What’s on in Greater Manchester this November

The run up to Christmas has begun in Greater Manchester, and there’s plenty going on to get you in the festive spirit.

Music and Theatre

Birdy at Manchester Albert Hall
03 November 2016
Birdy has had a fantastic start to 2016 with the release of her third album ‘Beautiful Lies’ which charted in the Top 10 in 43 countries worldwide, including number 4 in the UK.

Catfish and the Bottlemen at Victoria Warehouse
09 November 2016 – 11 November 2016
Swiftly following the release of their eagerly anticipated new album ‘The Ride’, Brit Breakthrough Award winners Catfish and the Bottlemen announce a UK Tour this November that includes three huge dates at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse.

George’s Marvellous Medicine at Manchester Opera House
15 November 2016 – 19 November 2016
When George’s grandmother drinks his special new potion, the most incredible things start to happen. And George’s adventure has just begun.

Chase & Status at O2 Apollo
22 November 2016
Following their incredible sold-out headline performance at Wireless Festival this Summer, Chase & Status have announced their 2016 UK tour.

National Ballet of China: The Peony Pavillion
22 November 2016 – 26 November 2016
The Lowry is set to host the prestigious National Ballet of China (NBC) this November (22–26) with a five-night run of one of the most enduring love stories in Chinese literature, The Peony Pavilion.

Billy Elliot at the Palace Theatre
29 November 2016 – 28 January 2017
Now celebrating 10 extraordinary years in London’s West End, Billy Elliot the Musical, comes to Manchester.

The Warehouse Project 2016
23 September 2016 – 01 January 2017
The Warehouse Project have announced their line ups for 2016 bringing the biggest names in the music industry to Manchester.

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Festive Events

Manchester Christmas Lights Switch On
04 November 2016
Manchester’s switch-on party will officially open six weeks of festive celebrations and attractions that make sure Manchester is well known as the Christmas capital of the UK.

Manchester Ice
04 November 2016 – 08 January 2017
For the first ever time, alongside the traditional fairground, Festive Cathedral Gardens will be home to a glittering ice rink.

Tree Lighting at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
09 November 2016
Marvel as Europe’s largest walk-in Christmas tree is lit up with musical fireworks & festive entertainment on Wednesday 9th November from 6pm.

Manchester Christmas Markets
10 November – 20 December 2016
The UK’s original, award winning Manchester Christmas Market return with the biggest and best festive offering to date.

Bar Hütte at Spinningfields
10 November 2016 – 01 January 2017
Bar Hütte is coming back to Spinningfields along with festive favourites, the Gin Apple Winter Toddy and the house special, the Twisted Bombardino.

Ideal Home Show at Christmas
10 November – 13 November 2016
Deck The Halls at The Ideal Home Show at Christmas, back this November at EventCity

The Winter Gathering at London Road Fire Station
11 November 2016 – 26 December 2016
See the stunning buildings and courtyard of London Road Fire Station transformed into a magical winter market, featuring an ice skating rink, street food stalls, bars, an art space and a programme of live music and DJs.

Father Christmas at the Farm
26 November – 18 December 2016
Come and see the favourite farmyard friends when visiting Father Christmas and his reindeer Prancer and Dancer at Tatton Park.

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Art, Exhibitions & Festivals

Heated Exchanges at Manchester Craft & Design Centre
14 October 2016 – 02 January 2017
Glass just got Super Cool. Materials, makers and ideas meld together in this cutting edge exhibition that defies expectations of contemporary glass and pushes this fascinating material to its limits.

Stonewall Season Opening Discussion
01 November 2016
Kicking off the Stonewall Season in Manchester is a powerful line-up of some of the leading LGBT activists in the UK discussing the topic of uniting communities.

Doki Doki Festival Manchester
12 November 2016
Doki Doki – The Manchester Japanese Festival is an event held in Manchester, UK, celebrating both traditional and modern Japanese culture.

Manchester Animation Festival
15 November – 17 November 2016
Hosted at HOME in Manchester’s First Street complex, the festival brings one of the UK’s biggest animation hubs together and invites the international community to join together to delight in all things animated.

Andy Warhol at the Whitworth
19 November 2016 – 16 April 2017
Andy Warhol’s work will be featuring at the Whitworth as part of their ‘Artists Room’ exhibitions which will show the sharp critical opinions of an artist known to many primarily as art salesman, purveyor of product and celebrant of capitalism.

