All the fun of the festive season may’ve been and gone now, but that doesn’t mean January is a boring month.
We’re well into our first month of brand-new year, and not only does Greater Manchester‘s events calendar already seem very exciting over these next few weeks, but there’s also lots of things to look forward to in 2025 too.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? We’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide to help you out.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
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David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
Aviva Studios
Monday 13 – Saturday 25 January 2025
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David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) / Credit: The Manc Group
One of the most influential British artists of the 21st century, David Hockney, is taking you on a personal journey through 60 years of his art in the revolutionary Aviva Studios, and it’s now open for everyone to pay a visit.
This is a real sensory encompassing experience, from the grand and vibrant projections on the walls, to the sound system which will be playing throughout the exhibition.
Hockney opened this installation in London, and this is the first time these pieces of art have left the country’s capital to be viewed by even more spectators.
Stephen Daldry’s multi award-winning National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller, An Inspector Calls, is back in Greater Manchester.
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Hailed as the theatrical event of its generation, winning more awards than any other production in history, and described as being “more relevant now than ever”, An Inspector Calls has thrilled millions of people worldwide, and it returns to The Lowry stage in Salford this month.
The play tells the story of Inspector Goole, who arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, with their peaceful dinner party being shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman.
A groundbreaking new immersive exhibition exploring our relationship with the natural world is now open at Manchester Museum.
‘Wild’ look at how people are creating, rebuilding, and repairing connections with nature, and how the natural world has traditionally been presented and idealised through Western art, as well as looking at some unique approaches to environmental recovery too.
The exhibition will also crucially look at how we can tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis by making the world more wild.
Keen to kick off your new year with a pint or two? GRUB’s beloved Winter Beer Festival is back this week, and it will give beer lovers the chance to sip creations from some of the best local breweries.
Running from Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 January, you can expect there to be plenty of local brews to taste test over the course of the three-day festival -with loads of pop-up brewery bars and more than 30 guest taps too.
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If you’re not a big beer lover though, you can also expect a street food market, mulled wine pop-up, beeroke and quiz events, and so much more.
Swinton Ark is a spectacular free-to-attend animated projection onto Salford Civic Centre to celebrate the Salford town through memories and stories from local people.
Created by projection artists Illuminos, and taking place on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 January from 5pm to 8pm, this unique sound and light show inspired by Swinton and its residents features personal stories gathered by local artist Lowri Evans, who asked a wide range of people around Swinton ‘if you could save one object, what would it be?’.
The entirety of the former town hall building’s 70-metre facade will come alive with 3D mapped animation, music, and sound.
A huge gaming event is happening in Manchester this weekend.
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.
Railway 200 ‘Open House’ Day / Credit: Railway 200
Get ready for an action-packed day, as East Lancashire Railway is set to celebrate the power and history of its beloved heritage steam and diesel locomotives this weekend.
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With a fantastic lineup of activities, exclusive experiences, and something for enthusiasts of all ages to get involved with, ELR’s ‘Railway 200’ event promises a memorable journey through railway history for all the family.
The Manchester Derby in the Barclays Women’s Super League is back for 2025.
Taking place at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday (19 January) with a kick-off at 6:45pm, Manchester City are looking to make it two consecutive home victories over Manchester United Women, with tickets now available starting at £15 for adults and £5 kids, or you can elevate your match day experience with hospitality packages from just £35.
As usual, there will be pre-match entertainment including a free kids fanzone, Blue Carpet Experience, and so much more.
Fancy making the most of all the January dining deals on offer over these next couple of weeks?
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 2025.
So whether you’re looking for a date night for less, an affordable family dinner, or a cheap eat after work with your mates, we’ve got you covered.
Read our massive round-up of January dining deals here.
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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.
While the past couple of years amid and post-pandemic may have hit the theatre pretty hard, it’s a beloved industry that has now well and truly bounced-back – 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 2024.
And 2025 is set to be absolutely no different.
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 2025, so we’ve rounded up 10 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 2025 – with something for everyone, no matter your taste in music.
From world-famous pop and rock stars, to genre-bending artists, and a few comeback tours too, most-notably by one of Manchester – and the world’s – most famous bands of all time (they’re called Oasis… not sure if you’ve ever heard of them?), 2025 has got it all.
Read our picks for 13 of the best gigs happening in Manchester this year here.
