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May

Creative Tourist

Summer is just around the corner, festivals are coming into view, and the warmer weather is getting everyone feeling a bit more inclined to get out there and explore what Manchester and the North’s has to offer by way of culture.

Happily there’s a whole lot. Spring Half Term and Spring Bank Holiday are always filled with great exhibitions, theatre shows and gigs, and the region’s many excellent restaurants are rolling out fresh new seasonal menus.

And if the increasing temperatures have got you feeling really brave, why not try some wild swimming? Or adventure activities? Or take it easier while exploring the North via the best of its Outdoor Art.

Seasonal Guides

An illustration people shopping at The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market
Christmas Shopping in the North

Back away from the high street and support some of Manchester’s best independent makers, sellers and curators this Christmas.
Tilly and the bear
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.
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.
Visit Blackpool.
Christmas Markets in the North

Makers, bakers and curators will be out in force this festive season as the North’s best Christmas Markets whirr into action.
Christmas in Manchester and the North
Christmas in the North

If you’re looking for alternative or interesting things to do over Christmas in Manchester and the North, look no further.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2021
Christmas food and drink

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

Destinations

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

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

Take me there

Culture Guides

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.

Tilly and the bear
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.

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.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

Poet Maria Sledmere.
Literature Events in the North

Bookish goings-on are perfect for picking up presents for others and treats to get yourself through the cold, dark days ahead.

Walker & Bromwich, Love Cannon, 2006, lambda print Photo:
Exhibitions inthe North

Before the festive season completely takes over, we've rounded up some of the best exhibitions to see right now.