The Old Abbey Taphouse
Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor
STEAM focused – pub, hub and event space, food, local ale, recording studio, rehearsal room, urban farm + micro-brewery. Food served 11.30am-3pm and 5-10pm.
What's on near The Old Abbey Taphouse
The Waeve at Band on the Wall
A year on from their acclaimed eponymous debut album, Rose Elinor Dougall and Graham Coxon AKA The Waeve are back with a new record and a new tour.
from £24.75
Manchester Writing School Alumni Showcase at Manchester Poetry Library
Spring 2025 sees the first in what promises to be a series of events to showcase work by alumni of the Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University.
free entry
International Mother Language Day at Manchester Poetry Library
Manchester’s newest library will be celebrating International Mother Language Day on Thursday 23 February with free events and refreshments provided in the library.
free entry
SJ Bradley and Rachel Bower at Blackwell’s
Two Yorkshire-based, Manchester-published authors are heading over th’ills to the Rainy City for his event at Blackwell’s Bookshop – S J Bradley and Rachel Bower.
from £4.00
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Wild About Birds at Manchester Museum
Keep your eyes on the sky and go Wild About Birds at Manchester Museum this February Half Term.
free entry
Until
Wild at Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum explores the concept of ‘wild’ nature as a means of tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis in a new exhibition.
free entry
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Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990
The Whitworth presents ‘Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990’, a landmark show about women’s rebellion and creativity.
free entry
Until
Jakkai Siributr: There’s no Place at The Whitworth
‘Jakkai Siributr: There’s no Place’ is a dazzling display of textile works by one of Southeast Asia’s leading contemporary artists.
free entryWhere to go near The Old Abbey Taphouse
Manchester
Want Not Waste
Want Not Waste is a student-run, not-for-profit zero waste shop operating out of Academy 1 at the University of Manchester Students’ Union.
Manchester
The University of Manchester
Celebrating its 200th year in 2024, The University of Manchester is the largest single-site university in the UK, and boasts come incredible cultural institutions, found on campus, across Manchester and…
Manchester
Whitworth Park
This 18-acre park opposite the Manchester Royal Infirmary provides a welcome patch of green in an otherwise densely populated and heavily used part of the city.
Manchester
The Whitworth Hall
Rarely-opened neo-Gothic gem that’s part of the University of Manchester.
Manchester
Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama
The Martin Harris Centre is a performance space off Manchester’s Oxford Road
Manchester
Club Academy
Basement venue at the University of Manchester Students’ Union building.
Manchester
Manchester Academy 3
Brilliant venue for catching a touring band on the rise. The boringly titled Academy 3 or more interesting Hop and Grape, as it was once known, is a self contained…
Manchester
The Cafe
at the Museum
at the Museum
Manchester Museum’s cafe is run by the people behind award-winning cafe Teacup Kitchen. The menu features home-baked cakes, the finest loose leaf teas and breakfast, as well as a wide selection of mains and meals for kids.
Manchester
Manchester Academy
The Manchester Academy is a mid size, modern warehouse venue adjacent to the University of Manchester Students’ Union. It lacks any architectural merit and has always been a difficult place…
Manchester
The Holy Name of Jesus Christ
Built in the late 19th centure, the Holy Name sites in the middle of the University of Manchester.
Manchester
Manchester Poetry Library
The North West’s first public poetry library, Manchester Poetry Library opened in 2020 at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Manchester District Guides
Culture Guides
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
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.
Music in the North
Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in latest live music round up.
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.
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.
Cinema in the North
Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.
Literature Events in the North
Readings are springing up everywhere as the live literature and spoken word scene starts to defrost.