Peter Kay has promised that tickets for his live tour will start at the same price as they did 12 years ago.
The Bolton-born stand-up comedian announced a surprise return to the stage yesterday for his first shows in more than a decade.
The gigs are likely to face huge demand – the last time Peter planned tour dates he sold out 100 nights, but the tour was cancelled due to ‘unforeseen family circumstances’.
And while concert tickets are getting steadily more and more expensive, the beloved comedian has promised to do his bit to help out.
He says that with the cost of living crisis being so difficult for so many, he’ll be pricing his tickets from just £35.
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“It’s good to get back to what I love doing best,” Kay said ahead of his return.
Peter Kay. Credit: BBC
“If there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now. And with the cost of living at an all-time high, ticket prices are starting from £35, which is the same price they were on my previous tour in 2010.”
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Tickets for Peter Kay’s nationwide tour start from £35, and will officially go on sale on Saturday 12 November at 10am.
If you can register for one of the pre-sales for Peter Kay tickets, you’ll have a second chance and buying some.
Customers on mobile networks Three UK and O2 will both be able to try and buy tickets ahead of the general sale, with pre-sale starting from 10am on Thursday 10 November.
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Three said: “To access this pre-sale ticket window, fans need to be a Three UK customer (Pay Monthly or Pay As You Go) and have downloaded and registered on the Three+ app before pre-sale opens.
“Three+ is the rewards app from Three UK, with exclusive offers from leading brands across food and drink, entertainment, days out, wellbeing and shopping. The Three+ app is free to download for Three customers to enjoy the latest rewards and a few extra plusses in life.”
O2 customers can access an O2 Priority pre-sale from Thursday 10 November from 10am.
Peter Kay UK tour dates in full
Friday 2 December 2022 Manchester AO Arena Saturday 3 December 2022 Manchester AO Arena Saturday 17 December 2022 Birmingham Utilita Arena
Friday 6 January 2023 Liverpool M&S Bank Arena Saturday 7 January 2023 Liverpool M&S Bank Arena Friday 20 January 2023 Leeds First Direct Arena Friday 17 February 2023 Sheffield Utilita Arena Thursday 23 February 2023 Belfast SSE Arena Friday 24 February 2023 Belfast SSE Arena Thursday 9 March 2023 Newcastle Utilita Arena Friday 10 March 2023 Newcastle Utilita Arena Thursday 23 March 2023 Birmingham Resorts World Arena Thursday 6 April 2023 Dublin 3Arena Friday 7 April 2023 Dublin 3Arena Friday 05 May 2023 Glasgow OVO Hydro Saturday 06 May 2023 Glasgow OVO Hydro Friday 19 May 2023 Leeds First Direct Arena Friday 16 June 2023 Cardiff International Arena Saturday 17 June 2023 Cardiff International Arena Friday 14 July 2023 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena Saturday 15 July 2023 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena Friday 11 August 2023 Sheffield Utilita Arena
Featured image: Publicity picture
Art & Culture
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 15 – 21 December 2025
Emily Sergeant
Can you believe we’re half way through December now, and a new year will soon be here?
Greater Manchester is looking as seasonal as ever at the moment, with dozens of light trails and Christmas events to be getting involved with, not to mention the iconic Manchester Christmas Markets having kicked off for 2025 too, so there’s loads to do throughout our region this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2025
Manchester City Centre
Monday 15 – Monday 22 December (some until 4 January 2026)
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 / Credit: Manchester City Council
This is your last full week to make the most of Manchester Christmas Markets 2025.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with hundreds of stalls across several sites now lining the streets of our city this year.
Visitors can tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 here, and check out the full round-up of drinks prices from all the traders here.
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Looking for somewhere a bit quieter but still full of festive spirit? We now have a round-up of the best alternative Christmas markets in and around Greater Manchester.
Manchester Christmas Markets are in full swing, and despite having a new layout this year, they’re kinda the same as always. So if you’re seeking something a bit different for your festive day out, Christmas shopping, or even dinner, there are a few alternative markets to try this winter.
From a brand-new event where street food traders centre around a flaming mulled wine bar, to one of the region’s best-loved weekend markets that now has a festive twist, there’s absolutely loads going on.
East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials’ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
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The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2025, ready for families, friends, and festive fun seekers to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas, Skate Manchester is festive staple in Cathedral Gardens.
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink for another year.
This year, there’s also a giant turbine by Octopus Energy that’s partially-powering the rink too, and you can skate around it while enjoying the ski scene in the globe.
The Grotto has returned to the Trafford Centre for the festive season.
This year, the shopping centre is taking things up a notch too, as The Grotto is described as being a ‘joyful’ and ‘interactive’ adventure where you’ll become part of a magical mission – saving Christmas cheer.
