After a successful debut tour, Dear Zoo the timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage in 2019. Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982. And has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide. This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.
Step back in time and explore the unusual story of a tiger who lived in West Yorkshire.
from £11.50
An unlikely friendship and a hidden garden awaits in this special production for families.
from £10.00
Described as “part gig, part theatre”, this award-winning performance explores the excitement of going out and the role of lad culture in our world today.
from £10.00
Bean & Brush is a family art café in Sale which serves simple, tasty food with ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The bonus for parents is the arts and crafts studio which keeps the kids busy being creative while they can join in or relax with a coffee.
A second hand shops that specialises in selling electrical goods
Grosvenor Square is one of the few open spaces along Oxford Road Manchester; on sunny days, students from the nearby Manchester School of Art come out to bask.
Walkden Gardens in the Manchester suburbs has all the makings of a fairy tale garden. As a venue, it’s hard to imagine a more magical gateway, a wonderful escape only a short(ish) stroll from the Brooklands Metrolink stop..
An intimate supper club in Sale, South Manchester, with a specialist focus on Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine.
A nature reserve between Chorlton and Sale, perfect for summer strolls and getting yourself immersed in the great outdoors (without actually leaving the city).
Stitched Up is a haven of haberdashery with an underlying message of sustainability in Stretford Mall.
Modern all-day dining space in Stretford, with a well-stocked bar.
Pub on the corner of Chorlton’s Beech Road with a good selection of ales and an excellent beer garden.
Longford Park in Stretford was created in the grounds of Longford Hall, the grand entrance steps of which remain.
With a 17th Century hall set in 109 acres of open parkland, Wythenshawe Park makes a super day out for all ages. Explore the historic woodlands, lush grasslands and meadows; take a stroll around the many themed gardens and check out the sports and leisure facilities on offer.
The Jane Eyre Chorlton is a charming independent venue, serving up superb cocktails and small plates in South Manchester.
If you’re hunting for the perfect present – a Factory International Gift Membership could be just the ticket.
from £45.00
Get priority booking on the best seats, special discounts, invitations to exclusive events and much more. Are you in?
from £45.00
From Easter egg rolling to the 50th anniversary Caribbean Carnival, find out what’s happening in Preston this year.
free entry
Igshaan Adams’s opulent textile works takes centre stage at his solo exhibition ‘Weerhoud’ at the Hepworth Wakefield.
from £0.00
From Mario to Sonic and Pong to Fortnite, play your way through five decades of the best video games. Fun and educational. Win-win.
from £8.00
A fun, free and relaxed space for families to get creative, play games, and watch films.
free entry
The exhibition celebrates the incredible effort from scientists around the world, responsible for the creation of the COVID-19 vaccine.
free entry
Paddy Gould and Roxy Topia collaborated with children from the Bluecoat’s after school art club to explore ideas of the future of work and technology.
free entry
Look out for Widescreen Weekend, a celebration of Women of the West and a Leeds Cinema Crawl as we head into leafy Autumn.
From synth pop and jazz punk to meditative piano and Indian classical, read about the autumn shows that have piqued our interest.
From intricate textiles to a medieval poem-inspired arts festival, there is lots of new art to see before the autumn rains start for good.
Take some eating-out tips from this month's guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
School may have started, but the arts and cultural fun hasn't stopped! From spooky theatre to arty parties, families are spoilt for choice.
This year's Manchester Literature Festival tickets are being snapped up, and festival fever is also taking hold in the suburbs as well as further afield.
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.
Punchy verbatim shows, comedy festivals and rave-fuelled Shakespeare feature in this month’s eclectic pick of live theatre.
Seek out beauty in the mundane, or seek it out in the selections of the UK's best rising visual artists in this month's Tours and Activities guide.