There’s loads going on in Manchester on December 31, with tickets still available for a lot of the city’s biggest parties.
We’ve rounded up some of the best – including a slightly more relaxed option for those of you who would prefer to mark the occasion with a knife and fork in your hand.
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‘Come As You Are’ at The Refuge
Credit: The Refuge
Without a doubt, this is one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties to take place in Manchester. The Refuge, co-owned by local DJ and party legend Luke Unabomber, throws a huge bash every year hosting sets from a fistful of selector heroes in its public bar.
This year, the NYE lineup features a full takeover from original Hacienda resident DJ Paulette and four-piece collective Supernature Disco, both part of the venue’s ‘very special DJ family’.
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Expect everything from uplifting party hip hop, raw funk and rare grooves, to soulful vocals and diamante strewn disco, jacking/deep house and tearing techno.
One of Manchester’s newest and biggest venues will be throwing a show-stopping New Year’s Eve party this week.
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The entirely free entertainment will be hosted by Cheddar Gorgeous, and will include a peep show at the Mini Cini with a burlesque performance from Lady Wildflower.
There’ll also be a fortune teller, contortionists, fire palm dancers, disco divas, a lit-up dancefloor, and music from The Untold Orchestra and DJ Neil Diablo in a thoroughly avant-garde knees-up.
It’s the first NYE party Manchester bass night Hit & Run has put together in some time (maybe nearing a decade?) – and it looks set to be a big one.
Sets come from the likes of Biome, Daseplate, Dogger B2B Mindstate, Ghoulish, Johnny Opo, Mako MCR, Kaz and more, with guest MCs still to be confirmed.
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Early bird tickets have sold out but there are still three staggered releases left – priced at £20, £25 and £30 respectively.
Following last year’s sell-out event, Ibiza institution Cafe Mambo is heading back to Manchester.
The Albert Hall will be turned into New Year’s Eve extravaganza, featuring performances from Todd Terry, Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago, Erik Hagleton & House Gospel Choir.
There’s a VIP experience available too, which gets you access to your own VIP loos, bar, and a separate area, as well as queue jump and champagne.
For the 25th year running, Funkademia will host its belting New Year’s Eve party in Manchester at Mint Lounge in the NQ.
Head down for bashment, disco and funky floor fillers spun by residents David Dunne and Les Croasdaile from 10.30pm until 4am. Last entry is 1am.
This night sells out every year, and by the way that ticket sales are going since Monday night’s announcement promoters are pretty confident it will again.
New Year’s Eve at Escape to Freight Island. Credit: Supplied
It’s going to be a busy evening over at Escape to Freight Island, which is also celebrating its first NYE in Manchester.
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Their plans span right across the day and night of December 31, and will include all the usual fare (the festive Winter Market is still going too) soundtracked by DJs.
Then as night draws in, the indoor Ticket Hall will be transformed into Freight Island’s very own Revue – a homage to and celebration of soul, funk, disco, house and everything in-between.
Girls On Film will take over The Plantroom outside with 80s and 90s classics – including confetti, glitter stations and silent discos.
A truly legendary place to party in Manchester, The White Hotel never disappoints – and this New Year’s Eve is set to be no different. The guaranteed last entry for advance tickets is 4am, just to give you a flavour of the vibe here.
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Split into three parts, NYE celebrations start at 23.59pm on 31 December with Club Martyr (feat. Bitzer Maloney, Lupini, Rosa Menthol, Sonice, Hesska, Conor Thomas) running until 6am New Year’s Day.
From 6-10am it’s $hotta Rave with Tom Boogzim holding it down, then W.O.M takes over from 6pm to 2am with a headline set from High Hoops (world disco, psychedelic house, acid and electro), plus more from Handle (live), Proteus, Vendel, Nova and Rose A.
Promising a mix of afrobeat, dancehall, R&B, trap, funky and UK garage, Habitat makes its return to Lever street venue Off The Square with a solid lineup featuring the likes of AK Gramm, Yung OMZ and Tone Rarri.
The dress code here is ‘no effort, no entry’ – but that doesn’t exactly mean shiny shoes and a tie. Check out their Instagram for some inspiration.
Port Street Beer House is collaborating with The Crafty Cheeseman for a night of free cheese and beer tastings kicking off from 10pm; The Beagle is chucking out pizza slices and hits from the 80s, 90s and 00s; and newcomer BOX on Deansgate will have a ‘game-changing’ party.
Featured image: Escape to Freight Island
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 4 – 10 May 2026
Emily Sergeant
It’s our first full week of May, and we can practically see summer on the horizon now.
With a new month getting underway, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week, especially as we’re starting this week off with our first bank holiday of the month too.
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.
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Celebrate National Space Day this bank holiday
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 4 May
National Space Day 2026 / Credit: Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)
You can celebrate National Space Day with a bunch of free ‘out of this world’ activities this bank holiday.
Ever wondered what astronauts eat in orbit? How they use the loo in zero gravity? Or why crumbs are bad news on the International Space Station? Well, to celebrate National Space Day, you’ll now get to discover the answers to those questions and so much more down at the Science and Industry Museum this bank holiday.
