Your FREE guide to Manchester www.unlockmanchester.com
AUTUMN/WINTER EVENTS 2016/17
Welcome to Manchester An introduction to our guide and the city of Manchester
Manchester Quarters A stroll around Exchange Square shops, food and entertainment
Bury Town Discover a wealth of history and culture in this historic town
Forthcoming Events Autumn and Winter highlights coming to Greater Manchester
Free Buses and the Trams Get about the city with these great hop-on hop-off services
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Welcome
Manchester becomes a festive playground for all the family
2016’s summer in Manchester has seen some great events and we hope that, despite the somewhat intermittent sunshine, you managed to enjoy some of them. We recall sloshing through a bit of mud at Parklife, watching Jean Michel Jarre at the Blue Dot Festival (Jodrell Bank) and discovering the luxury of the expanded Piccolino’s Grande Café near Albert Square. Just to mention a few things… Hopefully, you have now become a regular reader of Unlock Manchester and in this edition we look at Exchange Square and the newly re-opened Corn Exchange, a foodies delight for sure. Have you ever thought of Bury as a tourist destination? No? Then read our guide to spending an interesting day there and discovering the towns’ attractions. And now that festive season is around the corner we list some of the best local and Christmas markets where you maybe able to find that elusive gift or simply enjoy some tasty treats, who said ‘Gluhwein’? It’s behind you… Fancy a laugh then grab some tickets for one of the many seasonal pantomime productions to tickle your fancy.
Check out our theatre highlights guide for more ideas and what’s on? Thank you again for picking up this edition of our guide and we will be back in the early new-year, until then we wish you all seasons greetings. Nick Coulthurst Editor unlockmanchester.com @unlockmcr Edition No. 3 - October 2016 Copyright 2016
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Exchange Square Manchester Cathedral, the Corn Exchange and Football Museum
Manchester’s Exchange Square was created out of the ashes of the 1996 IRA bombing of the city centre. Its reconstruction included a complete structural relocation, some 300 meters, of Shambles Square, home to Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, The Wellington Pub and now The Mitre Hotel, to its current location within Exchange Square. 4 The Square has tiered walkways used for audience seating and standing when events are held there. There is a large free following water feature, cutting east to west across the square, and the space is adorned with two huge metal sunflower like sculptures and coal wagon structures. The Square serves as access to many key attractions in the city centre. Selfridges, The Arndale (one of the most visited shopping centres in the United Kingdom) and St Anne’s Square all offer great high street and designer shopping experiences. New Cathedral Street offers high-end luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols and Burberry. The newly re-opened Corn Exchange offers a wide variety of quality dining including Tampopo, Salvi’s, Cabana, Mowgli and Pho.
No matter what cuisine you are in the mood for, the Corn Exchange is going to try it’s best to help. Once a newspaper publishing house, The Printworks is packed with fun and entertainment venues serving food and drink before visiting the huge IMAX cinema in the Odeon. Next door to the Printworks is the National Football Museum in the Urbis Building, a serpent like glass and steel edifice soaring into the sky. Its three floors of exhibition space celebrate Britain’s national game and it has the world’s finest collection of football memorabilia and artefacts along with many interactive displays [nationfootballmuseum.com]. Behind the Corn Exchange is Manchester Cathedral, started in the early 15th century, it became a Cathedral for the newly formed Manchester Diocese in
1847 and it was extensively renovated in 1882. The latest major work was to install under-floor heating in 2013. The cathedral is in regular use today and is often host to music performances from both classical and pop artists while its gardens are particularly attractive during the summer. Just beyond the Cathedral is another new refurbishment, Victoria Station, it’s worth popping in to view the large railway map wall mural. Greengate Square is an open public space used for outdoor entertainment and home to the Grindsmith coffee pod. On your way, look at the Chetham’s School of music who’s history dates back to 1420s when the local priests lived there before Humphrey Chetham founded his charitable school in 1653. The building became the independent music school it is today in 1969.
The new school building, completed 5 in 2015, was built to address the growing demand on space within the old complex. This new build is a huge and £31million was spent on its development. 2016 sees the continuation of the project with major renovation work on historic site to remove the somewhat ugly modern buildings. This is likely to reveal parts of Manchester not seen in centuries. The Manchester Metrolink has been expanded with the new second city crossing and new stop in Exchange Square. From here visitors can catch connections out of the city to Oldham and Rochdale with the completed city crossing route due to open in late 2016.
6 2 VICTORIA STATION
CHETMAN’S LIBRARY 1 Cathedral Gardens
Greengate Sq
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8 7
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3 2
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1 5
1 2 Cathedral Approach
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HARVEY NICHOLS
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Withy Grove
5 11
Exchange Sq
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Deansgate
Attractions
1: Arndale Centre, Exchange Sq - D3 2: Cheetham’s Library, Long Millgate - C1 3: Corn Exchange, Exchange Sq - C2 4: Hard Rock Cafe, Withy Grove - D2 5: Harvey Nichols New Cathedral Street - B3 6: Manchester Arena Victoria Station - D1 7: Manchester Cathedral, Victoria St - B2 8: National Football Museum - C1 9: Odeon IMAX, Printworks - D1 10: Printworks, Withy Grove - D1
11: Selfridges, Exchange Sq - B3 12: The Birdcage, Withy Grove - D3
Bars
1: Crown & Anchor, Hilton St - B3 2: Hanging Ditch, Victoria St - A3 3: Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, Cathedral Approach - B3 4: The Mitre, Cathedral Approach - B3 5: The Wellington Pub Cathedral Approach - B3 6: Tiger Tiger, Withy Grove - D2
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Exchange Square
RED DOOR
Corporation St
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10 PRINTWORKS 6
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ANCHESTER
RNDALE
Cafes
1: Grindsmiths, Greengate Sq - A1 2: Harvey Nichols Brasserie, Cathedral Approach - B3 3: Proper Tea, Careatan St - B2 4: Selfridges Cafe, Exchange Sq - B3
Hotels
1: The Mitre Hotel, Cathedral App - B2
Changing the world one drink at a time. Red Door’s your third place, your home from home; great service and extraordinary drinks to a soundtrack of classic tunes. Servin’ cocktails created and mastered in New York’s speakeasies, swanky London hotels, Californian beaches and shanties, sipped in style and spilt on dance floors; these are drinks that have defined generations, toasted revolutions and started a million love stories. Anything that will start a party pretty much defines our soundtrack. Drop by for late night cocktails, misbehavin’ and live music each Thursday and Friday. 78 Deansgate, M3 2FW tel: +44 (0) 161 832 2808 reddoor.uk.com | @RedDoorMCR Opening hours Sun to Wed - From 7pm Thurs to Sat - From 5pm
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In March 1996 on the anniversary of John Dee’s death in 1609 a local paranormal group attempted to levitate Manchester Corn Exchange. The group believed alchemist, mathematician and some say, magician, John Dee, had lived for several years on the site of the Corn Exchange while exercising his duty as the Warden of the town in the Medieval buildings (today Chetham’s). Manchester can claim to very many marvellous facts but this is the only one that involves modern magic. But then again prior to 1996 the Corn Exchange had hosted a rich assortment of strange and curious retailers, poets and low-rent offices. Down on the former trading floor you could in half an hour buy a rare bootleg album by cult-Manchester band Magazine, have your tarot read, buy an obscure antiquarian book, a pair of tartan platform shoes and wait for that tattoo you’d always wanted. You could then cycle home on a top of the range bike from Harry Hall Cycles. Upstairs Carcanet Press had their offices, one of the UK’s best-known poetry publishers and a labour of love from Mexican Michael Schmidt. Schmidt and Carcanet are still going strong after more than 45 years of rhyme and reason. Yet the eccentric Corn Exchange as an ‘alternative’ market was just one episode in its history. The name gives the game away, it was mostly connected with food, either the trade in corn or wholesale grocery. In 1834 several Manchester food merchants decided to create a covered market. They advertised for property to be sold and converted between Hanging Ditch and Fennel Street.
