If Blue Monday really does get you down, the best possible thing to do is look forward – and it’s set to be a bumper year for Greater Manchester.
Some of the region’s biggest developments will finally complete, with giant new music venues, cultural hubs and tourist attractions on the way in the coming months.
Our food and drink scene is set to skyrocket again, despite the current wave of closures, with big names like Gordon Ramsay making moves in Manchester city centre.
And just wait til you see how busy summer will be for music, with more still to be announced…
Manchester’s £186m new cultural space, created by the minds behind Manchester International Festival, will finally open its doors in June 2023.
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The 13,350 sq metre space inside Factory International utilises supersized moveable walls, which can reconfigure the space for different performances.
Its first event has already been wowing locals, with a huge beam of light illuminating the skies above the city since the new year.
Manchester Museum reopens
Manchester Manchester Museum Credit: Chris Bull for Manchester Museum.
22/7/21
www.chrisbullphotographer.com
One of Manchester’s best-loved attractions will reopen after several years and a £15 million transformation.
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The new-look Manchester Museum will include a two-storey extension, a new exhibition hall, a South Asia Gallery and a Chinese Culture Gallery.
When it reopens on 18 February, visitors will be able to see the UK premiere of Golden Mummies of Egypt, after a successful tour of the USA and China.
Science and Industry Museum
A Family visit ‘Turn It Up’ at the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester, 29th October 2022
The Science and Industry Museum has been going through some major changes in recent years, with work still ongoing in the Grade II-listed Power Hall.
Running through into 2023 is the bold new exhibition Turn it Up: The Power of Music, which will stick around in Manchester until May.
Major theatre shows arrive in Manchester
2023 will be another huge year for Manchester’s theatres, with some of the world’s biggest touring productions touching down at venues including The Lowry, The Palace and The Opera House.
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That includes the continued run of The Lion King, plus the arrivals of Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia!, Life of Pi, and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical.
Wigan Pier– made famous by George Orwell’s 1937 book, The Road to Wigan Pier, will be given a new lease of life this year.
After several years of work, the long-vacant 18th Century industrial buildings of the icon pier will be transformed into a new waterside destination that includes a gin distillery, micro-brewery, food hall, events venue, and cultural hub, Marketing Manchester reports.
Music
Co-op Live opens
The smart bowl at Co-op Live arena. Credit: Supplied
This is The Big One – a brand-new, 23,500-capacity music arena, built beside the Etihad Stadium with backing from Harry Styles.
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When the Co-op Live opens in Manchester in late 2023, it’ll be home to 32 bars and restaurants (with homegrown operators manning them), a music-first ‘smart bowl’ designed with acoustics in mind, and a programme of 120 major live events in its first year.
Strap in everyone – 2023 is going to be one of Manchester’s biggest-ever years for live music, with some of the world’s most famous faces touching down on home turf.
June in particular will be jam-packed, with Parklife at Heaton Park, four nights of Coldplay at the Etihad Stadium, Elton John at the AO Arena, Courteeners at Heaton Park, Arctic Monkeys at Emirates Old Trafford, and Iron Maiden at the AO Arena.
Then Sounds of the City will kick off at Castlefield Bowl, as well as other gigs this year from The 1975, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Paramore Lewis Capaldi, Shania Twain, and Blink-182.
This will be a big one, in every sense of the word – Diecast is set to take over a 200,000 sq ft industrial unit in Piccadilly East, turning it into a beer hall, brewery, night market and bakery, with creative studios and a tech hub.
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It will also have a huge garden space with a beer garden and beehives.
The exciting new plans come from some local hospitality heavyweights – A Very Inc. is headed up by Adelaide Winter and Joel Wilkinson, the team behind Ramona and The Firehouse as well as previously founding the likes of the Albert Hall, Albert’s Schloss, Gorilla and Rudy’s.
Soho House
Soho House Manchester. Credit: Soho House
It’s one of the biggest names in the world of hospitality, attracting the rich and famous across the planet, and it’s finally got Manchester in its sights in 2023.
