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Record Store Day

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Taking place in April each year, Record Store Day brings together hundreds of the UK’s independent record shops to celebrate their unique culture. Special vinyl releases are made exclusively for the day and many shops host artist performances and events to mark the occasion.

In this guide we round-up what some of Manchester’s best record stores – including Piccadilly Records, Eastern Bloc, Vinyl Exchange and Vinyl Revival – have planned for the big day.

Plans for Record Store Day 2024 are a way off being released, but you’ll find the information here as it trickles in.

Seasonal Guides

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.
Contemporary Dance at The Lowry
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…
The Little Prince
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.
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.
Chinese New Year in Manchester
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.
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.
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.

Destinations

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

Culture Guides

GROVE
Music in the North

We’re championing all things underground this month, with a selection of gigs and festivals that embrace the strange.

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.

Cinema in the North

Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.

Mohair Man, 1991, by Dave Swindells
Exhibitions in the North

Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.

Good Fridaze Family Social at Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we edge towards spring we take a look at the best events and activities for families, from theatre to festivals, dinosaur adventures to family raves.

Poet Evan Jones
Literature Events in the North

Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.