Ah festivals. We do them well up north. From giant, inhibition-loosening weekends in farmers’ fields to inner-city parties that showcase the best of local, underground scenes, festival lovers are spoilt for choice.
Here we pick our highlights for spring/summer 2024, taking in everything from hedonistic escapes to brain-tickling festivals of ideas, via family-friendly fun. What’s more, a number of our picks below are free, and accessible to anyone!
Manchester’s longest running music festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, returns with 10 days of the best northern, national and international contemporary jazz – featuring big-name bands, emerging artists and new works.
This summer, Manchester International Festival invites the world’s best creative minds to reach across art forms, smash boundaries, and speak to urgent contemporary issues.
Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.
Take me there
Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.
From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.
Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.
From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.
Get creative, allow yourself to be curious and learn something new with this month's tours and activities guide.
Looking for the best winter meals the North has to offer? This month's guide to food and drink has the lot.
As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.
It might be chilly out there, but we're shining our lantern light on some events that will warm the cockles.
