Manchester After Hours 2018

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Naomi Kashiwagi at John Rylands Library for Manchester After Hours by Ben Williams
Naomi Kashiwagi at John Rylands Library for Manchester After Hours 2017 by Ben Williams

17 May 2018 Entrance is free

Part of UK-wide Museums at Night festival for the culturally curious, Manchester After Hours has brought thousands of post-5pm experience seekers to the city over the years, attracted by its ever-changing roster of unusual events and out of the ordinary collaborations. Though this fifth edition features a slightly more compact programme as organisers pause to consider how to grow even bigger and better going forwards, we think it’s safe to say that you’ll be just as hard pushed as ever to squeeze such an inspired selection of happenings into one night. Our tip: swap office shoes for comfy trainers.

17 May 2018 Entrance is free

Where to go near Manchester After Hours 2018

Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Shop
Aunty Social

Championing art, craft classes and local independent makers, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community.

Exterior of fish and chip shop
Blackpool
Restaurant
Harrowside Fish & Chips

Winner of the Good Food Award’s coveted Chippy of the Year award on multiple occasions, Harrowside is a great choice for fish and chips in Blackpool.

Ladies eating Fish and Chips
Blackpool
Restaurant
C Fresh

C Fresh is an old school, decidedly affordable chippy near Blackpool prom, consistently busy with locals – a sure-fire sign it’s doing something right.

Twisted
Blackpool
Restaurant
Twisted Indian Street Food

Blackpool’s number one Indian restaurant, Twisted Indian packs a flavour punch and isn’t afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Their motto? ‘Being normal is boring.’

Hauze Blackpool
Blackpool
Restaurant
Hauze

Dishing up European plates with plenty of fusion flare, Blackpool’s glitzy restaurant Hauze offers an extensive list of sushi alongside a selection of build-your-own burgers, and many a cocktail.

Amaro Blackpool
Blackpool
Restaurant
Amaro

Tucked away behind Blackpool’s famous copycat Eiffel Tower you’ll find Amaro, a popular local restaurant specialising in classic Italian cooking. A great spot for families and couples alike.

Abington Street Market
Blackpool
Restaurant
Abington Street Market Food Hall

Housing six independent food traders, two bars and a coffee shop, Abington Street Market Food Hall is a great choice for… choice! Great when you’re in a big (or fussy!) group.

What's on: Festivals

A close up of a pink bottle of Leeds Sauce
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FestivalsLeeds
Compass Festival 2024

With interactive encounters and live performance, Compass Festival is set to animate the city of Leeds this November.

free entry
Until
FestivalsManchester
Winter Island

Freight Island has transformed into Winter Island for the Christmas season, focusing on all things fun and festive.

free entry
ignite at gibside
Until
FestivalsNewcastle
Christmas at Gibside

Experience Christmas at Gibside, a gorgeously traditional celebration of the festive season, set in the eighteenth-century house and gardens.

free entry
FestivalsManchester
Lightwaves at Salford Quays

An unmissable ten days of luminary adventures. Interact with boundary-breaking new commissions, create your own digital masterpieces and take a selfie with a Dalek. Yep, really.

free entry

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.