If you’re still wondering how C3PO got that red arm (and I mean, who isn’t?), or know somebody who is, then you’ll probably want to start your shopping here. The Waterstones of the geek world, Forbidden Planet have books, comics and some undeniably cool merch to boot. Hulk Hands anyone?
An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.
from £5.00
Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.
free entry
Beat the Frog is a legendary amateur comedy night, taking place each and every Monday. Many famous names prove it’s the real deal.
free entry
Try your hand at stand up comedy with an eight week intensive course with Dave Williams in the Frog and Bucket’s School of Comedy.
from £300.00
‘Shadow and Void: Buddha10’ combines historic Buddhist sculptures with contemporary, multisensory artworks that offer a space for reflection
free entry
In support of The Weather Station’s new album, Humanhood, Tamara Lindeman and her band perform at Band on the Wall.
from £19
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.
Twisting the sounds of techno and post punk, the much-hyped three-piece Chalk are bringing their high octane live show to Band on the Wall.
from £15.59
Affleck & Brown is a bar in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Housed in the Smithfield building which was once the location of the Victorian department store of the same name. Enjoy cocktails, beers, wines and coffee.
The UK’s first grilled cheese restaurant and already something of a Mancunian icon.
Located on Manchester’s Hilton Street, in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Vinyl Revival is a piece of Mancunian music history.
Primely located on Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter, Cass Art Manchester offers a vast selection of high-quality art materials at affordable prices.
Independent cafe in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter. Perfect if you’re looking for high-quality homemade produce.
One of the oldest vintage shops in the Northern Quarter (opened here in 1994), Pop is set out across two floors and racks up a cafe, barber’s and basement furniture section, as well as its own label and good-as-new originals – all for very reasonable prices.
Barbarella is a barber shop and part of the long-standing Pop Boutique vintage shop.
Somehow the only tapas bar in the Northern Quarter, Evuna is where it’s at for traditional Spanish grub and damn fine drinks.
Charming diner featuring a range of international dishes, based in the heart of the Northern Quarter. The place to go for brunch on Tib Street.
This small shop has “Northern Quarter” stamped all over it, from its “potting shed”-feel to its bunting for sale and unusual selection of potted-up plants.
Piccadilly Records is the real deal, a record shop so good that it probably deserves some credit for the regeneration of its surrounding neighbourhood.
Vintage clothes shop on Manchester’s Tib street, specialising in current and retro trends.
Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.
Not long now, spring is on its way but wave goodbye to winter with some of the North's best food and drink.
While spring takes its sweet time to arrive, we've assembled a selection of indoor Tours and Activities that will have you feeling cosy and comforted.
Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.
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.
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.
Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.
Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.
