Manchester Opera House has this week released revised dates for its new socially-distanced production of Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.
Following England’s second national lockdown coming to an end, and a return to the government’s new “tougher” three tiered regional system commencing – with Greater Manchester having entered into Tier 3 restrictions – Manchester Opera House has confirmed that the opening of Sleeping Beauty will be delayed.
The production – which was due to open next week – will now begin on Thursday 24th December 2020, and run until Sunday 10 January 2021.
Manchester Opera House said it is “determined to stage this wonderful production” as safely as possible.
The pantomime – which has been created especially for Manchester Opera House in this unprecedented year – will be “a riotously funny, one-act celebration of pantomime” and it’s set to be packed full of comedy and laughter to allow audience members the opportunity to come safely together and enjoy the magic of the much-loved and unique art form this festive season.
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Funding from The National Lottery has helped panto return to the Opera House Manchester this year.
Following the announcement that Manchester is moving to Tier 3 restrictions, we want to reassure all our Sleeping Beauty socially-distanced pantomime ticket holders that we are doing everything in our power to bring this show to our city. (1/3)
Given this wait, we must confirm that the show will need to open later than previously planned and we will share all information with bookers directly via email. Let’s stay safe, look out for each another and keep positive that we come together in 2020! (3/3)
Speaking on the release of the revised dates, Sheena Wrigley – Theatre Director of Manchester Palace & Opera House – said: “Given the downward trend of the virus in the city, and the community’s campaign for the reduction of the Tier level at the next review, we continue to be hopeful that we can stage the show this Christmas, opening a little later than planned on 24th December.
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“We thank all of our customers for their patience at this time as we work to get affected bookings rescheduled,
“And [we] are also grateful The National Lottery for their continued support to enable the rescheduled performances to go ahead.”
It was also announced last month that NHS staff are to be given free tickets to the opening night performance as a thank you for all their hard work during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic this year, but this has now also been rescheduled to the performance on Friday 8 January at 7pm.
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All original ballot entries remain valid, and winners will be contacted from 7th December.
Palace & Opera / ATG Tickets
The relaxed performance of Sleeping Beauty – has been specially adapted to allow those with autism, sensory and communication disorders, learning difficulties or anyone who would benefit from a more informal setting to enjoy the performance, comfortably – has also been rescheduled.
This will now take place on Wednesday 6 January at 1pm.
Customers will be pleased to know that there are no changes to the originally-announced cast and can expect to see Salford-born comedian Jason Manford as Muddles, alongside Blackpool’s own Jodie Prenger as The Enchantress, Billy Pearce as King Billy, Eric Potts as The Queen, Jenny Gaynor as Carabosse, Louis Gaunt as The Prince, and Sarah Goggin as Princess Beauty.
Aside from free / discounted eligibility, ticket prices start from £13 per person.
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Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Manchester Opera House’s capacity is being reduced by 50%, there’ll be staggered arrival times and one way systems in place, with sanitising stations placed around the venue, and deep cleaning taking place between every performance.
You can grab your tickets and find more information here.
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Tickets go on sale for massively popular pumpkin festival near Greater Manchester this autumn
Emily Sergeant
Tickets for one of the North West’s most popular pumpkin festivals with thousands of pumpkins to pick have now officially gone on sale.
We know it’s still technically summer and the sun is still shining, but in just over a month’s time, Kenyon Hall Farm’s popular Pumpkin Festival will be back up and running for 2026.
This is an ideal autumnal activity for when the leaves start turning golden, and is always popular with families every year.
Think fields full of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, where you can grab yourself a wheelbarrow and get searching for your perfect gourd – whether it’s a classic round orange one, or a weird and wonderful wonky one.
Kenyon Hall Farm’s popular Pumpkin Festival will be back from next month / Credit: The Manc Group | Concetta Huffa (via Unsplash)
As well as the pumpkin picking itself, Kenyon Hall Farm also has loads of photo opportunities dotted around, like a house built of pumpkins, a giant throne, a vintage tractor, a love heart frame, and even a Hollywood sign-style sign screaming ‘PUMPKINS’ as you enter.
This year, the owners are also teasing some brand-new displays for 2026, so stay tuned for what’s in store.
While you’re at the farm, you can also browse a pop-up market packed with autumnal treats, including more pumpkins, novelty homewares, and seasonal goodies, and then head on into the gorgeous on-site cafe for some pumpkin-inspired specials like spiced lattes, scones, and soup.
What could be more a perfect autumn activity than rummaging around in a field picking your perfect pumpkin with your pals?
Kenyon Hall Farm’s Pumpkin Festival officially returns from Saturday 26 September, and tickets are now on sale at £3.95 each, so make sure to book yours soon as they’re already selling fast.
Tame Impala announces another HUGE Manchester gig after chart-topping success
Emily Sergeant
Tame Impala has announced another UK and EU tour in 2027 to celebrate recent chart-topping success.
Following sold-out runs across the globe in 2025 and 2026 – including here in Manchester – and currently in the midst of a North American arena tour, Tame Impala has announced a new run of dates for next year – with a mix of headline and festival appearances.
The announcement arrives as Kevin Parker – better known by his project name, Tame Impala – continues an extraordinary run with his latest studio album Deadbeat, released last year.
On Deadbeat, Parker aimed to sculpt a collection of ‘wickedly potent’ club-psych explorations as a vehicle for some of his most direct, ear-wormy songwriting to date.
Tame Impala has announced another huge Manchester gig after chart-topping success / Credit: Julian Klincewicz (Supplied)
After recently being featured in the new Marvel film, Spiderman: Brand New Day, the lead single from the album, ‘Loser’, has just hit number one on the Global Spotify chart.
Not only that, but the remix of the hit song ‘Dracula’, featuring JENNIE, also remains in the top 10 on various global charts, and the original version has also nominated for Best Alternative at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.
Critics described this most recent run of gigs as ‘one of the best live shows of the year’, so it only makes sense that he’d be back for more.
Kicking off on 28 May 2027 in here in Manchester, Tame Impala will be taking to the Co-op Live stage once again, before heading down to the capital for two nights at The O2 on 1 and 2 June, and then popping over to Paris, Rotterdam, and Cologne to.
Wet Leg will open all headlining dates next year, including here in Manchester.
Tickets go on sale this week, with Co-op Member Presale kicking off at 9am on Wednesday (26 August), followed by General Sale also at 9am on Friday (28 August).
Emily Sergeant -
4th December 2020 
