If you thought Manchester was just a city famed for rainy bank holidays and pub quizzes that go on way too long, think again. Early 2026 is shaping up to be a cracking time to visit, live, or pretend you live in a cool northern city you’ve “always been into” (even though you only went once in 2019). From swanky new hotels to world-class events and of course the best escorts in the North West, there’s more happening here than in some entire countries. Strap in.
Right off the bat: the Brit Awards 2026 are coming to Manchester on 28th February 2026 - and this is huge. For the first time ever, the ceremony that honours the best in British music will be held outside London, and Manchester’s Co-op Live is the lucky venue. Yes, that massive arena near the Etihad Stadium that looks like a futuristic spaceship has landed more than a few mega acts, and now it’ll host the Brits too. Expect music, fashion moments, red-carpet vibes, and possibly someone losing a shoe on stage.
If you’re into posh stays with a side of football and gigs, 2026 is your year. Radisson is launching The Medlock Hotel, a swish 401-room Radisson Blu on Manchester’s Etihad Campus. It’s perfect if you’ve got a match at the Etihad, a gig at Co-op Live, or just like the idea of living in close proximity to a place that sells £9 bottle-openers called craft sodas.
Expect premium rooms, lovely views, maybe even a penthouse if you’re treating someone fancy, like, for example, one of Manchester's best escorts from Manchester's best escort agency, Secrets Escorts. And yes - there’ll probably be more footie shirts in the lobby than in the local Sports Direct.
Naturally, given the plushiness of this new Radisson Hotel in Manchester, Secrets Escorts is just dying to try it out. Our elite Manchester escorts are anticipating next-level comfort, top-drawer service and ultimate discretion - all the qualities that make Radisson already a firm fave at Secrets Escorts.
Not to be outdone, Hilton is expanding in Manchester with two new hotels:
Hampton by Hilton Manchester City Centre - set to be one of the biggest Hamptons in Europe with over 350 rooms by early 2026.
Motto by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly - a lifestyle-brand place right near the station.
These are brilliant if you want somewhere reliable with free breakfast and the sort of staff who always smile like you’re their best mate.
Secrets Escorts loves Hampton hotels - staff are polite, accomodation is stylish and functional and, best of all, there's rarely a problem booking an escort in these Manchester hotels.
On a more budget but brilliant tip, Whitbread’s new Premier Inn on Rochdale Road near Victoria and the Northern Quarter is due to open autumn 2026 with around 229 rooms. Room rates will be gentler on your wallet than bragging rights for knowing a proper Manc barista.
Naturally, we're big fans of a Premier Inn at Secrets Escorts - anonymity, clean, tidy and functional rooms as well as a wallet-friendly price tag makes these Manchester hotels a go-to for busy clients who want to prioritise budget over luxury.
Already a bit of a Secrets Escorts favourite for boutique stays, King Street Townhouse is getting a shiny new refurb by April 2026 with revamped bedrooms and social spots. Perfect for your mate’s birthday trip when you must stay somewhere with a rooftop terrace vibe. Secrets Escorts loves the boujee, luxe feel of this hotel and our exclusive Manchester escorts are always delighted to receive an invitation to visit this 5 star Manchester city centre hotspot.
Manchester isn’t just about hotels and gigs — the whole place is being reimagined like a proper northern renaissance.
Piccadilly Gardens - that strange patch of grass surrounded by 'the wall' and a million buses - is getting spruced up to be more welcoming and less… erm… “where am I and why is that man juggling traffic cones?” It's basically about to enter its Revival Era - think flower-lined paths (actual GARDENS!), better lighting, and serious decluttering.
Over in Greater Manchester, Pomona Island (once dubbed a “forgotten” bit of land) is getting a transformation. Plans include thousands of homes, cafés, bars, a hotel, and a five-acre waterside park. It’s going from ghost town vibes to waterfront chic - all connected by tram stops and cycle paths.
Big news for travel geeks and anyone who’s been stuck at Piccadilly Station wishing it all just worked: trains are set to join Greater Manchester’s Bee Network by the end of 2026. This means one ticket system for trains, buses and trams - finally taking us closer to a truly joined-up transport system.
Manchester isn’t all concrete and scooters - there’s green stuff happening too. We talked about the CyanLines project a couple of months ago, and this ongoing project continues to create and develop a walking and cycling network across the city connecting parks, waterways and canals so you can stroll from Castlefield to New Islington without face-planting into traffic.
Taken together, these changes paint quite the picture: Manchester in early 2026 ain’t your classic industrial heritage city anymore (although we keep the grit because obviously). It’s a global destination for culture, music, sport, and hospitality all wrapped up with northern charm and humour. You’ve got award-level music awards stepping in from London, hotels that range from chic boutique to budget-friendly comfort, and urban renewal schemes that actually make you want to walk around the place again without muttering “why is it always grey?” at least thrice.
Whether you’re here for a weekend break, a long-term stay, or just passing through to say “I was there when…”, Manchester’s early 2026 calendar is stacked with reasons to get excited (or at least mildly pleased).
Brit Awards 2026 at Co-op Live - music history in the making. Wikipedia
The Medlock Radisson’s massive hotel near Etihad Campus. hospitalityinvestor.com
Hampton & Motto by Hilton launching in early 2026. Hospitality ON
Premier Inn beefing up budget stays autumn 2026. hotelnewsresource.com
King Street Townhouse getting a makeover. Travel And Tour World
Piccadilly Gardens revamp and Pomona Island regeneration. Manchester City Council+1
Bee Network integrating trains for easier travel. The Guardian
Green walking & cycling routes coming with CyanLines.