Guides
What's on
Where to go
See all

Guides
What's on
Where to go
See all

6 December 2014

Polly Checkland Harding

Introducing our Advent Calendar – the sixth post in a cultural countdown to Christmas. Today: independent shops, Christmas markets and coffee.

Today is Small Business Saturday – which means a celebration of independent shops. We love Cow Vintage in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Magma nearby and the Craft & Design Centre. As it’s a Saturday, it’s also the ideal time to explore Manchester’s Christmas Markets – we’ve selected the very best from over 300 stalls, focussing both on some ace gift ideas and foodie indulgences to give into. Stop for a coffee at Pot Kettle Black in Barton’s Arcade when it all gets a bit much.

Do more. You could also make a shopping day trip with our Top 10 Christmas Markets in the North guide. Altrincham Market, St. George’s Hall Winter Arts Market and the Hepworth’s Christmas Market are all open this weekend – perfect for present buying as the days between now and the Big Day get ever fewer…

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 pair of white angel wings displayed against a dark, black background. The lower parts of the wings are stained with vivid red, resembling blood splatter.
Theatre

This month’s theatre highlights span dystopian classics, political thrillers and bold new opera.

Ceramic Sculpture
Exhibitions

Across Manchester and Salford, exhibitions are thinking hard about how things are made – and how materials carry stories.

Music

From underground festivals showcasing emerging talent to global icons unveiling new work, here are our latest live music highlights.

Food and Drink in the North

Spring is coming, at some point. As for now, it’s cold and grim so take our advice and shelter in a nice warm restaurant, pub or bar.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
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.

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.