fbpx
Connect with us
https://propermanchester.com.temp.link/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/secret-suppers-advert.jpg

What's On

Manchester’s first ever Christmas opening ceremony is happening this weekend

Manchester’s First Day of Christmas will be celebrating the festive season in style

Avatar photo

Published

on

Manchester City Council

Manchester is going all out for Christmas this year with its first ever ‘First Day of Christmas’ ceremony. 

Now, the city is already gearing up to host a whole array of festive events following the disaster that was last Christmas (thanks, Covid), such as the return of the iconic Christmas Markets, the UK’s largest outdoor winter market and a ton of other mulled wine-fuelled fun.

But this year, for the first time, Manchester will be having its very own Christmas opening ceremony, complete with live bands and entertainment.

Manchester City Council

Manchester City Council

The city-wide event, organised by the Manchester Business Improvement District, will see more than fifty performers appear on the city’s streets throughout the day as they help Manchester not only celebrate the ‘first day of Christmas’, but bring a bit of festive joy to all.

Visitors will also be able to meet the beautiful puppet Aurora and her Arctic Fox in an unmissable roaming performance on Exchange Square by the Scandinavian Global Grooves, while stilt-walking reindeers making their way into the city centre.

Over at The Royal Exchange Manchester, visitors will be transported to Narnia where they can meet the Ice Queens at Photo Corner as well as see The Living Lamp Posts as they illuminate the streets of Manchester, while a life-size Snow Globe Queen entertains crowds over on St Ann’s Square.

Manchester City Council

Manchester City Council

Families will also be able to enjoy music courtesy of a live brass brand throughout the afternoon with Bloco Brass Band and, in the evening, SPARK! Band’s one of a kind light up Christmas Music Show.

Other entertainment will come courtesy of the Winter Circus as they welcome you into the city from Deansgate and onto Market Street.

First Day of Christmas celebrations will take place across the city this Saturday, November 13th, the day after the opening of the Christmas Markets. Locations and times of acts may change on the day, so head over to the council’s website for more information.

What's On

New makers market with everything from dog accessories to house plants and jewellery coming to Manchester

Get this one in your diary!

Avatar photo

Published

on

Supplied

A brand new makers market is coming to Manchester this late May Bank Holiday weekend, with something for everyone.

Taking place at New Jackson – a new urban neighbourhood located at the southern gateway to the city – Manchester Made Market will be held on Saturday May 25th and Sunday May 26th.

Over the two days you’ll be able to browse a selection of local artisanal traders and small businesses from across the region.

Supplied


There’ll be everything, from food produce, homewares, crafts and creations to dog accessories, house plants, jewellery and homemade soap.

Among the traders will be Manchester and Cheshire-based florist and floral artists Dot & Flora, graphic artist Ablott MCR selling music prints, HGT with crochet fashion and homeware designs, and artisan candlemakers Leaves and Prickles.

Elsewhere, there will be essential oils and other treatments from Grounded Wellness, permanent jewellery from Sealed Links, and desserts from Cake With Heart.

Supplied


There will be plenty of street food options to keep you topped up while you shop, including The Wild Grill, Food Sorcery, Salvi’s and new favourite Medlock Canteen.


Neighbourhood Brew will be supplying some great drinks as well.

Supported by Renaker, the market is free, but you can upgrade your experience with a limited, free VIP ticket with access to the dedicated bar area.

Continue Reading

What's On

Manchester Flower Festival returns with tributes to Sarah Harding and Caroline Aherne

It’s taking place later this month!

Avatar photo

Published

on

The Vain Photography / Manchester Flower Festival

The legendary Manchester Flower Festival is returning to our city later this month, complete with pop-ups, installations and tributes to some local icons.

Taking place over the late May Bank Holiday, the event will be headlined by its ‘Floral Trail’.

This year’s theme is Manchester Icons, with a host of names past and present being honoured in flower form, including the late comedy legend Caroline Aherne, pop star Sarah Harding and suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

The Vain Photography / Manchester Flower Festival

Collaborating with Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow, floral designer Liv Woodward will create a portrait of Caroline Aherne at the Floral Marquee on New Cathedral Street, using sustainably sourced plants and flowers.

Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding will be remembered in a ‘tribute garden’, sponsored by the AO Arena, with visitors able to donate to the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal by scanning the QR code at the display.

The homage to Pankhurst has been created by female-led Decordia, featuring an ornate wooden Manchester Town Hall-inspired planter with sashes, posters and colourful icons, alongside a wicker figure of the suffragette herself.

This can be found at the corner of Cross Street and King Street, adorned with purple, green and white plants – the colours of the suffragette movement.

The Vain Photography / Manchester Flower Festival

Other local legends will also be honoured with their own installations, including Happy Mondays vocalist Rowetta and iconic Manchester brewery Boddingtons .

Fringe events will be taking place too, at locations including Northern Quarter art shop Fred Aldous, The Bridgewater Hall, the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel and the National Trust’s Castlefield Viaduct.

Selfridges Exchange Square, El Gato Negro, Tast Catala, Franco Manca, Grand Pacific Manchester and Urban Playground will also be taking part, with alfresco dining, festival-related dishes and cocktails.

The Vain Photography / Manchester Flower Festival

Now in its seventh year, the Flower Festival, which is put together by Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, with live entertainment, workshops, and arts and crafts markets.

It all happens from May 24th to May 27th – head over to the website HERE to find more information.

Continue Reading

What's On

Billie Eilish announces FOUR Manchester shows as part of world tour

Avatar photo

Published

on

Billie Eilish / Instagram & Co-op Live

Pop star Billie Eilish is coming to Manchester, with four dates confirmed at the new Co-op Live arena.

The Grammy and Oscar-winning pop icon will be playing Manchester’s newest arena on July 19th, 20th, 22nd and 23rd, 2025.

The dates are part of a full world tour taking place next year, in the wake of Hit Me Hard And Soft, her fourth studio album which is due out on May 17th.

The full UK dates:

  • 7 July 2025 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
  • 8 July 2025 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
  • 10 July 2025 – The O2, London
  • 11 July 2025 – The O2, London
  • 13 July 2025 – The O2, London
  • 14 July 2025 – The O2, London
  • 16 July 2025 – The O2, London
  • 17 July 2025 – The O2, London
  • 19 July 2025 – Co-op Live, Manchester
  • 20 July 2025 – Co-op Live, Manchester
  • 22 July 2025 – Co-op Live, Manchester
  • 23 July 2025 – Co-op Live, Manchester


Presale tickets go live tomorrow, Tuesday April 30th, at 12pm and are exclusive for Co-op members only.

To become a Co-op member, click HERE, and enjoy exclusive benefits.

Continue Reading

Receive our latest news, events & unique stories

Privacy and data policy

We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase

Copyright © 2024 Manchester's Finest Group