HOME Manchester has announced the launch of two new exhibitions and full programme of big movie screenings ahead of the facility’s official reopening.
The cinema, museum and arts space is planning to welcome back customers in person next month – having spent the past few months broadcasting its events programme online.
As national COVID restrictions are expected to be lifted further from May 17, HOME has unveiled a packed events schedule to celebrate the return of its screens and gallery spaces.
Also screening is the acclaimed Billie Eilish documentary Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry; and Mank – David Fincher’s biographical drama of Herman J. Mankiewicz and his development Citizen Kane’s screenplay.
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In the HOME gallery, an exhibition titled Soul Journey to Truth – containing over 130 artworks compiled by prison inmates – is set to run from May 17.
Run by Koestler Arts, the UK’s leading prison arts charity, the exhibition is designed to promote artistic achievement in the criminal justice system and secure sectors – featuring paintings, sketches and even pieces of music.
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HOME’s Granada Foundation Gallery will also house Sarah-Joy Ford’s Feeling Backward: a quilter’s guide to The Lesbian Archive – an exhibition which explores images, iconographies and symbols that have been used to invoke lesbian strength, power and community throughout the 20th and 21st century.
Dave Moutrey, HOME’s Director and CEO, said: “It is exciting to be able to announce details of our fantastic reopening programme of exhibitions and film screenings at HOME just a week after we told everyone about our plans for theatre at our temporary outdoor venue, Homeground.
“Between HOME and Homeground, we promise a Summer of brilliant film, art and theatre for the people of Manchester.”
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HOME was the grateful recipient of a six-figure grant from the Garfield Weston Culture Fund in February – scooping more than £300,000.
The venue has also supported the local arts sector in terms of funding – with HOME employees working alongside the council to advise on the Cultural Sector Hardship Fund for Freelancers.
Described as an “outdoor venue for culture, cocktail and food”, the festival-style space will be located on First Street and feature a 400-seat socially distanced theatre, set to open in late May.
View the full HOME reopening programme online here.
What's On
Manchester Cathedral to be lit up with ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection this winter
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Cathedral is set to be lit up with ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection show this winter.
After captivating more than a million spectators globally and illuminating dozens of the world’s most extraordinary historic landmarks over the past couple of years, LUMINISCENCE is set to make its highly anticipated UK debut this winter – and Manchester Cathedral has been chosen as the lucky location for this dazzling event.
Combining 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special, visitors will be invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling.
LUMINISCENCE is set to pay tribute to Manchester’s rich cultural heritage through specially arranged orchestral renditions of iconic anthems – with the setlist including songs by Oasis, The Verve, Joy Division, and Elbow, just to name a few.
Manchester Cathedral is set to be lit up with a ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection this winter / Credit: Supplied
A brand-new script has been written for the show by BAFTA award winning writer Tim Whitnall, while narration will be provided by legendary local actor, Christopher Eccleston.
The show will be brought to life further by Manchester Collectives Gospel Choir, who’ll add a soaring choral dimension to what sounds set to be an already-powerful immersive experience.
Light from a battalion of high-power projectors becomes the storyteller inside the Cathedral, transforming the ancient architecture into a vast living canvas where every statue, carving, pillar, and stained-glass window comes to life.
LUMINISCENCE takes over Manchester Cathedral from Wednesday 14 January through to 26 March 2026, and audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid missing this unique experience as there’ll be strict capacity during the limited run.
Audiences can choose between Gold and Silver ticket tiers, offering options to suit every budget.
Gold tickets include fast-track entry and a glass of fizz on arrival, while Silver tickets for adults start from £29 (including a 10% booking fee), with concession prices available too.
Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 18 November, and you can book them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Comedy sensation Matt Rife announces new arena tour with Manchester show
Daisy Jackson
Comedian Matt Rife has just announced a brand-new world tour, with an arena show in Manchester on the cards.
The American comic, who has a whopping 11m followers on Instagram and 20m on TikTok, will be performing a night at the AO Arena on his extended Stay Golden World Tour, with tickets on sale Friday.
It’s one of 40+ new dates across North America and Europe, on a tour which will feature a 360 degree in-the-round stage at select venues.
The record-breaking comedian had already announced shows across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Canada, and performed shows across the States.
He’s been the youngest comedian to ever sell out New York’s Madison Square Garden – and he did two sold-out nights.
He’s shattered ticket sale records at arenas right across the USA, too.
Matt Rife has become one of the hottest names in comedy thanks to his razor-sharp crowd work and massive social media following, with over 44.6 million followers and more than three billion views globally, as well as chart-topping Netflix specials.
The 30-year-old entertainer will release a new Netflix special – Matt Rife: Unwrapped – on 2 December this year.
The ‘Christmas Crowd Work Special’ will ‘explore gifts, traditions and who’s made it on the naughty or nice list this year’.
Matt Rife will be at the AO Arena in Manchester on
Tickets for Matt Rife in Manchester at the AO Arena will go on sale from Wednesday 12 November for artist presale, and general sale will begin from 2pm on Friday 14 November – you can get your tickets HERE.
The Manc -
16th April 2021 