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Shopping Events

VIP Shopping Event at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
04 November – 06 November 2016
Enjoy an additional 20% off outlet prices in over 60 stores and gain access to the exclusive VIP Lounge.

Manchester Fashion Weekender
05 November – 06 November 2016
It’s all about fun, fashion and freebies at Manchester Arndale as Manchester Fashion Weekender comes to town.

 For more inspiration this November go to visitmanchester.com.

6 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (16-18 September)

Here is our guide to the best of what’s on in and around the Greater Manchester region this weekend.

Salford’s Big Day Out

A huge host of family events set to make a great day out in Salford, with plenty to keep the kids entertained. Find out more.

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Ramsbottom Festival

With its eclectic mix of indie, rock and folk music, as well as family arts shows and specially brewed ales, Ramsbottom Festival is set to return this weekend. Find out more.

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Gracie Fields Weekend in Rochdale

A weekend of celebrations to mark the unveiling of the Gracie Fields statue in Rochdale, including a dinner dance and children’s activities. Click here for more information.

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Chester Zoo Wildlife Connections

Two days of intimate wildlife encounters, nature activities, workshops, live music and cinema will take place at Chester Zoo as part of a new festival celebrating all things UK wildlife. Click here for more information.

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Greater Manchester Walking Weekends

People across Greater Manchester will have the chance to step out and discover more about the region’s heritage and countryside with Walking Weekends this weekend. More information.

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Albert’s Schloss: Oktoberfest

Albert Schloss is hosting it’s very own Oktoberfest at the heart of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival starting this weekend. Find out more.

Why not enter one of our competitions to win a meal for two at Infamous Diner, or a Family Ticket to Manchester City Women v Chelsea Ladies’ in the FA Women’s Super League. Find out more.

Have a great weekend exploring the region. For more inspiration go to visitmanchester.com.

5 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (02-04 September)

Here is our guide to the best of what’s on in and around the Greater Manchester region this weekend.

Bolton Half Marathon

This is the newest half marathon in the UK, with a fantastic finish line experience at Le Mans Crescent in Bolton. Find out more.

Festejar Spanish Festival

Expect Spanish markets, dancing lessons and live bands when Albert Square is transformed into a little Spanish Oasis in the heart of the city. Click here for more information.

Sister Act at The Palace Theatre

This weekend is the final chance to catch the Broadway and West End smash hit musical, Sister Act at the Palace Theatre. Find out more.

The Gin Society Festival at Manchester Cathedral

The festival offers over 70 of the best gins from across the UK and Europe hosted in the beautiful Grade 1 listed building, Manchester Cathedral. Click here for more information.

UKFast 10k

The UKFast City of Salford 10k route starts on the picturesque MediaCityUK Piazza and allows runners to get a fast start, making it the ideal course to get that all important personal best. Find out more.

Have a great weekend exploring the region. For more inspiration go to visitmanchester.com.

 

5 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (19 – 21 August)

Here is our guide to the best of whats on in and around the Greater Manchester region this weekend.

Chorlton Makers Market
20 August
Visitors will find the very finest of local food, drink, art, design, vintage, and modern craft carefully selected from Manchester artisans and business local to the North West. Find out more.

Morrissey at Manchester Arena
20 August
Morrissey has announced his only UK show of the year with a headline date at Manchester Arena as part of an international run of shows this August. Click here for more information.

Rochdale Feel Good Festival
19 – 20 August
Expect live music from established names, must-see rising stars and first class cooking from world renowned chefs. Find out more.

Great Village Bake Off 2016
21 August
The Great Village Bake Off returns to Manchester’s Gay Village this weekend. In it’s 4th year, this year’s Bake Off promises to be the best yet! Find out more.

Wigan Live Festival
19 August – 20 August 2016
Showcasing some of the best unsigned bands and soloists from the local area and further afield, Wigan Live Festival returns for a fourth year this weekend. Click here for more information.

Have a great weekend exploring the region. For more inspiration go to visitmanchester.com.

 

6 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (15 – 17 July)

Here is our guide to the best of whats on in and around the Greater Manchester region this weekend.

Foodies Festival at Tatton Park

There’s a special focus on Brazilian street food this year to celebrate the Olympic host’s cuisine, as well as live cookery demonstrations, wine masterclasses, a whole host of international cuisines, and much more. Click here for more information.

