This huge three-floor pub, formerly a Victorian warehouse, then an umbrella factory (hence the name), has one of the city centre’s largest beer gardens. The two-tier terrace overlooks the Rochdale canal and what used to be the back of the Hacienda, providing an unusual, historic view of the city. Rain Bar’s food menu of traditional pub fodder can be enjoyed outside, while barbecues are also available for special functions.
Experience the thrill of singing alongside one of the world’s most renowned musical institutions in a day of inspiring choral music.
from £29.50
The Bridgewater Hall’s flagship concert series brings the best international orchestras, celebrated recitalists and world-renowned choirs to Manchester.
from £8
Let the Hallé transport you to a galaxy far, far away…
from £18.00
EMPOWER: Women Changing Music is an initiative dedicated to promoting fairness and gender equality in the music industry. By spotlighting female composers and musicians, EMPOWER creates an environment that celebrates women, broadening the historically male-dominated canon, and is an outlet for positive change.
from £5.00
To celebrate this year’s Record Store Day, ten writers have teamed up with musicians for Sleeve Notes, a unique collaborative performance response creating new writing and music.
from £5.00
Poets & Players is a must-go for lovers of words and music, presenting poets established and emerging, with the latest readers Zaffar Kunial, Hannah Copley, Rachel Davies and Hilary Robinson.
free entry
A brand-new production of this family favourite flies back into Manchester for a fun-filled, musical adventure at the Palace Theatre.
from £15.00
‘A Riot In Three Acts’ uses film, installation and sound to explore themes of civil unrest and the social inequalities that trigger it.
free entry
Iconic Manchester pub adorned with the sorts of bottle green, yellow and brown Victorian tiles that are a reclamation yard’s dream – this gem of a boozer is named after Sir Walter Scott’s novel of the same name and was a favourite hang-out of Eric Cantona.
Originally called The Temple of Convenience owing to its former life as a public toilet block, this is a tiny bar with some of the finest bathroom graffiti in town.
The Ritz was originally a dance hall, built in 1928, has hosted The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and The Smiths and is still going strong as a gig venue now.
Society Manchester is a glorious indoor and outdoor space in the very heart of the city, with five street food vendors to choose from and a range of high-quality drinks.
A bar and 10-pin bowling alley combined, Dog Bowl is a neon-lit venue that serves up cocktails and Tex-Mex food to go with your time on the lanes.
Standing on the corner of a junction opposite The Bridgewater Hall, The Briton’s Protection is Manchester’s oldest pub. It has occupied the same spot since 1795, going under the equally patriotic name The Ancient Britain.
Gorilla is a good choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. From a hearty full English to meaty burgers via good vegan and veggie options. It also hosts some of the best gigs and events in Manchester.
Late-night dive bar in Manchester’s fast-growing First Street neighbourhood.
Nudo Sushi Box on Manchester’s Oxford Road specialises in freshly-prepared boxes of – you guessed it – sushi.
One of Manchester’s most important cultural buildings, The Bridgewater Hall attracts the biggest names in classical music.
The International Anthony Burgess Foundation in Manchester was established in 2003 by the A Clockwork Orange writer’s wife, Lianne Burgess.
Small but perfectly-formed café – which also serves as the in-house bookstore, stocking all manner of Burgess-related works, along with recordings of his music. It’s a welcoming space, with huge glass windows making for a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
We’re championing all things underground this month, with a selection of gigs and festivals that embrace the strange.
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.
Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.
Not long now, spring is on its way but wave goodbye to winter with some of the North's best food and drink.
Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.
Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.
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.
