Events in Manchester

Upcoming Events

Want to be where the happening's at? Then check out these exciting events coming to Manchester in the next few weeks!

Fashion Market - Nothing in the High Street takes your fancy? Pop down to Tib Street in the city centre every Saturday and grab unique creations from budding designers at the highly popular Fashion Market.
Wheel of Manchester - Join the queue on Exchange Square and get the chance to see breathtaking views of the city.
Doctor Who exhibition - this exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry is a must-see for all fans of the cult TV show.

In The City

In the City Live is the biggest city-based music event in Europe. This free event brings new and existing talent to Manchester, including big names like Lisa Mafia and Jamelia and ITC Live International brings some of the best new signed acts from all over the globe, including Australia, Canada, Finland and Denmark.

ITC Urban celebrates the non-American voice of R&B while ITC unsigned showcases the best of fresh talent. ITC unsigned have previously launched bands like Coldplay, Oasis, Stereophonics and Muse.

In the City Live lasts for 3 days with a variety of different events around the city each night, so there's something for you - whatever you fancy. The event falls just after fresher's week each year so watch out for it, it's too good to miss!

Torremolinos

Torremolinos, an annual event held at Manchester University Students Union, is a 12-hour party that stretches through each of the Academies. When the doors open at 8pm expect a sea of students, dressed in a kaleidoscope of outfits.

Apart from the games and the amusements, there's plenty of music and beer. A pint of Snakebite or Diesel goes for £1 but drinks are only served until 4am so its best to gather as many drinks as you can to last you through the night. If you prefer water to beer, bottles of water are bargain at £1.

There are plenty of rooms playing a variety of music to to dance to. Many play a mix of recent pop and R&B with a pinch of cheesy 90's pop. Torremolinos is the place to go if you're game for a laugh. Tickets are about £16 and they go really quickly so get your tickets early. Don't be afraid to dress up for this event either, and most importantly, look forward to an awesome time!

Manchester Pride

Manchester Pride is an annual event held to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life. In 2003, Manchester held Europride, the biggest LGBT Festival in Europe and raised over £127,000 for charity while in 2004, Manchester Pride raised £131,000.

Traditionally held over the August Bank holiday weekend, tickets for Manchester Pride are between £10 and £15 or £5 for a child's day ticket. You can either get day tickets or for the entire four days. There are a variety of events including:

Key 103 Manchester Pride parade;
pink picnic and treasure hunt;
pride games;
pink cinema at red cinema;
lesbian and gay heritage trail; and
the vigil.

Other Events

Christmas in Manchester

If this is your first year away from home, and you're feeling a bit lonely - grab a few friends and celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season together. Head down to Albert Square to join the hundreds who witness the Christmas lights switch-on, guaranteed to get you in the mood for Christmas.

Or why not visit the European Christmas Market, another annual favourite. Albert Square, St Ann's Square and Exchange Square play host to market traders from all over Europe from November. Selling unique gifts and delicious continental produce, Christmas shopping in Manchester makes for an enjoyable and interesting experience.

Food and Drink Festival

Another event Mancunians look forward to is the Food and Drink Festival - the biggest event of its kind in the region. Now on its 8th year, this annual food feast attracts people from all over the country due to its varied programme of events in some of the city's best restaurants. There's plenty of food and wine tasting, charity cook-offs and demonstrations by celebrity chefs.

You can also take a guided walk around the Northern Quarter with Blue Badge guide Jonathan Schofield and take in some of Manchester's historic pubs.

Manchester City

The Manchester City experience, which lasts until May 2006 is formally named '125 Years of Football - the Mancunian Way'. November 2005 marks the 125th anniversary of Manchester City's initial formation as St. Mark's Church side in West Gorton, and the football club will be holding a series of exhibitions, focusing on the club and Manchester life in the last 125 years.