BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners, The Furrow Collective, fully embrace the bleak midwinter with a programme of eerie story-songs and seasonal carols that revel in the strange and wonderful traditions of these isles. Featuring the collective’s signature spine-tingling harmonies and masterful storytelling, this will no doubt be a highlight of The Stoller Hall’s Christmas Season.
Enjoy a toe-tapping, surreal musical adventure at the Stoller Hall.
from £5.50
Argentinian pianist Horacio Lavandera presents a selection of familiar masterpieces alongside a stunning contemporary work.
from £22.00
The Virgin Red Room is a new private members space located at Manchester’s AO Arena, with VIP access to some of the city’s biggest gigs.
The Sparrows serves up a range of exciting pan-European food.
A special kind of Japanese-inspired fish and chip shop, from the team behind the incredible (and sadly-missed) Umezushi restaurant.
This small but perfectly-formed sushi restaurant could well be one of Manchester’s best restaurants. Whatever you do, try the freshwater eel.
An offshoot from the much-loved Umezushi, this specialist deli is a one-stop-shop for all your sushi making needs, and also hosts occasional workshops to improve your culinary skills.
Chetham’s Library is one of the must-sees of any visit to Manchester. The library was founded in 1653, and is the oldest public library in the world – but the building dates back even further, to 1421.
A regular venue for gigs and one-off cultural events, Manchester Cathedral is nevertheless a working place of worship – open all year round.
High-class restaurant next to Victoria Station in Manchester, and attached to Hotel Indigo. Famed for steaks.
The 2022 Festa Italiana was a roaring success, with great food options and captivating live music performances throughout the weekend.
Cathedral Gardens is a partially lawned public space in Manchester city centre, located between Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum.
Manchester Arena is one of the busiest venues in the world and the largest indoor arena in Europe.
The National Football Museum is now open to the public, ready to show off its impressive array of football-related exhibits and activities.
Learn some DJ and production skills with DJ Gym Manchester, based in the culturally infused surrounds of Hatch.
from £269
Old Chapel Music studio in Holdback, Leeds is offering an interactive historical music tour that opens its doors and ears to the public.
free entry
Sing a range of songs in the Folk and World Music Choir, learn how to get the most out of your voice whilst making new friends.
A relaxed and friendly choir for over fifties, Golden Voices Choir brings people together from all walks to life to sing, laugh and have fun.
An outstanding orchestra live in a world-class concert hall – read about the BBC Philharmonic’s Autumn Season at The Bridgewater Hall.
from £14.50
In support of his critically acclaimed new album, electronic musician and polymath James Holden plays in Manchester.
from £17.50
The Hallé introduce kids and their grown-ups to orchestral music in an interactive way in this fun-loving concert at The Bridgewater Hall.
from £12.50
Same Eastgate AKA LA Priest performs at YES in support of his ocean-inspired, wobbly-pop filled third album, Fase Luna.
from £12.50
School's back and we're heading towards autumn! Here are some of the best family friendly events and activities to keep the kids busy.
From post punk legends to the leading lights of modern shoegaze, read about the most exciting artists playing in Manchester and the North this autumn.
We’re crowning October the month of painting prizes! From Birkenhead to Huddersfield, biennials are showcasing the best of contemporary painting.
The best new venues and revamped food and drink menus in Manchester and the North as we head into autumn.
With literature festival season starting its engines, we select our top picks, alongside some standout launches and readings.
A true crime rock musical, contemporary dance and punchy new writing feature in this month’s eclectic pick of live theatre.
Get inspired to make the most of autumn with day trips, pumpkin carving and ghosts in this month's Tours and Activities guide.
Halloween's on the horizon, but there are some big film festivals to dive into first.