HOME has announced it will be recommencing live theatre performances in Manchester from October and an exciting schedule of productions is already lining up.
Live theatre is coming HOME in just a few weeks time.
The last live theatre piece was presented at HOME in March just before the country was placed into lockdown amid the coronavirus COVID-19, and it was recently announced that it the First Street venue would be reopening doors on 4th September, with its five cinemas, bar and restaurant the first to come back.
Announcing in a statement via its website, HOME said it is “delighted” to be returning with a full programme of productions in October.
These are set to including World Premieres from RashDash, David Hoyle and Robin Richards, and Clara Casian, along with the return of critically-acclaimed artists Javaad Alipoor, Sh!t Theatre and Le Gateau Chocolat, among many others.
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Due to necessary social distancing measures, it’s been confirmed that HOME’s 500-seat Theatre 1 has been reduced to a capacity of just 120 to allow space, but despite this, tickets will be priced at just £10 to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to return to the theatre.
HOME / Visit Manchester
Dave Moutrey – HOME’s Director and CEO – believes it is more important than ever for theatre to be both accessible and risk-taking. He said: “Following the incredible response to our opening weekend announcement, I’m pleased to be able to unveil a theatre season starting in October that includes brand new work, boundary-pushing ideas and some of our favourite artists.
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“Much has changed since we closed in March, but we must do all we can to bridge the potential growth in social inequality as a result to this pandemic.
This is why, despite limited capacity due to social distancing, we will make every ticket available for no more than £10 [and] in addition, we will give equal weight to delivering work online, to ensure that audiences who cannot return just yet can still engage with new, relevant work.”
He continued: “The international social and political fabric has been ripped apart in the period since we closed, and it is more important than ever that we provide a platform for great art to reflect this.
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“We are proud to be presenting every one of these works, old and new.”
HOME Manchester / Paul Karalius
During the period of closure during lockdown though, HOME did continue to work online by presenting new artist commissions in theatre and visual art, hosting film streams and director Q&As, and supporting artists through digital workshops.
The good news is, for those who do not feel ready to return to a live theatre environment just yet, this digital service is set to continue and the line-up is no less impressive.
The people of Manchester can also expect screenings of new releases, 4k restorations, titles the HOME film team loved, but which missed their opportunity to be seen on the big screen due to lockdown, a series of digital book launch events, and an announcement on the Autumn exhibition in HOME’s gallery – which is set to follow in the next few weeks.
HOME’s annual PUSH Festival will also return in January 2021 and will be extended to run for a month from late January and into February (Monday 18th January – Saturday 6th February).
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You can find more information about the commencing of live theatre via the HOME website here.
Full information on social distancing and the COVID-safe measures which will be in place at HOME upon reopening next month can also be found here.
What's On
A magical family-friendly winter adventure with a light trail and live entertainment is returning to Tatton Park Gardens
Daisy Jackson
One of winter’s top events will return to Tatton Park Gardens this year, with another season announced for Yuletide.
The magical winter adventure will once again bring a glittering light trail and theatrical, immersive performance to the famous beauty spot.
This unique fusion of Christmas light trail and winter family festival is now in its third year, and will debut brand-new features and performances for 2025.
As visitors wander the Yuletide event, you’ll be treated to everything from sparkling light installations to impressive fire juggling shows.
Audiences are invited to step into a world of winter folklore, filled with live music, cosy campfire stories, and plenty more.
New this year will be a troupe of leaping acrobats, plus a new live music stage in the woods, and brand-new enchanting characters to meet around every corner.
Another new element is the wild Wassail, inspired by a centuries-old Twelfth Night tradition of singing and banging pots and pans together to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Wild Rumpus launch of Yuletide at Tatton ParkYultide returns to Tatton Park. Credit: Cat DineleyYultide returns to Tatton Park. Credit: Emma Croman
As night falls, Tatton Park Gardens will be transformed into a family-friendly winter escape.