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To make the experience accessible to all, specially-tailored Whispering Winter sessions with softer lighting, quieter music, and fewer visitors will create a calm and inclusive environment for every child to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Manchester City are hosting special Christmas-themed tours of the Etihad Stadium this winter.
Having already been given the nod at Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ awards, the club’s Etihad Stadium tours have been given an even better festive upgrade. From walking out the tunnel welcomed to the tune of Christmas carols sang by the Halle Youth Choir and into the dugout, holding their own press conference, as well as a new VR experience, you’ve never quite done a tour like this. Give your fellow City fans a visit to their beloved Blues’ home ground like never before.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this winter?
Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
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It’s time to let your competitive side out – get ready to experience the city’s most unique attraction like never before. Race through the vortex, create the best mirror image, and complete the brain gym the fastest to win the dazzling trophy at the end.
Whether you’re team building with your work lot, or taking your mates for a bit of healthy competition, it’s a great one to have a go at.
Believe! The Polar Express Experience has landed in Manchester.
Having taken over Victoria Warehouse, this is an immersive walk-through experience, inspired by the timeless Christmas classic. You’ll be taken through the story in its entirety, stepping into the Polar Express carriage as a passenger and arriving to a festive Northern Lights display at your final destination – the North Pole, of course.
Photo opportunities are available throughout the experience too… yep, even with the big guy himself, so make sure to get snapping.
As a wise someone once said… ‘live, laugh, light trail’.
If there’s one thing we’re not short of in the North West this festive season, it’s light trails or seasonal light-themed events, so we’ve rounded up some of the best for you to visit this week, if you fancy popping down to one.
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Northern Lights
Heaton Park
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Monday 15 – Wednesday 31 December
Northern Lights / Credit: Supplied
Heaton Park has been transformed into a glowing world of wonder, as one of the UK’s most celebrated festive light trails has made its Manchester debut.
Already a hit in other major northern cities such as Leeds and Newcastle, Northern Lights – the acclaimed light trail from the team behind established music festivals Kendal Calling and Bluedot – has descended on our city’s largest park, bringing its cinematic visuals, choreographed soundscapes, and festive atmosphere along with it.
A magical illuminated trail has made it returns to the historic Dunham Massey, filling the grounds with twinkling lights and dazzling installations.
Christmas at Dunham Massey has become one of the North West’s most popular festive light trails, created by award-winning light trail producers, and for 2025, there’s a whole host of brand-new installations to see.
Visitors will get to walk through multicoloured landscapes of laser beams, while a projection on the facade of the historic house at Dunham Massey will narrate festive stories.
Land of Lights at Gulliver’s World / Credit: The Manc Group
The magical Land of Lights has returned to Gulliver’s World once again.
After proving to be a huge success the past two years, the one-mile trail showcases a huge array of lanterns and displays, creating a wondrous, wild, and magical atmosphere that’s suitable for all ages, and this year, there’s even some new additions.
The dazzling Lanterns and Light trail has returned to Chester Zoo for the winter.
Over the past couple of years, Lanterns and Light has proved to be such a success that it’s developed into one of the North West’s biggest and longest-running festive light trails, and all profits from the event support the zoo’s charitable mission to prevent wildlife extinction.
The zoo has transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland with colour-changing forests, glowing animals, show-stopping puppets and, brand-new for this year, a host of new immersive installations.
Yuletide at Tatton Park / Credit: Tatton Park / Emma Croman
One of winter’s top events, Yuletide, has returned to Tatton Park’s Gardens.
The magical winter adventure has, once again, brough 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, they’ll be treated to everything from sparkling light installations to impressive fire juggling shows.
Christmas has come early and Santa’s brought us the prettiest present of all this year.
A shiny new Anthropologie store has opened its doors inside a beautiful retail space at Royal Exchange, and it’s stuffed with homeware, fashion, gifts, and loads more.
Across two floors, you’ll find everything from denim to dinnerware, plus delights like martini-shaped handbags, apres ski-inspired glassware, and cosy knitwear – with brands like Damson Madder, TALA, Maeve, Vagabond, and Never Fully Dressed all in store.
It’s time to say Alo to the city’s newest fitness store.
Alo Yoga has finally opened the doors to a gorgeous new shop in the heart of Manchester, kitting us lot out with everything we need to move and stretch from studio to street. There’s everything from comfy joggers and stretchy leggings to essential fitness kit like cushioned yoga mats. The new Alo Yoga store has the perfect attire for your relaxing yoga session, pilates princess sweat sesh, or brunch date.
Our piggy little prayers have been answered – you can finally get your hands on proper British pies at the Manchester Christmas Markets.
