skip to main content

Petition Launched to Protect Iconic Manchester Music Venue The Night and Day Café

The petition is calling for Manchester City Council to remove the Noise Abatement Notice on the Night and Day Café and address the real issue in ill-considered planning and construction next to a pre-existing live music business.

Published: 26 November 2021 | 1:04 PM
A hand holds up a megaphone against a lilac pink background
Recent years have seen the development of residential properties in very close proximity which has led to the complaints. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Night and Day Café, an iconic Manchester grassroots music venue, is under threat of closure, following a complaint from a local resident who moved into the area during lockdown.

Manchester City Council served a Noise Abatement Notice, which could result in conditions being applied to the venue’s licence which may impact its ability to operate as a live music venue going forward. It’s not the first time that the venue has been served with a Noise Abatement Notice, a similar complaint in 2014 led to the venue having to adhere to additional licensing conditions.

Whilst the venue has been successfully promoting live music for 30 years, recent years have seen the development of residential properties in very close proximity which has led to the complaints.

A petition has been set up to support the venue, which you can sign on Change.org’s website.

Live and Music Writers Official, Kelly Wood, said:

“It’s hard to believe that the Night and Day Café is in this position once again, and it’s incredibly disappointing that Manchester City Council has served a Noise Abatement Notice. Manchester is globally renowned for its culture; the Night and Day is a huge part of this, and it shouldn’t be punished as a result of increased residential dwellings on its doorstep.”

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

The white M U x LMHR t-shirt on a hanger.

MU and Love Music Hate Racism Launch Limited-Edition T-Shirt

The MU and Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) have launched a special collaboration at this year's Tolpuddle Festival, celebrating music, solidarity and the fight against racism, with profits supporting anti-racist campaigning and the MU Benevolent Fund.

Published: 17 July 2026

Read more about MU and Love Music Hate Racism Launch Limited-Edition T-Shirt
Portrait of Chris Walker holding a clarinet.

Tribute to Chris Walker

Chris Walker was an accomplished clarinettist with a lifelong love of music. A much-respected member of the MU's East and South East England Regional Committee, he had been a member of the Union for almost 48 years. This tribute has been provided by his wife, Janet.

Published: 16 July 2026

Read more about Tribute to Chris Walker