Frequented by university hipsters and unsigned music lovers alike, The Deaf Institute is one of Manchester’s finest indie venues. Named after its former life as an institute for deaf and dumb adults, ‘Deaf’ only opened in 2008 but is the place to catch up-and-coming acts.
The Deaf Institute sits in a Grade II-listed Victorian building just off Oxford Road on Manchester’s student corridor. The building was originally built in 1878 and lay derelict for years until it was taken over by the owners of Northern Quarter bar Trof. It now hosts live music, comedy and club nights across its three floors, with its highlight being its domed music hall on the top floor complete with tiered seating and a balcony.
Boasting a cosy capacity of 260 people, Deaf’s music hall plays a vital part of Manchester’s musical ecosystem, specializing in showcasing acts on the up before they really make it big. Star names that have graced the Deaf Institute’s stage in the past include The XX, Grimes, St Vincent, The 1975 and Todd Terje. Thanks to its boho vibe and impressive pulling power, Deaf is the perfect place to see a band and say ‘I saw them before they were cool’.
loading...