Previously the market was held in all weathers on the corner of Cathedral Street and Fennel Street. Less than three years later, on January 6th 1837, a grand dinner was given to celebrate the opening of the Corn Exchange. The Manchester Guardian (now The Guardian) wrote, “We congratulate the promoters of the new edifice on at length possessing a corn exchange worthy of the importance of this great and flourishing town.” It was a beauty too, although occupying only a fraction of the present site. The architect was Richard Lane who also designed the Friends Meeting House on Mount Street close to the Town Hall. The columned Classical building provided a façade to an 80ft by 70ft trading hall. The attractive nature of hall meant it could be rented out in the evenings for concerts and entertainment and extra revenue extracted for the Corn Exchange shareholders. Political meetings took place there too, including appropriately a renowned AntiCorn Law rally. For a while it was even a Sunday chapel and here the celebrated Wesleyan minister Rev Dr Brammont delivered some of his lectures. As the nineteenth century progressed it became apparent the building was way too small for the growth in the Manchester grocery and corn trade. Plans were put in place and eventually the whole city block bought and converted into the Corn Exchange we know today. Architects Ball & Elce were responsible for the brick part to Fennel Street and Potts, Son & Pickup the rest. The vastly enlarged building was finished in 1903 with its trademark dome and familiar Renaissance style façade.
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There were good and profitable years following opening but they couldn’t last. Different ways of doing business, the movement of the trade from central locations, the growth in technology led to the closure of the Corn Exchange in the decades that followed WWII. The large trading floor was used as rehearsal space for the Royal Exchange Theatre Company for a while, part of Brideshead Revisited by Granada TV was filmed there and thereafter the eccentric market moved in. Entertainment returned though. From the sixties to the nineties on the Fennel Street side of the building there’d been nightclubs with the two most well-known being Pips and Konspiracy, the latter following the other in the same space. Pips is remembered with complete affection.
It advertised ‘nine beautiful bars and eleven crowded dancefloors’ and with its Roxy and Bowie Rooms it was the city’s cool-glamour venue where extravagance was a la mode. Despite having a room named in honour of his band, one story relates how the dapper Bryan Ferry was once refused admission for wearing jeans. Regulars from Manchester’s music scene included Joy Division/New Order boys, Ian Curtiss, Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook, The Smiths’ leaders Morrissey and Johnny Marr and Factory Records folk such as Tony Wilson and Peter Saville. After the 1996 IRA bomb there was an attempt to turn the building into a shopping centre but the idea back-fired. A return to food and drink, if not their wholesale provision, looks a far better bet.
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GUSTO
This is a building of strong architecture married to rich history of trade and entertainment. It’s a building that elegantly locks down a strong central Manchester presence and should find it easy to rise again as a destination for food. Of course it isn’t likely to levitate anytime soon despite the best efforts of the Manchester Area Psychogeographic but it will should provide a much more stable focus for Manchester life. There’s lots of life in the 1834 institution yet. Jonathan Schofield Address The Corn Exchange Exchange Square, Manchester M4 3TR cornexchangemanchester.co.uk
Gusto draws inspiration from the traditional grand cafes of Europe, accessible and welcoming, with a hint of decadence and a touch of luxury. Its tall ceilings, glamorous island bar and collection of fabulous seating areas, this is a restaurant for every occasion. Enjoy their cocktails for only £4.95, weekdays 5pm - 7pm, try the delicious a la carte, lunch, pre-theatre and exquisite specials menus. So, whether it’s a business lunch or a family celebration, Gusto offers great meeting and dining experiences to suit all tastes. 4 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5AB tel: +44 (0) 161 832 2866 gustorestaurants.uk.com @gustomanchester Opening hours Daily - Midday till Midnight Food service from Midday Bookings recommend
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Nestled between the Corn Exchange and the Arndale is one of Manchester’s most iconic venues. The Printworks is a buzzing, entertainment complex located in the heart of Manchester. The fifteen-year-old leisure scheme houses a state-of-the-art IMAX cinema, fully equipped gym complete with a 20m swimming pool and sixteen bars and restaurants. The restored publishing house was once the hustle and bustle of the newspaper scene and operated for over 100 years printing the likes of the Evening Chronicle and the Daily Mirror. Now, instead of pulling all-nighters for looming deadlines, the scheme is a place to relax and have fun. From 6am until 3am the scheme is alive with activity. Visitors can take a spinning class before work, pop in for lunch, watch the latest blockbuster or meet friends for a drink after work. Thanks to the newly opened Exchange Square Metrolink stop and the recently renovated Manchester Victoria station visitors can be at the scheme in minutes. The Shudehill Interchange is across the road and only a fifteen minute walk to Piccadilly train station.
