Boasting the status of ‘the oldest active African orchestra’, Benin’s Orchestre Poly-Rythmo has been active since the 1960s, playing styles such as afrobeat, funk and soukous on hundreds of records.
Three of its original members, Vincent Ahehehinnou, Gustave Bentho and Loko Pierre, continue to drive the orchestra both live and on record – with their most recent release, 2016’s Madjafalao, attracting almost universal praise.
Fearlessly navigating the borders of blues, rock, soul, funk, pop and 90’s hip hop and R&B, Matthew Hansen performs at Band on the Wall.
Following a sellout show with Habibi Funk, Me Gusta Collective is back at Band on the Wall for the big one: New Year’s Eve.
from £10
Manchester’s Christmas Gospel sees singer Wayne Ellington and friends as bring a powerful blend of gospel, soul, jazz, and R&B to some of your favourite Christmas classics.
Band on the Wall bring people together to make, as well as watch, music. Join them to learn folk tunes from all over the world.
This January, legendary Afrobeat artist Femi Kuti plays an intimate Manchester date with his band, The Positive Force.
from £27
The home of North, with a beautiful taproom over looking the brew house, on Buslingthorpe Lane. Every weekend we open the doors to our brewery and pour incredibly fresh beer next to the tanks where it was brewed!
Popular country pub based in Ormskirk, serving classic British food and local ales.
Abington Street Market is a go-to for independent retail, housing 12 shopping units selling everything from handmade ceramics to clothing, crystals and cake.
Millington Hall Farm is a one of a kind destination offering field to fork dining alongside learning experiences that will stay with you long after your visit.
Located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach resort, this museum of oddities is the perfect place for families to discover the strange, the unusual and the extraordinary.
This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.
Head to Balckpool’s Little Black Pug for an historic, laid-back, family-friendly pub with a huge malt whiskey collection.
Both a lifestyle store and a community arts hub, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community. A great spot to pick up lovingly-made gifts.
MAYA is a high-end new restaurant on the corner of Canal Street and Chorlton Street in central Manchester.
Popular craft bakery, selling freshly baked goods on Manchester’s King Street.
Winner of the Good Food Award’s coveted Chippy of the Year award on multiple occasions, Harrowside is a great choice for fish and chips in Blackpool.
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
Band on the Wall bring people together to make, as well as watch, music. Join them to learn folk tunes from all over the world.
The RNCM launches its brand new Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.
from £12.50
The Bridgewater Hall’s flagship concert series brings the best international orchestras, celebrated recitalists and world-renowned choirs to Manchester.
from £8
From soul legends to fantastical opera, live art to dance’s cutting edge, we select our highlights from the RNCM’s Autumn Season.
from £8
Leeds International Concert Season is on a mission to push boundaries, expand horizons, and ask the question: ‘What haven’t we heard?’ as it presents its city-spanning Sound Out Leeds series.
from £10.00
Aviva Studios powers into its second year with another thrilling line-up, featuring major works and world premiere performances alongside a super accessible public programme of free events.
from £0
From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.
As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.
Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.
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.
Munch away the Autumnal blues with this foodie orientated guide of Tours and Activities in Manchester and the North.
Bookish goings-on are perfect for picking up presents for others and treats to get yourself through the cold, dark days ahead.
Take some autumnal eating-out tips from this month's guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
Before the festive season completely takes over, we've rounded up some of the best exhibitions to see right now.
