Boasting the status of ‘the oldest active African orchestra’, Benin’s Orchestre Poly-Rythmo has been active since the 1960s, playing styles such as afrobeat, funk and soukous on hundreds of records.
Three of its original members, Vincent Ahehehinnou, Gustave Bentho and Loko Pierre, continue to drive the orchestra both live and on record – with their most recent release, 2016’s Madjafalao, attracting almost universal praise.
In support of The Weather Station’s new album, Humanhood, Tamara Lindeman and her band perform at Band on the Wall.
from £19
Following a sellout show with Habibi Funk, Me Gusta Collective is back at Band on the Wall for the big one: New Year’s Eve.
from £10
Band on the Wall bring people together to make, as well as watch, music. Join them to learn folk tunes from all over the world.
This January, legendary Afrobeat artist Femi Kuti plays an intimate Manchester date with his band, The Positive Force.
from £27
Belzan is a modern bistro serving delicious food in a relaxed and friendly setting, in an unexpected location.
A Scandi-inspired restaurants that celebrates Northern hospitality, with a seasonal menu made from locally-sourced ingredients.
Mahoe Blue is a bar and bistro that serves authentic Jamaican food in a cosy venue in South Liverpool.
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
A disused bank vault now conceals a unique gallery space and filming location, championing local creatives and their vision.
Lake Gallery is an artist-run space in West Kirby, showcasing fine art and contemporary craft in regularly changing exhibitions.
Birkenhead Central Library provides books and resources, and welcomes everyone to their community hub in a stunning, historic location.
Love Lane Brewery offers delicious food and a wide selection of beers as well as tours of the brewery and gin distillery.
The Reader brings people together through a shared love of literature and their home is in the beautiful Calderstones Park in Liverpool.
Hidden in the Georgian Quarter, Ye Cracke is a historic Liverpool pub, known for being John Lennon’s local in his student days
81 Renshaw is a record store in Liverpool city centre, selling new and second-hand vinyl from a location with a long musical history
Get priority booking on the best seats, special discounts, invitations to exclusive events and much more. Are you in?
from £45.00
Band on the Wall bring people together to make, as well as watch, music. Join them to learn folk tunes from all over the world.
The Bridgewater Hall’s flagship concert series brings the best international orchestras, celebrated recitalists and world-renowned choirs to Manchester.
from £8
Leeds International Concert Season is on a mission to push boundaries, expand horizons, and ask the question: ‘What haven’t we heard?’ as it presents its city-spanning Sound Out Leeds series.
from £10.00
Aviva Studios powers into its second year with another thrilling line-up, featuring major works and world premiere performances alongside a super accessible public programme of free events.
from £0
Escape to Freight Island, has announced its programming for New Year’s Eve, including live performances, DJs, and top-notch food and drink.
free entry
Dress up and get down to The Bridgewater Hall this New Year’s Eve, for an uplifting gala concert themed around Let’s Groove.
from £40.25
The Warehouse Project rounds off 2024 with a knockout party curated in collaboration with Defected, Glitterbox and Melé’s Club Bad.
from £45.00
Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we head into the new year.
Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.
From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.
From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.
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.