Recent additions include eateries Busaba Eathai and family favourite Frankie and Benny’s as well as a Yates bar. The Printworks is lucky enough to have only one of four true IMAX cinemas in England and is the second biggest screen in Europe! IMAX uses 15/70mm film which allows for the capture and display of much larger and higher resolution images which therefore means better quality films. With a great line-up of Blockbusters for 2016/17 including Suicide Squad, Independence Day and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the Printworks Odeon and their VIP gallery area is the perfect place to watch! The Odeon have recently introduced their aptly named Limitless Card meaning a limitless number of films can be watched under the same package for only £17.99 a month! Not only does The Printworks have a great offering for food and drink but it also has a stellar event calendar. Make space in your diary for all the sporting action and the Manchester Soul Festival as well as other events, guest appearances and competitions. Make The Printworks your one-stop shop for entertainment in Manchester! 27 Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS theprintworks.com facebook.com/printworksmcr Twitter - @The_Printworks
Afflecks
An emporium of eclecticism and indie commerce
Nestled in the heart of the city centre, this emporium of all things eclectic sits as a beacon to those looking for the chic, dramatic, classic, vintage, handmade, unusual and sometimes - downright strange. There are three entrances in to Afflecks, one on Street, a second on Church Street 14 and on the corner of Tib Street. It is hard to miss the corner entrance on Tib Street with its wonderful, famous mosaic artwork outside stating ‘And on the sixth day God created MANchester’. Gaze upwards and be inspired by the unique silver tree sculpture that adorns the side wall and the Manchester related mosaic art work sitting in the window frames below it. Take in the blend of bohemian glam, burlesque sassy, vintage mystery, startling attire or simply savour the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There are boutiques of all tastes down every corridor that spread across the emporiums 4 floors. It is a shopping paradise, a labyrinth of discovery, intrigue and mystery through each and every doorway. Play out your fantasies with fancy dress
from sellers such as American Graffiti and that’s not all these fabulous stallholders sell either. Specialist T-shirt printing enables one to design their own – ‘Made for It’ don’t just print on to t-shirts either! Before you pay top high street prices for that average ‘special dress’, take time to check out Strawberri Peach on the 1st floor, a gem of a boutique and made-tomeasure glam perfectionists, often seen on TV. Wander into shops specialising in retro gaming and find the most obscure games and items from times past; Star Wars collectables and much more. Looking for body piercing and tattoos? You cannot go wrong with the experienced The Tattoo Studio or Shiva. Piercing jewellery galore is available at Extreme Largeness and Abacus. There are several jewellery stores
throughout Afflecks, selling beautiful handcrafted wonders you will not find anywhere else. Afflecks has great food and beverage cafes helping to sustain visitors during their exploration of this vast building and its wares from a traditional café to an adult ice cream parlour serving absinth flavoured delights and a fantastic Cereal Café! There are specialist shops including one dedicated to fudge of all flavours, retro and American sweets and an artisan bakery. With a wonderful wealth of over 70 shops and stalls visiting Afflecks is simply a full on shopping sensation. All this, and more, gives shoppers the chance to walk out with clothing for any occasion, jewellery to die for, tattoo’s to be proud of and fabulous artwork to adorn ones walls. Great for buying goodies and presents
that are so unusual Afflecks makes every 15 visitor’s recommendation list for things to do when in Manchester. Afflecks – The Thorn in the side of the High Street.
Address 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW afflecks.com twitter: @afflecksfox Afflecks is open Monday to Friday 10.30am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 6pm Sunday 11am to 5pm
Three Minute Theatre (3MT) The Three Minute Theatre, also know as the 3MT,the only purpose-built recycled boutique theatre in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Working closely with Pulse Productions, Manchester Shakespeare Co and Square Circle Community Theatre, they bring an eclectic menu of exciting and innovative performances in theatre, music, comedy, poetry and film. “One of the most important small venues in the country” - Frost Magazine Ground Floor - tel: 0161 834 4517 facebook.com/TheThreeMinuteTheatre
Vinyl Resting Place Tucked away, next to the café on the 3rd floor, this hidden gem has jam-packed shelves of 2nd hand records that will have you spinning. Flick through albums, singles and cd’s from American Blues artists to Zydeco and almost every other genre in-between. Searching for records is great fun, relive your youth or simply find something you’ve never heard. While most of the stock is vinyl there is normally over 1500 cd’s in stock to rummage through. 3rd Floor facebook.com/VinylRestingPlaceManchester
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Freaks Emporium Step inside Freak’s Emporium and find a magical and mystical zone, right next to the cafe on the 3rd floor. In this emporium you will find pagan gifts, a well stocked witches apothecary and a huge array of incense. It also stocks the very best in alternative fashion and accessories, wigs and they even have their very own Tarot Reader & Medium - bookings are not necessary/walk in appointments available every day. 3rd Floor freakboutique.co.uk | facebook/freakboutique
The Barker Baker - An Artisan Bakery Best known for creating amazingly scrumptious breads. The Barker Baker has opened in Afflecks to bring her tasty wears to the people of Manchester. All her breads are hand-made using organically sourced flour from Marriages Millers and other ingredients from local producers. Fancy something really unusual then try the Dark Chocolate Orange Soda Bread or the Stout & Oat Soda Bread and we didn’t even mention the wonderful cake creations! 2nd Floor thebarkerbaker.co.uk | twitter.com/thebarkerbaker
‘A hidden gem at the heart of the Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter.’ A former Victorian fishmarket building, Manchester Craft & Design Centre is an unforgettable place to experience contemporary craft & design in the North West. In the 18 unique studios you can expect to meet some of the region’s most talented artists, designers and makers and see them work creating textiles, jewellery, ceramics, prints, fine art, sculpture and more. Discover their stories, hear about their materials and processes, or learn a new skill yourself by taking part in a workshop. And don’t miss our exciting programme of free contemporary craft exhibitions and events and our on-site café bar which serves delicious homemade fare.
17 Oak Street Northern Quarter Manchester M4 5JD
craftanddesign.com Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5:30pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm* *Oak St. Café Bar & select studios Please note café serving times before ordering
Bury Town
A historic Lancashire town with entertainment, markets and museums
Bury Town is a suburb in Greater Manchester and is easily reached from Manchester city centre in less than 30 minutes on the tram or by car. A trip to Bury can be very rewarding with many attractions that should visited and certainly experienced such as the beautifully restored East Lancs’ Railway. Its 12-miles of track explores the 20 stunning local scenery, other local towns such as Summerseat and passes some great real-beer pubs. There are three excellent museums, the Art and Sculpture Centre in which its galleries you will discover pieces from Victorian artists such as William Turner right through to modern art pieces by the likes of Lawrence Weiner and Jane Dyer. The Fusilier Museum, next door, delves into over 300 years of regimental military history. It is home to the collections of the XX Lancashire Fusiliers, renamed to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in 1968. The regiment was established in 1688 and the museum tells its story right up to the present day. The third is the Bury Transport Museum and in its halls you will discover the industrial heritage of the northwest, brought to life before your very eyes.
With its collection of lovingly restored vehicles, original artefacts and interactive exhibits you can explore the working lives of people from the early 20th century. You may be surprised to learn that Robert Peel, who formed The London Metropolitan Police Force, was born in Bury. He was also the founder of the British Conservative Party and was twice British Prime Minister. Outside St Mary’s, the towns parish church, you will find an attractive square, which was originally home to the village market, with a large statue of Robert Peel. This 3.5m high bronze was created by Edward Hodges Bailey, who is best known for his sculpture of Lord Nelson on Nelsons Column, Trafalgar Square in London. This is the highest point in the town and there has been a church on this site for over 1000 years. The present church is Victorian in date and is worth peeking into to have a gaze at the highly decorative floor. Take a short walk around the gardens that will reveal large memorial slabs that have been repurposed as flagstones. Reading these will give you an insight into the history of the people in Bury.
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Summer is a lovely time to visit Bury as you will find it decked out with ornamental flower displays and hanging baskets galore. The town is a multiple time winner of the coveted ‘Britain in Bloom’ award. An evening in Bury can be very appealing with several good pubs serving quality food and drink. The Clarence, on Silver Street, offers good fayre and for those real beers enthusiasts they should try the Silver Street ‘Session’ pale ale. Once you are fed and watered you may choose to attend a performance at The Met. This is the performance heart of the Town and its stage is home to touring shows and local productions alike. During 2016 The Met started on a £4.6 million refurbishment (reopens early 2017) making it one of the best theatres in Greater Manchester.
