NIA TV, from the Niamos centre

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Niamos

30 September — 22 December 2020 Entrance is free — Visit now

The Niamos centre is a much loved cultural melting pot, where the artists and creators work side by side with the organisers and producers. Their most recent project has been met with a similarly warm reception. NIA TV has been broadcasting some of the best artist led DIY content in the North of England. The refreshingly raw programming gives your mind a break from the artificial perfection of Netflix.

local broadcasting for local people is something we should treasure

Shows include NTV, Charmain Berry Morning Telly Show and Self Care with Neil Davis. The first in this line-up of audio visual goodies celebrates Manchester’s diverse and bountiful music scene. Tune in for a feast of new music, videos and interviews with local artists. Similarly, like every good morning TV show, Charmain’s Saturday morning broadcasts see her discuss hot topics with a panel of opinionated guests. Charmain Berry is a psychotherapist with a passion for alternative healing practises. Join her as she brings this background of study to a wide array of spiritual topics.

NIA TV has also become an online space for previously ‘real life’ events to take place. Having teamed up with venues such as Partisan and events like Test Card, they have been live streaming gigs, new audio-visual work and all day events, letting people keep creating, making and playing. It’s the local equivalent of tuning into Jools Holland’s Hootenanny, the atmosphere is still there even if those events can’t take place in the same format as they used to.

As national TV stations are becoming ever centralised, this kind of local broadcasting for local people is something we should treasure. It is one of the many ways we can stay connected and feel that sense of community in these odd times.

30 September — 22 December 2020 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near NIA TV, from the Niamos centre

food and drink
Restaurant
Belzan

Belzan is a modern bistro serving delicious food in a relaxed and friendly setting, in an unexpected location.

food and drink
Restaurant
NORD

A Scandi-inspired restaurants that celebrates Northern hospitality, with a seasonal menu made from locally-sourced ingredients.

food and drink
Liverpool
Restaurant
Mahoe Blue

Mahoe Blue is a bar and bistro that serves authentic Jamaican food in a cosy venue in South Liverpool.

music 2
City Centre
Music venue
Rough Trade

The largest of Rough Trade stores, it’s record shop, event space and concert venue in the heart of Liverpool, complete with its own gift shop

exhibition
Wirral
Gallery
Hamilton Vault Studios

A disused bank vault now conceals a unique gallery space and filming location, championing local creatives and their vision.

exhibition
Wirral
Gallery
Lake Gallery

Lake Gallery is an artist-run space in West Kirby, showcasing fine art and contemporary craft in regularly changing exhibitions.

literature
Library
Birkenhead Central Library

Birkenhead Central Library provides books and resources, and welcomes everyone to their community hub in a stunning, historic location.

library
Shop
The Reader, Calderstones Park

The Reader brings people together through a shared love of literature and their home is in the beautiful Calderstones Park in Liverpool.

bar
City Centre
Brewery
Ye Cracke

Hidden in the Georgian Quarter, Ye Cracke is a historic Liverpool pub, known for being John Lennon’s local in his student days

record shop
City Centre
Shop
81 Renshaw

81 Renshaw is a record store in Liverpool city centre, selling new and second-hand vinyl from a location with a long musical history

shop
Lark Lane
Shop
Larks

Larks is a vintage clothing and gift emporium in a bright pink shop where you’ll find a bit of everything, sprinkled with glitter.

What's on: Activity

Craft Beer Tour Around Manchester
Until
ActivityManchester
Craft Beer Tour Manchester

Join Craft Beer Tour Manchester for a journey through some of the cities best local breweries and artisanal beer serving bars. Discover the personality of Manchester’s beer through a diverse range of pints.

from £35
Until
ActivityManchester
Floating Art Workshops

Join expert teacher Ula for relaxed painting workshops that will have you creating work you can be proud of, no matter your level of artistic experience.

from £24.30
Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions

Culture Guides

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.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
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.

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
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.