Carl Cox presents Awesome Soundwave (live), O2 Victoria Warehouse
When: 15 September, 10pm-4am
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House & Techno titan Carl Cox brings his Awesome Soundwave concept to Manchester for the very first time. Witness Carl in a never seen before setting as he debuts his new LIVE performance in the heart of Manchester for a show that is set to hit global festival stages in 2023.
90s Baby Classical with 17-piece elemental orchestra, Albert Hall
When: 30 September, 8pm-1am
Get ready for a spectacular 90s night with some of the best artists and vocalists from the era. This unique show includes a full 17-piece elemental orchestra performing live alongside the artists this autumn.
Green Island Festival VI, Hulme Community Garden Centre
When: 17 September, 12-9pm
Green Island Festival is an immersive event located within the famous Hulme Garden Centre, connected to the innovative Niamos Radical Arts centre and just a skip away from the heart of Manchester.
This community-inspired event serves as a sanctuary from a hectic urban lifestyle. For many, this will be an opportunity to discover the beauty of the garden centre that has been a cultural epicentre, and community hub in Manchester for decades.
Manchester Mind Body Spirit & Yoga festival, Bowler’s Exhibition Centre
When: 24-25 September, 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm)
Spend the day or maybe the weekend, wandering around our amazing exhibitors, covering all aspects of Mind Body Spirit & Yoga. Get a tarot reading, reflexology treatment, a spot of retail therapy.
This event will have 120 fabulous exhibitors, will have 2 areas of inspirational talks and workshops, a YOGA Zone, onsite catering, including vegan and vegetarian, free parking for over 600 cars, free wifi, 2 minutes from Junction 9 of the M60.
Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club ft. The Plimp, Band on the Wall
When: 24 September, 9pm-3am
Legendary actor, host and broadcaster Craig Charles of Red Dwarf, Robot Wars and Coronation Street fame is also one of the UK’s best-loved Funk and Soul DJ’s. He returns to Band on the Wall this month with a special guest appearance from The Plimp.
Mica Millar Heaven Knows album launch, Albert Hall
When: 25 September, 7-11pm
Join Mica Millar for her hometown album launch at Manchester’s iconic Albert Hall performing her brand new debut album ‘Heaven Knows in full, with her eight-piece live band – a show not to be missed by fans across the Northwest with special guests support from Cherise (Live) and DJ Chaise (DJ Set).
Libero w/ Mike Morrisey, Luke Welsh, Dan Costello and Brodyr, The Lockup
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The Lockup in Salford hosts an end-of-summer day and night party from Libero this month. As the first limited capacity show organisers have thrown in a long time, it’s expected to sell out quickly. One that house, minimal and tech house fans won’t want to miss.
Hit & Run x Calm Sessions: Last of the summer whine day party, Six Trees Kitchen
When: 17 September , 1pm to 10pm (last entry 4pm)
Bringing together a mix of big name heavy hitters and local favourites, Hit & Run team up with Calm Sessions for its ‘last of the summer whine day’ party at Six Trees Kitchen in Trafford. Catch sets from P Money, Sicaria Sound, Sparkz, Chimpo and Disaffected amongst others.
The Peak District walk with amazing views, a cosy cafe, and a great pub at the end
Daisy Jackson
If you’re looking for a country walk that’s got a bit of everything – we’re talking views, lakes, history, picturesque villages and, crucially, pints – this is the one.
Step across the Greater Manchester border into High Peak, and you can take on a circular walk that’s got it all.
The walk takes in all the best bits of the English countryside, from rolling hills to proper pubs.
Park in the village of Hayfield, then head out west to join the Sett Valley Trail, which joins Hayfield and New Mills.
The trail itself is 2.5 miles and follows a former railway line – but now it’s a tree-lined trail that’s perfect for a gentle stroll, cycle or even horse ride.
You’ll pass the Birch Vale reservoir, but won’t be following the trail all the way to New Mills.
Get as far as Emma’s Sett Valley Cafe and stop for an early break – indulgent hot chocolates, great bakes, and a decent amount of brunch dishes beneath colourful festoon lighting.
Emma’s Sett Valley Cafe. Credit: The Manc Group
Once you’re fuelled, head slightly back on yourself to skirt Birch Vale Reservoir, cross the River Sett, and walk towards Sitch Lane.
The road will take you to the very edge of the Peak District ready for an uphill climb to the peak of Lantern Pike.
It’s not a giant by Peak District standards (373m compared to Kinder Scout’s 636m) but the views are 360 degrees – fields on all sides and the incredible Manchester skyline in the distance.
Walk straight over the summit and down the other side, walking along the edge of Hey Wood and across fields full of friendly cows, past Little Hayfield and back into the main village of Hayfield.
Views from the Sett Valley trailSummiting Lantern PikePretty views near Little Hayfield
Here you’ll find The Pack Horse, a country pub that’s gained some serious accolades in recent years.
Famed for its seasonal, locally-sourced menu, at this time of year you can expect hearty post-hike lunches like sharing pies, Manchester eggs, and incredible Sunday roasts.
Despite a top-notch menu, the pub is more than happy to welcome in customers (and dogs) who are covered in mud – as all good countryside boozers should.
Sharing pie at The Pack Horse in HayfieldThe Pack Horse in HayfieldTheir famous Manchester egg
You can see a map of the circular walking route at AllTrails HERE.
Mercury Prize 2026 review: RAYE takes home the crown as Newcastle celebrates the very best in music
Clementine Hall
One of the biggest nights in music kicked off last night as the Mercury Prize 2026 was awarded.
If there was ever a night to fall head over heels in love with British and Irish music, the 2026 Mercury Prize made a very convincing case.
Bringing together some of the country’s most exciting artists under one roof in Newcastle, this year’s ceremony was a reminder of just how much talent is packed into the current music scene.
From established legends to the names shaping what comes next, it was an absolute belter.
Images: Audio North
Held at the Newcastle Utilita Arena for the second year running, I think everybody in that room felt very lucky to be there to see firsthand who took home the coveted prize.
The shortlist brought together an impressive mix of artists, with Florence + The Machine, Olivia Dean, JADE, Suede, Pulp, Dave and Sir Paul McCartney among the big names making the lineup very star studded indeed.
Suede kicked things off with ‘Dancing With The Europeans’, bringing their unmistakable energy to the ceremony, while Pulp delivered ‘Begging For Change’ as part of the HELP(2) charity compilation.
It was a line-up that demonstrated the sheer range of music being made across the UK and Ireland, from contemporary pop to established rock and even jungle thanks to Bradford’s own Nia Archives.
And of course, there was one woman who had every reason to leave with a smile on her face.
RAYE took home the coveted Mercury Prize for THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE., an ambitious, genre-hopping album that blends jazz, soul, R&B and classical influences into something so fabulously unique.
Image: Audio North
Newcastle’s own Knats performance was definitely a highlight of the evening, combining slick jazz with spoken-word poetry against a projection of The Tyne Bridge.
A fitting image, and one that underlines the importance of holding such huge events in the north and highlighting the obvious talent that thrives here.
The 2026 Mercury Prize was a brilliant showcase of the country’s music at its best.
And with RAYE taking home the trophy, it’s clear there is plenty of ‘hope’ left in British music.
The Manc -
12th September 2022 