With improved access, an enlarge 21 auditorium and a new bar. What’s not to like? Bury has a world famous, not to mention very popular, market that is open from Monday to Saturday. It has been voted ‘Market of the Year’ four times. A huge fire engulfed the old buildings in 1968, totally destroying them, but this didn’t stop the traders though and in 1971 the present building was opened. Today in it you will find fresh local produce, a hall specialising in Fish and Meat and an outdoor open market with over 300 stalls to tempt you. The Rock is the main shopping centre that offers shoppers several high street brands. At night it becomes a playground with restaurants, a 24-lane bowling alley and multi-screen cinema to keep you entertained.
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The Bury Art Museum
Bury Art Museum opened in 1901 as a purpose-built gallery to house and display a collection of Victorian oil paintings, watercolours, etchings, drawings, sculpture and Wedgwood plaques formed by local paper manufacturer, Thomas Wrigley. In 1897 Wrigley’s children had donated this collection to the people of Bury. In 1907 a social history museum was added to complement the Art Gallery. Over the last century, Bury’s art collection has developed, but its outstanding strength remains the collection of 19th century British art, including works by Turner, Constable, Landseer and Clausen. Since 2000 the Gallery has embarked on an ambitious programme of commissioning contemporary art.
The building itself is now a grade II listed building and regarded as the finest in the town. In 2014 a sculpture gallery was added and allows the Gallery to continue to develop its ambitious programming and further its portfolio of International work; exhibitors include Lawrence Weiner, Auke de Vries and Jayne Dyer. Through its temporary exhibition programme, Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre is developing a reputation as a leading player in showing contemporary art in the North West of England. The gallery’s aim is to show high quality art in new contexts and to make it understandable for people of all ages, no matter what their background.
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The Gallery broadens its appeal to new audiences through its programme of workshops and educational activities. The continually changing exhibitions at the Gallery, along with the fruitful working relationships that have been developed are establishing Bury as a significant venue for experiencing art. It is also fast becoming a place for international exchange in the visual arts, facilitating a mind-broadening encounter with art from diverse sources. As well as the excellent programme of exhibitions and events, visitors to Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre can also enjoy a unique shopping experience in Bury Art Shop and relax with lovely refreshments at Tina’s Tearoom. Bury Art Shop stocks contemporary arts and crafts by artists and craft makers selected for their quality and beauty.
The gallery is part of the ‘Own Art’ which is a scheme supported by the Arts Council England and makes buying contemporary art more affordable for all. Tina’s Tearoom is a welcome addition to Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre, found on the beautiful ring balcony of the central building. Serving coffee, a selection of teas, soup, freshly made sandwiches and a tempting selection of cakes and afternoon tea. The gallery is located in the town centre and it is 50 yards from the bus and Metrolink interchange. Address Moss Street, Bury BL9 0DR buryartmuseum.co.uk tel: +44 (0)161 253 5878 Opening times Tue-Fri 10:00-17:00 & Sat 10:00-16:30
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The East Lancashire Railway
The East Lancashire Railway is the North West’s premier heritage railway, located in the heart of Bury and is easily accessible by public transport. The award winning railway spans a twelve mile line through the beautiful Irwell Valley, from Heywood in the east to Rawtenstall in the north, passing through Bury, Summerseat, Ramsbottom and Irwell Vale along the way. There are plenty of things to see and do around the line and stations are well equipped with cafés, real ale pubs, gift shops and a dedicated Transport Museum, which houses vintage vehicles, transport memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Looking for something different when visiting the city? Well how about a trip back in time to sample the sophistication of dining by steam train?
The railway runs regular steam engine hauled luxury dining excursions where passengers can relax in the opulent surrounds of Orient Express style carriages and indulge in a fine dining experience. Choose from a range of menus; from a four course, silver service evening diner to a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea. If fine ale is more your thing well you are in luck as the railway boasts two CAMRA award winning real ale pubs. ‘The Trackside’ is located on Platform 2 at Bury Bolton Street Station and has a large beer garden overlooking the line with up to twelve real ales and twelve ciders ready to try.
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‘Buffer Stops’ is a cosy bar at Rawtenstall Station and is great place to try out some of the area’s most popular real ales whilst watching the engines run round. Those looking to sample a range of ales from the local area should hop aboard the “Rail Ale Trail” for a guided tour through the area’s history and most excellent pubs, it even includes a steam train ride. The railway also has a busy calendar of events, whether you’re looking to entertain the little ones with a visit to see Thomas the Tank Engine or Peppa Pig or fancy soaking up a bit of nostalgia with the railway’s mighty steam galas or award winning 1940’s Weekend. Address Bolton Street, Bury BL9 0EY eastlancsrailway.org.uk tel: +44 (0) 161 764 7790
Bury Market
This is one of the busiest markets in the country and it is open from 9am Monday to Saturday serving the people of Bury. Well worth a stroll around, as a visitor, to gaze at the sheer variety of produce, fish and meats for sale. The New Market Hall is a very striking building with its ‘bird-wing’ roof. It is home to over 60 indoor stalls offering a wide selection of services and goods. Experiencing the Fish & Meat Market in full ‘theatre’ mode is quite something with stall holders shouting their wares and deals of the day!
Address Murray Road, Bury BL9 0BJ burymarket.com
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Arcade Club
Long before the time of the PlayStation and Xbox, back when handheld consoles were still in their testing stages, gameloving teenagers would save their ten pence pieces for the much-anticipated weekend trip to the arcade where games such as Donkey Kong, Tapper, and Pac Man were the latest in technological advancement. Today you’re more likely to see these retro games in a collector’s basement as the era of home consoles and virtual reality have taken over. Yet in an old mill near Bury, a family of dedicated collectors have ensured the legacy of these games stay alive and have made their extensive collection available for the public to play.
At over 15,000 sq feet, across two floors of this old mill, Arcade Club is Europe’s largest gaming arena with over 400 games spanning an era from the 1970’s to the very latest machines. You can also enjoy playing a selection of classic pinball machines and more games are added weekly. The games include driving games, beat ‘em ups such as Street Fighter and Killer Instinct, right through to gun toting shooter adventures like Time Crisis and Point Blank - there is even the original Simpsons Game and Michael Jacksons’ Moonwalker. And if retro isn’t your thing, then try some of the more modern games including the much sought-after HTC Vive and Oculus Rift - the latest in virtual reality.
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Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children, a bar and cafe serving burgers, hot dogs and snacks while you bash out your favourite games. All of the games are ‘free-play’ so there’s no need to scramble for that elusive change.
Address Ela Mill, Cork Street BL9 7BW arcadeclub.co.uk Opening times tel: +44 (0) 161 464 9796 Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday Check website for full details
Stage & Radio covers three floors of this historic Manchester building. Regularly presenting ‘up and coming’ new live artists, intimate events, art exhibitions and much more. The bar is sophisticated and offers 8 cask lines, 22 keg lines which have all been carefully selected from producers around the world. The S&R classic cocktail menu has lots of special twists, there are premium spirits and a wine selection that will keep you happy all night. Feeling hungry? Then try the amazing bar brunch menu or take a quick stroll up stairs to the first floor ‘New York’ style pizzeria.
