The critically-acclaimed exhibition is set to close on 3 January 2022.
Since opening to the public back in June, over 25,000 visitors from all across Greater Manchester and beyond have had the chance to experience the popular exhibition, which uncovers the lesser-known stories of one of Manchester’s most influential record labels, Factory Records, and celebrates its place at the heart of the city and in the UK’s music and creative industries.
Visitors have been guided through the lesser-known story of the pre-Haçienda years to learn all about the history of Factory Records label and discover how it earned its status as a catalyst for innovation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GATHliayYGc
From the first 50 numbered artefacts from the Factory catalogue, to getting hands-on with pioneering technologies of the time, getting to discover previously-untold stories of the first four years of the label is undoubtedly one of main highlights of the exhibiton.
ADVERTISEMENT
There’s also the chance to immerse yourself in the unique culture and technology that made the Factory Records era such an important one for both music and Manchester.
Some of the artefacts featured in the exhibition include the iconic FAC 1 poster – designed by Peter Saville – as well as items relating to Joy Division, New Order, and The Durutti Column, and there’s even a series of amplified stories which shed light on individuals who played an important but lesser-acknowledged role in Factory Records’ early years, including five key women involved in its beginnings – Lindsay Reade, Lesley Gilbert, Gillian Gilbert, Ann Quigley and artist, Linder.
ADVERTISEMENT
Time's running out to visit Use Hearing Protection: The early years of Factory Records 🎧
Discover the formative years of the iconic record label and how its unique sound changed music. This must-see exhibition closes 3 January.
But, if you’ve not been able to head on down to the city’s leading cultural museum yet to see the exhibition, then you’ve still got a couple of months left to catch it.
Speaking on the success of the exhibition and its final weeks, Sally MacDonald – Director of the Science and Industry Museum – said: “Factory Records was always distinctly and proudly Mancunian, and the music it generated helped define our city, inspiring countless other bands – proving revolutionary in all sorts of ways – from design, to music technology.
The exhibition uncovers the lesser-known stories of one of Manchester’s most influential record labels – Factory Records / Credit: Science and Industry Museum
“That’s why it has been such an honour to be able to give our visitors the opportunity to have access to an important part of our musical heritage, whether it be so they can reminisce about what they experienced first-hand, or to discover something completely new about the city and music they love.
“The reaction to the exhibition from visitors has been incredible so far, and we want to make sure that before the exhibition closes as many people as possible get to experience for themselves this truly Mancunian exhibition.”
Use Hearing Protection: The early years of Factory Records can be found on the first floor of the museum until Monday 3 January 2022.
Tickets are priced at £8 for adults and £6 for concessions, with under-12s going free.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can see Use Hearing Protection: The early years of Factory Records until Monday 3 January 2022 / Credit: Science and Industry Museum
In case you didn’t know, the Science and Industry Museum is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration project, and as well as the now-complete Special Exhibitions Gallery, the much-loved Power Hall is also being renovated, and improvement works are currently being made to the historic 1830s Station and Warehouse – the world’s first passenger railway station and the oldest existing railway goods warehouse respectively.
These areas will remain closed until works are complete.
There’s also some exciting new exhibitions arriving at the museum in the new year too, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Science and Industry Museum
What's On
12 of the best things happening in Greater Manchester this month | November 2026
Emily Sergeant
Remember remember the month of November.
That’s right – it’s time to wave goodbye to October, as November is here and things are definitely starting to get all festive this month. All across Greater Manchester over the next few weeks, you can expect to see fireworks displays, art fairs, festive celebrations, and (of course) the return of Manchester Christmas Markets for 2026.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, no worries, as 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, so take a look.
___
Bonfire Night at Printworks
Printworks
Thursday 5 November
Printworks Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this month.
Aiming to ‘bring Bonfire Night to life’, Printworks will be hosting a dazzling evening of lights, music, stories, and Manchester spirit, as the iconic venue transforms Europe’s largest digital ceiling into a spectacular celebration for all the family.
The free event will first begin with an incredible display of ‘Manchester Stars’, followed by CBBC-ran storytime sessions.