Broken at Media City

Acclaimed UK dance company Motionhouse come to MediaCityUK for a free, one-off, outdoor staging of their earth-shattering production, Broken. Find out more.

Ironman UK

The UK’s premier long distance Triathlon, IRONMAN returns to Bolton this weekend. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the athletes in action. See more at Visit Manchester.

Raise the Roof at East Lancashire Railway

With quirky live music performances and the very best in local food and ales, there is no better way to contribute to a good cause while having a good time. Find out more.

Manchester Airport Aviation and Transport Festival

The Battle of Britain memorial flight will take place, and visitors will be able to see hot air balloons, and over 500 classic cars. Click here for more information.

RNCM Young Explorers Concert: Creatures in the Night

In this performance of Arthur Butterworth’s Creatures in the Night, the orchestra will recreate the sounds of the animals and will use lighting and other clever tricks to immerse the audience in the action. Find out more.

Your chance to win…a VIP trip for two with Virgin Trains

Be in with a chance to win return First Class tickets to Manchester, including an overnight stay at Hotel Gotham and three-course meal with cocktails at Pho. All you have to do is enter your details here before Friday 29 July 2016.

See our other competitions here.

Have a great weekend exploring the region. For more inspiration go to visitmanchester.com.

5 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (08 – 10 July)

Here is our guide to the best of whats on in and around the Greater Manchester region this weekend.

Wigan International Jazz Festival

Celebrating the 31st Festival in style, Wigan Jazz Festival brings a programme packed with world-class artists. Find out more.

Tennis Family Weekend at First Street

Join First Street this weekend for a couple days of tennis-themed fun, including the Wimbledon Final. There will be magicians, music acts, tennis coaching, films, jugglers, face painting and much more. Click here for more information.

Northern Quarter Makers Market

Enjoy some eats, beats and treats at Northern Quarter’s Makers Market, with a whole host of crafts and creatives alongside some tasty treats and all the best music from DJ Pasta Paul. Find out more.

In a Forest, Dark and Deep at Salford Arts TheatreIn a Forest, Dark and Deep at Salford Arts Theatre

In a Forest, Dark and Deep is a gripping, dramatic tale of sibling rivalry. Betty and Bobby grew up together. They’ve argued their way through childhood and troubled teen years. Click here for more information.

Art Battle Manchester

Going head-to-head across two combat zones, a 600-strong capacity audience will watch painters, tattooists, illustrators and street artists take part in the city’s largest competitive live-painting event yet. Find out more.

Have a great weekend exploring the region. For more inspiration go to visitmanchester.com.

What’s on in Greater Manchester this July

Music and Theatre

Beyonce at Emirates Old Trafford
5 July
The global superstar returns to Manchester with her ‘Formation’ World Tour and will be performing hits old and new to a packed out audience. Find out more.

Bluedot Festival
22 – 24 July
An intergalactic festival of music, science and the exploration of space, Bluedot is a brand new festival of discovery which takes place at Jodrell Bank this July. See more.

Broken
16 July
Acclaimed UK dance company Motionhouse come to MediaCityUK for a free, one-off, outdoor staging of their earth-shattering production, Broken.Find out more.

Sounds of the City – Castlefield Bowl
1 – 10 July
Castlfield Bowl is set to play host to a huge variety of musical entertainment over the course of ten days. Click here for more information.

Concerts by the Lake at Tatton Park
28 – 30 July
The magnificent country estate provides the perfect backdrop for the ‘Concerts by the Lake’ festival, with performances from Tom Jones, Wet Wet Wet and the Halle over the course of the weekend. Find out more.

The Mighty Walzer at Royal Exchange Theatre
30 June – 30 July
Man Booker Prize winner Howard Jacobson’s hilarious homage to the Manchester of his youth is brought to the stage for the first time in this dazzling new adaptation. Find out more.

Family Events

Festwich
30 – 31 July
It’s the tribute act festival that brings blistering sets from the best rock and indie bands in the universe. Plus bars, food stands, a market, a children’s area and thrill rides. Find out more.

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park
20 – 24 July
Set in acres of magnificent deer parkland, RHS Flower Show Tatton Park is a great summer day out for all, and this year’s show is packed with new features and show favourites. Read more.

The Manchester Picnic
22 – 24 July
The city’s biggest picnic pitches up in Exchange Square for a weekend of foodie heaven, with tasty treats from around the world, live entertainment, and things to do for the family. Find out more.

