Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Seasonal Guides
Our own take on the traditional advent calendar is back – with a dose of cultural goodness for every day of advent.
Last year, when the winter evenings began drawing in, the Creative Tourist team had an idea. Gathered around the fire (conference table), cupping warm mugs of mulled wine (coffee), we decided that we needed a way to brighten the dark days of December. Advent is great for kids, we agreed – you get to watch videos in class, eat chocolate every morning and count down the sleeps until Christmas. For adults, not so much: it’s more cold, early starts, heaving streets and the frantic scramble to get presents for everyone from Great Aunt Mollie to your mother-in-law’s aged dog.
We’ve stuffed every day up to Christmas with shopping tip-offs, theatre, art & foodie recommendations
Well, not any more. Follow the brand new, shiny red bauble on the homepage – or the festive slider its a sneak peek of what’s in each box – and you’ll find our very own Advent Calendar: in 25 boxes are hidden all sorts of cultural goodies. We’ve stuffed every single day up to Christmas with shopping tip-offs, theatre, art, music and new, foodie recommendations. From stories coming to life on stage and spectacular light displays to late night shopping specials and warming winter food and drink, check back daily for a regular dose of seasonal fun, Creative Tourist-style.
We’ll be tweeting about them, too, so that no one misses out – use #CTAdventCalendar to spread the word, and to tell us the things you’re looking forward to in December, too. Mince pies, the smell of fir trees and a smooch beneath the mistletoe – whatever comes to mind.
We hope that our Advent Calendar will spread some cultural love this winter. It’s our way of treating our wonderful readers. Merry Christmas, every one.
Spring weather might be dragging its feet a little, but the world of exhibitions isn’t slowing down with new shows popping up everywhere to greet the new season.
Spring is making an entrance in live literature land with some extra special festival events, writing walks, online launches and in real life readings from local writers as well as international talent.
We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.
Get ready for spring and summer with the best restaurants and bars in Manchester and the North.
From indie markets to bit-sized meditation, spoon carving workshops to gallery tours, here are the headlines in the world of tours and activities.