Then comes the main event, Printworks’ digital ceiling will take centre stage for two firework displays – including a dedicated SEN-friendly display at replacing the traditional loud noises with incredible visual effects.
The skies over Manchester will light up once again this month, as free firework displays organised by Manchester City Council will be returning to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park for the first time since 2019.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
That’s not all either, as each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
You can find everything you need to know about the celebrations here.
___
ADVERTISEMENT
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026
Manchester City Centre
Friday 6 November – onwards
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr
Manchester Christmas Markets will be taking over the city centre this month, with hundreds of little wooden huts lining the streets.
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bringing thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on fantastic festive treats and soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the headline-grabbing partial return at last year’s event – with the big wheel also set to make a comeback.
There’s also set to be some new locations too for 2026, with Lincoln Square joining in on the action, as well as big changes to St Ann’s Square with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
Everything you need to know about this year’s event can be found here.
___
Skate Manchester
Cathedral Gardens
Friday 6 November – onwards
ADVERTISEMENT
Skate Manchester / Credit: Supplied
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink is returning to Cathedral Gardens once again this month.
Families, friends, and festive fun seekers will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store at Skate Manchester, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
Off the back of a hugely successful 2025 season, there will be a specially curated programme of events this year too – including themed nights, competitions, and inclusive skate sessions designed for an accessible and enjoyable experience for as many people as possible.
And if you’re not too confident on the ice, the rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions that are tailored to meet the needs of all visitors too.
The Good Clothes Show is returning to Manchester this month.
Taking over Manchester Central, The Good Clothes Show is returning to our city for one of the most fashionable weekends of the year, bringing together dozens of brilliant independent brands, vintage and pre-loved treasures, hands-on workshops, catwalks, expert talks, and more all under one roof.
ADVERTISEMENT
Visitors can expect an extensive shopping lineup of independent fashion brands, local artisans, contemporary labels, vintage specialists and pre-loved sellers.
No matter whether you’re a complete beginner or already quite handy with a sewing needle, organisers say it’s all about learning new skills and leaving inspired.
Remembrance Day 2026 / Credit: Manchester City Council
Manchester is set to honour the ‘service and sacrifice’ of members of the armed forces community during this year’s annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
With Remembrance Day only a couple weeks away now, Manchester City Council has revealed how the city will mark this important occasion, and has confirmed all the details of the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade.
Proceedings will start on John Dalton Street at 10:30am, and run right through until midday – with the service itself being held at 11am.
Everything you need to know about this year’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations is here.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
CATS The Musical
Palace Theatre Manchester
Tuesday 10 – Saturday 21 November
CATS The Musical / Credit: Feast Creative
Legendary musical CATS will be taking to the stage here in Manchester this month.
Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, and this new production is produced by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
ADVERTISEMENT
With a legendary score featuring well-known songs like Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, TheJellicle Ball, and, of course, the chart-topping hit Memory, this brand-new production of CATS is gearing up to be one of the best theatrical events of 2026.
Find out more and get some last-minute tickets here.
___
Lanterns & Light
Chester Zoo
Friday 13 November – onwards
ADVERTISEMENT
Lanterns & Light / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo’s popular winter light trail is returning this month, with a redesigned route and some magical new animals.
Produced by Chester Zoo in partnership with Sony Music and Culture Creative, Lanterns & Light has become a popular fixture in the region’s festive calendar over the years, and it’s back this winter to transform the zoo after dark with thousands of festive lights, colour, and wildlife-themed displays.
Some exciting new installations make up the 2026 trail, including the dazzling Suspended Jellyfish underwater display, a mirrored disco tunnel, a glittering pea-lit canopy, and Floating Feathers.
New for this year too, visitors will also get to encounter parrots, dolphins, and a giant polar bear among an expanded cast of life-sized animal puppets, all brought to life by specialist performers.
One of the UK’s largest art fairs is returning to the city this month, bringing more than 180 exhibitors together all under one roof.
Designed for the collector, the curator, and those who are just simply curious, Manchester Art Fair draws in tens of thousands of visitors, and will feature lots of new and returning galleries and artists this year – all of whom will be showing new works.
