Culture Guides
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Seasonal Guides
New year, new start, and what better way to welcome in 2023 than by planning and experiencing all sorts of exciting family events in Manchester and the North?
First up, it’s time to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit in Chinatown, with spectacular celebration events taking place from Saturday 21 January in Piccadilly Gardens, and a Chinese market open every day until Sunday 29 January.
And here’s one for the music-lovers: Izzy Gizmo at Stoller Hall brings an energetic, live performance to Manchester on 4 February 2023. For children aged 3-7 and their families, this show is packed with music, storytelling and heaps of fun.
On 11 February, head to the charming and funny Cardboard Carnival at The Edge and experience 45 brilliant minutes of playful puppetry and creative joy with none other than plain, simple, Cardy – well – cardboard, set to the delicious backdrop of stunning musical melodies.
Next up in February – it’s time to BOOGIE! Families are invited to dress very smartly and party like Marty, in the arty and marvellous Marty and the Party taking place at HOME Manchester from 23 – 25 February 2023.
The Smartest Giant in Town returns to The Lowry from 21-26 February 2023 – a unique and touching adaptation of the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Families will be laughing throughout in this beautiful adventure with the smartest, kindest giant in town.
Open all year round is the interactive Fairy Tales wonderland at Z-Arts, in an innovative and enchanting exhibition that takes children aged 0-8 and their grownups to a magical world, full of storytelling and immersive play.
Here are our picks
Izzy Gizmo at Stoller Hall at The Stoller Hall, Manchester, 4 February 2023, from £5.50 - Book now
Experience an energetic, live performance at The Stoller Hall in this delightful show for 3-8-year-olds packed with music, storytelling and heaps of fun.
Cardboard Carnival at The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre, Chorlton, 11 February 2023, from £6.00 - Book now
Experience forty-five brilliant minutes of playful puppetry and creative joy with none other than plain, simple, cardboard set to the delicious backdrop of stunning musical melodies.
Marty and the Party at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 23–25 February 2023 - Book now
Dress very smartly and party like Marty, in the arty and marvellous Marty and the Party taking place at HOME Manchester!
Turn It Up: The Power of Music at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, Until 21 May 2023, from £6.00 - Book now
A world premiere exhibition comes to the Science and Industry Museum. Suitable for children and adults alike, Turn It Up: The Power of Music is an interactive experience exploring the science of music’s mysterious hold over us, and how it drives us to create, perform, feel and share.
The Lion King at Palace Theatre, Manchester, Until 11 March 2023, from £20.00 - Book now
A wonderful reinvention of one of the most successful animated feature films of all time, Julie Taymor’s celebrated stage adaptation of The Lion King comes to Manchester.
Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 18 March 2023, free entry - Visit now
Visit the Outdoor Art Club at the Whitworth Art Gallery, jam-packed with fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.
The world of art and exhibitions never quite stops, so we have lots of new shows to look forward to at the start of 2023.
Live literature land welcomes in 2023 with lots lined up in Manchester and beyond, from book launches and bookshop openings to prize-winning poets and award-laden authors sharing their secrets and stories.
We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.
Start 2023 as you mean to go on, with the best restaurants and bars in Manchester and the North.
New years are for new experiences, and we have a whole lot of ideas to inspire you as 2023 gets underway.