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Singalong Christmas carols and orchestral movie soundtracks among Christmas events at The Bridgewater Hall 

Festive overload in Manchester’s most beautiful concert hall.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 20th November 2023

The full Christmas programme at The Bridgewater Hall has been announced, with plenty of festive events on the bill over the coming weeks. 

The beautiful concert hall’s line-up includes singalong Christmas carols and live orchestras bringing movie magic to life. 

You’ll be able to see soundtracks from blockbuster films and TV shows like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones performed by a full symphony orchestra. 

The music of legendary film composers Hans Zimmer and John Williams will then go head-to-head in an epic concert celebrating their scores. 

And it’ll be Christmas overload with All I Want for Christmas… Live!, a brand-new show combining festive pop hits with singing, dancing, and even fireworks. 

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The upcoming concerts at Bridgewater Hall make for a perfect Christmas night out – here are some highlights. 

The Music of Lord of the Rings and Beyond

Sunday 10 December 

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It’s one of the biggest film franchises of all time, with an epic score – and the music of The Lord of the Rings will be performed by a full symphony orchestra at this Bridgewater Hall event. 

J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit will also be included, along with fantasy TV show Game of Thrones. 

There’ll be a stunning choir on hand too to deliver a concert full of the greatest movie music of all time.

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All I Want For Christmas…Live!

Tuesday 19 December 

The Christmas at Bridgewater Hall programme has been announced. Credit: Supplied

A brand-new show presented by Raymond Gubbay, All I Want For Christmas…Live! will blend festive pop hits and traditional favourites. 

There’ll be a dazzling live ensemble including The Manchester Concert Orchestra and four headline singers, plus dancers, fireworks, lights, and incredible live music. 

Christmas Carol Singalong

24 December

The Christmas at Bridgewater Hall programme has been announced. Credit: Supplied

What better way to welcome Christmas Eve than by singing your way into the big day, with a huge carol singalong?

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Jonathan Cohen will lead his audience through the very best seasonal classics in a family-friendly extravaganza. 

Expect to be belting out songs including Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Merry Christmas Everyone, Frosty the Snowman, and carols like Good King Wenceslas, O come, all ye Faithful, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

The Music of Zimmer Vs Williams

Wednesday 27 December 

The Christmas at Bridgewater Hall programme has been announced. Credit: Supplied

The worlds of two of the world’s most legendary film composers of all time – Hanz Zimmer and John Williams – will collide this winter at the Bridgewater Hall. 

This epic concert will celebrate the movie scores of both men, whose CVs including E.T., Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Batman Begins, Star Wars, and many more. 

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Find out more and book your tickets at bridgewater-hall.co.uk/christmas-concerts-at-the-bridgewater-hall.

Featured image: Supplied

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More than 100 traders to take over Manchester’s beautiful Victoria Baths for The Night Market UK

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The Night Market UK is coming to Manchester. Credit: @kt_perspecitve

Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths is set to host an almighty market later this month, with more than 100 traders taking over the former swimming pool and balconies. 

The Night Market UK will make its return to Manchester for its biggest event yet, packing the Grade II-listed building with vintage sellers, independent makers, street food, cocktails, and loads more. 

The historic venue will be completely transformed after dark on Friday 31 October for the occasion, and will have a few seasonal twists befitting Halloween night. 

As well as the food, drink and makers taking part, The Night Market UK will also have art installations and DJ performances. 

You’ll be able to wander rows of stalls in the former swimming baths selling the finest vintage clothing and handmade goods, like ceramics, prints, bakes, jewellery and so much more. 

Heading back outside the magnificent building you’ll find multiple street food traders, serving everything from tacos to Thai to burgers to pizza. 

Cocktail Cartel will be on hand with two bars with spirits sourced from the Spirit of Manchester Distillery and Salford’s own Salford Rum, alongside beers from local legends Seven Brothers Brewery.

The Night Market UK returns to Manchester
Credit: Mark McBride
The Night Market UK returns to Manchester
Credit: Joel Fildes
The Night Market UK returns to Manchester
Credit: Mark McBride

They said: “We are really excited about being at The Nigh t Market UK– these guys just know how to do it – getting all the locals together and supporting the businesses that make this city what it is. 

“You can go anywhere and get a pint of San Miguel or a pint of Guinness – if you’re going to a Manchester market why not get a beer brewed from the city you’re in?! It gives it that personal touch, which is what we are all about.”

