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 (23-25 September)

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

Anthony Crolla vs Jorge Linares


24 September 2016
Anthony Crolla fights Jorge Linares in Lightweight unification fight at Manchester Arena.

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Artisan Restaurant & Bar presents MarketFest

25 September 2016
Artisan Restaurant & Bar are set to launch their first ever monthly Market Fest from Sunday 25th September, which will run from 12 – 5 pm.

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The British Sound Project @ Victoria Warehouse

24 September 2016
The British Sound Project – the inaugural indoor music festival – takes place this Saturday 24 September at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester

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‘Goodtimes’ at the Hard Rock Cafe

24 September 2016
Join the Hard Rock Cafe from 8pm for the launch of ‘GOODTIMES’, a brand new, free weekly Saturday night experience.

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Rochdale half marathon, 10k & fun run

25 September 2016 – 25 September 2016
The exciting and varied scenery and traffic-free courses taking you on a tour of this historic town and some of its breath taking countryside including the stunning Hollingworth Lake.

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Buy Arts Fair 2016

22 September 2016 – 25 September 2016
One of the UK’s most important festivals of visual arts comes to Manchester.

Why not enter one of our competitions to win a meal for two at Infamous Diner, or 4 tickets to Regression Sessions at Antwerp Mansion.

Have a great weekend exploring the region. For more inspiration 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 (9-11 September)

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

Amaluna by Cirque du Soleil


07 September 2016 – 02 October 2016
Amaluna by Cirque du Soleil is in town with it’s legendary Big Top for the first time in six years.

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Made Here at London Road

10 September 2016 – 10 September 2016
25 hand picked designers will come together for a one off event at London Road Fire Station.

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Wonder Materials: Graphene and Beyond at the Museum of Science and Industry

23 July 2016 – 25 June 2017
What’s invisible to the human eye, thinner than a human hair and 200 times tougher than steel Graphene.

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HAND CRAFT exhibition at Manchester Craft and Design Centre

08 September 2016 – 30 October 2016
A celebration of craft, collaboration and heritage.

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Fashion and Freedom Exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery

13 May 2016 – 27 November 2016
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.

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 (5 – 7 August)

Adrenaline Rush Manchester
Saturday 06 August
Taking place at Heaton Park over either 5k or 10k, get ready for some different and enjoyable, muddy action in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

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MediaCityUK Official Team GB FanZone
05 August – 21 August 2016
MediaCityUK will host live coverage of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on the large screen in the piazza.

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Sadler’s Yard Summer Jam
06 August 2016
Bringing a full day festival, jam-packed with live music, to Manchester city centre, it’s set to be an event to remember.

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Music Tours
Explore the legendary Manchester music scene from Joy Division to Oasis and everything in-between.

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The Whitworth – Outdoor art club
Saturday 11 August
A workshop that brings art, nature and creativity together that takes place come rain or shine. These sessions are all about art and getting creative in the great outdoors – in the Whitworth Park – whatever the weather.

Don’t forget to visit our competitions page for your chance to win tickets to the Amaluna – Cirque du Soleil premier, including meal at Wagamama’s and hotel stay.

What’s on in Greater Manchester this August

Amaluna presents several breathtaking acts. One of them is the Balance Goddess. She creates a world in equilibrium with a mobile made of thirteen palm leaf ribs. Photo legend: Martin Girard/shootstudio.ca Costumes: Mérédith Caron © 2015 Cirque du Soleil.

Music & Theatre

Jimmy Carr: The Best Of, Ultimate, Gold, Greatest Hits Tour
07 August
Jimmy is gathering a selection of his very best jokes along with brand new material for the ultimate comedy show.

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.

Sister Act at The Palace Theatre
29 August – 3 September
The Broadway and West End smash hit musical comedy Sister Act returns to the UK with a brand new production directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood.

The Who at Manchester Arena
31 August
The Who, one of rock’s most legendary and defining bands, will perform a special show at Manchester Arena this summer as part of their Back To The Who Tour 2016.

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Family Events

Wind in the Willows
29 July – 12 August
Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and Mr Toad on a hilarious interactive adventure.

The Pirate Adventure – East Lancs Railway
4 – 18  August
Don your eye patch and join Captain Kidd and crew on a steam powered hunt for treasure.

Just So Festival
19 – 21 August
An imaginative outdoor adventure like no other showcasing the best art, music, literature, comedy and theatre for families.

Free outdoor theatre in Tameside parks
4 – 24 August
The curtain is up on a magical programme of free outdoor theatre performances to be staged in Tameside parks this summer.

Family Weekend with Peppa & George
27 – 29 August
Welcome everyone’s favourite piggy pair at the East Lancashire Railway.

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Sporting Events

MediaCityUK Official Team GB FanZone
05 – 21 August
Rio de Janeiro may be some 6,000 miles away but supporters of Team GB are set to be taken closer to the action at this summer’s Olympic Games as MediaCityUK is confirmed as an Official Team GB FanZone.

Adrenaline Rush Manchester
6 August
An urban assault course incorporating some thrilling obstacles and some daring challenges.

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Festivals & Events

Manchester Loves Cocktails Festival
8 – 15 August
Manchester Loves Cocktails festival launches this summer bringing together 30 of the city’s venues with a unique menu and a week-long programme of events for cocktail lovers!

Manchester Soul Festival
28 August
Following a successful first year in 2015, The Manchester Soul Festival will be back once again.

Moovin Music and Arts Festival
26 – 28 August
The third annual Moovin is expanding, adding live music, workshops, arts and culture events to its DJ line-ups of previous years.

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

Bolton Food & Drink Festival
26 – 29 August
This four day event is bursting with cooking demonstrations, speciality markets, entertainment and family fun.

Caribbean Carnival of Manchester
13 – 14 August
A vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, dance, theatre and costume.

Rochdale Feel Good Festival
19 – 20 August
Two days packed with fabulous free entertainment in Rochdale. Live music and first class cooking from world renowned chefs.

Manchester Pride
26 – 29 August
The Big Weekend is held over four days where Manchester’s Gay Village becomes the focus for thousands of visitors to enjoy one of the best parties in the UK.

For your chance to win tickets to Amaluna by Cirque du Soleil and Digital Kids Show, please visit our competitions page.

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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.

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.