Category Archives: city centre

What’s on in Greater Manchester this November

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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.


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.


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.


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

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.


Ramsbottom Festival

rammy-fest

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.


Gracie Fields Weekend in Rochdale

gracie-fields

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.


Chester Zoo Wildlife Connections

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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.


Greater Manchester Walking Weekends

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.


Albert’s Schloss: Oktoberfest

schloss

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

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

Festejar

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

Sister Act

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

Gin Society

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

UK fast

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.

 

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

Manchester Histories Festival

Hsitories Fest blog

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

Auk de Vries

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

Regression Sessions

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

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

Halle

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

Coldplay

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

Parklife

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

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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.

9 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (20 – 22 May)

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

Great CityGames

Great CityGames

The Great CityGames, Manchester is once again set to bring world class athletics to the city’s streets. The event will still provide a unique opportunity to see top athletes from across the globe complete in an urban environment. Find out more.

May Feast and Flower Market

May Feast 1

With a huge variety of fresh food, flowers and live music to enjoy, the May Feast and Flower Market on Exchange Square has something for everyone. Click here for more information.

Whit Friday Band Contest 2016

Whit Friday

Every year dozens of Brass Bands compete in the picturesque villages of Saddleworth in this unique and traditional event. Go to Visit Manchester for more information.

NatWest T20 Blast at Emirates Old Trafford

T20 Blast

Lancashire Lightning will hope to become the first county to retain the coveted NatWest T20 Blast trophy when they kick of their campaign at Emirates Old Trafford this Saturday against Derbyshire Falcons. Find out more.

Cocktails in the City

Cocktails in the city

Explore studios, workshops and dressing rooms to discover a whole new array of bars, cocktails, games and experiences at Old Granada Studios. Click here for more information.

HOME 1st Birthday Weekend

HOME birthday

HOME are throwing a weekend-long party full of art, workshops, performances, film previews, family theatre, DJ’s and dancing plus great food and drink. Click here for more information.

Morrisons Great Manchester Run 2016

Manchester Run

Europe’s leading 10k running event, broadcast live on the BBC, will return to the heart of the city on Sunday 22 May and is an event not to be missed. Go to Visit Manchester for more information.

An Inspector Calls at The Lowry

An Inspector

Hailed as the theatrical event of our generation, winning more awards than any other play in history, this landmark production from the National Theatre has thrilled audiences in the West End, on Broadway and throughout the world; and has now arrived at The Lowry. Find out more.

Cities of Hope

Citites of Hope blog

A Street Art convention which brings 9 of the worlds best artists to Manchester with the objective to force witness to 9 key social justice issues. Find out more.

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

6 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (13 – 15 May)

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

Castlefield Food Festival

Castlefield Food

A weekend showcase of some of Manchester’s finest chefs, restaurants and street food traders. See the Demonstration Kitchen, where the best and brightest of the region’s chefs show off their skills, and the Live Music Stage, providing music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Find out more.

Milltown to Moors Series Oldham 7K

Milltown 7k

The Oldham 7k is the first in the 2016 Milltown Race Series and takes runners on a diverse course that includes countryside pathways, quiet lanes and busier roads touching on the Tameside area on Oldham’s border. Click here for more information.

James at Manchester Arena

James

With a career that includes 14 studio albums and 20 UK top 40 singles – including Sit Down, She’s A Star, Laid and Come Home, James play Manchester Arena tonight. Find out more here.

Fashion and Freedom Exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery

F and F

Starting this weekend, Fashion & Freedom at Manchester Art Gallery sees some of today’s leading female fashion designers explore the impact the First World War had on the changing role of women and fashion. Go to Visit Manchester for more information.

Loomings at Bury Art Museum

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It’s the final chance to catch this exhibition at Bury Art Museum – a new project by artist David Ogle harnessing the drama of remote landscapes as he produces artworks that call attention to their own environments. Find out more.

Twelfth Night at HOME

12th night

This story of romance, satire and mistaken identity is crafted into one of the most exciting and accessible Shakespeare productions of recent years. Experience the madness of love in this heady world where riotous gig meets Shakespeare. Click here for more information.

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

What’s On in Greater Manchester this May

May Bank Holiday in Manchester

May Bank Holiday in Manchester
01 May
Make the most of the May Bank Holiday weekend in Manchester and have a great night out in some of the city’s best nightlife hotspots including special events at Cloud 23, The Milton Club, Albert Schloss and more. Click here for details.

Sport

Spin Cycle Festival 2016
6 – 8 May
Showcasing more than one hundred of the most forward-thinking cycling brands, the groundbreaking cycling show held at Victoria Warehouse celebrates cycling, fashion, design, innovation and culture.

Great CityGames
20 May
The Great CityGames returns to Manchester for the 8th time, bringing some of the world’s greatest athletes competing against each other on the streets of the city. Click here for more information.

The OM Yoga Show
20 – 22 May
Free open classes and workshops designed to offer something for everyone, the OM Yoga Show allows yoga newbies and veterans to experience everything yoga all under one roof. To find out more go to Visit Manchester.