You may know that Great North Pie Co have been a staple at the Markets for years, but it’s always been with pies you take home to heat for your tea… not this time though, as this year they’ve got an actual pie and mash bar.
They’re currently serving up their award-winning bakes on a bed of fluffy mashed potato, with lashings of steaming hot onion gravy.
Everybody’s favourite pasta from a cheese wheel is back this year.
Pasta Claus is the Italian themed pop-up serving all the classics. We’re talking the OG carbonara, cacio e pepe, and a pesto burrata number – the options are endless. There’s even thick cut slices of Lasagne too, with layers of beef ragù, bèchamel sauce, and lashings of parm.
If you’re dreaming of a cheesy Christmas, get this one added to your list.
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Is piping hot goulash in a bread bowl more up your street?
When we’re after comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty stew or a warm bowl of roasties, right?
Enter Roasties Haus, brought to you by the team behind Drip Haus. We’re talking fluffy roasted tatties piled high with all the festive trimmings, and of course, a big tub of gravy to pour, dip, and devour every last bite.
But wait, they’re not stopping there. These legends are also serving Austrian goulash in a bread bowl, because nothing screams comfort and warmth like a hearty, loaded soup and crusty bread.
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Is your sweet tooth craving tiramisu? Ours certainly is.
These gorgeous little boxes of tiramisu have been going viral on TikTok, so we made a beeline to the Manchester Christmas Markets to grab one for ourselves.
Misu Tiramisu have brought nine different flavours of their handcrafted Italian desserts to Piccadilly Gardens.
You can tuck into flavours including classic, pistachio and lemon, as well as festive flavours like black forest, gingerbread, and orange chocolate, all served in these beautiful little boxes.
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Up for a pint of the Black Stuff?
Manchester isn’t exactly short of a pint of places for a pint of Guinness (not sure if you’ve noticed, but we have a LOT of Irish pubs now) – but only three have got the seal of approval from the source themselves. This week, the iconic Irish brewery released its inaugural Harp Guide, singling out just 35 pubs around the country that are serving a worthy pint of the black stuff. From a lively city centre pub to a couple of suburban gems, these are the spots to head if you’re a discerning Guinness fan.
Featured Image – Tatton Park | Manchester City Council | The Manc Group
Art & Culture
Manchester Film Festival returns for 2026 and early bird passes are live NOW
Danny Jones
Cinephiles, prepare yourselves, because the Manchester Film Festival is back for 2026, and you can grab discounted early bird tickets right now.
Taking place over the course of 10 days next spring, the annual event will be spread across multiple much-loved cinemas and is a must-not miss if you’re a movie buff or just love going to the pictures.
Serving as a celebration of both international cinema and local filmmakers, highlighting a diverse range of films from both established and emerging talent, the Manchester Film Festival has been going for over a decade now, and 2026 is set to be the biggest yet.
You can see how last year went down below.
Having earned nods from both BAFTA and the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), there’s already plenty of pedigree and excitement behind it, especially with the discounted early bird offers available.
You can see the prices of Manchester Film Festival (MFF) early bird passes here:
6 Film Pass – £36 (normally £45)
10 Film Pass – £52 (normally £65)
Full Festival Pass – £71.95 (normally £89.95)
As you can see in the clips from the 11th edition of MFF back in March 2025, the showcase featured everything from the indie up-and-comers to well-established famous faces.
For instance, standout showings included The Penguin Lessons, starring Steve Coogan, and Y2K, which featured Disney star and singer Rachel Zegler, as well as Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst.
As for the latest instalment, whether you’re most interested in the movie screenings themselves, the panels and Q&As, or just the taste of some red carpet glamour, there’s something for all film lovers.
MFF’s full programme is set to be announced in January, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us this time.
This year, they’ve also had a Salford student design the official 2026 festival poster, as Pendleton Sixth Form College’s Charlie Cunliffe has shared his striking visuals.
Commenting on this continued collaboration with the further education institution, Festival Director Neil Jeram Croft said: “This is the third year we have worked with Pendleton Sixth Form design students, and once again the work they all put in was exceptional.
“It was really tough to choose a winner, but we felt that Charlie’s design really stood out with its simplicity and use of colour. We think it’s going to look fantastic all over Manchester this spring.”
As for the venues taking part in MCR Film Fest 2026, the likes of Aviva Studios, HOME, Odeon Great Northern, Flix at Treehouse Hotel, and CULTPLEX over in Cheetham Hill will be helping host.
Next year’s festival runs from 19-29 March and, once again, passes currently start at £36 – reduced from the standard cost of £45.
If you’re interested in trying it out this year, you can grab your tickets HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
7th November 2022 
