Manchester’s newest comedy festival is making a return to the city later this year, and there’s some massive names on the lineup set to bring the laughs.
After what was a smash-hit success in its inaugural year back in 2022, with 10,000 comedy-lovers enjoying countless sell-out stand-up sets, Laughterama is back in Manchester for more in a couple of months time, and will once again be taking over the iconic Castlefield Bowl in the heart of the city centre.
Just like last year, festivalgoers are in for an “explosive series of shows” from some of the hottest names on the comedy circuit.
Multi award-winning comedians Adam Buxton, Ed Gamble, Sara Pascoe, and Alan Davies are just some of the famous names on this year’s jam-paced lineup.
They’ll be joined by the phrenetic Russell Kane, the legendary Dylan Moran, and Taskmaster stars Phil Wang and Fern Brady when they all take to the Castlefield Bowl stage over the five-day festival from Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 September.
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Laughterama 2023 lineup / Credit: Laughterama
That’s not all either, as this year’s lineup is also stacked with flawless entertainers like cult comic/poet Tim Key, viral sensation Troy Hawke, ventriloquism queen Nina Conti, Father Ted hero Adrial O’Hanlon, and Mash Report host Rachel Parris, as well as a bunch of fast-rising breakthrough upcoming comedy names and homegrown talents.
Josh Jones, Dan Tiernan, Sharon Wanjohi, Ania Magliano, Celya Ab are just some of the newcomers you can catch over the five days.
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And aside from the comedy, just like last year, the very-best eats from Manchester’s street food scene will also be on site to tuck into, as well as an exciting selection of bars serving signature beers, cocktails, and more.
Ed Gamble and Sara Pascoe are two of the famous names on this year’s lineup / Credit: Supplied
Festival organisers are promising an “outrageously good time” for anyone heading down this year.
Laughterama is the latest venture by sibling duo Will Briggs and Cass Randolph of 57 Festivals, who have been bringing their unique blend of comedy programming in boutique-festival settings to sell-out crowds across the UK for the past 15 years.
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And after their hugely-successful first year in Manchester, the pair are looking forward to returning later this year.
“Last year’s festival was epic,” Will and Cass admitted.
James Acaster performing at the inaugural Laughterama back in 2022 / Credit: Supplied
“The shows and crowds were electric, and we couldn’t have asked for a stronger first year, [so] for this year’s return, we’ve been focused on making sure we maintain that feeling by presenting lineups that will amaze and delight.
“We’ve added more even shows and are looking forward to welcoming back everyone that came last year, plus their friends and families too.”
Laughterama 2023 is landing at Castlefield Bowl from Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 September, with tickets now on sale at £25 per person and already selling fast.
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You can grab yours on the Laughterama website before they sell out here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
A new ‘disco den’ nightclub is opening in the Northern Quarter
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new nightclub is set to open in Manchester city centre next month, as our city’s late-night scene ramps up a gear.
Following on from the announcement of the return of Sankeys, this new ‘disco den’ will be an intimate loft space in the Northern Quarter.
As with Sankeys, the location of this new venue is being kept strictly under wraps for now, but they have teased some details to get us started.
It will be a New York-style loft club space, which wants to bring ‘the essence of Studio 54’ to Manchester.
The venue will be taking over the top floor of one of the Northern Quarter’s ‘most famous’ bars, and will have a maximum capacity of 150 people – pretty intimate for a nightlife venue.
The first two nights have been announced too – up first will be ‘Lollipop’, a new night of self-expression, freedom, disco, and drag dancers.
On Saturday 28 February, Mancs will be able to dance to the best house and disco music, from Jon Fitz, DJ Dave Cooper, Electric Emma Eden Binks, and Libby Nolan, with supporting performances from Gisele.
Then on Saturday 14 March, ‘Discolicious’ will take over – an inclusive club night founded by Jemma Bolt and Denise Van Outen.
The event is back from a summer-long residency at Ibiza’s UNVRS superclub.
Expect sequins, feathers, platforms and pure disco ball energy, with a line-up that includes Jemma Bolt, Laura Pradelska, Pips Taylor, Jules Pinkney and Manchester’s own Electric Emma.
Tickets for both events are available from Skiddle, with a password reveal three days before the event.
Discolicious tickets are on sale now HERE, and Lollipop tickets are available HERE.
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.
Emily Sergeant -
9th June 2023 
