Top Picks
Guides
What’s on
Where to go
See all

Manchester Weekender ‘Wanna Be In My Gang’ Cycle Tour

Susie Stubbs

A cycle tour of the city that takes in football ‘zines, music fans, The Smiths, a secret gay language – and the gangs and clubs that give us our identity.

“I feel close to the rebelliousness and vigour of the youth here. Perhaps time will separate us, but nobody can deny that here, behind the windows of Manchester, there is an insane love of football, of celebration and of music.” So said Eric Cantona. And on this tour, we explore this idea that here in Manchester we express ourselves by being a fan of something. Find out how we “belong” on this one-off guided cycle tour. During the Weekender, there is an array of events that give sports and music fans the opportunity to share their love and experiences of their favourite club or game, band or gig. The tour thus starts at the National Football Museum, where as part of the Weekender, it hosts a one day-only Football ‘Zine Fair (arrive at 11am to visit it before the ride starts). It ends at the Lowry Arts Centre, whose exhibition by Manchester District Music Archive, Defining Me: Musical Adventures in Manchester, is boosted by an event that encourages you to bring your own music memorabilia to share. Along the way, we will take in the Salford Lads Club, home of the Smiths Room and John Ryland’s Library, with its Polari performance – a secret gay language. Come dressed in your favourite fan clothing and enjoy the ride! Meet at National Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, M4 3BG, 12pm-2pm, Sunday 13October, £5.

Destination Guides

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

A doll with makeup peeks out of a hanging wall of butter yellow fabric. Red and black threads descend and cascade around the doll.
Exhibitions in the North

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

Music in the North

Manchester’s starting the new year with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

Textured portrait image of Jarman
Theatre in the North

Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.