Passengers beginning their journeys at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 on Thursday were treated to live performances of ambient music composed by Brian Eno, a former member of the band Roxy Music. The Manchester Camerata orchestra delivered two renditions of Eno’s 1979 album, *Ambient 1: Music for Airports*, at 2 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. as part of the Here We Are festival, an event designed to make music more accessible to a broad audience.

Eno, known for pioneering the ambient music genre, originally developed *Ambient 1* as a calming auditory experience intended for spaces such as airport terminals. This marked only the second occasion the album has been performed by a professional orchestra within an actual airport setting. The concert took place in the recently renovated concourse of Terminal 2, allowing travelers to experience the music as it was meant to be heard.

Manchester Camerata described the performance as a unique cultural event, highlighting its appeal to those who appreciate ambient music, cinematic soundscapes, and atmospheric compositions that evoke feelings of nostalgia and tranquility. The orchestra emphasized the significance of this live presentation in an environment associated with travel-related stress and delays.

Earlier in the week, Manchester Camerata held additional free concerts at various venues throughout the region, including Bolton Library and Gorton Monastery. Bob Riley, chief executive of Manchester Camerata, noted that the Here We Are festival aims to bring together diverse communities through the shared experience of music, reinforcing the orchestra’s commitment to outreach and inclusivity.