13 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (4– 6 November)

 
Manchester Christmas Lights Switch On
Takes place 4 November 2016.
Manchester’s switch-on party will officially open six weeks of festive celebrations and attractions.

The Rink at Cathedral Gardens
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.

Little Shop of Horrors
31 October 2016 – 05 November 2016
The Little Shop of Horrors is a charming, kooky and hilarious 1950s musical sci-fi spoof.

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

Oasis Exhibition
02 November 2016 – 28 January 2017
Manchester Central Library presents a photographic journey into the history of Oasis.

Percolate
21 September 2016 – 19 November 2016
Acclaimed party crew Percolate are back once again this autumn with a tasteful party assault up and down the UK.

RNCM Events
30 September 2016 – 18 December 2016
Take a look at the exciting list of performances and events at Royal Northern College of Music for the rest of 2016.

Roald Dahl’s Tremendous Adventures at Tatton Park
01 February 2016 – 31 December 2016
The most gloriumptious things are set to happen in 2016 as Tatton Park embarks on a magical journey celebrating 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl.

The Snowman – Screening with Live Orchestra
21 October 2016 – 20 December 2016
Bring all the family to the big screening of The Snowman, accompanied by the Hallé performing Howard Blake’s beautiful score.

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.

The Wind in the Willows @ The Lowry
27 October 2016 – 06 November 2016
The Wind in the Willows – A new musical by the award winning Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

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

1966 World Cup Exhibition at National Football Museum
23 October 2016 – 23 April 2017
Share in England’s famous 1966 World Cup win with friends and family this season with a visit to the 1966 World Cup Exhibition.

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

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.

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.

 

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 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.

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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 (06 – 08 May)

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

Spin Cycle Festival 2016

Showcasing more than one hundred of the most forward-thinking cycling brands, the show celebrates cycling, fashion, design, innovation and culture.  Find out more.

Grub May Carnival at Sadler’s Yard

GRUB are back with their second instalment of their hugely successful Manchester food fair including a whole host of street food operators, fresh produce, arts & crafts stalls, craft beer from local breweries, activities and live music. Click here for more information.

Week 53 Arts Festival at The Lowry

It’s the last weekend to catch the innovative Week 53 Festival at The Lowry, with a number of performances, exhibitions and art installations to be seen. Go to Visit Manchester for more information.

The Birthday Party at Oldham Coliseum

London Classic Theatre presents its first significant touring revival of the twenty-first century, promising to bring this ground-breaking classic to life. Find out more.

Pilot Light TV Festival 2016

A brand new television festival dedicated to celebrating the best in episodic content from around the world. Meet the cast and creators behind some of these amazing shows and attend insightful panels where industry experts and critics will discuss just what made these shows so great. Find out more.

Beyond the Score with the Halle

Created by former Hallé artistic advisor Gerard McBurney, Beyond the Score combines music, actors, singers and film on the Hallé big screen, to tell the story behind one of classical music’s most iconic scores, Dvorák’s Symphony No.9 ‘From the New World’. 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
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

6 Things to do in Greater Manchester this weekend (15-17 April)

Dodgeball World Cup

See the top eight nations from around the world compete against each other in the inaugural Dodgeball World Cup in Manchester. Find out more.

Making Tracks presents: Night

A folk band from Kathmandu, see the unique and exotic sounds of Night live this weekend at the Royal Northern College of Music. For tickets and information, click here.

New Dawn Fades at the Dancehouse

New Dawn Fades is a play about Manchester, Joy Division and the punk revolution of the 1970s, starring Michael Whittaker as Ian Curtis. Click here for more information.

Northern Lusofonia String Orchestra

A delightful and elegant serenade, the Northern Lusofonia String Orchestra are bringing a spirited performance of Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughan Williams to Manchester this weekend. Find out more.

Women’s art exhibition at Nexus Art Cafe

 

Join a celebration of women’s art on Friday 15th April 2016 from 8pm which will feature performance, poetry, music and film by the collective. Click here for more information.

The Vamps at Manchester Arena

The Vamps will perform tracks from new album Wake Up in a gig which includes music from special guest Conor Maynard, The Tide and Hometown. Click here for more information.