For anyone giving Veganuary a go this year, we know the end of the month can often bring a bit of food boredom and a lack of plant-based inspiration along with it.
But luckily, Manchester’s very-own GRUB has got you covered.
That’s because, for the ninth year running now, the legendary GRUB ExtraVEGANza is returning to Manchester for the final weekend of the month, with the venue becoming a wall-to-wall vegan street food festival full of independent plant-based food traders.
Unfamiliar with GRUB? It’s a street food market and social hub just outside the city centre at the Red Bank Project in Cheetham Hill, and it’s known for hosting a jam-packed lineup of events throughout the year, and for being home to a wide range of rotating food and drink vendor pop-ups that hook Mancs up with some of the best eats from across the globe.
And the ExtraVEGANza is one of its best-loved events each time it rolls around.
On top of the venue’s weekly ‘Plant Powered Sundays’ vegan street food takeover days, the now-annual GRUB ExtraVEGANza is a celebration of all things plant-based food and drink.
Running from Friday 26 – Sunday 28 January this year, at 2024’s edition of the ExtraVEGANza, you can expect there to be plenty vegan treats from some of GRUB’s usual plant-based food traders, as well as loads more.
ADVERTISEMENT
Wholesome Junkies, Desert Island Dumplings, Nina’s Taco Truck, Seitan’s Kebab, and Munchie Mummy’s Vegan Bakery are just some of the traders you can check out over the three days.
A massive vegan street food festival is returning to Manchester later this month / Credit: GRUB
That’s not all either, as on top of food, there’ll also a 100% vegan bar offering wine, cocktails, spirits, mulled wine, soft drinks, and a wide range of beers from all the best local vegan-friendly breweries across Greater Manchester and the North West.
“Music, vibes, and lovely times,” are also promised by the festival’s organisers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Basically, whether you’re a vegan newbie, a plant-based pro, or just looking to cut back on your animal product consumption where possible, you’ll probably want to get yourself down to GRUB, as there’s something for everyone.
Find out more about GRUB’s ExtraVEGANza 2024, and get booking your place here.
Featured Image – GRUB
What's On
Stockport’s ‘captivating’ Christmas festival is back with 50 FREE shows and hundreds of performers
Emily Sergeant
Things are getting all festive in Stockport as more than 50 free shows and hundreds of performers prepare to descend the town centre.
Back by popular demand to kick off Christmas in style, especially after the inaugural event resulted in the busiest Sunday for the Greater Manchester town’s centre since 2019, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning next month for a one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, banging brass bands, carnival fun, and loads more.
Hundreds of captivating performers will take over Stockport for the day, with another new lineup for 2025 promising something for the whole family.
Stockport’s ‘captivating’ Christmas festival is back with 50 free shows and hundreds of performers / Credit: Supplied
Think a giant carnival bee, stilt-walking Christmas Belles, comedy chefs, bouncing snowmen, cocky robins, roaming bands, and so much more – with more than 50 free shows and activities to enjoy all day long.
Produced by renowned carnival arts organisation, Global Grooves, and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway, and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement from midday right through to 5pm, as performers take over iconic Stockport locations.
Head to Market Place, the Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock, and Suffragette Square to make the most of all the festive fun.
Spectacular Sunday always marks the start of Stockport’s festive season, and 2025 is no different.
“Stockport likes to do Christmas in its own way, and our Spectacular Sunday event is about filling the town with energy, music and performance and giving visitors something unexpected at every turn,” explained Totally Stockport CEO, Mark Ross.
“It’s a celebration of creativity, community and the independent spirit that makes Stockport what it is.
“This event shows how we kick off the festive season in a way that’s truly unique to our town, and we can’t wait to see everyone back this November.”
Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday 2025 is taking over the town centre next month on Sunday 16 November from 12pm onwards.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Festive pop-up cafe filled with hundreds of dogs in Christmas jumpers is coming to Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Are you a dog person? Love seeing lots of little pups in the same place? Looking for your dog to make some four-legged friends?
Well you’re in luck, as the Pup Up Cafe is heading back out on a tour of the UK next month, and if the concept of the popular event wasn’t already flipping cute enough as it is, this time around, it’s a Christmas-themed edition, and it’s sounding set to be the perfect festive day out in the city with your fur baby.
If you’re looking to get in the Christmas spirit early, then both the ‘Jingle Paws’ all-breeds and dedicated ‘Dashing Dachshund’ pop up cafes – or we should say ‘pup up cafe’ – are returning to Manchester in late November.
The adorable events will be filling a popular city centre venue with loads of dogs to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
A festive pop-up cafe filled with hundreds of dogs in Christmas jumpers is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
Last year, hundreds of different dogs visited the cafe to join in on the festive fun, and this year is expected to be no different, as the event organisers have secured a large city centre space for all the dogs to roam free.
Whether you’re a dog owner yourself, or just a big fan, everyone’s free to attend to mingle with many furry little friends, take part in a range of seasonal activities, and stock up on canine-related goodies as early Christmas presents.
There’ll be ball pits, toys, and tunnels for all the zoomies, while the pups themselves can enjoy unlimited dog treats and free puppuccinos.
With up to 50 dogs allowed per session, and festive fancy dress very much encouraged, each pup will get a Christmas present on arrival at the party, and will even have the chance to win some extra prizes if they’re the best dressed.
A dedicated photographer will be getting snaps of each session and there’ll be loads of Christmas props to use in the pictures.
So, if you fancy joining The Pup Up Cafe when it arrives in Manchester for Christmas on Sunday 23 November, then tickets will set you back £12 if you’re a dog owner, and £15 if you’re just a dog person who’s keen to go along for the fun anyway.
Emily Sergeant -
5th January 2024 
