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 (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 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.

 

 

 

6 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (8- 10 April)

ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon

Awarded the official title of UK’s Best Marathon for two years running at the Running Awards, the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford returns this Sunday. Find out more.

Jack Garratt at Albert Hall

As part of his 11-date tour, winner of the BBC Introducing Award Jack Garratt will play a headline show at Manchester’s Albert Hall. For tickets and information, click here.

Viva Spanish and Latin American Festival at HOME

For its 22nd edition, ¡Viva! returns to HOME with a packed film programme presenting titles from Spain, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. Click here for more information.

Your Shelter is R

This brand new exhibition explores what it was like to live during the Second World War, with a unique look at air raid preparations, rationing and daily life. Find out more.

Spring Studio at the Whitworth Art Gallery

Take the lead from artist Nico Vascellari to create works inspired by art and nature. Have a go at making your own instruments inspired by Vascellari’s magical work, and make tree sculptures together with your family that will live and grow in the Whitworth park. Click here for more information.

Explore Greater Manchester and beyond with Transpennine Express

TransPennine Express Advance Purchase tickets will be half price when you book online between Monday 4 April – Sunday 10 April. Head somewhere new this weekend. Click here for more information.

8 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (11-13 March)

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

Northern Quarter Makers Market

The Northern Quarter Makers Market is back bigger and better than ever! Expect food, drink, art and vintage with live music and much more. More information here.

An Invitation at the Royal Exchange Theatre

An Invitation is a witty and thoughtful play which will be performed live at the Royal Exchange this weekend. It is playful, joyous, imaginative, powerful and human. Click here to find out more.

King Charles III at Manchester Opera House

The Queen is dead and Prince Charles ascends to the throne. What would happen? Find out in this entertaining show at the Manchester Opera House. Click here to find out more.

Wear it: a weekend of exploring the world of wearable technology

Play a game with the power of the mind, take a virtual reality tour down a tin mine, adventure through MineCraft using CodeBug gloves and see how wearable technology might change the way we live, work and play. Click here for more information.

Katherine Ryan: Kathbum

The hilarious Katherine Ryan brings her terrific comedy show to Manchester this weekend hot on the heels of a sold-out UK and Australian tour. Click here to find out more.

Grimes at Manchester Academy

After opening on Lana Del Rey’s summer tour, Grimes will take centre stage at Manchester Academy this weekend in a hotly anticipated live performance. Find out more here.

Dress up at Lyme

Visit Lyme’s Wardrobe Department when the house is open and transform into a real-life Edwardian. With costumes for visitors of all ages, the whole family can join in. More information here.

Oldham Beer Festival

The 28^th annual beer festival returns this weekend bringing more than 60 of the best real ales, ciders, perries, fruit wines, and imported bottled beers for visitors to enjoy. Click here for more information.

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

9 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (05-07 February)

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

Chinese New Year

A whole host of events are taking place across the weekend to mark the start of the Chinese New Year of the monkey, including Chinese food markets, light shows, performances, and the famous dragon parade. Click here for more information.

Hacienda Classical

 

The DJ’s who shaped The Haçienda’s sound, Mike Pickering and Graeme Park will perform a continuous set of Haçienda classics alongside the 40-strong Camerata orchestra at The Bridgewater Hall. The Hacienda Classical will also return to Manchester to play the Castlefield Bowl on July 2, 2016. Find out more.

Awakenings Manchester

The world’s largest and most famous techno brand, Awakenings comes to the iconic Victoria Warehouse this weekend. Click here for more information.

 

Shrek the Musical at The Lowry

Direct from the West End, Shrek the Musical is a must-see show for all of the family. Head down to The Lowry to see the all the much-loved DreamWorks characters brought to life live on stage, in this all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Find out more.

The Big Game at Hard Rock Cafe

Be amongst the action this weekend at the Hard Rock Cafe where they will be screening the American Football Final on all their plasma televisions and a large projector. Head to Visit Manchester for more information.

WIT at Royal Exchange Theatre

Pulitzer-prize winning WIT is a striking and sharply funny reflection on the frailty of existence and the complex relationship between knowledge and love, starring Julie Hesmondhalgh. Find out more.