Soho House is currently transforming the old Granada Studios building into a luxury destination, complete with a hotel, a bar and terrace, workspace, and a rooftop swimming pool.
The private member’s club is set to feature a number of restaurants including A-list celeb Italian favourite Cecconi’s.
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Lucky Cat
Sweary TV chef Gordon Ramsay is planning to open an enormous three-storey Lucky Cat restaurant inside the old HSBC bank on King Street.
The magnificent old bank space, formerly home to Jamie’s Italian, has lain empty at ever since The Naked Chef’s restaurant company collapsed into administration back in 2019.
Set to open later this year, it will evoke 1930s Tokyo drinking dens in the heart of the city’s business district with a mixture of Japanese whiskies, Asian small plates, Robata dishes and innovative cocktails.
The Stock Market Grill
Credit: The Bull & BearJoe and Daniel Schofield, James Brandwood, and Gary Neville. Credit: The Bull & BearStock Market Grill restaurant will take the place of The Bull & Bear at the Stock Exchange Hotel.
Following the exit of Michelin-star celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, there’s a new vision for the restaurant space at Gary Neville’s Stock Exchange Hotel.
The former Bull & Bear site will become The Stock Market Grill, operated by Joe and Daniel Schofield (the brothers behind Schofield’s, Atomeca and Sterling) and wine expert James Brandwood.
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The restaurant promises ‘traditional British dishes executed with technique’, with a bespoke menu that will include dishes like whipped black pudding on toast, tartare of rib-eye with caper jam and smoked dripping, steamed cod with caramelised mash, and a sticky toffee tart with honey custard.
Sexy Fish
Decadent Mayfair restaurant Sexy Fish, owned by The Ivy’s Richard Caring, is taking over the old Armani unit in Spinningfields.
It first opened in 2015 and is famed for its luxurious dining environment and will be one of the most talked-about restaurant openings for Manchester of 2023 – though its opening seems to have dragged on a bit since it was first announced.
Hotels
Forty Seven
Credit: Supplied
Situated right above the much-loved restaaurant Asha’s (run by Bollywood legend Asha Bhosle), Forty Seven is set to be one of Manchester’s most luxurious new hotels.
There’ll be 32 one and two-bedroom suites in the Grade-II listed building on Peter Street, plus a new bar at The Peterman offering drinks.
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Treehouse Hotel
A building long-seen as an eyesore in Manchester is finally being transformed into a new hotel, turning the former Renaissance site into a 216-room hotel, complete with ‘secret forest’ treehouse canopy and three new restaurants and bars.
The Nest (a 14th-floor restaurant and bar) will be headed up by chef Sam Grainger (of critically-acclaimed Liverpool restaurant Belzan), restaurateur Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford, while the ground-floor all-day dining space comes from the mind of Mary-Ellen McTague.
Mollie’s Motel – also from the brains behind Soho House – will open its first-ever city centre property and its first foray into the north at the old Granada TV Studios on Quay Street.
With 140 rooms it’ll be their largest hotel yet, featuring a lounge bar, a huge restaurant, workspaces and an outdoor heated terrace.
It’s all inspired by classic roadside motels and drive-in diners seen across 1950s America, from the red neon signs to the burgers and shakes – but with surprisingly affordable prices.
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Malmaison
Taking shape just off Deansgate, Malmaison Manchester Deansgate will have views across Albert Square and Manchester Town Hall.
With 70 guest rooms, it will pay homage to retro 60s and 70s design, with Chez Mal Brasserie serving food, and SORA serving panoramic views from its rooftop bar.
The Reach at Piccadilly
The Reach at Piccadilly will open as a new 215-room hotel just beside Manchester Piccadilly.
It’s taking over a former aparthotel and rooms will feature natural materials like wool, cotton and timber.
Travellers will be able to enjoy a fully equipped fitness centre, as well as a restaurant with canal-side views and all-day dining with speciality small plates and local beers.
