With the Christmas countdown officially begun, we’ve got a host of great stuff to do this week. A festive tipi with an intergalactic vibe has landed in the courtyard outside New Century, there’s a Patrón cocktail session at Maya and a culinary experience like no other at the Manchester Jewish Museum.
There’s also the launch of one of the most exciting new clubs in the city and a benchmark performance from the legendary 808 State.
Get involved.
Nova Star Festive Tipi at New Century
New Century have kick started the festive season with their big Christmas tipi in Sadlers Yard. Santa has swapped his sleigh for an intergalactic space station to create a celestial Christmas experience like no other. Visitors can enjoy a special, space-age menu of cosmic cuisine and cocktails amongst a constellation of dazzling decorations. Guests can expect a bespoke food and drink menu, including a specially created Cosmos from the Cosmos cocktail menu, which features a collection of space-themed Cosmopolitans.
Headlines and Phonelines: A snapshot of HIV through a Mancunian gay lens at The Refuge
The Refuge host their new art exhibition in partnership with The George House Trust ahead of World Aids Day on 1 December. In collaboration with the charity, who celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2025, the exhibition is made up of archive materials summarising the journey of HIV and George House Trust from the early 1980s to today. The project showcases the invaluable work of the Manchester-based trust, that has supported people living with HIV since 1985.
Festive Cocktails at Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor have teamed up with four of their favourite bars from around the world (located in cities where you can find one of their restaurants) to showcase their favourite cocktails for the party season. Choose from The Gingerbread Man (from DEAD RABBIT in New York), Café Mantuanos (from Three Sheets in London), Cold Spell (courtesy of Manchester’s own Schofield’s) and Nauti Grasshopper, by the folk from Nauticus in Edinburgh. All of the drinks will be available at all 13 Hawksmoor locations throughout December.
Remi Wolf at Albert Hall
Remi Wolf follows up her support slot on the European leg of Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour by announcing a string of headline dates. In celebration of her forthcoming sophomore album Big Ideas, Remi will play at Manchester’s Albert Hall on Monday 2 December 2024.
Sandwith.Studio at the IND!E Pop-Up initiative
Local independent knitwear brand Sandwith.Studio will pop-up at John Lewis this festive season. Part of the IND!E Pop-Up initiative, it’s a fantastic opportunity for fashion fans to browse Sandwith.Studio’s wares and find out more about the brand, which is based in Stockport. Everything they make is individually crafted by hand in their studio, using a vintage Dubied knitting machine and locally sourced yarns, including lambswool spun in Yorkshire and cotton spun in Lancashire. This event is part of IND!E Pop-Up’s mission to help small businesses grow by bringing unique local products to major retailers.
Come From Away at The Lowry
Multi-award winning West End show Come From Away shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives. Experience the joyous story and music as locals and global passengers come together and forge friendships that stay with them forever. The first female American Airlines captain, the quick-thinking town mayor, the mother of a New York firefighter and the eager local news reporter are among the many real characters caught at the start of the moment that changed the course of history, and whose stories became a true celebration of hope, humanity, and unity.
The Horrors at YES
Indie-goth faves The Horrors perform in the intimate surroundings of The Pink Room at YES. Expect to hear their signature tracks like Still Life, as well as teasers from new album Night Life, their first in 7 years. Take a rare opportunity to see this loud and atmospheric act up close and personal.
Patrón Cocktail Dinner at MAYA
One for the cocktail lovers – MAYA and Patrón Tequila come together this week for an unforgettable celebration of bold flavours and exceptional cocktails. Join the team on Tuesday 3 December for an exclusive dinner featuring a specially crafted Patrón tasting flight (with 50% off food too). Enjoy the limited edition cocktail menu, showcasing the dynamism of Patrón tequila, from a strawberry lychee to the smoky spiced hibiscus paloma and a rich tequila negroni.
Put The Big Light On Festival 2024
Bolton town centre will transform into a festival of light for four magical evenings this December. The Put The Big Light On festival will see the town shine with a fantastic display of light art installations from internationally renowned artists. Curated by Things That Go On Things, the free art trail celebrates Bolton being Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture 2024, inviting community organisations to come together to bring creative, family-friendly art to the borough.
