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.
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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.
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Credit: Mark McBrideCredit: Joel FildesCredit: 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.
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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.
Credit: Els TacosCredit: Cocktail CartelCredit: Killa CarbsFood 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.
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“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.
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
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A candlelit Queen tribute concert is returning to Manchester
Danny Jones
Yes, you read that right: a candlelit concert dedicated to the one and only Queen, with a spectacular West End Cast and a talented live rock band, is coming to Manchester city centre in January.
In fact, it’s coming home, as this wonderful event started right here in 0161 back in 2021.
Concerts by Candlelight themselves host concerts up and down the country at various points throughout the year, but their much-loved ‘Queen by Candlelight‘ special knows all about lighting up Manc venues.
Having since gone on to become an internationally acclaimed live concert experience, we’re glad we still get to see the ‘Princes of the Universe’ on our doorstep.
Credit: Concerts by Candlelight (supplied)
With the likes of Bridgewater Hall and the magical Manchester Monastery all having played host to the promotion on many ocassions, this time Queen by Candlelight is coming to the legendary Manchester Opera House in the new year.
One of our most historic and legendary theatres, it’s only fitting, really, that they be chosen to welcome a night of equally iconic tunes.
But it’s worth reminding more casual fans that these aren’t just British rock and pop anthems; Queen‘s discography is one that still has global recognition to this day.
That’s why this specific show has been taken to virtually every corner of the world, with the incredibly talented cast of singers and musicians delighting audiences in Dubai, Australia, New Zealand and New York, to domestic crowds here in town and down in London’s West End.
‘Queenies’ or ‘Darlings’, as Freddie Mercury used to call them, can expect all the big hits, from ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘We Are The Champions’, to ‘It’s a Kind of Magic’ and ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’ and plenty more from the back catalogue.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store this coming January:
With tickets already flying out fast, we really would recommend securing your seats early before they inevitably sell out.
To quote the promoters themselves, “this spectacular celebration of Queen’s biggest hits is guaranteed to rock you.”
Coming to the Manchester Opera House on Tuesday, 6 January, you can book your tickets for Queen by Candlelight right HERE.
And if you’ve never been to one of their candlelit events before, you only need to see how much of a ball we had at their country event earlier this year to find out how much fun they are…
Daisy Jackson -
14th October 2025 