There’ll be a new attraction at the Trafford Centre geared towards football fans this year.
METRIX is opening a permanent site at the huge shopping centre, with players able to play physical and virtual games with smart technology and virtual reality.
Live data will track ball speed, power, touch and accuracy for players to compare with their friends.
RHS Bridgewater developments
Two years after opening, Salford’s RHS Garden Bridgewater will add two new garden highlights in 2023.
There’ll be a series of structures installed at the Chinese Streamside Garden, a music pavilion.
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GM Ringway
Get your hiking boots on – Greater Manchester’s ambitious GM Ringway is ready and waiting for exploring.
The massive 300km walking trail will make use of existing footpaths and parks, and will connect the beautiful countryside in the north west with tourist attractions and heritage landmarks.
It all splits down into 20 stages, and every section is designed to be accessed by public transport.
Spanning all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs, the GM Ringway will pass more than 40 Grade I and Grade II*-listed buildings, 13 museums, 57 conservation areas, 18 local nature reserves, 14 ancient monuments and parts of the Peak District.
Northern Roots
Oldham’s ambitious eco-project, which will see the UK’s largest urban farm built just outside Oldham town centre, is moving forward.
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The green space is already open for exploration, planting and exploring one of the 12 bee hives, with wider plans for Summer 2023 to add a new visitor centre with shop and café, a learning space, swimming pond, natural amphitheatre and a large market garden.
Eden Project North
From the team behind the much-revered Eden Project in Cornwall, Eden Project North is a major new eco project set on the sea front of Morecambe.
Plans include a Natural Observatory, theatrical experiences, and Eden Project’s famous biomes, full of natural planting to tell the stories of the natural environment of the area.
The ambitious project is set to open in 2024 but we should all be able to see it taking shape this year.
Featured image: Sexy Fish / Soho House / Co-op Live
Art & Culture
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 10 – 16 November 2025
Emily Sergeant
Another autumnal week is here, and there’s so much to look forward so as the festive season fast approaches.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Greater Manchester, as there’s now dozens of light trails, festive events, and, of course, Manchester Christmas Markets having just got underway for 2025, so of course there’s lots to be getting up to 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 10 November – onwards
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 / Credit: Manchester City Council
It’s that time of year once again… Manchester Christmas Markets are here for 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.
Skate Manchester 2025 / Credit: Matt Eachus (via Supplied)
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, and 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.
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.
Alongside returning favourites, visitors can now experience all-new lanterns filled with light and colour inspired by the wonders of nature.
The legendary Disney Store is now back in our city.
‘A Most Magical Christmas’ has landed at Selfridges Exchange Square and Trafford Centre, and both of the stores have been transformed into winter wonderlands – with limited-edition Disney favourites, pin badges, plush toys, and of course, the famous headbands.
There’s even Selfridges x Disney toys too, with the Winnie the Pooh range in iconic Selfridges yellow. Plus, you can take your gifts home in Disney branded bags.
Welcome to Tangerine – the new multi-purpose food, drink, entertainment, and leisure destination that’s just opened up opposite Salford Central.
There’s resident kitchens, a live music hall, an arthouse stage, a speciality martini bar, and so much more. Plus, upstairs there’s even a cosy cheese and wine lounge area… tis the season, after all.
Get ready to dance on the tables, enjoy great food, and sip on some signature crafted cocktails.
Find out more about this new opening here.
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The Teepee
Oast House
Monday 10 November – onwards
The Teepee / Credit: The Manc Group
The Oast House’s popular teepee draped in twinkling lights is back for the festive season.
Complete with two roaring fires, twinkling fairy lights, faux fur throws, The Teepee is made up of four tents joined together to create a huge open hub, complete with a stage area for guests to dance the night away in festive spirit.
It’s all sounding set to be a popular spot for locals and those who’ve finished a hard day at work during the autumn and winter months.
