November

It might be getting pretty cold out, but resist the urge to stay inside within touching distance of the radiator. Get out there and enjoy these amazing cultural things to do in November.

Manchester International Festival have announced their first commissions for MIF19, but before then, get in the mood for Skepta and co with Special Edition, an impressively programmed collaboration with The Warehouse Project which looks the polar opposite of their most recent takeover of Mayfield Depot in October.

Meanwhile, Manchester Jewish Museum closes to make way for their £5 million extension and renovation, they sign off in style with The Festival of Leaving, a new, diverse and thought-provoking programme of live performance, music and installations. Another newcomer arrives in the shape of MACFEST, a 10-day celebration of art, literature, music, film, food and heritage relating to the Muslim diaspora, which will open in venues across the city.

The music scene in the North is looking as vibrant and varied as ever with even more brilliant classical concerts alongside a booming choice of gigs. We are especially excited about the 41st Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and Kamaal Williams’ show at Gorilla. Really, there’s too many great gigs to round up here, head over to the music section for all our top picks.

Finally, the Christmas warm up has begun, with The Producers at Royal Exchange and Liverpool Everyman’s Rock N’ Roll Panto both landing at the end of the month. If the thoughts of the festive season is already inducing a little panic, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas theatre and concerts as well as some Christmas shopping ideas too.