Plus Minus Equals: The Block is a new open-air series of events set to reshape how Manchester experiences live music.

As part of the series, on Friday 11th September, there is a special headline show from Pale Waves with support from Crawlers, HotWax and Nxdia.

Taking over the car park at un.titled studios, The Block brings together artists, audiences, and creative communities in a way that feels considered, collaborative, and rooted in culture. This isn't a traditional festival model. It's not a rotating cast of disconnected line-ups built for ticket sales. The Block is created differently - each event is built with the headliner.

Every lineup is curated in direct collaboration with the artists themselves, shaped by their influences, their taste, and the scenes that surround them. The result is something more honest: a bill that reflects the world of the headliner, not just their name at the top of a poster. It's programming with intent - balanced, cohesive, and culturally credible.

At its core, The Block is about creating space. Space for emerging talent to share stages with established names in a way that feels natural, not forced. Space for Manchester's grassroots scenes to exist within a high-quality environment. Space for audiences to discover, connect, and experience music beyond the surface level.

From mid-afternoon into the evening, the site evolves into a full cultural environment. Daytime moments bring together food, independent brands, and local collectives, while the evening shifts into immersive live performances and DJ sets, supported by Plus Minus Equals' visual creativity.

The ethos is simple: collaboration, experimentation and balance. The Block reflects the Plus Minus Equals philosophy - an approach that prioritises authenticity over formula. It's not built for artists as a product. It's built with them as collaborators. That distinction defines everything.

Set within one of Manchester's most characterful creative spaces, The Block offers something increasingly rare: an experience that feels both elevated and grounded. High-level production meets raw, local energy - a combination that speaks directly to the city's identity.

For audiences, it's a new kind of summer fixture. For artists, it's a platform that respects their voice. For Manchester, it's a series that belongs to the culture it represents.

Plus Minus Equals: The Block. Summer 2026.

More about Pale Waves...

Pale Waves have always existed in their own world. Equal parts heartbreak, high drama and arena-sized catharsis. Fronted by the magnetic Heather Baron-Gracie alongside Ciara Doran and Charlie Wood, the Manchester band have evolved from cult favourites into one of the UK's most distinctive alternative acts, blending shimmering pop hooks with gothic romanticism and razor-sharp emotional honesty. Across a string of acclaimed releases and relentless touring, Pale Waves have built a fiercely devoted global fanbase that connects as deeply to the band's identity and aesthetic as they do the songs themselves.

Now, Pale Waves are pushing further than ever before. Fresh from touring arenas across Europe with Louis Tomlinson and joining the lineup for BludFest, the band are continuing to expand their international footprint with new European festival appearances and a headline September tour breaking new ground across the continent. With new music arriving later this year, Pale Waves stand on the edge of another defining chapter - darker, sharper and more ambitious than ever.

Accessibility & Companion Ticket Policy:

We want all customers to enjoy our events in a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment. If you require the assistance of a companion, personal assistant or carer to attend the event, we may be able to provide a complimentary companion ticket as part of our accessibility provisions.

Companion Tickets

A complimentary companion ticket is available for customers who would be unable to attend the event safely or access event services without support from another person (limited number available).

Companion tickets are issued on the basis that:

• the companion is attending solely to support the eligible customer

• the companion must enter and remain at the event with the eligible customer

• one companion ticket will normally be issued per eligible customer

How to Apply

To request a companion ticket, please contact the ticket provider in advance of the event. We recommend making requests as early as possible, as accessible areas and ticket allocations may be limited.

Proof of Eligibility

To ensure companion tickets are allocated fairly, we may ask for supporting documentation confirming the need for a companion. Accepted forms of evidence may include:

• Access Card with a +1 symbol

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

• Attendance Allowance

• Blue Badge

• recognised medical or support professional documentation

Alternative forms of evidence may also be considered.

Import

Description supplied by the event organiser.