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The Big Moon
Make sure you find time to head to The Union to see female four-piece, The Big Moon. Think Camera Obscura meets San Cisco, then turn it up a notch. There's a sense of innocence here, the kind that's often lost in conventional popular music, which is wholeheartedly present in their dream pop vibe. But don't worry, this definitely isn't the bubblegum you might expect it to be – you'll have fun, and a lot of it. The Union, 7.30-8.15pm

Estrons
It could be argued it is, perhaps, a little early in the day for an Estrons gig, with their slot being one of the first on the bill. That said, if one band is guaranteed to get you pumped for the day ahead, it's Estrons. Raucous vocals, roaring guitar riffs and hard-hitting lyrics are at their core, refusing to be categorised as punk but instead self identifying as 'heavy pop'. Ironic? Almost certainly. Accurate? Absolutely not. Just don't go expecting a pop show. Deaf Institute, 2.30-3pm

InHeaven
South Londoners through and through, InHeaven have been cited as ones to watch for a while and it's not hard to see why. There's something different about these guys, and decidedly darker than your typical indie pop-rock fodder that more often than not fade away as quickly as they burst onto the scene. There's no smoke and mirrors; instead, a raucuous disillusionment and almost anarchist vocal that promises the angst-ridden rebellion of nineties grunge reimagined for a millenial uptake. We're unbelievably ready for it. The Bread Shed, 6.30-7pm

Neon Waltz
The former Factory Records site seems an appropriate setting for the Scottish indie-rockers whose melodic hooks echo the 90’s heyday of the Madchester scene. Mancunians they might not be, nonetheless Neon Waltz will have you sha-la-la-ing to anthem in the making Dreamers in no time. Factory, 3.15-3.45pm

Rat Boy
If Jamie T was your thing, then odds are you’re going to dig Rat Boy’s jaunty, conversational vibe. A Mike Skinner of sorts, there's little in the way of romanticism here but instead honest, relatable songwriting. The Essex storyteller will be headlining Manchester’s Grade II listed Albert Hall, a former chapel which promises the most atmospheric of settings. Not to be missed. Albert Hall, 9.30pm

The Subways
Headlining the main hub of Neighbourhood are The Subways. It's hard to imagine that it's been over a decade since they were the trail-blazing newcomers set to light up the British indie-rock scene. Saying that, we've lost count of nights spent in dive bars chanting the words to Rock and Roll Queen, all sticky dancefloors and hazy memories. The Subways are the kind of band that bring people together, and four albums in, these guys know a thing or two on how to put on a rock and roll show. O2 Ritz, 8.30-10pm

Superfood
A core group of the Birmingham indie-pop scene, Superfood return with their sophomore album Bambino. Fast forward three years from their debut and they're back as a two-piece with a new label and a sharper, more refined sound. Expect the nostalgia of infectious poppy anthems and upbeat singalong choruses served up with hints of reggae, ska and funk. Don't worry though, this is still the Superfood you know and love, just a whole lot sexier. Sound Control Main Room, 8-8.30pm

The Xcerts
Your favourite band you've never heard of. Arguably, the Scottish three-piece are still relatively unknown, something which is often attributed to their emotive songwriting and heavy subject matter. We mean, their debut album In The Cold Wind We Smile was inspired by self-described "personal tragedy". Heavy stuff for sure, but the results are worth it. The Bread Shed, 4.30-5pm

Neighbourhood Festival, venues across central Manchester, 7 Oct from midday