Hotels for Rockin'1000

A thousand-strong band of amateur and semi-pro musicians take the stage together, all playing the same setlist in unison on guitars, drums and microphones. What began as a one-off stunt to lure a rock act to a small Italian town has grown into a touring collective, with local players auditioning for a spot in the mass ensemble.

Expect stadium-rock singalongs delivered with the ragged joy of a thousand people who rehearsed separately and only came together days before the show. It's loud, communal and unmistakably more choir than concert.

A long-established fixture of Manchester's live scene, the AO Arena sits right in the city centre beside Victoria station, hosting arena tours, comedy and sport throughout the year. Its central location puts the Northern Quarter's bars, restaurants and late-night spots within an easy walk. Victoria station's trains and Metrolink trams are on the doorstep, with Piccadilly a short distance away. Staying centrally means you can stroll to the show and back, making the most of the city's nightlife once the gig ends.