43 Port St, Manchester M1 2EQ stageandradiomcr.co.uk @stage_radio_mcr Opening hours Daily - From Midday
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Bury Fusilier Museum
The Museum is home to the XX Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers collection, commemorating over 300 years of history and heritage. It is next door to Bury Art Museum and both are less than 5 minutes walk from the Metrolink stop. It looks at the history of the regiment, how it has changed since its founding in 1688 and the countries it has served in. This extensive collection of militaria features many original pieces including soldiers’ uniforms, equipment, historical documents and offers visitors a close look at the personal social history, deeds and values of the Fusiliers. The Lancashire Fusiliers have been awarded nineteen Victoria Crosses, eighteen of which were awarded in the First World War, more than any other regiment in that conflict.
Today the Museum holds seven VCs as part of its medal collection, including two of the six awarded ‘before breakfast’ to the 1st Battalion at Gallipoli in 1915. It latest exhibition commemorates 100 years since the Battle of the Somme called ‘The Missing of the Somme’. It tells the sad, but true stories of the Lancashire Fusiliers who were reported as having no known grave and whose names feature, alongside many others, on the Thiepval memorial in northern France. The new ‘Rose Window’, created by artist Bridget Jones, is a replacement for one removed during WW2. It represents the artistic and cultural history of Bury as well as highlighting connections with Lowry, the cotton industry, building design, and the Fusilier regiments’ histories.
Family history is an important part of the museums work. If a member of your family has served in the regiment you can research their military service history. This is supported by a wealth of documents, books and diaries all about the Lancashire Fusiliers, which you can access by making an appointment [check website for details]. The museums events calendar is full of family friendly activities such as being part of the Bury Art Fair and The Big Draw - ‘Around the World with the Fusiliers’ a fun sketching opportunity. The Fusiliers Regimental Memorial is just outside the museum in the ‘Gallipoli Garden’. The garden is named to commemorate those who fell in that campaign and is an important part of Bury’s Armistice Day, held annually on 11th November.
An adult ticket is £4.95 with family tickets and concessions available. Each of these tickets offers free return entrance, to the museum, for a full 12 months after its issue.
Address Moss Street, Bury BL9 0DF fusiliermuseum.com tel: +44 (0) 161 763 8950 Opening times Monday - Friday 10am to 5pm Saturday 10am to 4pm
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AUTUMN/WINTER EVENTS 2016/17
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Welcome to our guide to some of Manchester’s, and the regions, biggest and best events over the coming months. With the nights starting to close in there are plenty of events to try, several festive markets and shows to keep you entertained and our guide will help you get through your Autumn and early Winter planning. Looking for some seasonal presents? Then our local markets guide might be just the place to start or should you be looking for something really festive then check the vast Manchester Christmas Markets. The city streets and squares become filled with brightly decked stalls where you can buy cheery gifts, decorations and some quite amazing European foods such as French cheeses or German sausages, not to mention the amazing cakes and finger licking pancakes. 33 Even the chilliest night has it attractions with warming Gluhwein, freshly prepared hot foods and refreshing German beers to be sampled, just remember your gloves and maybe an extra napkin or three… Of course winter brings Christmas themed shows and you may enjoy Disney Frozen On Ice at the Arena, a classic pantomime such as Sleeping Beauty at the Oldham Coliseum or Matthew Bourne’s new production of the Red Shoes at the Lowry, Salford. We also have a few suggestions for exhibitions, music and other theatre shows coming to Manchester this season that we think are worth your investigating. Don’t miss out, read our guide and get stuck in!
MANCHESTER FESTIVALS
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The changing of the seasons brings shorter days and darker evenings; even so Manchester has several festivals worth checking out this autumn and winter. Get your frights at Grimmfest, discover the excellent Literature Festival and visit one of the many Christmas markets to find interesting presents, marvel at attractive winter displays and warm up with some of that long awaited festive Gluhwein. The Christmas Markets are a staple of the winter with stalls spring up across the city and Greater Manchester. At the Manchester Christmas Markets you’ll find many European gifts, Christmas trinkets, foods and drinks all to tempt you out even on the coldest of nights. We can recommend the Animation Festival held at HOME in November and why not welcome the new-year in with a cheery glass of real beer at the Beer & Cider Festival.
Manchester Literature Festival Across the city 7th – 23rd October Celebrating 10 years and this years it’s an extra special bumper edition. Inviting back many of the favourite writers from the past decade and hand-picking some of the most gifted emerging storytellers. From crime fiction to performance poetry and radical women to the future. manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk @McrLitFest
Diwali Manchester Albert Square, M60 2LA 15th October Now celebrating its 11th year the Festival of Lights’ - signifies the end of darkness which stands for ignorance and the beginning of knowledge symbolized by lights. Lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, and fireworks
dashehradiwali.co.uk
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Northern Vegan Festival
Manchester Christmas Markets
Venues across Manchester 15th October A celebration of all things Vegan offering over 200 stalls and traders in five city centre venues. Try out great tasting Chocolate, Ice Cream, Yoghurt and Cheeses. Not to mention the Vegan beer, wine, cider and food demonstrations at the 3MT
Albert Square, M60 2LA 10th November - 20th December The Christmas Markets are held right across the City. Here you will find fragrant mulled wine, classic German beers and lots of tasty food keeping you warm while you explore the 100’s of stalls selling Christmas gifts, trinkets and lots of decorations
northernveganfestival.com @northveganfest
manchester.gov.uk/christmasmarkets @ManCityCouncil
Manchester Oktoberfest
Manchester Animation Festival
Albert Square, M60 2LA 19th - 23rd October Manchester Oktoberfest takes over the central located Albert Square. Join in the traditional celebrations in the festival tent with long tables and the giant beer steins. Enjoy the amazing Oktoberfest atmosphere with German beer, food, music, sing-along’s
HOME, Tony Wilson Place, First St M15 4FN 15th - 17th November Hosted at HOME in Manchester’s First Street complex, the festival brings one of the UK’s biggest animation hubs together and invites the international community to join us to delight in all things animated
manchester-oktoberfest.co.uk @mcroktoberfest
manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk @mcranimation
Manchester Science Festival
Lowry Victorian Christmas Market
Venues across Greater Manchester 20th - 30th October Play, create and experiment with your scientific side as MSF brings together a unique blend of art, make-it workshops, performances and big experiences for all. A playful and imaginative programme invites visitors to immerse themselves in science, ideas and innovation.