The programme of free events are set to accompany the museum’s latest special exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos and will give visitors more ways to explore the ‘wonders and weirdness’ of space.
Blossom and Bloomtown 2026 / Credit: The Manc Group
The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme full of trails and events is back once again so you can appreciate them in all their glory.
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white, and you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season either, as there’s plenty of blossom to discover right on our doorstep in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re walking through the city centre on your way to work, enjoying a spot of lunch in the park, or going on a little local adventure with your family, Bloomtown has something for everyone.
Find out more about all the events happening here.
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LUMINISCENCE
Manchester Cathedral
Monday 4 May – 5 June
Luminiscence / Credit: Supplied
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 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 invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
Trof is entering a new era… and we think it’s looking pretty special.
The Northern Quarter institution has officially reopened its doors as The Trof – a space for pints and roasts (as always), but also refined British dining.
The team behind Stow are in charge of the kitchens and the bar, so suddenly this boozy favourite has become one of town’s most exciting food destinations.
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Did you know there’s an adorable open farm in Bolton where you can meet and hold baby bunnies, lambs, chicks, AND more?
This is Smithills Open Farm, and it’s one of the most wholesome family days out you’ll find this spring.
Here on this picturesque family-run farm nestled within 70-acres of countryside, you can feed the sheep and llamas, ride a tractor to visit the donkeys, or even head into the barn to see the cows, horses, and piglets.
Plus, they host ‘Pets Corner’ sessions throughout the day too, where you can meet and hold many different baby animals (including the softest little goats and chicks we ever did see.)
They even have a farm shop and ice creamery where you can buy local honey and other goods to take home with you.
Find out more about the farm and plan your trip here.
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Or what about that Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for the third year in a row?
Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for 2026 / Credit: Chester Zoo
That’s right – the UK’s biggest charity zoo has officially been named the best zoo in the country by TripAdvisor reviews, with the zoo having claimed a record 11,666 ‘excellent’ ratings for the first time too, making it even more of a cause for celebration.
Not only has the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences made it the best in our country, but this has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite.
Chester Zoo’s CEO, Jamie Christon, says he is ‘over the moon’ with the zoo’s new title.
Sure, we know this isn’t exactly the type of ‘event’ we usually include in these round-up articles, but how could we not draw attention to the fact that, after eight long years, Albert Square has finally reopened to the public?
This means that you can now walk – heck, even run, skip, and jump if you’d like – your way through the big, clean open space outside the Town Hall.
Of course, we just had to go and check it out for ourselves👇
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in April, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in May, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too.
Featured Image – The Manc Group | Drew Forsyth(Science Museum Group)
What's On
Latest wave of ‘Evening 4’ Ricky Hatton lineup in memory of the legendary Manc boxer announced
Danny Jones
Manchester is set to host a night of remembrance and celebration in honour of the late, great, local boxer, Ricky Hatton, and now a superb second wave of names has been added to AO Arena’s lineup.
Coming this summer, the legendary Manchester arena – where Hatton enjoyed so many of his iconic moments – will be holding the first-ever ‘Evening4Ricky’ later this year.
Held at the legendary sports and live entertainment venue just in time for summer, we still only know bits and pieces about what’s in store, but a whole host of familiar Manc faces, famous British names, and figures from the world of sport have now been announced.
Sharing the news on social media, AO Arena said: “Join us for an unforgettable night of entertainment as Manchester comes together for Evening4Ricky.
“This will be a spectacular, unique celebration of the life, spirit and legacy of one of the city’s most beloved icons – Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton.”
With seats priced at £25, fans are being encouraged to join the early bird sign-up to secure access to discounted tickets.
As you can see, now confirmed for the evening are the likes of Man United legend, Paul Scholes, darts icon Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, as well as fellow former boxers like Frank Bruno, Tony Bellew and more.
Local band, The K’s, were already confirmed as part of the in-person performances, but now the likes of Manc grime artists Bugzy Malone, fellow UK rapper Tinie Tempah, and The Lottery Winners are joining in, too, alongside loads more live music and entertainment set to be revealed in the coming weeks.
They go on to add: “Hosted at the legendary AO Arena, home to so many of Ricky’s big fights, featuring a superstar cast of legends from the worlds of boxing, music, comedy and entertainment.”
So, we do at least know there’ll be some famous faces coming along to help make it a memorable Manc moment, just a few months on from the city and beyond uniting for his public funeral procession.
Ricky was beloved not only by the Greater Manchester community but was a popular figure and friend to many in the sporting and showbiz industries.
The homegrown ‘Pride of Hyde‘ tragically left us on 14 September 2025 at the age of just 46, but his passing has once again helped reassert the importance of having more conversations around wellbeing, suicide prevention, and most specifically, men’s mental health.
You can find more information and see how to grab tickets right HERE.
This isn’t the only charitable in memoriam event happening across the region in the coming weeks, either, as Mancs will be gathering to pay tribute to another fellow inspiring sportsman.
Georgina Pellant -
29th December 2021 
