One of Manchester City Council’s key Councillors has spoken out this morning offering Mancunians a fresh update on this year’s Christmas lights switch-on.
It was confirmed by the council at the end of last month that following a period of review around all major events in the city’s seasonal celebration calendar amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a number of festivities would sadly have to be cancelled this year.
The Christmas Lights Switch-On – which usually attracts around 20,000 people to the city centre – was one of those cancelled events.
Speaking at the time on the cancelations, Councillor Pat Karney – Manchester City Council’s Christmas spokesperson – said: “Christmas in Manchester is an incredibly important time for the city’s economy. The city attracts millions of visitors each year, which local businesses rely on – and it’s important to the city’s recovery that we can bring people back into the city safely.
“COVID-19 means that Christmas will be different this year, but we are working hard towards celebrating the festive season as safely as possible.
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“So watch this space.”
Now, speaking live on BBC Radio Manchester this morning, Cllr Karney has indeed provided an insight into how the Christmas Lights Switch-On will unfold this year and it certainly sounds pretty special.
Cllr Karney said: “Because of safety, the traditional switch-on, which we normally have 20,000 people at, has been cancelled for obvious reasons, but, we are having Christmas lights throughout the city which will be switched on on November 17th, a Tuesday evening.
“NHS workers, our heroes – who saw us through that first horrible phase – are going to be switching on the lights on Deansgate.
“[The event] brings the Christmas celebrations and recognition to the NHS workers we owe our lives to.”
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He added that he believed it would be a “fantastic” occasion for the city.
It has been confirmed that the switch-on event – which is in partnership with BBC Radio Manchester – will have “no crowds” in attendance on the evening, but more information regarding the running of the and the way in which Mancunians will be able to tune in, is expected in due course.
Keep your eye on the Manchester City Council website here for all the latest.
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 26 January – 1 February 2026
Emily Sergeant
Can you believe it’s time to say goodbye to January this week?
Our first month of the new year is drawing to a close, and spring is on the horizon, so of course, we’re really not short of exciting activities and events to be getting up to right across Greater Manchester – with everything from smash-hit musicals to 360° walk-through projection shows happening 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.
Now in its fifth year, and having gone on to become one of the world’s biggest annual theatrical events in the process, Big Night of Musicals will once again illuminate Manchester’s AO Arena this winter, hoping to deliver its most ambitious celebration of British theatre to date.
Hosted by Manchester comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford, the event will bring together lots of the UK’s biggest and most beloved musicals for one extraordinary night.
Audiences can expect mesmerising performances from some of the biggest musicals across the UK.
Manchester Cathedral has been lit up with a ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection show this winter.
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 are now invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling.
LUMINISCENCE pays 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.
The award-winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back.
Taking over the iconic Palace Theatre stage in Manchester this week, leading lady Sidonie Smith stars as Rachel Marron, Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer, Sasha Monique as Nicki Marron, and Coronation Street and Hollyoaks stars as Matt Milburn as Sy Spector.
Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge, but what they don’t expect is to fall in love.
Did someone say £10 pie? The Festival of Pie is back at The Black Friar is Salford, in case you didn’t know, that means delicious handmade pies are yours for a bargain price this January and February.
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Pick from the classic meat and potato, or opt for something a little different like garlic, chicken and leek, mushroom keema and onion bhaji, and our personal favourite, the truffle dauphinoise. Plus, you can add sides like mash and peas for just £3.
The deal is available all day Monday and Tuesday, and 12pm-6.30pm Wednesday to Friday, so don’t miss out before it’s too late.
L.S. Lowry’s iconic masterpiece ‘Going to the Match’ is being brought to life right before your eyes in this brand-new exhibition now open at The Lowry.
LOWRY 360 is an immersive experience forming part of the legendary The Lowry theatre’s 25th anniversary programme, and it means that, for the first time ever, you can see one of Manchester’s most famous paintings by, arguably, the city’s most famous artist come to life through sight and sound.
Better yet, after you’ve immersed yourself in this incredible experience, then you can then see the actual painting in the full gallery – Modern Life: The LS Lowry Exhibition.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this winter? Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
It’s time to let your competitive side out – get ready to experience the city’s most unique attraction like never before. Race through the vortex, create the best mirror image, and complete the brain gym the fastest to win the dazzling trophy at the end.
Whether you’re team building with your work lot, or taking your mates for a bit of healthy competition, it’s a great one to have a go at.
A huge gaming event is happening in Manchester at the moment.
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With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP at the Science and Industry takes ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming, with everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more.
Power UP is taking place each weekend only throughout this month, with each ticket including unlimited play all day.
Beloved Manchester restaurant ZOUK has brought back its bottomless curry offer this month, and there’s only a week left to make the most of it, so don’t miss out. We’re talking all-you-can-eat curry, rice, and naan for just £20 per person.
There’s always a choice between chicken, lamb, veggie and vegan, and we’ve made it easy for you to see what’s on offer.
The question isn’t if you’re going, it’s when. How much can you eat in 90 minutes?
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Did you know what Manchester Airport is currently hosting a HUGE January sale with up to 40% off travel essentials?
January is often considered one of the least-favourite months of the year, with many people dreaming of their next holiday, which is why Manchester Airport has decided to launch a big January sale – with up to 40% off everything from fast-track security to parking.