Magical memories to be made include the chance to sip hot chocolates and toast marshmallows over a campfire, as a traditional storyteller weaves tales for the whole family.
And the glittering light trail includes interactive installations, glowing puppets, and characters inspired by festive tales.
There’ll also be food vendors serving up tasty festive treats and mulled wine.
Yuletide comes from Cheshire-based event producers Wild Rumpus, who’ll be unlocking new parts of the grounds this year.
Credit: Emma CromanCredit: Anna Hornby
Wild Rumpus’ Director Rowan Cannon said: “This year is a fresh and enchanting adventure for the whole family, with a twist of wild creativity.
“There’s loads of never-before-seen elements, including spellbinding acrobats performing as people arrive, a music stage in the woodland with performances from amazing live bands, and a dreamy Shadow Forest where you can cast shadows against beautiful backdrops.
“The trail is taking a new route through Tatton Park Gardens this year, so people can explore parts of the grounds they’ve never seen at night before.”
Yuletide will run at Tatton Park Gardens on selected evenings between Saturday 15 November and Tuesday 23 December 2026.
Tickets start from £19 for adults and £11 for children, but under 2s go free, with selected dates offering off-peak tickets.
Map and full lineup revealed for Heaton Park’s dazzling NEW immersive light trail opening this month
Emily Sergeant
Heaton Park will be transformed into a glowing world of wonder as one of the UK’s most celebrated festive light trails makes its Manchester debut this month.
And now, just weeks away from the grand opening date, organisers have given visitors all the information they need to know – including sharing a full map of the site.
In case you missed the announcement earlier this summer, visitors will soon be able step into an immersive world of light and sound as Northern Lights – the acclaimed light trail from the team behind established music festivals Kendal Calling and Bluedot – descends on our city’s largest park this winter.
Already a hit in other major northern cities such as Leeds and Newcastle, Northern Lights has captured national attention with its cinematic visuals, choreographed soundscapes, and festive atmosphere.
The mile-long route will feature 16 large-scale installations, each synchronised to bespoke soundtracks creating a 90-minute experience like no other.
Heaton Park’s dazzling NEW immersive light trail is opening this month / Credit: Supplied
Winding through Heaton Park’s iconic grounds, visitors will encounter glowing tunnels, enchanted glades, and a stunning illuminated lake scene, all promising to deliver an incredible experience for visitors of all ages.
Organisers say the new trail is designed to ‘spark wonder’ as the magical festive season arrives.
Alongside the trail, there’ll also be a ‘Christmas Village’ serving up mulled wine, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and street food from Manchester’s finest independent traders, alongside vintage fairground rides, and open fire pits to complete the winter vibes.
“We’re beyond excited to be bringing the Northern Lights magic to Manchester’s Heaton Park, and can’t wait for everyone to see all the work and creativity that has gone into the installations,” commented Emma St. Croix, who is the Senior Marketing Manager at Northern Lights Manchester.
“Bringing this festive experience to Manchester and working alongside amazing local communities and talented artists has been a true privilege, allowing us to create something uniquely magical that brings the whole family together.”
Northern Lights is not only one of the UK’s most successful festive light events, but it’s also one of the most accessible, as the Manchester trail will be fully accessible for wheelchair users and prams once it arrives this winter, following hard paths, ramps, and matted areas, with no steps in sight.
On top of this, there’ll also be dedicated quiet sessions for neurodivergent visitors, and the chance to get wristbands allowing queue-jumping for those with additional needs.
Northern Lights will arrive at Heaton Park on 20 November and run up until New Year’s Eve (31 December 2025), with timed entry slots every 15 minutes from 4:15pm up until 8:15pm (times may vary during off-peak days), and tickets are on sale now.
Prices starting at £15 for adults, £5 for children aged three and up, and under threes going free – and you can also use the code LIGHTS20 at the checkout to enjoy 20% off.
Emily Sergeant -
27th August 2020 