The fair will welcome more than 600 artists for an exceptional showcase of modern and contemporary art, with thousands of works available to discover and buy from both world-renowned names and some of the most exciting emerging creative talent.
Northern Lights Manchester / Credit: Max Cooper Photography
Northern Lights is returning to Manchester this month with a dazzling mile-long light trail transforming Heaton Park into a wonderland with 14 different installations.
This year, Northern Lights – which attracted more than 100,000 visitors when it made its debut last winter, and received rave reviews across the board – is inviting visitors to step back into their favourite festive memories with a nostalgic collection in installations.
Original soundscapes, spectacular new illuminations, and even a marshmallow zone will bring the fully accessible trail to life.
Rochdale is set to be illuminated by fiery sculptures, as the showstopping Ignite Fire Festival returns later this month.
Organisers Rochdale Development Agency are promising the best year yet with a spectacular trail of fire, lights, and sound, along with some thrilling new attractions – including blazing fire sculptures, and illuminated installations.
The gardens and square surrounding the magnificent Rochdale Town Hall, as well as the parkland and walkways on Broadfield slopes, are all preparing to be transformed into a vision of festive light and colour.
This year’s festival will all centre around the mesmerising night time-trail, ‘BODY’ – a multi-sensory and immersive trail will transport visitors on an educational but exciting journey, through the six zones of the human body.
Back by popular demand for its fourth year to kick off Christmas in style, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning this 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 the town centre for the day, and 2026’s lineup promising something for the whole family.
Think a giant snow lion, a circus adventure into space, the world’s smallest nightclub, and so much more – with more than 50 free shows and activities to enjoy all day long.
Featured Image – Jason Lock | Manchester City Council | Feast Creative
What's On
A bewitching Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience is returning to the North West
Lydia Mastrolonardo
This is a chance to channel your inner witch or wizard and step into the Harry Potter universe, as Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience returns this winter.
Nothing quite gets you in the mood for Christmas magic like stepping into an enchanted woodland, under the stars, and transporting yourself into a wintery alternate reality, filled with adventure.
Along the illuminated winding path at Bolesworth Castle, fans will encounter some familiar faces like Hagrid, or the weird and wonderful creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, all brought to life through cutting-edge light shows and projections.
The installations will bring iconic scenes to life and recreate interactive Forbidden Forest moments, as well as providing the perfect photo spots.
There’s set to be a range of new features, including the magical Golden Egg and a chilling Death Eater, in addition to opportunities for guests to practice their spell-casting skills, engage in a wand duel or summon a Patronus.
The woodland is also home to a magical village, providing a space for visitors to warm up, browse exclusive souvenirs, and enjoy magical drinks or bites to eat.
This immersive, multi-sensory, 1.95k night-time trail is brought to us by Fever, the world’s leading tech platform for discovering culture and live entertainment.
Characters from the Harry Potter franchise will featureThe forest will be filled with enchanting light installationsThere’ll be a festive village where you can refuel with Harry Potter-inspired treatsThe flying Ford Anglia will even be in attendance
Joana Da Silva Pina, Strategic Team Lead at Fever said: “There’s nowhere quite like the UK to experience the magic of Harry Potter, and we’re thrilled to bring A Forbidden Forest Experience back after two incredible runs in Manchester.
“This time, Bolesworth Castle will provide the perfect setting for fans to celebrate the wizarding world after dark, with new surprises joining some of the moments visitors already know and love. We can’t wait for both first-time guests and returning fans to experience what’s waiting in the forest.”
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience welcomes all ages, from the smallest of wizards, to the longest standing devoted fans alike to join the other three million visitors, across four continents and 16 cities, who have already been part of this magical outdoor journey.
What’s more – more than 75,000 trees have been planted as part of a climate conscious initiative to give back to the environment.
The experience is open from Thursday 10 December at Bolesworth Castle in Chester.
Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 3 November, but fans can join the waitlist via the Fever app or website for pre-sale access.
ClickHERE for further information or HERE to access the waitlist for presale tickets.
Emily Sergeant -
15th December 2021 
