Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.

From spotlights on indie presses to big hitters brought to you by the bookshops, festivals and libraries, you'll find plenty to whet your wordy whistle this month.

From creative adventures, museum experiences and spectacular theatre, check out what's on for the family in Manchester and the north.

Eclectic as ever. You'll find Bollywood musicals, scratch nights and anarchic Shakespeare in our pick of the performative crop.

Traditional painting takes a step back this month to make way for some excellent photography, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions around the North.

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

Ealing Studios and the best of Ryan Gosling are amongst our film highlights this month.

Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.

Try something new, explore somewhere different, learn a new skill with our tours and activities guide.