Morrisons Great Manchester Run 2016
22 May
An event being broadcast live on the BBC, the Morrisons Great Manchester Run sees athletes and runners hitting the streets and passing some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks including the home of Manchester United, Old Trafford. More information here.

Music

Andy Jordan at Manchester Academy
12 May
A former Made in Chelsea television star, Andy Jordan has since completed two nationwide UK tours accompanied by his band, don’t miss the chance to see this exciting artist perform new material and hits of old at Manchester Academy. Find out more here.

James at Manchester Arena
13 May
With a star studded career which includes 20 UK top 40 singles and 14 studio albums, James return to Manchester to perform live. Find out more here.

Saddleworth Whit Friday Band Contest 2016
20 May
Dating back to 1884,  The Whit Friday Brass Band Contests take place every year in Saddleworth on the afternoon and evening of Whit Friday from 4pm onwards. Find out more here.

Busted at Manchester Arena
21 May – 3 June
For the first time in 12 years fans will be able to see Busted’s Matt, James and Charlie perform together in a show which is sure to entertain fans with hits new and old. Click here for more information.

Lukas Graham at O2 Ritz
24 May
One of the biggest names in Danish pop music, Lukas Graham have so far released one hugely successful studio album and have many more exciting music projects lined up. Find out more here.

Hanz Zimmer at Manchester Arena
29 May
An iconic figure in the music industry, Hanz Zimmer has designed scores for various movie classics including Inception, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Da Vinci Code and more. Find out more at Visit Manchester.

Arts and culture

Proper Laughs
5 May
A silly evening of laughs, cake and cocktails, Proper Laughs is headlined by the energetic Andy Watson who will appear alongside other acts such as Sean Moran and Colin Havey. Click here for more information.

Pilot Light TV Festival 2016
5 May – 8 May
This brand new 4 day festival is dedicated to celebrating the best episodic television from around the globe, featuring screenings of TV shows new and old as well as offering guests exclusive panels to stars and directors from their favourite shows. Find out more here.

Saddleworth Spring Handmade Festival 2016
14 – 15 May
The spring event is open from 11am to 4pm and boasts the best selection of creative and handmade products that the area has to offer with over 50 stalls to browse. Find out more here.

Dot to Dot Festival
27 May
A festival renowned for uncovering highly talented musicians, Dot to Dot will bring together some of the UK’s best established and up-and-coming artists for an eclectic line-up sure to delight music lovers. Head to Visit Manchester for more information.

Festival Oldham 2016 
28 May
Science and creativity combine in Oldham during this Bank Holiday Weekend as free event, Festival Oldham kicks off with mind blowing shows, weird and wonderful creatures and earth shattering music. Click here for more information.

Theatre

Twelfth Night at HOME
11 – 14 May
Madness, love and comedy all feature in William Shakespeare’s story of romance and mistaken identity, one of the most accessible productions of the The Bard’s work in recent times. Click here for more information.

Mamma Mia! at The Palace Theatre
10 May – 04 June
Sit back and be enthralled by the timeless musical classics of ABBA in this feel-good musical set on a paradise Greek island. Find out more here.

Pygmalion at Oldham Coliseum Theatre
13 – 28 May
One of George Bernard Shaw’s most popular plays, Pygmalion is a charming and provocative comedy that examines the roles of men and women and limitations of education and social class. Find out more here.

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

7 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (22 – 24 April)

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

Milltown to Moors Series – Sprint Triathlon

Oldham Triathlon

Milltown’s most diverse challenge yet is back by popular demand for a second year this Sunday. The event, hosted in the Saddleworth area will see participants carry out a 400 metre swim, a 20k bike ride and a 5k run. Find out more.

Manchester Punk Festival

MPF 1

With over 60 bands playing across three days, Manchester Punk Festival is back with a bang for its second year. Click here for more information.

BBC Philharmonic Shakespeare 400

BBC Philharmonic

On the day that marks both the exact 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and the traditional date of his birth, the BBC Philharmonic celebrate at the Bridgewater Hall. Find out more.

The Way through the Woods by John Eastwood

Stockport Gallery

‘The Way through the Woods’ is an evocative and spellbinding journey into the soul of the North West, taking visitors beyond the everyday and familiar to the seldom seen areas that lie beyond the beaten track. See more at visitmanchester.com.

Northern Vegan Festival

Northern Vegan Festival

The festival will have over 200 vegan/animal welfare and rights stalls, dozens of films and presentations, live music, cookery demonstrations and children’s activities. Click here for more information.

5 Seconds of Summer at Manchester Arena

5SOS

5SOS will be playing tracks from their new studio album Sounds Good, Feels Good at their Manchester Arena show. Find out more.

Top 5 Walks with a View

Walks with a view

Explore some of the fantastic walks in Greater Manchester where you can make the most of the sunny weather whilst taking in a beautiful view. Click here for more information.

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