Culture Guides

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.

Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

Food and Drink in the North

New year, new you. Let us tell you exactly what food and drink you should consume over the coming weeks.

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.

Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.

Tours and Activities in the North

We're enjoying an arty start to the new year in 2025 in Tours and Activities with plenty of arts based events, games and workshops.

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 start the New Year.

Portrait of Rebecca Watts who is white with brown hair in a purple shirt against a green wall

Literature Events in the North

Readings are springing up everywhere as the live literature and spoken word scene starts to defrost.

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

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

Take me there

Seasonal Guides

Valentine’s Day

Don’t leave Valentine’s Day to the last minute. You’ll find plenty in our guide, from top restaurants to outside-the-box activities.

Two young girls dance with a human disco ball

Things to do over February half-term

Looking for things to do with the family over the February half-term holiday? We’ve got you covered.

Chinese New Year in Manchester

Colourful cultural adventures abound as Manchester rings in the Lunar New Year. Here’s our round-up of what’s on.

Helen Chadwick posing with a sculpture called Piss Flowers taken during the exhibition Helen Chadwick: Effluvia, held at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in 1994

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.

Alcohol-free things to do in the North

So you’re off the booze and you’re wondering what there is to do in Manchester that doesn’t involve drinking…

New Year’s Eve in the North

From warehouse raves to live funk and soul, vegan street food to fancy dining, here’s our guide to New Year’s Eve in Manchester and the North.

Christmas food and drink

The holidays are coming so that means it’s time to eat, drink and be merry for Christmas 2025.

Culture Guides

Things to do in Blackpool

Seasonal Guides

Destinations