Heiner Goebbels’ appearance at hcmf// 2019 is special. A composer and director whose name is synonymous with contemporary music, he is also an esteemed pianist and improviser – but has altogether stopped performing on those terms. In a late-night concert at St Paul’s Hall, he will deliver a rare free-form concert with Gianni Gebbia. On the morning of the concert, he’ll discuss both ends of his musical spectrum.
Future Yard is the Wirral’s most exciting music venue providing a stage and opportunities for musicians and the local community.
Serving excellent Pan-Asian dishes and quirky cocktails, Chamber 36 is a stylish restaurant on the edge of Liverpool’s China Town.
Brass Monkey is a quirky bar with swings serving delicious drinks, tucked away down a quiet street in the centre of Liverpool.
A stylish 26-bed hotel in the heart of Liverpool with luxurious room décor, in a listed Georgian townhouse – perfect for a quieter stay.
The Botanical Gin Garden is a seasonal outdoor gin bar, open six months a year, serving a wide selection of delicious gin drinks.
Cafe Tabac is the longest running café bar in Liverpool, serving food and drinks to arty locals and curious newcomers.
Formerly a vintage chemist, McGuffie’s is a cosy cocktail bar located in a historic venue on Liverpool’s Castle Street.
Dead Air Records is a vinyl shop in Liverpool, offering a perfectly curated selection of records and a friendly space for music lovers.
The ultimate destination for seasoned plant lovers and beginners alike, Root sell a wide selection of gorgeous houseplants.
Resurrection is a long-established clothes shop, selling quirky items from both larger and niche brands to Liverpool’s fashion lovers.
Whether you’ve half an hour or a full day, you’ll always find something new to discover at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.
Celebrate the Art of Action at HOME, featuring Sam Peckinpah, Buster Keaton, Keanu Reeves and vintage pulp Mexican cinema.
from £7.95
Experience Christmas at Gibside, a gorgeously traditional celebration of the festive season, set in the eighteenth-century house and gardens.
free entry
A celebration of the North West’s creative talents, PUSH Festival at HOME Manchester is always a highlight of the theatre calendar.
Early tickets are on sale now for the 11th annual Manchester Film Festival.
from £30
Liverpool Biennial 2025 is back for its 13th edition, with artists presenting work around the leading theme of ‘bedrock’.
free entry
Manchester will once again become the world’s stage this summer, with Manchester International Festival taking over venues and spaces across the city.
Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.
From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.
Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we head into the new year.
From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.
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.
