We rarely take the car in to central Manchester these days as our local train service is good. Your chances of finding cheap parking close by are limited, for a concert, allowing 5 hours, I'd reckon on £18-20 though pre-booking with NCP can reduce this slightly. If you're prepared to walk for 2 miles, 30-40 minutes, have you considered getting a train in to Oxford Road, which is the station we use this for this area, or using the tram? With the tram I think you could park as far out as Altrincham and be in the centre in 30/35 minutes. I only suggest Altrincham because I worked there and know free parking is available.
These are suggestions not cast iron certainties! I've no idea when the tram stops running
PS - there used to be a car park on Cambridge Road which wasn't too expensive - my son lived opposite 3-4 years ago. Could be appartments now!
If you're coming from Whitley Bay one possible car route is from the M60 down Ashton Road. There is a new tram line which goes to the centre from the area. Might be worth looking at. There is free parking in the area. Look at Seymour Road South, again my lad lived there, I parked there many times for football or concerts at the Etihad without any problems.
