Culture Guides

A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.

Galleries in the North are far from spooky this October - instead you'll find tactile sculptures, plant magic and curatorial experiments.

Music in the North

From New York’s experimental underground to the most exciting sounds coming from local scenes, we're lining up a noisy autumn of gigs.

Theatre in the North

Theatre this month bursts with contrasts - from bold new writing and Black History Month highlights to contemporary arts and reimagined classics.

Cinema in the North

A host of Halloween horrors, experimental shorts, plus pioneering black British cinema make our October Cinema Guide.

Food and Drink in the North

Take some eating-out tips from our October guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.

Tours and Activities in the North

Step away from the usual. Tours and activities that spark curiosity, inspire creativity and offer something refreshingly different.

Literature Events in the North

One to add to your TBR pile, our latest round-up is a bumper edition and features some amazing events in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and beyond...

Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Seasonal Guides

Creepy capers across Manchester and the North for little and big ghosts with the most.

Halloween in Manchester and the North

As Halloween approaches read our guide to the creepy capers happening for little and big ghosts with the most.

Black History Month in Manchester and the North

Discover the North West’s best Black History Month events, including exhibitions, theatre and dance.

Mother and daughter play with smell interactive_Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You

Things to do over October half term

Looking for things to do with the family over the Easter school holidays? We’ve got you covered.

The Jungle Book at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Open Air Theatre in Manchester and the North

Open air theatre shows are happening across the north over the next few months – we’ve collated our top picks into a neat guide for you.

Helen Chadwick posing with a sculpture called Piss Flowers taken during the exhibition Helen Chadwick: Effluvia, held at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in 1994

Cultural Calendar 2025

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2025.

Festivals

Here’s our guide to the best summer festivals with experiences taking place in a field or on the streets near you.

Summer Holidays: the best things to do with kids

Check out our definitive and regularly updated guide of things to do with the family over the summer holidays.

Destinations

Things to do in Leeds
Our guide to Leeds, a hub of northern creativity, the metropolis of Yorkshire and one of the greenest cities in the UK.
Things to Do in Liverpool
Our guide to the thriving city of Liverpool, where new creative futures are written against the backdrop of a unique history.
Things to Do in Manchester
Our guide to the best things to in Manchester, from award-winning theatre and exhibitions to the busiest music scene in the North.
Bradford 2025 – UK City of Culture
Bradford 2025 – UK City of Culture is a city in celebration, not just for Bradford and the surrounding districts, but the whole of the North.
Things to do in Blackpool
Fancy a day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.
Things to do in York
We take a closer look at York, one of the UK’s most beautiful heritage cities with a wealth of contemporary culture.
Things to do in Lancashire
Our guide to the culturally rich coastal county of Lancashire, encompassing Lancaster, Morecambe, Blackpool and Blackburn.
Things to Do in Cheshire
Our guide to the best things to in Cheshire, including culture, shopping and food and drink in Chester, Crewe and Macclesfield.
Things to Do in Cumbria
Our guide to the best things to do in the Cumbria and the Lake District, including Penrith, Kendal, Carlisle, Keswick and Cockermouth.
Things to do in West Yorkshire
Our guide to the best things to do in culture-packed West Yorkshire, including Hebden Bridge, Wakefield, Halifax and Huddersfield.
Things to do in the North East
Our guide to the North East spans industrial heritage in Sunderland, medieval architecture in Durham and world-class culture in Newcastle.
Things to Do in Sheffield
Our guide to the hilly city of Sheffield, which boasts a fantastic community of artists, makers and cultural organisations.