Lowry Outlet, Salford Quays 24th - 27th November
manchestersciencefestival.com @McrSciFest
Lowry Square is transformed into a Victorian themed Christmas fair. Brush shoulders with Dickensian characters and roasted chestnuts galore. A real ale tavern, several stalls and a live brass band. All to warm your Christmas cockles. lowryoutlet.co.uk @lowryoutlet
Halloween in the City
Manchester Beer & Cider Festival
Venues & Streets across Manchester 21st - 31st October
Manchester Central, Windmill St M2 3GX 19th - 21st January
The city undergos a spooky transformation with huge imposing cemetery gates, pumpkin-lined streets and a giant spider. Join a ghost walking tour and discover the darker side of the city or the family orientated mysterious adventure to find the secret and spellbinding world of Dr Dee, Manchester’s most famous alchemist
Sample some of the very best beers and ciders from the UK’s booming brewing & cider making industries. Expect over 600 different beers & ciders with almost 15,000 beer lovers pouring through the doors of Manchester Central to try them out
halloweenmcr.com @halloweenMCR
mancbeerfest.uk
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(cc) Eddy Milford
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Altrincham Market
Bury Market
Greenwood Street, WA14 1SA Tuesday and then Thursday - Sunday weekly Featuring traditional favourites. Quality food traders from fresh fish to fruit & veg, from regional cheese to prime meat cuts, from crafters to jewellers, from makers to vintage retailers and beyond. The markets showcase the talent, skill, passion and creativity of the finest traders in the North West and some amazing food altrinchammarket.co.uk @altrinchammkt
The Fish Market, Murray Rd, Bury BL9 0BJ Monday - Saturday Bury’s World Famous Market is a multi award winning market. It’s one of the most popular shopping destinations in the north of England attracting thousands of visitors each week with over 370 stalls drawing in the crowds. Market Hall: Monday-Saturday Fish & Meat: Monday-Saturday (closed Tuesday PM) Open Market: Wednesday-Saturday burymarket.com @BuryMarket
Bolton Artisan Market
Heaton Moor Producers’ & Arts
Heaton Fold, Overdale Dr, BL1 5BU 3rd Sunday monthly (February - December) Visitors will find an exciting range of high quality and locally sourced food, drink and crafts from specialist producers and suppliers. There is free parking on site as well as a gift shop and self-service café. The market is held under cover in bad weather
Shaw Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport SK4 4N 1st & 2nd Saturday monthly Focusing on bringing local, independent producers’ and artists together offering lots of products, including fresh produce, gift items and crafts - Producers’ Market: 1st Saturday monthly - Art Market: 2nd Saturday monthly
heatonfold.co.uk @BoltonArtisan
heatonmoormarket.com @HMoorMarket
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Love great food, art, design, music and street food? Then join us at one of our monthly weekend markets in Manchester. Northern Quarter Makers Market: 2nd Sundays - Stevenson Square, Mcr Spinningfields Makers Market: 3rd weekend, Spinningfields Sq, Mcr West Didsbury Makers Market: Last Sunday, Nell Lane/Barton Road, Mcr
themakersmarket.co.uk - @_makersmarket
Levenshulme Market
The Makers Market
Stockport Rd, Levenshulme Every Saturday (March-December) Since its March 2013 launch Levenshumle Markets delivers a diverse range of high quality traders and at every market you can expect an ever changing roster of 50 artisan traders selling produce, street food, plants, gifts, vintage clothing and homeware
Cheadle, Knutsford, Northern Quarter, Spinningfields, Didsbury (Saturday & Sunday) The monthly Makers Market brings together the finest and often award-winning food, drink, art & crafts producers in the area. The market is well known for presenting the very best of seasonal local farm produce, artisan breads, delicatessen and hand crafted cheeses, produced themakersmarket.co.uk @_makersmarket
levymarket.com @levymarket
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Piccadilly Gardens Food & Crafts
The Vintage Village Fair
Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester City Centre Thursday - Saturday weekly The Street Food Market features over 15 stall selling delicious food from around the globe. Middle Eastern wraps, dim sum and to chow mien noodles to Italian pasta, ostrich burgers and African cuisine. The Crafts Market sells a variety of beautifully crafted items and is open on Fridays and Saturdays
Stockport Market Hall, Market Pl, SK1 1EU 2nd Sunday monthly (March-December) Held in Stockports’ ‘Glass Umbrella’ and aims to deliver things might be rare or unique, beautiful, special, amusing, useful, bizarre or remarkable in some way. They are all intensely covetable and most of them are cracking bargains too. Once you are done browsing you can sample the great food and drink offerings
manchester.gov.uk/info/200066/markets
thevintagevillage.co.uk @Vintage_Village
Radcliffe Saturday Fine Food Market
Treacle Market
Radcliffe Market Hall, Blackburn St M26 9WQ Saturday weekly 9am-3pm Every Saturday, Radcliffe Market Hall becomes a foodie heaven, with a plethora of artisan producers bringing you the very best local produce available. Offering the finest food and drink from across the region, you can sample their produce, and fill your baskets with passionately made, and tasty fine food
Market Pl Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 6BA Last Sunday of the month (March-August) The market started in 2010 and each month sees the handsome cobbled Marketplace, and surrounding streets throng with visitors and over 150 stalls of unique crafts, exceptional lovingly produced food, drink and several vintage finds. When the sun shines, why not grab a rug and picnic on the church lawns?
radcliffefinefoodmarket.co.uk @radcliffemarket
treaclemarket.co.uk @treaclemarket
Saddleworth Handmade Markets
Wilmslow Artisan Market
Uppermill, Saddleworth – various locations April - November Much more than just a craft market, the Saddleworth events include a selection of stalls with local creative and craft products, workshops and free demonstrations by creative people and businesses from the local area. Check the website for full details
Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 1PB 3rd Saturday monthly (10am-4pm) The market consists of over 120 of the very finest artisan market traders and is the flagship of The Market Co’s events. You will find high-quality range of authentic goods with an emphasis on all that is local, ethical and original
creativenetwork-saddleworth.co.uk @SaddleCreativeN
themarketco.co.uk @_TheMarketCo
Andy Warhol - Gun (1981)
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LS Lowry: The Art & The Artist
Elizabeth Price Curates
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ Permanent Exhibition, open daily There are over 400 works in the collection, 57 of which are oil paintings. Alongside the works of art is an archive containing thousands of items ranging from photographs to press cuttings and exhibition catalogues. Both the collection and archive were formed by Salford Museum & Art Gallery and transferred to The Lowry in 2000. thelowry.com/ls-lowry @the_lowry
The Whitworth, Oxford Road M15 6ER until 31st October 2016 A dialogue between the virtual realm of film and the physical world of exhibits. This highly original exhibition stages an ‘austere melodrama’. Images of reclining or recumbent bodies in states of weariness, sleep, stupor, reverie, mourning, death and erotic transport whitworth.manchester.ac.uk @whitworthexhibition
Dunham’s Lost Years
Keep the Home Fires Burning
Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 4SJ Until 30th October 2016 Immerse yourself in Victorian grandeur as chandeliers, grand paintings and luxurious silk see the House transformed to tell a tale of love and loss. Eighteen year old George Harry became the 7th Earl in 1845 when he inherited Dunham Massey to become the wealthiest and most titled young man of the time. He rebelled against the polite Victorian society to marry skilled circus performer
Stockport Museum, Stockport SK1 1ES Until 13th November 2016
nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Exploring the impact of World War I on Stockport and the remarkable stories of courage bravery and sacrifice. Every family in Stockport was touched by the war in some way. Diaries, letters and personal objects reveal remarkable stories of courage bravery and sacrifice. stockport.gov.uk/museums @StockportMBC
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Puppet Masters: Aardman Studios
Perpetual Movement
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale M33 7ZF 5th November - 14th January 2017 Featuring puppets, props and production artwork from a range of Aardman titles including, Wallace and Gromit,The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! and Timmy Time, the exhibition will tell the story of how each character is brought to the screen
The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ 29th October - 26th February 2017 Five international artists explore convergences between contemporary visual art and dance in this major exhibition. Their works are inspired by the Rambert Archive and by Marie Rambert’s call for ‘perpetual movement’ ceaseless change in the search for new art and ideas thelowry.com @the_lowry
watersideartscentre.co.uk @watersidesarts
Rachel Maclean: Wot u :-) about?