Christmas Gifting at The Norah Store
The lovely folk at The Norah Store in Ancoats will open their doors on Thursday evening for a Christmas gifting special. Join the team for a complimentary cocktail from Moth Drinks whilst browsing their curated gifting selection – including skincare, home accessories, jewellery and more. You can also get complimentary gift wrap on the night and check out their new Christmas window display.
‘The Table’ culinary experience at The Jewish Museum
On the evening of Thursday, 5 December, Manchester Jewish Museum invites all food lovers and culture enthusiasts to embark on a one-of-a-kind culinary journey with ‘The Table’, an intimate evening dining event that promises to tantalise the tastebuds and ignite the imagination. For the first time, the museum’s café transforms into an exclusive dining destination, offering an elevated four-course vegetarian meal inspired by the rich tapestry of Jewish migration stories. Drawing from the vibrant flavours of Morocco, Syria, and Eastern Europe, The Table invites guests to explore Jewish heritage through inventive dishes rooted in history and tradition. Each dish served during the evening will be carefully curated, drawing inspiration from stories in the museum’s collection.
IDLES
Searing rock brutalism arrives at the O2 Apollo courtesy of Bristol’s IDLES, on the back of the worldwide success of Tangk, their celebrated fifth studio album. Joe Talbot and co will absolutely tear it up (and for those wanting more, they’re DJing afterwards at YES).
808 State: 90 Live at New Century
The original acid house innovators 808 State will be marking 35 years since the release of seminal album 90 with a special show at New Century. Performing the album in full, plus a set of classics, deep cuts and new material, founding member Graham Massey will take to the stage on Friday 6 December.
Echoes Festival La Guirlande at Instituto Cervantes
Instituto Cervantes host the La Guirlande as part of the Echoes Festival this week. The group, which was established in 2016, are one of the leading ensembles specialising in historical performances of 18th and 19th century music. Using original period instruments as well as replicas, the ensemble’s purpose is to perform as close to the original idea of each composer as possible. Catch them at the Instituto Cervantes on Friday 6 December.
All Of This Unreal Time at Aviva Studios
Aviva Studios will host a screening of Aoife McArdle, Cillian Murphy and Max Porter’s mesmerising film All Of This Unreal Time this week. The showing will be followed by live performances of new music inspired by the film from composers Aaron & Bryce Dessner and Jon Hopkins.
‘A man – any man, everyman – walks alone through night and the city. From subway to pavement to wide open marshland, he confesses his failings: emotional, physical, political. To whom, and for what? Ashamed and alarmed, he considers both the smallness of human life and the scale of the world, and ultimately our most pressing obligation: to care for those alongside us, and for the earth that sustains us.’
In this night of cinema and music, watch the film starring Cillian Murphy, then take in live performances of new music inspired by the film from the composers of its original score, Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner (of The National) and Jon Hopkins. This will be followed by a Q&A with Max Porter, Aoife McArdle, Bryce Dessner, Aaron Dessner, Jon Hopkins and Mary Hickson, chaired by Keisha Thompson.
Sam Fender at Co-op Live
North Shields’ finest, Sam Fender embarks on his first UK tour since Spring 2022. The Seventeen Going Under singer will play at Co-op Live in Manchester on Friday 6 December and Saturday 7 December 2024. As part of the People Watching Tour, he will also stop off for dates in Leeds, London, Birmingham and Glasgow. £1 from every ticket sold for the UK dates will be donated to the Music Venue Trust in support of grassroots venues.
The Untold Orchestra presents Movement at Factory International
The Untold Orchestra present a meditative, multi-artform work exploring the experience of black creatives through a mix of music, dance and spoken word. Taking place at Factory International, Movement seeks to address the tribulations and experiences of black creatives. Created by The Untold Orchestra, Movement is a compelling, collaborative performance capturing experiences of ‘archetypal roles, stereotypes and expectations’ that black artists and communities in Manchester face.
