The ghost story Frankenstein was written two hundred years ago by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, who expanded it later into a novel. This influential and much referenced work has spawned a genre of horror stories, films and plays. Philip Pullman’s brilliant play, one of the most popular versions, has been performed many times by youth and school groups.
From the team behind the old Everyman Bistro comes The Pen Factory, a warm and welcoming space situated in the basement of the Annex Building.
The arts bar is a vibrant, creative hub nestled between the city’s cathedrals, offering a platform for local creatives to showcase their work.
With a large beer garden and commitment to using locally sourced produce, Free State Kitchen in Liverpool isn’t just-another-burger-joint.
A true Liverpudlian treasure, great for a pie and pint.
Frederik’s neighbourhood kitchen & bar has been the hub of the Georgian Quarter since 2013. Award winning cocktails and a great Sunday roast!
A pleasant and affordable place to stay in Liverpool, International Inn is hidden away in a quiet street but still close to everything you need.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral (or the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King) appears at the top of Mount Pleasant as if parked up by aliens.
Since 2015, 92 Degrees have been roasting and serving the finest coffee, whilst providing a friendly atmosphere in a comfortable space.
Abercromby Square in Liverpool was built as a communal garden for the rectangle of 19th-century houses that surround it.
Award-winning restaurant housed within Liverpool’s boutique Hope Street Hotel.
An independent coffee shop with an American diner-style menu
Throughout 2025, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is celebrating its tenth anniversary, having first opened to the public a decade ago.
from £0.00
Throughout 2025, the team at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is taking a deep dive into Ruth, one of the famous 19th-century author’s most shocking texts.
from £6.00
Lancaster Literature Festival, or Litfest to its friends, is rolling out its 46th programme, having created a variety of events for its audiences since 1978.
from £3.00
Head to Elizabeth Gaskell’s House this April for some special family craft activities and an Easter Egg Trail.
from £8.50
Various independent publishing houses set out their stalls at the Northern Publishers’ Fair at Manchester Central Library.
free entry
Poets & Players is a must-go for lovers of words and music, presenting poets established and emerging, with the latest readers Katharine Towers, Sascha Akhtar and Victoria Gatehouse.
free entry
Expect an unforgettable evening of captivating conversation as award-winning poet, memoirist, novelist and literary critic Seán Hewitt reads from his eagerly awaited debut novel.
from £5.00
Now in its 20th year, Manchester Literature Festival is presenting a special programme of spring events.
from £8.00
Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.
Spring is here and the North is buzzing with must-visit new restaurants and bars.
We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.
The outsiders, the oddities and the outrageous – we’re keeping it weird with a hot new batch of underground gigs about to hit Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool.
Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.
Crocodile-themed Easter egg hunts, sense-sational museum trips and more this Easter!
From precarious ceramics to photography festivals, spring is here and brings with it a breath of fresh air in visual art and exhibitions.
If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.
