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Black History Month in Manchester and the North

Creative Tourist

Black History Month’s an opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture.

Here in Manchester and the North, you’ll find a fantastic programme of events taking place throughout October. From exhibitions to theatre shows to dance, we’ve rounded up our arts and cultural highlights.

Not everything’s been announced yet, so do keep an eye on this page — we’ll be adding more highlights as and when they arise!

Our top picks

Barbara Walker: Being Here at The Whitworth

Barbara Walker at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 26 January 2025, free entry - Visit now

The Whitworth presents the first major survey exhibition by British artist Barbara Walker, who makes visible the Black experience through figurative charcoal drawings, paintings and installations.

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The artist Barbara Walker, is a standing figure, working on her wall-drawing Vanishing Point. She draws four large figures of people on a large gallery wall.
Barbara Walker working on her wall-drawing Vanishing Point at Cristea Roberts Gallery, 2022. Courtesy Cristea Roberts Gallery. Photo: Helen Waters

Ballet Black: Heroes at The Lowry

Ballet Black: Heroes at The Lowry, Manchester, 20–21 November 2024, from £17.50 - Book now

Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black present a new dance double bill by the award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November and Franco-British artist Sophie Laplane.

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Ballet Black: Heroes at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Isabela Coracy.

Seasonal Guides

Christmas in Manchester and the North
Christmas in Manchester and the North

If you’re looking for alternative or interesting things to do over Christmas in Manchester and the North, look no further.
sunny bank mills
Christmas Shopping

Back away from the high street and support some of Manchester’s best independent makers, sellers and curators this Christmas.
Player Kings at Manchester Opera House
Cultural Calendar 2025

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2025.
Christmas food and drink

Don’t worry about the calories, the holidays are coming so that means it’s time to eat, drink, be merry for Christmas 2023.

Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Leeds Grand Theatre
Christmas Theatre and Concerts

As the big day approaches, you can count on theatres and concert halls across the North to pull out all the festive stops.
Creepy capers across Manchester and the North for little and big ghosts with the most.
Halloween in Manchester and the North

As Halloween approaches read our guide to the creepy capers happening for little and big ghosts with the most.
Timekeepers
Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.

Destinations

Timekeepers
Spotlight on

Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.

Take me there

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.