You can discover the story of how Christmas came to be what it is today in a new Horrible Histories stage show in Manchester next week.
With the festive season officially upon us, and Christmas soon to be here before we know it, parents and guardians who are keen to keep the kids entertained but still educated while schools are out over the winter break can grab tickets to a special Horrible Histories production that’s taking to the stage in Manchester next week.
Oh, and did we forget to mention it’s festive themed? Well it is, and it’s setting out to tell “the terrific tale of Christmas”.
Horrible Histories Christmas is currently out on a UK tour, and it’s stopping off at The Bridgewater Hall here in the heart of Manchester city centre on Boxing Day – with tickets currently on sale, and a few still remaining if you’re in need of some last-minute bank holiday plans.
There’s a Christmas-themed Horrible Histories stage show happening in Manchester on Boxing Day / Credit: Horrible Histories On Stage
The impressive stage show is described as a festive celebration in the most “wonderful, funny, and moving way you’ll ever see”.
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For many of us, when we think of Christmas, the magic of family, joy, goodwill, presents, and more usually come to mind – but how about Oliver Cromwell? Or even Henry VIII?
When Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young courageous boy to save the day – but can he rescue Christmas? From Victorian villains, to medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, you can join the Horrible Histories presents cast on a hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas.
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Tickets are still available to grab from as little as £21.50 / Credit: Horrible Histories On Stage
You’ll be in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII ,and St Nicholas as they all join forces to save the festive season.
Horrible Histories Christmas is coming to The Bridgewater Hall on Tuesday 26 December at 3pm, and, as mentioned, there’s still time to get your hands on tickets – which will you back anywhere from £21.50 – £35, depending on your choice of seats.
Pop icons S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Manchester gig
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back to Manchester on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the AO Arena in Manchester, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
S Club will play the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 9 October 2027.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
Manchester announces ‘poignant’ plans to mark Remembrance Sunday with free city centre service
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to honour the ‘service and sacrifice’ of members of the armed forces community during this year’s annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
With Remembrance Day only a couple weeks away now, just as it does each year, Manchester City Council has now revealed how the city will mark this important occasion, and has confirmed all the details of the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade.
Proceedings will start on John Dalton Street at 10:30am, and run right through until midday – with the service itself being held at 11am.
Veterans, military personnel and cadets, all led by Greater Manchester Police‘s Band, will march from John Dalton Street to the Cenotaph St. Peter’s Square.
This will be followed by a short return march to Mount Street across St Peter’s Square.
The service will begin at the Cenotaph at 10:58am, and a two-minute silence will be observed at 11am in tribute to those who have lost their lives in conflict. The start and conclusion of the silence will be marked by the firing of a maroon.
/ Credit: Manchester City Council
Following the service, veterans, military personnel and cadets will take part in a short return march across St Peter’s Square to Mount Street.
As the Council marks another year of its partnership with the Royal British Legion, further the Remembrance Sunday events will take place across the city following the service – including arts and crafts sessions, memorial services, and performances.
“Remembrance Sunday is one of the most important occasions in Manchester’s civic calendar,” declared Councillor Shaukat Ali, who it the Lord Mayor of Manchester.
“It is a time for us to come together as a city to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice and service of those from our diverse communities who have given so much in times of conflict. I want to encourage residents, families and visitors to join us at the Cenotaph as we pay our respects and ensure that the contribution of past and present generations is never forgotten.”
Emily Sergeant -
18th December 2023 