Winter Open Studio Sale at Seven Limes Pottery
Seven Limes Pottery host a seasonal sale at their studio in Ardwick in December. From functional pots for daily use to sculptural art works, the winter sale is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and find a special gift for a loved one, or even just for yourself (hey, you deserve it). Shoppers can browse a mix of samples, seconds and old stock at a reduced price as well as finding out about the studio’s excellent pottery workshops.
GREY GOOSE® Lates presents… Derrick Carter at Exhibition
Exhibition welcome Derrick Carter, certified Chicago house legend, to their 360 booth for the latest of their GREY GOOSE® Lates event series. Derrick’s sets are rooted in house, but he travels outside club tastes, incorporating old-school disco, soul, jazz and whatever catches his fancy. It will be an education. Derrick joins resident DJs IVES and Eddie Leader (Hudd Traxx) bringing the vibes to the city centre venue.
Amber’s Launch Party with Prosumer and Tama Sumo
Manchester’s hottest new club venue Amber’s opens its doors to the public for the first time. And what a line-up to do it with. Breaking in the soundsystem will be Prosumer and Tama Sumo, feted for their legendary sets at the Panorama Bar in Berlin. Rave on.
Manchester Made Market at New Jackson
More than 40 independent makers and food traders will be heading to New Jackson for the Manchester Made festive market this weekend, powered by Renaker. Taking place over three days, stalls including everything from homewares to festive gifts will be set up in the public space at the foot of the Deansgate Square towers from 6 to 8 December.
Miracle on 34th Street at HOME
Join HOME for a festive musical this Christmas as Miracle On 34th Street arrives at the Manchester city centre theatre. Featuring classic songs including It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, the show is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit this holiday season.
Millennial Vintage Open Weekend at Hilton House
Head over to the Millennial Vintage showroom this weekend to browse vintage fashion and second hand pieces, the perfect opportunity to stock up on winter essentials or grab a Christmas gift. Expect stylish coats and jackets, single-stitch t-shirts, unique 80s and 90s pieces and vintage accessories. There will also be free beer, mulled wine or a soft drink on arrival to get you into the spirit too.
Pete Tong Ibiza Classics
DJ, broadcaster and global dance music legend Pete Tong lands in Manchester with his Ibiza Classics show at the AO Arena. He will once again be joined by long time collaborator Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra.
KOMPND AfterDark at Albert Hall
KOMPND take over the historic Albert Hall in Manchester city centre to celebrate their third anniversary. Head over the venue on Saturday 7 December as they close out the year with one of their biggest parties, AfterDark. Expect a unique 360 concept that will see the DJ booth on the floor, bringing partygoers as close to the action as possible. UK funky pioneer Crazy Cousinz, rising star Izzy Bossy, Central Cee’s official DJ Andy P, Halfports & KOMPND residents Stxylo & DJ Kay will be playing the very best of R&B, dancehall, Afrobeats, hip hop and 90s classics.
Vintage Village Christmas Fair
Head down to Stockport Market on 8 December for the return of Vintage Village, with a festive twist. Boasting 60 different stalls, including 25 brand-new traders to the market, browse vintage fashion, furniture, art, books, homewares and more. Just a 10 minute walk from Stockport train station, the venue in the heart of the town centre is dog friendly. Plus, it’s soundtracked by DJs playing nostalgic tracks. Entry is £2.50, £2 for concessions and free for children under 12.
Christmas Showcase at Ad Hoc
Join Ad Hoc wine shop in the Northern Quarter this December for a showcase of 50 of their finest wines. Sample pours from all over the world and get tips from the Ad Hoc experts for finding the perfect gift or tipple for Christmas Day. All wines on show will be available for purchase on the day, or home delivery nationwide in time for Christmas.
Manchester Ceramics Collective at Altogether Otherwise
Manchester Ceramics Collective is a group of 11 ceramicists and potters working out of a shared production studio in Old Trafford. By sharing resources and working on projects and events together, the collective has quickly gone from strength to strength and now creates ceramics for top chefs, restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes as well as featuring work in independent stores and galleries across the country. Shop pieces from across the collective ahead of Christmas at Altogether Otherwise.
Tags:
Events
