A series of concerts that take place surrounded by thousands of flickering candles will be taking over several of Manchester’s most beautiful landmarks.
The Candlelight Concerts series takes the work of world-famous artists like Beyonce, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac and Coldplay, but strips it right back to basics.
Gone are the high-tech special effects and lighting installations we’re all so accustomed to now, replaced instead by simple candles and a small orchestra, plus occasional ballerinas.
As well as paying tributes to huge pop acts, there are some events focused on more classical artists, like a production of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with ballet performances.
The work of legendary composer Hans Zimmer (The Lion King, Interstellar and The Dark Knight) also stars in another event, and the late, great Amy Winehouse is honoured in another.
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Venues being used include Edgar Wood, Manchester Cathedral, Stoller Hall and Halle St Peter.
The event organisers say: “Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Manchester.”
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Each candlelit concert lasts around an hour and is fully accessible.
There are usually two showings per day, at 6.30pm and 8.30pm.
You can buy tickets for different zones within each venue, but then it’s first-come first-served to get your actual seat.
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The full list of upcoming events is below and you can get your tickets here.
A Tribute to Beyonce – Edgar Wood – 2 December
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and More – Manchester Cathedral – 27 January
Christmas: Love Actually, Home Alone and more – 13 and 21 December
A Tribute to Fleetwood Max – Halle St Peters – various dates
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A Tribute to Amy Winehouse – Halle St Peters – 24 November and 12 January
A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald – Halle St Peter – 14 January
Hans Zimmer’s Best Works – Halle St Peters – 22 December and 2 February
A Tribute to Coldplay – Manchester Cathedral – 11 November and 20 January
A Tribute to Oasis – Halle St Peters – 15 December
A much-loved Manc grassroots venue is hosting a live screening of The Traitors final
Danny Jones
A beloved grassroots venue here in Manchester city centre is holding a big screening of this year’s The Traitors final.
Consider already there with bells, whistles and a big hood on.
Yes, following the return of The Traitors mainline show this month, not to mention even more versions of the show landing on the BBC in 2026, we’re expecting record-breaking numbers of viewers for this year’s highly anticipated ‘Grand Final’.
With that in mind, Manc favourite arts and entertainment venue, Fairfield Social Club (FSC), will be playing The Traitors season four final on the big screen.
You do not want to miss this, and we don’t just mean the episode: we’re talking about the unparalleled and often unhinged vibes at Fairfield.
Having been to plenty of live events at FSC over the past 18 months or so, from live viewing parties and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia quizzes to nights out with other social clubs and community organisations, we can personally vouch for their hosting chops.
As for this particular watchalong, they’ve promised they’re “going all in for The Traitors Finale 2026, live on the FSC big screen with a full crowd, big reactions and plenty of drama.”
With the team set to deliver a full pre-show Traitors quiz with plenty of prizes up for grabs, and even free drinks for anyone who turns up in a cloak or top-notch Claudia Winkleman fancy dress, there are so many reasons to make this gaff the place you choose as your venue for the final.
We’ll also be making sure to attend their upcoming Lily Allen line-dancing show, because we’re still obsessed with West End Girl.
Like with The Traitors final, don’t worry, they’ve done this dance MANY times before.
Honestly, this place never disappoints when it comes to variety or enjoyment.
As if any of the above wasn’t already convincing enough for you, tickets are just a fiver, and they also include a welcome drink. Doors will open 6pm, and seating plans are simply first-come first first-served.
Not only is that a great deal across the board, but it’s also probably one of the cheapest drinks you’ll find in town these days…
If you fancy joining in the chaos and inevitable chorus of gasps when the Grand Final goes live, you can grab your tickets for the conclusion of this season’s Traitors at Fairfield Social Club right HERE – and we promise you that it will sell out fast.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (via BBC)/Fairfield Social Club (supplied)
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Train ticket prices slashed by more than 50% as huge rail sale returns across UK
Emily Sergeant
The Great British Rail Sale is returning in the new year, and train ticket prices will be slashed by up to 50% or more.
Millions of discounted train tickets for half term activities, weekend getaways, and even commuting will be up for grabs next week, as the week-long rail sale – which is set to run from 6 to 12 January 2026 – will give passengers the chance to save well over 50% on many advance and off-peak tickets.
The reduced fares can be used to travel on thousands of popular routes between 13 January and 25 March 2026.
Nearly all train operators are taking part, with routes spanning the entire country.
For example, those who may be planning a quick getaway abroad over the next couple of months will be able to save quite a few pennies, as journeys from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport will cost just £1.20, down from £2.90.
You can get up to 50% off train tickets next week / Credit: Northern | Transpennine Express
This is the fourth year of the Great British Rail Sale, with last year’s sale selling more than one million tickets and saving passengers around £8 per journey, as well as generating £9 million in ticket sale revenue for the industry.
“The Rail Sale is back,” commented Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander. “And that means further discounts for passengers as we freeze rail fares for the first time in three decades to help ease the cost of living.
“We all want to see cheaper rail travel, so whether you’re planning a half term getaway, or visiting friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions.”
This year’s sale comes as the Government aims to ‘ease the cost of living’ for hard-working people by freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years.
If you weren’t aware, the Government is also in the process of bringing in major reform to Britain’s rail services by establishing Great British Railways (GBR) – which is the new, nationalised organisation to run the railway uniting together 17 different organisations under a single directing mind.
Daisy Jackson -
25th November 2022 
