Although our records for Manchester University Union are not as comprehensive as the lists above, we do have a list of selected artistes that have performed on the stages of the Main Debating Hall and The Hop and Grape (now renamed Academy 2 and Academy 3). From it’s inception until the early 80s Academy 3 was called The Solem Bar (now the name of our ground floor bar). This name was derived from the University of Manchester’s coat of arms which featured a rising sun and a snake. Fact fans may be interested to know that The Lunar Café adjacent to Academy 2 used to be called The Serpent Bar.

We have a gap in our records from 1981 to 1990 - if you are able to tell us about any gigs you remember from these years please EMAIL US.