20 December 2014

Polly Checkland Harding
Plates of cakes

Introducing our Advent Calendar – here’s the twentieth post in a cultural countdown to Christmas. Today: Panic buying and pop-up food

Ok, hands up – who’s still not finished their Christmas shopping? Yeah…us neither. In the spirit of keeping panic levels down, we’re heading to Altrincham market – and, admittedly, it’s also a pretty good shout for the smug ones among you who already have everything wrapped and under the tree. That’s because Alty market not only has stalls stuffed to busting with potential gifts (including homeware, vintage picks, craft and foodie treats), it’s also rather good for food and drink, too. Strap babies to your back (your own, not other people’s), tuck your elbow in and – bingo! – Christmas is saved. Altrincham Market, 9am-10pm.

Do more. If you’re not too tuckered out from the Alty crowds, head towards Manchester’s Deansgate for a popular pop-up food event that’s been pulling in the punters. The team behind Beat Street have made a name for themselves with a ‘Food Fight’ series in 2014: they bring eats, beats and booze to the Great Northern Warehouse this evening. Food stalls include Dim Sum Su, the Chow Down Burger Co. and Penelope’s Ice cream (brrr). Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN, 5pm-12am.

Culture Guides

Food and Drink

Get ready for spring and summer with the best restaurants and bars in Manchester and the North.

Cinema

Northern flicks, sci-fi masterpieces and some brand new film festivals feature in this month’s cinema preview.

Exhibitions

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.

The Giant Easter Egg Hunt at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Families

With spring’s indecisive weather in mind, we’ve pulled together a whole load of fun indoor and outdoor family events and activities taking place in Manchester and the North.

Jen Calleja

Literature

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.

Music

From Father John Misty to The Flaming Lips, The Waeve to Big Thief, here are the gigs on our radar for early spring.

Theatre in Manchester and the North

Theatre

You’ll find everything from work-in-progress scratch nights to multi-award winning musicals in this month’s theatre guide.

Classical Music

We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.

Tours and Activities

From indie markets to bit-sized meditation, spoon carving workshops to gallery tours, here are the headlines in the world of tours and activities.