Hats Amazing
HOME, Tony Wilson Place, First St M15 4FN 29th October - 8th January 2017 Maclean uses the fairytale genre to examine the murky boundary between childhood and adulthood. Exploring ideas of happiness and childhood as qualities that can be packaged and sold resulting in dark and unsettling adventures
Hat Works Museum, Stockport SK3 0EU Until 19 March 2017 Hats Amazing brings to light artefacts from the hatting collection that have not been exhibited before. The museum staff and partners have explored our collection and chosen their favourite objects, including an eclectic mix of previously unseen hatting gems
homemcr.org @home_mcr
stockport.gov.uk/museums @StockportMBC
Revolutionary Textiles 1910-1939
Artist Rooms: Andy Warhol
The Whitworth, Oxford Road M15 6ER Until 29 January 2017 In the early decades of the 20th century textile design took off in new directions throughout the Western world. Invigorated by experimental techniques, art styles such as Fauvism, man-made fibres, and the Ballets Russes, this outburst of creativity took place against a backdrop of political ferment
The Whitworth, Oxford Road M15 6ER 19th November - 16th April 2016 Examines the sharp critical opinions of an artist known to many primarily as art salesman, purveyor of product and celebrant of capitalism. Focusing on themes of death, politics and identity it presents audiences with Warhol’s reading of the American Dream
whitworth.manchester.ac.uk @WhitworthArt
whitworth.manchester.ac.uk @WhitworthArt
Paul Peter Piech: Human Freedoms
Wonder Materials: Graphene & Beyond
People’s History Museum, Left Bank M3 3ER Until 12th February 2017 Humanitarian and campaigner Piech’s influences were many, not least politics and equality, through to jazz and poetry. His print making was infused with both a desire to reflect the world’s wrong back on itself, and to demonstrate the power of compassion and art
MOSI, Liverpool Road M3 4FP Until 25 June 2017 What’s invisible to the human eye, thinner than a human hair and 200 times tougher than steel? And could be about to change your life? Graphene
phm.org.uk @phmmcr
msimanchester.org.uk @msimanchester
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(c) Billy Seagrave
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Manchester has a very strong music scene that has produced some of the countries, if not worlds, biggest bands. It is easy to name just a few such as The Smiths, New Order or Oasis. This trend continues today with many Manchester based, or inspired, emerging bands and musicians playing live gigs in some of the city’s best-known music venues. These include Night and Day Bar on Oldham Street, Matt & Phreds for Jazz, Manchester Academy, a haunt for students and international artists alike, or the Manchester Arena one of the biggest music venues in Europe. Classical music is not forgotten, Manchester is home to the world-class RNCM music teaching college. The Bridgewater Hall and even Manchester Cathedral are both staples venues for classical and orchestral music.
Looking for the full on intimate live experience? Then try The Ruby Lounge, on the High Street, presenting a breadth of rock and AOR bands. Manchester’s famous Band on the Wall is another excellent space and is very popular with major artists performing prior to going onto larger venue national tours. The Warehouse Project is a clubbers heaven, whereas the new Neighbourhood Festival looks like it is going to be a lot of fun or how about the Eurovision Christmas Party, at the Stockport Plaza, for some fun flag waving! Therefore, it is easy to say that Manchester is still at the for-front of music creation and production. This is a great time to dive in and get to hear bands and musicians where they are at their best.
Last Night of the Autumn Proms
Eurovision Christmas Party
Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St M2 3WS 15th October Including Rossini The Barber of Seville Overture | Sousa Liberty Bell March | Grieg Morning and In the hall of the mountain king | Verdi Brindisi from La traviata | Mascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana | Jenkins Palladio | Bizet Flower Song from Carmen
Sockport Plaza, Mersey Sq, Stockport SK1 1SP 13th November A perfect night for a Christmas Party, loved by all our Eurovision Christmas Party is a Flag waving, FESTIVE FROLIC through all that’s great in British Eurovision. A jam packed show which includes 2 of only 5 UK past winners
tickets.bridgewater-hall.co.uk @BridgewaterHall
stockportplaza.co.uk @stockportplaza1
Ukrainian Music Festival
La Vie Parisienne
Ukrainian Cultural Ctr, Smedley Lane M8 8XG 22nd October For the first time in the UK an opportunity to see some of the best musicians Ukrainian culture has produced. All over the world, artists use their Ukrainian heritage to inspire their performances, and very few of them are seen in Britain
RNCM, 124 Oxford Rd M13 9RD 7th - 17th December Andrew Greenwood conducts Offenbachís comic portrayal of Parisian life, with guest director Stuart Barker. This opera is an engaging love story that takes us on a whistlestop tour of Paris’ glittering nightlife rncm.ac.uk @rncmvoice
www.kulturafestival.com
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Off The Record
Warehouse Project
Manchester Northern Quarter Venues 4th November
Store Street, Manchester 23rd September - 1st January 2017
Off The Record is a brand new emerging multivenue music event and conference featuring new music industry – label and publishing, A&R, bloggers and promoters. Showcasing performances from 30 emerging artists in 6 legendary performances venues
The Warehouse Project returns to Manchester this Autumn heading back beneath the streets. This year taking place back at Store Street as well as a number of other venues across Manchester
otrmcr.com @otrmcr
thewarehouseproject.com
Louder Than Words
Manchester Irish Festival
The Palace Hotel, Oxford Street M60 7HA 11th - 13th November 2016 The brand new genre-based literary festival celebrating words - oral, written and published - associated with the music industry. Authors, poets, performers, lyrics and lyricists, journalists, DJs, bloggers and publishers of music and popular culture
Venues across Greater Manchester March 2017 With over 200 events at over 100 venues throughout Greater Manchester during the ten days of the festival there is bound to be something to celebrate your Irish History (even if you haven’t got any...) There is a huge parade and Albert Square turns green with an Irish themed market
louderthanwordsfest.com @Lthanwordsfest
manchesteririshfestival.co.uk
@cirquemcr www.cirqueburlesque.co.uk Cirque, Queens Rd, Manchester, M9 5FF
Matthew Bourne’s - The Red Shoes
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Manchester’s theatre scene is a thriving exploration of drama, documentary, musicals, opera, independent productions and comedy, to mention just a few. The city centre has four theatres Home, The Opera House, The Palace Theatre, The Royal Exchange plus the Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays. All of these excellent venues have a very diverse offering of shows and productions. The independent scene is very strong, just look at the Contact Theatre, the Dance House or even the intimate 3MT in Afflecks. These and the mainstream theatres deliver a breadth of performance and productions second only to London. We have rounded up some of the best events coming this autumn/winter and a whole host of shows for you to discover by visiting the theatres websites.