Live DJs will be playing all night, with the line-up announced soon on the @thenightmarketuk socials. 

The Night Market UK is one of the country’s most distinctive events and will bring to Manchester something for everyone, from families to late-night explorers. 

Becc Sanderson, director of The Night Market UK, says: “We are thrilled to return to Victoria Baths for what promises to be our biggest and most exciting event yet. 

Food and drink at The Night Market UK
Credit: Els Tacos
Food and drink at The Night Market UK
Credit: Cocktail Cartel
Food and drink at The Night Market UK
Credit: Killa Carbs
Food and drink at The Night Market UK

“This isn’t just about shopping, it’s about experiencing one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings in a whole new way. It’s about connection with friends, family and community, and celebrating the breadth of small business talent that Manchester has to offer. 

“From the installations and performances to the makers and food vendors, everything has been curated to create an evening that feels truly unique. To be here on Halloween night, with the baths transformed after dark, will make it all the more unforgettable.

“We’re also hugely excited to be launching our art collaborations in this incredible space, something that has been in the planning stages for well over a year. 

“Thanks to the myriad of fabulous ‘nooks and crannies’ in Victoria Baths, and the fact that it is Halloween after all, we’ve earmarked a space where our customers can enjoy an immersive multimedia experience featuring the work of artist/technologist Ross Blair (trenchone.com) and lighting designer Sam Jones (@smajoneslx), fresh off their huge success at Edinburgh’s Hidden Door Festival. 

“This will be a night that will be unforgettable and truly Spooktacular!”

The Night Market UK will take place at Victoria Baths in Manchester on Friday 31 October, with discounted tickets available online now HERE with timed entry slots. Limited full price tickets may be available on the door. 

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Featured image: @kt_perspecitve

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Dunham Massey – The corner of Greater Manchester with unbeatable autumn landscapes and one of nature’s great spectacles

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Dunham Massey in Autumn. Credit: James Beck

Dunham Massey is one of the North West’s proudest gems, a National Trust site that’s home to both a magnificent Georgian manor house and a beautiful deer park.

But there’s something to be said for the way it comes into its own as autumn rolls around, when the grounds are blanketed in red and orange leaves and a mist lies low over the lawns.

This is a perfect spot to escape into autumn properly, with a perfect mix of heritage, fresh air and scenery (as well as a pumpkin spice latte in the cafe afterwards).

As we creep further into the autumn months, autumnal bulbs will begin to bloom in the Winter Garden, leaves will rustle underfoot, and bright colours will transform the landscape.

When we hear ‘Dunham Massey’, most of us will think of the resident herd of fallow deer who still graze on the grounds of the former medieval deer park.

Those who explore the park on foot this autumn may catch a glimpse of breeding or ‘rutting’ season, one of nature’s great spectacles, where the bucks fight for their pick of the does.

Expect these amazing beasts to be roaring and bellowing at each other and showing off their fully grown antlers, with the bucks parallel walking and sizing each other up – and potentially clashing over the nearby females.

The best time to see the deer rutting at Dumham Massey is early in the mornings, when the park is quiet.

Also honouring the deer is the Stags in Bradgate Park sculpture, a silver masterpiece dating back to 1855, which was previously believed to have been lost forever and melted down.

Deer resting on the lawn at Dunham Massey. Credit: Arnhel de Serra
Deer resting on the lawn at Dunham Massey. Credit: Arnhel de Serra

Now back on display at Dunham Massey and reunited with the silver collection, it portrays two rutting red deer stags and was commissioned by George Harry Grey, 7th Earl of Stamford in an act of love and rebellion.

It was a symbol of locking horns with the Cheshire society that shunned him over his marriage to Catherine Cox – a woman who was considered beneath him by Victorian high society.

The silver centrepiece was crafted by royal goldsmiths and was seen as a masterpiece at the time, going on to be exhibited at the London International Exhibition of 1862 and the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867.

Elsewhere at Dunham Massey this autumn you’ll find the unique ORIGIN deep listening art installation, which connects visitors to the mansion and gardens through sonic landscapes and visual artistry.

Designed to soothe and rejuvenate, ORIGIN explores the powerful themes of life’s cycle and the human connection to nature.

Dunham Massey is accessible by public transport, with regular buses running from Altrincham and Warrington.

And you can claim 10% off in the ice cream parlour, cafe and restaurant when you show a valid bus ticket.

Find out more about Dunham Massey and what’s on offer this winter HERE.

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Featured image: James Beck

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