While you won’t be able to bag a couple of quid off flights unfortunately, tourists will be able to save on a range of other services instead.
That’s not all either, as Manchester Airport has also announced that it’s launching seven exciting new routes to destinations right across the world, and you can find out what they are and get booking your next holiday here👇
Hungry? You’ve only got a week left to make the most of all the January deals.
The time has come again for Manchester’s restaurants and bars to slash their prices in a bid to entice customers to keep eating and drinking out all throughout January, and that means hundreds of places are offering up half-price scran, added freebies, or two-for-one offers this month.
There’s loads of offers beyond Manchester city centre too, as suburban gems are getting in on the action in 2026.
Cheshire Oaks’ popular Wellness Weekend event is back for 2026, and you can head over to make the most of a wide range of free fitness classes, interactive workshops, luxurious treatments, and exclusive in-store offers too.
Think everything from bookable Barre, yoga, Pilates, and street dance classes designed to build flexibility and strength, courtesy of Lululemon and Sweaty Betty, right down to complimentary treatments from Clarins, Molten Brown, and Charlotte Tillbury, and even bra fittings and other free expert-led sessions by Nike.
Plus, you can get up to 75% off in some stores, and even pick up goodie bags and ‘Spin to Win’ prizes at selected outlets too.
Manchester City and set to take on Chelsea once again in the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) at the Etihad Stadium presented by Revolut on Sunday 1 February.
It’s gearing up to be an action-packed match day both on and off the pitch, as not only can you watch two stellar teams in action, but there’s also a lineup of brilliant experiences to make the most of before kick off, like the Blue Carpet, a City Mega Quiz, and a performance from The Wanted 2.0.
Find out more and grab last-minute tickets to the match here.
Oh yeah, and if you really want to make a day of it, how does bottomless brunch beforehand sound? When you combine a thrilling match with free flowing drinks and incredible food, you know you’re onto a winner no matter what.
We were lucky enough to try the experience for ourselves👇
Could a trip to the theatre could be on the cards this year?
Greater Manchester has firmly earned itself a spot as a place for world-renowned touring theatre productions to make a stop off at.
This beloved industry has now well and truly bounced-back post pandemic – with the region’s three main theatres, Palace Theatre Manchester, Opera House Manchester, and The Lowry, all having welcomed some absolute show-stopping productions in 2025.
Our region’s theatre events calendar is already jam-packed with award-winning musicals, family-friendly plays, inventive dance productions, and so much more in 2026, so we’ve rounded up some of the best shows to see and grab tickets for this year.
If there’s one thing Manchester is known for across the world, it’s music.
Our region is not only a historic musical hub in and of itself, having been the birthplace of so many legendary famous names, but it’s also a major UK stopping point on many global artists’ tour schedules too, thanks to the city’s various sizes of stage and venues.
This means there’s a jam-packed schedule of gigs happening all throughout 2026 – with something for everyone, no matter your taste in music.
Read our picks for 10 of the best gigs happening in Manchester this year here.
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What else is there to look forward to in Greater Manchester in 2026?
Oh, so much. So so much.
The next 12 months are shaping up to be another monumental year for Manchester, with absolutely loads of huge developments, events, and reopenings on the horizon. Expect major global events like the BRITs and The MOBO Awards, huge openings like The Medlock Hotel at the expanded Etihad Stadium, and the relaunch of venues like Manchester’s popular Cat Cafe, and The Spinners Rest (formerly known as The Shamrock).
We’ve rounded up some of the best things to look forward to throughout the year here.
The UK’s biggest LEGO convention is coming back to Manchester next month
Emily Sergeant
The biggest LEGO event in the UK is returning to Manchester next month.
After proving to be such a massive sell-out success last year, Bricktastic – the ‘ultimate’ LEGO convention – will be returning to Manchester next month, just in time for half term, with even more incredible LEGO models, activities, and fun for all the family.
Already shaping up to be one of the most exciting LEGO events in the UK, with tickets already on sale and selling fast, fans can expect to see more than 300 exhibitors from around the world showcasing original LEGO creations, also known as MOCs (Models of Own Creation), all under one roof at Manchester Central.
Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, Friends, or Harry Potter, you’ll find your favourite LEGO themes and more at the event next month.
You’ll also be able to meet the talented model creators and uncover the stories behind their spectacular builds.
This LEGO convention isn’t just about admiring the models though, it’s about creating your own too, as at Bricktastic, you can build a section of our giant LEGO mosaic featuring more 100,000 bricks, dive into the brick pits filled with system or DUPLO® bricks for the little ones, and leave your own personal tag on the LEGO graffiti walls.
Basically, you can create anything you like and then leave your masterpiece on display for others to enjoy when they visit.
The UK’s biggest LEGO convention is coming back to Manchester next month / Credit: Shirlane Forrest
There’ll also be a wide variety of shopping opportunities at Bricktastic 2026, with something for every budget, no matter what you’re searching for.
And all proceeds from Bricktastic 2026 will help to fund LEGO deliveries to children in hospitals through the Fairy Bricks charity.
Bricktastic 2026 is taking place at Manchester Central on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February 2026, and tickets are on sale now.
Tickets will be required for all visitors. Your ticket will have a timed entry but not a timed exit, so you can stay as long as you like, and if you want to take a break for a coffee or lunch, then simply collect a wristband to return whenever you’re ready.
The Manc -
8th October 2020 
