Culture Guides
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Seasonal Guides
As we all come to terms with life in lockdown 3.0, we are pleased to say that despite the heavy restrictions, there are, thankfully, plenty of family-friendly goings-on – particularly online.
Round up the family for a live-streamed morning sing-song with songwriter Matt Hill (Quiet Loner) who will soon have your babies and toddlers fully initiated in the art of protest song – expect classic tunes from the likes of Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan.
Calling budding writers big and small! Join Seven Stories on their creative writing workshop: It’s A Wonderful (Magical) World where your kids will become budding writers for the morning and learn about magical world-building and how to turn out-of-this-world ideas into pen-on-paper stories.
Do bedtime a little differently! Get cosy and snuggle up for a livestreamed, multi-sensory story session via the People’s History Museum’s Facebook page. It’s a perfect way for your tots to prepare for a snooze at the end of the day.
For rail enthusiasts big and small, celebrate steam’s golden age with a trip on the Flying Scotsman this Easter. Locomotive No. 60103 is the stuff of legends! Not least because, incredibly, it was the world’s first steam train to officially travel at 100 miles per hour, subsequently securing its pivotal place in rail history.
Away from the screens, some theatres do now have dates for shows taking place in real life including the fabulous family favourite (and Julia Donaldson classic) Zog. What’s more, Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever showing in spring could prove to be one of your family’s best outings of the New Year.
We are so grateful to National Lottery players, The National Lottery, DCMS and Arts Council England for supporting our freelance writers during this crisis. This means that, although venues remain shut and campaigns cancelled, our writers can be reengaged to help arts organisations and artists across the North of England share their online content with our culture-hungry readers.
In light of the ongoing upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we are updating these pages regularly as things change so do check back for new family friendly activities. In the meantime, be sure to check out our full guide to the best online events from organisations in Manchester and the North too.
Here are our picks
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1. My First Protest Song online with the People’s History Museum
People's History Museum -
2. Online bedtime story with the People’s History Museum
People's History Museum Bedtime story - online, online, 18 March 2021, free entry - Find Out More
Snuggle up and get cosy to enjoy a livestreamed, multi-sensory story session via the People’s History Museum’s Facebook page. It’s the perfect way for your little ones to prepare for a long snooze.
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3. Creative Writing Workshop: It’s a Wonderful (Magical) World
Rich Kenworthy Creative Writing Workshop: It's a Wonderful (Magical) World at Seven Stories, Newcastle and online, 13 February 2021, from £10 - Book now
There’s no place like home? Boring! Join Seven Stories (The National Centre for Children’s Books) on their Creative Writing Workshop: It’s a magical (wonderful) world for a journey into literary discovery. Your tots will become budding writers for the morning and learn about world-building, harness their creativity, and turn out-of-this-world ideas into pen-on-paper stories.
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4. Early Years Atelier with The Whitworth
Image courtesy of The Whitworth. Early years Atelier, online, 8 February 2021, free entry - Find Out More
Specially designed for the under 5s and their grown-ups, The Whitworth have taken their early years sessions online.
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5. Horrible Histories Live On Stage! – The Best Of Barmy Britain
Courtesy of Horrible Histories Horrible Histories Live On Stage! – The Best Of Barmy Britain at Stockport Plaza Cinema, Stockport, 27 February 2021, from £14.85 - Book now
Horrible Histories Live On Stage! – The Best Of Barmy Britain is back in theatres. The show is jam-packed with real facts, gutsy action and trademark slapstick! Entertain your little ones for the afternoon and enjoy history at its unfiltered best.
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6. Flying Scotsman at East Lancashire Railway
Nigel Valentine Flying Scotsman at East Lancashire Railway, 2–4 April 2021, from £12.4 - Book now
Celebrate steam’s golden age with your little ones! The Flying Scotsman returns to East Lancashire Railway this Easter, and you and your family have the chance to soak up breath-taking views on this famous icon of rail history.
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7. Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever
Courtesy of Peppa Pig Live Peppa Pig's Best Day Ever at Liverpool Empire Theatre, City Centre, 28–29 April 2021, from £18.15 - Book now
It’s Peppa’s Best Day Ever! Join Peppa Pig and all her friends as they embark on an epic, fun-filled adventure. With all the familiar faces and plenty of chuckles and trademark snorts, your little ones will be captivated.
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8. Zog
Courtesy of Freckle Productions -
9. Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum, The University Of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9PL - Visit now
Round up the family and explore Manchester Museum’s collection from your home. Head over to their new site for entertainment and education until they reopen.
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10. Manchester Science Festival 2021
© Manchester Science Festival Manchester Science Festival at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield and online, 12–21 February 2021 - Find Out More
Expect another action-packed programme of inspiring, entertaining and playful experiences for all ages as Manchester Science Festival returns.
More in Families
Swallows and Amazons For Ever! at Windermere Jetty Museum
Celebrate the spirit of adventure, learn more about the Cumbrian landscape and uncover the inspiration behind Arthur Ransome’s classic tale.
Creative Writing Workshop: Space Odyssey
Join Lauren and Stephanie from the Children’s Literature unit at Newcastle University, as they launch into space in search of your creative writing skills.
The Jungle Book at Oldham Coliseum
Previously postponed due to Covid-19, we’re pleased that The Jungle Book is set to run at Oldham Coliseum in April 2021.
MIF21: The Walk
An epic and extraordinary travelling artwork will set off from the Turkish – Syrian border for Manchester this April. Adventurous and inventive, this is the first event to be announced for MIF21.
The Not So Ugly Sisters at Waterside
The Yorkshire based theatre-company Wrongsemble bring this wonderful new take on the well-loved classic to audiences for Christmas 2021.
Culture Guides
Cinema in Manchester and the North
Our guide to cinema features brand new streaming films, classic favourites and a look back at the year’s cinematic highlights.
Exhibitions
Lockdown 3.0 may be wearing thin but there is light at the end of the tunnel, with many galleries and museums hoping to reopen in March.
Literature
Lockdown may be looming large, but Live Literature Land has you covered: from book launches and literary salons to online open mics and full-on festivals, activities and events continue virtually.
Classical Music in Manchester and the North
We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.
Food and Drink in Manchester and the North
For the December guide, we’re looking at the best delivery options in Manchester, whether it’s for alcohol or food.
Online events
Discover the best things to do online from the organisations we love in Manchester and the North.
Tours and Activities
Embrace your creative side or find the time to unwind your mind in this month’s guide of Tours and Activities.
Related Guides
Food and Drink in Manchester and the North
For the December guide, we’re looking at the best delivery options in Manchester, whether it’s for alcohol or food.
Exhibitions
Lockdown 3.0 may be wearing thin but there is light at the end of the tunnel, with many galleries and museums hoping to reopen in March.
Theatre
Our guide to theatre in Manchester and the North features stand-out online performance and all the best streamed theatre events to enjoy at home.
Half Term
Half term fun here we come! Read through our specially selected family event line up and pick your personal favourites for some quality time together.
Things to Do in Manchester
Spend a day in the city and it rapidly becomes apparent just how much it…
Music
With physical gigs still *sigh* off the cards, livestreamed events continue to help us connect with our favourite artists and venues, while supporting the industry around them.