Science in the City
22 – 29 July
More than 40 free pop-up public events in unusual places will bring science to life across Manchester city centre, as part of the city’s year as the UK’s first European City of Science. Find out more.

Sporting Events

Ironman UK
17 July
The UK’s premier long distance Triathlon returns to Bolton, including a 112-mile, two-loop journey from Pennington Flash and with plenty of opportunities for spectators to cheer the athletes on. Click here for more information.

Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup
29 – 30 July
Riders race 500cc bikes with no brakes, no gears and no fear at over 120km/hour and with acceleration faster than a Formula 1 car at the World Championship at the National Speedway Stadium. Find out more.

England V Pakistan
22 – 26 July
The dates have been confirmed for the England v Pakistan international fixtures at Emirates Old Trafford in 2016 where Manchester will host both an Investec Test Match and a NatWest IT20. Click here for more information.

Festivals and Events

Manchester Jazz Festival
22 – 31 July
Accessible to all and mostly free, MJF features 10 days of contemporary jazz from the North West, the UK and abroad with national premières of original work and international debuts. Find out more.

Manchester Comic Con
30 – 31 July
For those into videogames, sci-fi, movies, comics, cosplay or anime, better make a date in the diary – the MCM Manchester Comic Con is back in town. Click here for more information.

Sparkle Weekend
8 – 10 July
The National Transgender Celebration returns to the Village with Sparkle in the Park, Live Entertainment, Talks and Workshops, and Sparkle Fringe. Click here for more information.

Victoria Baths Manchester Foodie
3 July
Celebrate world street food with stalls representing cuisines from around the globe. Food avaliable from Mediterranean fusions to South African BBQ, and with plenty of veggie and vegan options too. Find out more.

EuroScience Open Forum 2016
23 – 27 July
Europe’s largest interdisciplinary science meeting, which attracts more than 4,500 leading researchers, thinkers, innovators, policy makers, journalists and educators from all over the world. Find out more.

Greater Manchester Fringe Festival
24 June – 31 July
With 108 alternative and innovative shows over 38 days at 30 different venues including Albert Square, Ancoats, Canal Street, Chorlton, Northern Quarter, Tameside, Saddleworth, Salford, and Whitefield. Find out more.

 

6 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (03 – 05 June)

Manchester Histories Festival

Celebrate ‪‎Manchester‬‘s rich past at Manchester Histories Festival, and uncover the new and hidden histories from across Greater Manchester. Find out more.

Auke de Vries at Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre

This weekend is the last chance to catch Auke de Vries Bury Art Museum, an exhibition which includes approximately 25 works plus 20 framed drawings. Click here for more information.

Regression Sessions at Antwerp Mansion

The latest party series invites guests to suit up and blast off on an intergalactic safari through space, where visitors will discover new life and civilisations during a voyage through distant galaxies where an outer world experience awaits. Find out more.

German Bierfest

Don the lederhosen and head down to Albert Square for the first ever German Bierfest to come to Manchester. Find out more at Visit Manchester.

The Hallé’s Russian Spectacular

With searing melodies from Romeo & Juliet and Swan Lake combined in a no-holds-barred celebration of some of the most romantic music ever written. Find out more.

Coldplay at Etihad Stadium

For two nights this weekend, Coldplay will take over the Etihad Stadium as part of their huge world tour. Click here for more information.

What’s on in Greater Manchester this June

Food and Drink

German Bierfest
1 – 5 June
The German Bierfest comes to Manchester for the first time this year, bringing with it a whole host of German entertainment, food and drink. Click here for more information.

Manchester Beer Week
10 – 19 June
This will be Manchester’s first city-wide beer festival, set up with the aim of bringing together thousands of drinkers through a series of events celebrating brewing and pub culture. Find out more.

The Lowry Outlet Food Festival
24  – 26 June 2016
The Lowry Outlet Food Festival returns and this year it is joined by some of the regions best loved restaurant chefs, the nation’s baking sweetheart and winner of The Great British Bake Off Nadiya Hussain plus Reggae Reggae sauce legend Levi Roots. Find out more.

Get 50% off food at Neighbourhood
01 – 30 June 2016
Receive 50% off at Neighbourhood following their recent revamp when you book online. Click here for more information.

Family Events

Manchester Day
19 June
A day for families, residents and visitors to get together and celebrate all things Mancunian that have made Manchester one of the world’s most iconic cities. Find out more.