ComedySportz Waterside Centre, Waterside, Sale M33 7ZF until December ComedySportz is an all ages, all improvised show where two teams battle it out for laughs as players create quick-witted sketches, scenes and songs from whatever suggestions are thrown at them by the audience
watersideartscentre.co.uk @WatersideArts
D.A.F.T. at the Dancehouse The Dance House, Oxford Road M1 5QA Monthly until June 2017 A monthly Comedy Event: Hosted by Sir Randolph Tempest, as seen on Phoenix Nights and BBC’s The Detectorists; featuring bizarre sketch spices and odd character herbs For extra flavour add guests and surprises thedancehouse.co.uk @thedancehouse
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Jumpers for Goalposts
All or Nothing
Oldham Coliseum, Fairbottom St OL1 3SW 7th - 22nd October
Opera House, 3 Quay St M3 3HP 18th - 22nd October In 1964, a new phenomenon exploded onto the dingy British streets. It was the essence of all that was cool. It was Mod. Mods stuck two fingers up at the class-ridden society and its dull redundant culture. They were workingclass free spirits who rode sexy streamlined Italian Vespas or Lambrettas
Barely Athletic are at the bottom of their town’s LGBT league. Yes, they’ve had their triumphs, like trouncing Tranny United, but let’s face it, Utd’s striker was wearing a leopard skin mini skirt and the rest of the team were sporting stilettoes
atgtickets.com @ATGTICKETS
coliseum.org.uk @OldhamColiseum
Disney On Ice - Frozen
Ghost - The Musical
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, M3 1AR 13th - 16th October Be magically whisked away to wintry Arendelle by dazzling special effects and astonishing skating as you sing and dance along to inspiring songs including “Let It Go.” Join royal sisters Anna, Elsa and the hilarious snowman Olaf
Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford St M1 6FT 25th - 29th October Bill Kenwright stages a new production of the timeless story of love, despair and hope. Taking its inspiration from the classic movie, this innovative reimagining will feature an expanded book, new music and original staging
manchester-arena.com @ManchesterArena
atgtickets.com @ATGTICKETS
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The Ministry of Science Live
The Wind In The Willows
The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ
The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ
14th - 16th October Ministry of Science Live is not your ordinary science show – it comes with a bang. It comes with a whoosh. But most of all is comes with a hovercraft built on stage…. Oh, and a Human Cannon too!
27th Oct - 6th November Kenneth Grahame’s wild tale about the thrillseeking, lovable menace Mr Toad comes to life in a brand new stage musical with a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and Olivier Award-winning composer
thelowry.com @The_Lowry
thelowry.com @The_Lowry
Relatively Speaking
George’s Marvellous Medicine
The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ 17th - 22nd October Greg only met Ginny a month ago but has already made up his mind that she’s the girl for him. When she tells him that she’s going to visit her parents, he decides this is the moment to ask her father for his daughter’s hand after finding a scribbled address...
Opera House, 3 Quay St M3 3HP 15th - 19th November Roald Dahl’s amazing story about a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper. But when she drinks his special new potion, the most incredible things start to happen. And George’s adventure has just begun!
thelowry.com @The_Lowry
atgtickets.com @ATGTICKETS
Sleeping Beauty
Sweet Charity
Oldham Coliseum, Fairbottom St OL1 3SW 12th November - 7 January The North West’s favourite pantomime is back. Oh yes, it is! The wicked Carabosse puts a spell on the beautiful Princess Rose, making her sleep for a hundred years... Can a handsome prince save the day and awaken the sleeping princess with a kiss?
Royal Exchange Theatre, St Anns Sq M2 7DH 3rd December - 21st January 2017 Charity Hope Valentine is a dancer in New York City. With a heart tattooed on her arm and always looking for love, she has a habit of falling for the wrong man
coliseum.org.uk @OldhamColiseum
royalechange.co.uk @rxtheatre
Cinderella
Aladdin
Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft St BL1 1SB 18th November - 14th January It’s got all the traditional elements for a fabulous festive treat a feisty girl who dreams of dressing up and dancing, a wicked stepmother, mean older sisters, and a slightly geeky Prince but this Cinderella has one big difference
Opera House, 3 Quay St M3 3HP 9th December - 8th January It’s a pure genie-us of a panto, with an all star cast. If you’re looking for festive family fun, your wish is our command! Enter the cave of wonders, rub the magic lamp and be transported to an enchanting world that is sure to be Manchester’s highlight this Christmas!
octagonbolton.co.uk @octagontheatre
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atgtickets.com @ATGTICKETS
The Red Shoes (world premier tour)
Sorry Christmas is Cancelled
The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ 29th November - 3rd December Matthew Bourne’s magical new adaptation of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film reunites the team who brought you New Adventures’ world-wide hit, Sleeping Beauty, with sumptuous designs by Lez Brotherston
The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ 23rd - 27th December Katie and all of the other children around the world have just received the news that every child fears - Christmas is CANCELLED! Thieves have broken into Father Christmas’ grotto and stolen all of the presents, and with only a few sleeps left until the big day, there is no time to make any more thelowry.com @The_Lowry
thelowry.com @The_Lowry
Billy Elliot
Gaslight
Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford St M1 6FT 29th November - 28th January Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dream come true
Oldham Coliseum, Fairbottom St OL1 3SW 3rd - 18th February 2017 As the gas lights flicker newly wed Bella Manningham becomes convinced that she’s losing her mind just as her mother did before her. Her memories are haunted by an aunt violently murdered and a mother consigned to the asylum
atgtickets.com @ATGTICKETS
coliseum.org.uk @OldhamColiseum
unlockmanchester.com | @unlockmcr
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The Metroshuttle bus is a free service and makes travelling about the city easy and quick; just stick out your arm and hail ones these modern buses. With it 4 routes, the shuttle buses cover most of the city and have good interconnection with each another. The routes are circular so even if you miss your stop just stay on and it will come round again. You could even use them as way to sight-see the city‌ The buses are clearly marked and you can use the map to find the stops and route information. The Metroshuttle is funded as a working partnership between Manchester City Council, NCP and Allied London. Thanks guys! The Manchester Trams, in their fun bright yellow livery, trundle across the city transporting commuters and visitors alike.
These routes connect the main line stations of Piccadilly and Victoria Stations directly to the wider region and provide an excellent service to Manchester Airport. If you are off to The Lowry Theatre or the Outlet Mall, in Salford Quays, the tram will whisk you there in about 10 minutes from Piccadilly Gardens. Bury, with its attractions such as the East Lancashire Railway, its award wining Market and The Met theatre are only 30 minutes away. These services coupled with the commercial buses routes and the national railway connections make reaching and getting about the city fairly simple. Just remember to buy a ticket!
unlockmanchester.com | @unlockmcr