October is flying. The temperatures are dropping, the rain has returned with a vengeance and we’re looking for the best places to be indoors outside of our own homes.
Lucky for you, you live in Manchester where there is always plenty of stuff going on and, as per, we thought we’d do a round-up of the best gigs and events on this month.
With that in mind, let’s not waste any more time, shall we?
Hit and Run vs White Peach — Hidden (18+)
WHEN: Friday 14th October 2022, 11:00pm til 4:00am (Last entry 1:00am)
As far as we’re concerned, the weekend starts at 5pm on Friday and if you’re in search of late-night plans after that first pint goes down, a night of drum, bass, techno and more until 4am should do just fine.
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If you fancy seeing two duelling record labels, DJs like ADHD and Thys make their Manchester debuts and a whole host of other artists take over two full rooms, this one is for you.
Another over-18s-only event, Defected’s famous spot at Depot Mayfield is next up for this year’s Warehouse Project and the line-up will have you partying until the early hours as per.
Offering up everything from electronic, house and disco, including the likes of Glitterbox, Bob Sinclar, a Groove Armada DJ set and dozens more, WHP is well and truly getting into its stride.
WHEN: Saturday 22nd October 2022, 7:00pm til 11:00pm (14+)
Popping up at one of the city centre’s coolest new venues, the R&B/soul group Gabriels are rocking up for the second night in Manchester to christen the newly minted New Century, fresh from supporting Harry Styles on tour.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CikFRyVNfB3/?hl=en
One of the best-looking spaces anywhere in town, the slick 70s surround of the new space will is the perfect setting for frontman Jacob Lusk’s smooth vocals. You don’t want to miss this one.
The ragga legend himself General Levy is hosting a night of jungle and drum and bass in the Joshua Brooks basement. Say no more.
We can’t even hear his name without thinking of that legendary MistaJam moment on Radio One and you’ll be pleased to know his sets go off even bigger than that every time, without fail. Best of all, tickets are just a fiver. You’d be crazy to pass it up.
WHEN: Saturday 29th – Sunday 30th October 2022, 2:00pm til 11:00pm (Last entry 7:30pm)
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Credit: Dock 53Credit: AC/DC Experience’s sold-out crowd for Festwich
If you’re after slightly creepier vibes as the spook season nears, then look no further. The ‘Festival of Fear’ over near Piccadilly is Dock 53’s inaugural Halloween event and will see some of the best rock tribute acts in the UK descend on Manchester.
Hosted in the transformed cargo park and event space, you’ll be treated to the likes of Megadeth UK (Megadeth), Hi On Maiden (Iron Maiden), Ozzbest (Black Sabbath) and more. Rock lovers, get it in your diary.
Now, if you’re not one for fancy dress parties or going out on the town, but still want to enjoy Halloween 2022, this special screening of the horror classic Nosferatu (a.k.a. the original vampire) should be right up your street.
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Hosted at the Carlton Club over in Whalley Range, the German expressionist film adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula will be scored live by Chris Massey and Richie V from the Manchester daytime club Supernature. Better still, tickets include a free vegan meal and complimentary ‘dark beer’. Tidy.
Don’t sleepwalk into November and a winter full of buying Christmas presents on the few pennies you have left after watching every England game at the pub — get this stuff booked, people!
You can find plenty more gigs, club nights and special events going in Manchester this October via Skiddle.
Featured Image — The Warehouse Project (via Instagram)
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The North West’s most mesmerising festive light trail will return to Dunham Massey next month
Daisy Jackson
A magical illuminated trail will make its return to the historic Dunham Massey this winter, once again filling the grounds with twinkling lights and dazzling installations.
Christmas at Dunham Massey has become one of the North West’s most popular festive light trails, created by award-winning light trail producers and taking place annually at the National Trust site in Greater Manchester.
For 2025, there’ll be brand-new installations, like ‘Fish Are Jumping’, where points of light will leap like fish over the lake, in a mesmerising dance.
Visitors will walk through multicoloured landscapes of laser beams, while a projection on the facade of the historic house at Dunham Massey will narrate festive stories.
You’ll also be able to marvel at installations like ‘Field of Stars’ where colour-changing stars more than five metres high glow overhead; ‘Crocus Lawn’, filled with larger-than-life glowing flowers; and ‘Pixel Trees’, a cluster of Christmas trees made from thousands of LEDs.
Credit: Luke DysonChristmas at Dunham MasseyIt’s one of the North West’s most dazzling light trails. Credit: Luke DysonChristmas at Dunham Massey is returning in 2025. There’ll a fairground
There’ll also be a large triangular geometric light show, enhanced by an atmospheric haze, that will provide a dramatic moment on the trail.
And beloved elements returning to Christmas at Dunham Massey this year will include the iconic tunnel of lights, huge illuminated flowers, and appearances from Father Christmas himself.
Beyond the installations, there’s even a festive fairground you can enjoy.
Festive food on offer at Christmas at Dunham Massey
Once you’ve had your fill of this dazzling light trail, there are seasonal treats available from hand-picked street food vendors, like spiced winter drinks and rich hot chocolates, plus marshmallows you can toast over an open fire.
This year’s Christmas at Dunham Massey will kick off from Thursday 13 November and will run all the way through Christmas to Sunday 4 January 2026.
Advance booking is strongly advised as this is one of the region’s most popular festive events, and runs with a limited capacity.
More than 100 traders to take over Manchester’s beautiful Victoria Baths for The Night Market UK
Daisy Jackson
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.
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.
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.
“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.