Queer Contact Festival 2016

Commencing this weekend, Queer Contact Festival celebrates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender arts and culture in Greater Manchester as part of LGBT History Month. Expect theatre, music, dance, cabaret, comedy, spoken word, and visual art. Click here for more information.

Manchester Giants vs. Worcester Wolves

The Manchester Giants take on the Worcester Wolves at home and this match is a superhero fancy dress special, with costumes encouraged. Find out more.

NME Awards Tour at Manchester Academy

Catch some of the best of the music industry’s finest offerings during the NME Awards Tour 2016, which arrives at Manchester Academy this Saturday. Headlining the tour is Bloc Party with Drenge, Ratboy and Bugzy Malone in support. Click here for more information.

Competition

Win a three-course dinner for two with a bottle of wine at Pier Eight

Dine in the stylish and contemporary Pier Eight restaurant overlooking the dramatic skyline of Salford Quays and Media City. Enter your details here to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Competition closes 11 February 2016.

7 things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (13 – 15 November 2015)

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

Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester’s famous Christmas Markets return for the festive season from this weekend. Featuring nearly 350 stalls spanning 10 distinctive market sites; they will transform the city centre in to a festive wonderland. Find out more here.

The Ideal Home Show at Christmas

Back for 2015, The Ideal Home Show at Christmas is returning to EventCity, bringing everything to prepare for the festive season – and including appearances from Gino D’Acampo, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Katie Piper and Olly Smith. For more information, click here.

Louder than Words Festival of Music and Literature

Now in its third year, the Louder than Words Festival has something for anyone with a love for music, and the way words are used to inform, create and discuss that music. Click here for more information.

Reindeer Parade

This Saturday, Santa will be arriving into Oldham town centre, leading his reindeer around the town on their way to the Spindles Town Square, where he will be opening his brand new grotto. To find out more, click here.

Wythenshawe Hall Open Day

Welcoming visitors of all ages, the open day will let visitors take a step back in time and learn about the local heritage. The Friends of Wythenshawe Hall, dressed in period costume, will be on hand to answer any questions. Find out more here.

The Last Tango at the Manchester Opera House

Fresh from their sell-out hit shows Midnight Tango and Dance ‘Til Dawn, Strictly Come Dancing superstars Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace have created their most moving production yet. To find out more, click here.

England under 19s v Japan

Come and cheer on the Young Lions who take on Japan in an exciting fixture with two Manchester City players named in the squad.

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

6 things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (11 – 13 September 2015)

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

Manchester Food and Drink Festival

The Manchester Food and Drink festival returns this weekend to take over the city centre, offering a huge programme of events, both indoor and outdoor. The heart of the action, the Festival Hub, will remain at its traditional home on Albert Square, and will continue to provide the specially built food-village. For more information, see the Visit Manchester website.

Fairfield Moravian Church & Settlement Heritage Open Days

Guided tours of the historical Moravian Settlement at Fairfield are available for visitors this weekend. Founded in 1785 as a self-sufficient religious community, these unique buildings have retained much of their original character and are a gem well worth seeing. More information here.

World Black Pudding Throwing Championships

This weekend you can watch competitors from Lancashire and Yorkshire test their skills in the annual World Black Pudding Throwing Championships in Ramsbottom. Expect a lively atmosphere and loads of fun. See here for more information.

GMP Museum Heritage Open Day

The Greater Manchester Police Museum will be opening its doors this weekend as part of Heritage Opening Days. The museum will be hosting a special event – a mini transport festival in the yard, and visitors can come and see old police cars as well as looking round the 1879 police station.  To find out more, click here.

I Must First Apologise Online Spam Exhibition

Many inboxes are clogged with online spam every day, but where and how did it begin? Find out in the opening weekend of ‘I Must First Apologise’, a major new exhibition from Beirut-based artists Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige.  This free event explores the history of online spam and scamming through film, sculpture, photography and installation. More details here.

The Lowry Outlet’s Waterside Food and Craft Market

The open-air market will host over 30 stalls offering a wide range of seasonal produce from artisan breads to hand-made chocolates, local cheeses, and award-winning sausages as well as an abundance of crafts including handmade gifts, homewares and jewellery. To find out more, click here.

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