Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Seasonal Guides
Unmissable things to do in Manchester and the North
Discover acclaimed music and stand-out exhibitions, groundbreaking theatre, family, cinema and literary events in Manchester and the North.
We are so grateful to National Lottery players, The National Lottery, DCMS and Arts Council England for supporting our freelance writers during this crisis.
DaDaFest International 2020: Translations – online
With a vibrant showcase featuring 14 brand-new works by D/deaf and disabled artists, DaDaFest International 2020 goes online for its first-ever digital festival.
Grayson’s Art Club at Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester
Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry presents a major exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery featuring work made by the nation during the initial weeks of lockdown.
The New Abject – online book launch with Altrincham Word Fest
Altrincham Word Fest Online rounds off October with the launch of Comma Press’s new horror anthology The New Abject in an event featuring readings by contributors Lara Williams and Sarah Schofield. Get your spook on!
Story Seekers at IWM North
Intrepid adventurers wanted: Get hands-on with real artefacts, discover brave real-life stories and ignite big imaginations.
A Christmas Carol at Storyhouse
You will go to a Christmas show this year…packed with song, laughter and festive joy, head to Chester for a cracking adaptation of Dickens’ timeless tale.
National Creative Writing Industry Conference online
Irenosen Okojie delivers the keynote speech for Comma’s National Creative Writing Industry Conference, in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, this year taking place online over a full week.
Psappha: New Traditions (3×3) at Hallé St Peter’s
‘New Traditions’ will see Psappha showcase contemporary music for stripped-back ensembles, including works by Luciano Berio and Helmut Lachenmann.
Art Comes HOME at HOME, Manchester
HOME reopens its main gallery with three simultaneous exhibitions of new work by Nick Burton, Joy Yamusangie and duo Mike S Redmond & Faye Coral Johnson.
The New Abject at Northern Short Story Festival online
Join Comma Press at the launch of The New Abject, an anthology just in time for Halloween, featuring contributing authors Ramsey Campbell, Matthew Holness and Lucie McKnight Hardy.
Fat Out Fest 2020 (online)
On Halloween weekend, Fat Out Fest 2020 will celebrate alternative and queer culture with experimental performances, films and panel talks.
Believe in Magic: 30 Years of Heavenly Recordings at YES
Join Heavenly Recordings for their book launch, featuring Jeff Barrett, Robin Turner and Stuart Maconie, plus a live set from Katy J Pearson.
Jonathan Baldock: Facecrime at Bluecoat in Liverpool
Inspired by ancient forms of written communication, encounter Jonathan Baldock’s towering ceramic sculptures that stand whispering among themselves in Bluecoat’s main gallery.
Manchester Science Festival
Expect another action-packed programme of inspiring, entertaining and playful experiences for all ages as Manchester Science Festival returns.
Sheffield Doc/Fest
Having taken place in Sheffield annually in June, this year Sheffield Doc/Fest extends its activities throughout the rest of the year – both in Sheffield and virtually.
ACTUALQUEST with HOME
The Homemakers series of virtual theatre continues with this interactive, fantasy musical set in and around your own home.
Culture Guides
Cinema in Manchester and the North
Both in-person and online, there are film festivals galore in this month’s Cinema Guide.
Exhibitions
With galleries finally back open, there’s an abundance of stellar offline exhibitions to satisfy those keen to get back to seeing art in the flesh.
Literature
From book launches to festival readings and open mics to creative writing workshops, activities and events in Live Literature Land continue virtually as mochas and pints have to accompany substantial meals, not just a garibaldi or a bag of Monster Munch.
Classical Music in Manchester and the North
We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.
Food and Drink in Manchester and the North
For the October guide, we’ve found the very best Food and Drink in Manchester and the North to explore, despite the introduction of the 10 pm curfew.
Online events
Discover the best things to do online from the organisations we love in Manchester and the North.
Tours and Activities
Embrace your creative side or find out what local activists have been up to this year in this month’s guide of Tours and Activities.
Destination Guides
Things to do right now
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