Crufts meets cabaret – it could only happen in Blackpool. Phosphorescent pooches will take part in the Lumidogs Doggie Parade following the walking art trail which takes in 20 site-specific artworks as part of LightPool Festival. This back-by-popular-demand parade will culminate in a glamorous contest and the chance for one colourful canine to be crowned Lumidog of the year.
Combine the thrill of an amusement park with the colourful world of Nickelodeon at the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, located within Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.
Ego Death is a speakeasy-style secret bar in the Northern Quarter with a cocktail menu as good as its atmosphere.
Relaxed restaurant in the centre of Manchester, serving impressively high-quality steaks at an affordable price point.
Family owned independent bookshop with branches in Romiley (Greater Manchester) and Stockport
Family owned independent bookshop with branches in Romiley (Greater Manchester) and Stockport
The riverside location of Hilton Liverpool makes it one of the most centrally placed hotels in the city, close to the all attractions, big and small.
The Maldron Hotel is perfectly located on the edge of the Baltic Triangle and offers comfortable stays and luxurious breakfasts.
The Halyard is one of Liverpool’s newest hotels, with top floor suites offering sweeping views of the city and delicious treats in the restaurant.
Cow Liverpool is one of the city’s favourite vintage shops, with clothing, accessories and homeware in a spacious shop on Bold Street.
Pop Boutique houses Vintage, clothing, homeware and vinyl. This bold street shop is in the centre of the ropewalks area of Liverpool which is fast becoming the indie centre of Liverpool.
Press Bros is one of Lark Lane’s best coffee spots, with coffee made from locally roasted beans and delicious breakfasts.
Get priority booking on the best seats, special discounts, invitations to exclusive events and much more. Are you in?
from £45.00
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
Whether you’ve half an hour or a full day, you’ll always find something new to discover at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.
Explore the People’s History Museum with your banner bingo card in hand as you navigate their galleries through the lens of craftivism.
free entry
Prepare for the Year of the Snake during an evening of friendship and celebration at Manchester Museum.
free entry
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with live performances, workshops, food stalls and a dragon parade to make this event beyond spectacular!
free entry
The dazzling 175-foot dragon is back for Manchester’s 2025 Chinese New Year celebrations, joined by Chinese Opera performers, 12 Zodiac animals and ancient army characters.
free entry
The Stockport Plaza will be hosting the spectacular Chinese New Year Extravaganza. After 5 years, Jinlong Culture & Performing Arts have returned to Manchester to welcome the Year of the Snake.
from £23.00
Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.
Readings are springing up everywhere as the live literature and spoken word scene starts to defrost.
We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families
Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.
Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.
From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.
Get creative, allow yourself to be curious and learn something new with this month's tours and activities guide.
Looking for the best winter meals the North has to offer? This month's guide to food and drink has the lot.
