1 December 2014

Polly Checkland Harding Posted 1 December 2014

Introducing our Advent Calendar – here’s the first post in a cultural countdown to Christmas. First up: books and dawgs.

Cornerhouse holds is annual art book sale today, and it’s an especially good one. Why? Because the good folk there are clearing out old film posters before the move to HOME next year. It’s a good bet for Christmas gifts for those literary and film-keen friends, relatives and lovers in your life. Today, 11am-5pm, Meeting Room 1, Cornerhouse.

Do more. Stick around for an evening screening of Dr Strangelove (6.30pm) and, if you’re feeling peckish, bob along to Gorilla later for a menu that features soups, salads, burgers and hot dogs – as well as totally moreish sourdough on the side.

Destination Guides

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Culture Guides

A man and a woman stood in front of a window at night look into each others' eyes

Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we head into the new year.

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.

Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.

Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

Tours and Activities in the North

Get creative, allow yourself to be curious and learn something new with this month's tours and activities guide.

Food and Drink in the North

Looking for the best winter meals the North has to offer? This month's guide to food and drink has the lot.

Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.

Poet Rosie Garland. Credit Absolut Queer Photography.

Literature Events in the North

It might be chilly out there, but we're shining our lantern light on some events that will warm the cockles.