Events
X-mas X-travaganza (Shantay You Sleigh) at Albert Hall
Tuesday 14th December
This Christmas performance spectacular features some of Drag Race’s most iconic and much-loved queens from across the UK, US and Canada. Hosted by dynamic drag duo The Vivienne and Baga Chipz, fans can expect an evening of unmissable, unapologetic, fierce Christmas cheer, accompanied by a magical sleigh ride and a Santa’s Grotto featuring a Drag Santa and her entourage of elves.
Mad Friday
Friday 17th December
Mad Friday, Frantic Friday, Black Eye Friday or whatever you want to call it, has always been one for the diary. Taking place in the week before Christmas, the term was originally coined by the Police to describe the busiest Friday of the festive season, with end-of-year industry parties and pub goers flocking to the bars to sink a few too many festive pints. The atmosphere is always cracking, though, so, if you don’t have plans, make sure you get out and support your favourite local boozer!
The Refuge Christmas Carol
Friday 17th, Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th December
This weekend will see the continuation of The Refuge’s excellent ‘Christmas Carol’ series of events, with a particular focus on choirs this weekend, with a special performance on Friday from The Sunday Boys Choir (6:30pm), Manchester Choir on Saturday (4pm) and the Manchester Glee Choir on Sunday (4pm). All of this alongside the usual offering of Christmas food and drink menus and DJs in the Public Bar.
The Gruffalo Christmas Winter Wonderland at Stretford Mall
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th December
If you’ve got kids and want to give them something to do this weekend instead of annoying the hell out of you – Stretford Mall have two days of events and activities for them to work all of those E numbers off. There’s a Gruffalo Trail, where the kids can search out characters from the much-loved children’s book, plus Arts & Crafts, a cinema and loads more.
Food & Drink
The Wild Goose Opens
Thursday 16th December
Formerly ‘Francs’ on Goose Green in Altrincham, The Wild Goose is a new restaurant concept from the very successful team behind the popular Tre Ciccio, and it’s opening this week! The menu is inspired by classic European dishes, put together using the best locally sourced produce and paired with an exciting wine and drinks menu. We’re popping down tomorrow – so we’ll let you know what it’s like.
The Butcher’s Quarter Christmas Supper Club
Friday 17th December
Butcher’s Quarter on Deansgate Mews are hosting a relaxed Supper Club this Friday, filled with food showcasing the incredible range of produce that they offer day-in, day-out. Alongside each course there will be perfectly paired wines available. The menu features Pittenween Halibut paired with a Bone Marrow Martini, Packington Free Range Chicken Agnolotti (raviolli), Ribblesdale Mallard and a selection of cheeses and chutneys.
The Rochdale Festive Vegan Market
Saturday 18th December
The Rochdale Vegan Market is back this weekend, taking over the town’s Riverside area this Saturday with a variety of vegan street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, small-batch soapers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities + loads more. Things will be kicking off from 10:30 and finish at 4pm, and it’s FREE to attend.
Clubs & Gigs
15 Years of Hit & Run at WHP
Friday 17th December
Originally curated by Rich Reason and spending its heyday encased in the sweaty walls of Mint Lounge, this weekend will see WHP celebrate 15 years of Manchester’s iconic club night, Hit & Run. The line-up includes a range of DJs from Sherelle and Break, to Skeptical and Sicaria Sound. Finest favourite Chimpo will be there, alongside DMZ, Strategy, Biome, Sparkz and loads more.
Afriqoui at The Blues Kitchen
Thursday 16th December
With their release on Mawimbi Records last year, Afriqoui come to Manchester this Thursday for their debut performance at The Blues Kitchen. Merging Congolese, Gambian and UK dance music, their live shows are an explosion of unique and infectious dancefloor sounds, which creates a captivating show sure to get those toes tapping!
The Last Origin of the Year (with Blind Mic)
Thursday 16th December
After 18 successful weekly shows since launching this year, this Thursday see’s Origin close out the year with Manchester’s ‘Blind Mic’, a rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist; raised on the mic of underage raves from the age of 16. A rising star of the North, Blind Mic has worked with the likes of IAMDDB, Murkage Dave and July7.
Beats for Beds at The Carlton Club
Friday 17th December
The Carlton Club, in leafy, suburban Whalley Range, sees Ruf Dug sidle up next to another Manchester don, namely Mr. Scruff, for an all-night back-to-back this Friday 17th December. The party forms part of Shelter Me, a multi-location event and weekend-long live stream by Beats for Beds which also has dates in London, Leeds, Mexico, and Canada, to name but a few.
W. H. Lung at Gorilla
Friday 17th December
Manchester-based sparkling synth-pop trio, W. H. Lung return to the city where it all began this Friday with a performance at Gorilla. Taking inspiration from the likes of LCD Soundsystem, Talking Heads and Prince, the three-piece return with new music from their second album, Vanities, playing homage to the dance floor.
Arts & Culture
Six at Lowry Theatre
From Tuesday 9th December
Nominated for a ton of Olivier Awards, this musical has cleverly been cited as one that “everyone is losing their head over!” That’s because it’s about Henry VIII’s wives – as they take to the mic to tell 500 years of historical heartbreak into one 75-minute production. They’ll be taking over The Lowry from Tuesday and won’t be leaving until the 9th Jan – so plenty of time to get tickets.
Duckie at HOME
From Wednesday 15th December
Part of HOME’s Christmas programming, Duckie is a re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling – a family-friendly show packed with glitz and glamour with a message of tolerance and self acceptance at its core. Set in an animal circus, Duckie is a story of self-discover which asks questions on the “happily ever after” in celebration of difference.
SAYIN? Cold Moon Xmas Special at Niamos
Sunday 19th December
Sayin? are heading back to where it all started this Sunday, with a special Christmas show at Niamos in Hulme. As usual, the evening will be a coming together of the city’s singers, rappers, poets, MC and whoever else wants to get up on stage and wax lyrical. It’s the last Sayin? of 2021 – so get on down and show your support!
The NQ Grotto at Ducie Street Warehouse
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th December
Back again for another packed weekend of shows and singing, the NQ Grotto will be taking over the foyer of Ducie Street Warehouse with their unique blend of comedy, music and Christmas cheer. Dance with the Ice Princess, sing-along with Mrs Claus, and meet Santa himself in this magical 60 minute extravaganza.
35mm Film Photography Class
Sunday 19th December
This masterclass will be focused on familiarising yourself and becoming confident with using 35mm films and cameras, loading and ‘lacing’ your film, the different types of films, common mistakes and a basic understanding of how film is developed and negatives scanned. After that, you’ll then take a walk around the city centre to put your new-found knowledge to the test and develop your skills with an instructor.