Chester Zoo has, once again, teamed up with entertainment giants Sony Music to deliver this year’s Lanterns and Light spectacle.
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.
And 2025 is set to be absolutely no different.
This year’s trail will see the zoo transform 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.
Find out more and book your tickets to Lanterns and Light 2025 here.
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Yuletide 2025
Tatton Park
Saturday 15 November – onwards
Yuletide at Tatton Park / Credit: Tatton Park / Emma Croman
One of winter’s top events, Yuletide, is returning to Tatton Park Gardens this weekend.
The magical winter adventure will once again bring 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.
The Manchester Derby in a Barclays Women’s Super League campaign will be kicking off this coming Saturday, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested in some time – with multiple Lionesses and international stars on show.
Set to be an unmissable meeting between the two heavyweights of the female, the 1:30pm kick-off leaves plenty of time for added fanfare before and after either whistle.
Not only will there be fun games at half-time for the little ones and lots of live entertainment, but there’ll also be a wide range of food and drink around the concourse, so you just know it’s going to be a great day out.
Things are getting all festive in Stockport, as more than 50 free shows and hundreds of performers descend on the town centre.
Back by popular demand to kick off Christmas in style, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning this weekend for a one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, banging brass bands, carnival fun, and loads more.
Hundreds of captivating performers will take over Stockport for the day, with another new lineup for 2025 promising something for the whole family.
Did you see that Manchester’s libraries are set to become ‘warm spaces’ with free hot drinks and WiFi this winter?
After millions of local residents have visited the ‘stigma-free safe spaces’ to escape and take refuge from the cold each year since they were first introduced in 2022, Manchester City Council has decided to reintroduce its popular ‘Warm Welcome Spaces’ scheme once again this year.
All 22 of Manchester’s public libraries are, once again, taking part in the scheme this time around.
Free hot drinks, WiFi and internet access, data SIM cards, and newspapers are just some of the things people can make the most of inside these ‘warm spaces’, as well as get access to information, advice, and extra signposting to other support services they made need in the city.
Summer may be over, but guess what? Now that autumn is well and truly here, that means we get to wear layers, cosy up in our favourite places, and eat heartwarming plates piled high with all the major food groups.
Whether you want the likes of Banyan’s bottomless Yorkshire puddings bigger than your head, or swapping your meat out for a pie (you heard us), we’ve got something to suit everyone… you can even get dog roasts too, if you ask The Refuge nicely.
Check out our top 25 best places to head to for a perfect roast in Greater Manchester here.
Roast dinners / Credit: The Manc Group
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Roast dinner not your thing? Well how about an autumnal pizza menu instead.
The Northern Quarter’s legendary Neapolitan pizzeria Ciaooo has just released its autumn menu, and it’s everything we’ve been missing and more.
Think that signature thick crust, but topped with classic faves such as lasagne, boscaiola, and the spicy ‘King’ (which is one for the heat lovers out there). Also did we mention there’s a garlic bread fully-loaded with an entire wheel of camembert?
To make it even better, Ciaooo will be offering 30% off for the first week of November, so book in and get your pizza fix for less.
Both of those not really your bag? Well here’s our October food round-up for all the inspiration you could ever need.
How is it November already? Time really does fly when you eat good food.
Cosy season is well and truly here, and with things getting colder and colder outside, our dishes of choice are getting hotter and hotter.
We feasted again last month, on everything from savoury pastries, and steaming noodles and broths, to spooky sweet treats, and everything in between… we really were eating good in October.
Okay, last chance – did you know its National Pad Thai Week?
Well technically, it’s only National Pad Thai Day (7 November), but over at Tampopo, you can sample this special dish all week long.
For 28 years, Tampopo has been perfecting Thailand’s national dish since first opening in Albert Square right here in Manchester all the way back in 1997, and now it’s serving up its best version yet at a bargain price.
You can enjoy Tampopo’s legendary Pad Thai for just £5 up until Friday 14 November.
Daisy Jackson -
16th January 2023 
