and stuffy. Bar and merch area was rammed and inadequate number of toilets for ladies in foyer. Acoustics were good, impressed with sound and lighting. Not a venue I would rush back to. As someone with a left sided weakness; I knew I was taking a risk going to a standing gig. I expected to be able to lean on a wall or find somewhere to perch for a short time as needed. The venue was rammed and the walls at the side was the only narrow gap to access the bar, toilets or cloakroom, so it was not possible to lean on the wall, as this was the only way to move around the venue and I'd have been in the way. There were no staff visible to discuss this. I'm aware that I could have booked the balcony , but I hoped to be with my friends. I had to leave before the end. Queuing outside for an hour; standing for another 45 minutes before the gig started , meant I was on my feet from 6.30 until after 10.45. If I had been aware of the fact that the gig wouldn't start till after 8.15, I would have arrived much later. Poor information regarding the timings. The gig was excellent, the venue...

A first time visit to the O2 Apollo Manchester proved to be an all round good experience to see Nothing But Thieves in concert.

Over the weeks leading up to the gig I had some email correspondence with the venue to understand parking options and to be honest, I didn’t expect a response however, with every email, a prompt and helpful reply was always received. Equally, on the day of the gig there was concern it may be cancelled due to band illness. In an attempt to find out whether the event was on or not I once again emailed the venue and in no time at all….. a reply was received. Excellent communication from the team at this venue.

Car parking at the venue was great with two ample sized outdoor parks available immediately next to the arena. The carparks open one hour before the doors and is £10 cash to park. Great value parking 30 seconds walk away from the doors.

Naturally as with any gig, the crowds were keen and the queues in the dark and rain were very long. Expecting it to take forever to get inside, as soon as the doors were opened, the queues moved fast and this did not seem to be at the compromise of security as checks were thorough.

The O2 Apollo is clearly an old music and entertainment venue with some classic art deco styling. A small entrance area soon leads you into the theatre itself where bars and other facilities exist.

Exiting the venue and the carpark afterwards was easy and fast.

All in all, the Apollo proved to be a good venue for the gig with all staff found to be...

Attended a music gig at the O2 Apollo

The staff were very helpful and friendly and made the visit the best experience they could.

Ground floor is the standing area (I believe this can be converted to seats). It slopes from back to front to give the best viewing for all.

Upstairs is the circle where I was sat. This area is reached by going up two sets of stairs (no lifts), firstly to the circle bar area and then onto the seats themselves.

Proper theatre comfortable chairs are fixed in the venue. Excellent views of the stage and great acoustics

There are access to the toilets at either side of the circle.(steps)

Please note if disabled there is a slightly raised area at back of the ground floor. Surprisingly the disabled toilet is at the opposite side of the venue meaning you would have to go across the full width of the venue Pre booking is essential for this area.

Beware: around the venue the "car park" as you pass with the venue in the left is on the right,.this is not an official car park. These local people pack as many cars into the little area so that cars are literally blocked in by the other vehicles and you would not be able to get out until...