Saddleworth Show 2016
26 June
The show will be backed up by the usual craft, charity and food stalls, and promises to be a great afternoon out for all the family. Find out more.

RNCM Summer Family Day
26 June
For the second year running, RNCM is delighted to be joining forces with MMU’s Manchester Children’s Book Festival for the Summer Family Day. Find out more.

Festivals and Events

Manchester Histories Festival
3 – 12 June
The festival takes place over 10 days with events held at a wide range of venues across Greater Manchester. Click here for more information.

Parklife Festival
11 – 12 June
Manchester’s biggest music festival returns this summer with one of the best line-ups to date. Find out more.

Greater Manchester Fringe Festival
24 June – 31 July
The fifth Greater Manchester Fringe Festival takes place this summer with 108 alternative and innovative shows over 38 days at 30 different venues. Find out more.

Music and Theatre

Singin’ in the Rain at the Octagon Theatre
3 – 25 June
Featuring all of the favourite songs from the 1952 MGM film, including Good Morning, Make ‘Em Laugh, You Are My Lucky Star and the title song, Singin’ in the Rain! Find out more.

On Corporation Street at HOME
10 – 25 June
ANU Productions and HOME present On Corporation Street, an immersive promenade production inspired by the memories and myths surrounding this seismic event. Click here for more information.

Rihanna at Emirates Old Trafford
29 June
The world-famous artisit will play at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday 29 June 2016, supported by The Weeknd. Find out more.

Sporting Events

U20 Rugby World Cup
7 – 25 June
See the very best young rugby players compete in the World Rugby U20 Championship in Manchester this June. Click here for more information.

Horwich Festival of Racing
19 June
Since it began in 2002, Horwich Festival of Racing has grown to become one of the most popular sporting events in the North West. Find out more.

 

 

 

What’s on in Greater Manchester this Bank Holiday Weekend

King Street Festival
28 – 30 May
Manchester city centre’s iconic shopping street, King Street, is celebrating its new mix of premium retailers, luxury brands and upscale eateries and hotels with a long weekend of VIP shopping experiences over the Spring bank holiday. Find out more.

Bank Holiday Weekend at The Fitzgerald
26 – 29 May
The Fitzgerald is the place to be this bank holiday weekend – with everything from Acid Jazz to Disco, Funk and Soul. Find out more.

Solis Rooftop Parties
27 – 30 May
Expect acoustic performers, street food stalls, gin bar, Pimms, cocktail bar, trumpets, saxophone and DJs providing the finest sunshine to sunset vibes. Click here for more information.

Easter at Hula West Didsbury
26 – 29 May
There will be Zombies flowing all weekend long with 2 for £10 on all cocktails until 10pm, and a mix of dance floor fillers to hip-hop, reggae and everything in between from a stellar DJ line-up from Thursday through Sunday. Find out more.

Gentleman’s Afternoon at Harvey Nichols
28 May
Celebrating the launch of the new Menswear destination at Knightsbridge, Harvey Nichols are taking over the Manchester Menswear department with gin, grooming and guest pop-ups.

Boogie Nights presents: Medlar @ The Whiskey Jar
28 May
One of the biggest names in disco & funk music performs at The Whiskey Jar. See more at Visit Manchester.

Alberts Schloss Grand Weekend Retreat
29 May
Join Alberts from brunch till dawn, including a flamboyance of Promenaders, DJs and Live Guests all day long. Click here for more information.

No Hassle at Gorilla
29 May
Expect to be dancing the night away with the No Hassle resident DJ’s playing you the best house and techno all the way into the early hours of Monday morning. Find out more.

The Hidden Forest II
29 May
Party at the Hidden Forest for 12 hours of house and techno music, including top house and techno DJs Cabanne, Seb Zito, Anton Fitz, Martin Loose Cuts. Click here for more information.

Zutekh vs TPOT – Bank Holiday Party
29 May
Zutekh and TPOT DJs come together for a courtyard takeover party at South Nightclub this bank holiday weekend. Go to Visit Manchester for more information.

Odyssey Bank Holiday Sunday @ The Milton Club
29 May
The stylish atmosphere of The Milton Club paired with a great mixture of RnB, house and club classics will ensure the night is unforgettable! Find out more.

For more information about what’s on in Manchester go to visitmanchester.com.