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Featured Image – GRUB | The Manc Group | Railway 200
Boroughs
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 20 – 26 April 2026
Emily Sergeant
April is beginning to draw to a close now, and it won’t be long before May is here… where IS this year going, honestly?
Now that it’s officially spring in the UK, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week. Just as long as those classic ‘April showers’ don’t show their face too much, that is.
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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Matilda The Musical
Manchester Palace Theatre
Monday 20 – Saturday 25 April
Matilda The Musical / Credit: The Manc | Supplied
This is your last week to catch Matilda The Musical in Manchester.
The RSC’s smash-hit musical – which is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book of the same name – is currently on a tour of the UK and Ireland, and this includes a special four-week run at Manchester’s iconic Palace Theatre.
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the beloved production about a determined heroine with a vivid imagination has won hearts all over the globe.
Find out more and see if you can grab yourself some last-minute tickets here.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
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.
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Picasso: A Legacy
Castle Fine Art
Monday 20 April – 4 May
Picasso: A Legacy / Credit: Supplied
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is currently open in Manchester, including works never-before seen on public display.
The new exhibition, titled Picasso: A Legacy, is comprised of more than 35 original works on paper and ceramics, all of which were created by the artist from the mid 1930s up until his death in 1973, and visitors will get to be guided through the last four decades of his life.
You’ll also get to encounter the artist’s lovers and muses, mythological alter egos, and playful zoomorphic ceramics, as well as feats of frantic artistic output that made up Picasso’s final decade.
Works from legendary Japanese artists Hokusai and Hiroshige have now arrived in the city.
Opening the Whitworth’s first exhibition of Japanese print in more than a century, ‘Beneath the Great Wave’, features colourful woodblock ukiyo-e prints from Edo-period Japan, dating as far back as 1700s – including the iconic ‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’.
It’s an easy shout if you fancy something different this week, oh and even better, it’s completely FREE to enter and look around.
Two floors, three bars, and plenty of craic – Katie O’Brien’s has now arrived in Manchester.
That’s right – Katie O’Brien’s has just opened its doors on Peter Street, transforming the old Peaky Blinders bar into a lively Irish tavern with plenty of charm, and I think we can all agree this is looking pretty impressive.
There’s both Murphy’s AND Guinness on tap, live music seven nights a week, and all sorts of cosy snugs to hide away in.
Whether you’re hitting the dance floor beneath the elevated main stage, or hiding away nursing a pint with pals, they’ve got your back.
Hatter’s is a brand-new food hall that’s just opened up in Denton, with four kitchens and two bars across a huge two-storey venue.
In the kitchens, they’ve got the legendary Tameside Italian Ornella’s, Christmas Markets favourite Waffle Kart, the delightful Spanish kitchen Casa Dario, and Oldham’s much-loved meat experts Curio.
That means you can get pizza and tiramisu, Asian-inspired chicken and waffles, Argentinian steaks, and authentic Spanish paella and tortilla, all under one roof.
Get ready to have your very own Patrick Swayze moment, because there’s a gorgeous new spot just opened in the Northern Quarter where you can craft your very own pottery pieces.
At House Pottery, you can make your own, bowl, cup, or candlestick on a traditional pottery wheel.
They do classes for all different skill levels, so whether you choose to go alone, or as a group, the lovely professionals are there to guide you throughout.
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Oasis Supernova – The Maine Event 30th Anniversary
Manchester Academy 1
Saturday 25 April
Oasis Supernova – The Maine Event 30th Anniversary / Credit: Supplied
Oasis Supernova are celebrating the 30 year anniversary of Oasis playing their legendary Maine Road shows by taking to the stage themselves at Manchester Academy 1 this Saturday (25 April) for one night only, and it’s shaping up to be the place to be.
Expect wall-to-wall anthems, electric atmosphere, and a crowd that knows every word, as we celebrate one of the greatest bands to ever do it.
This isn’t just another tribute night – it’s a full-blown, hands-in-the-air, sing-it-like-you-mean-it experience. A huge video wall showing iconic gig footage, brass section, live harmonica and strings, play, alongside the world’s premier Oasis tribute band.
Can you believe Oxygen is turning a year old this month?
That’s right – MediaCity’s massive trampoline park has been open one whole year this month, and you’re invited down to celebrate, with play sessions available for just £10 this weekend.
Whether the kids want to try out some new tricks on the trampolines and giant airbag, or love heights and fancy exploring the High Ropes Course and indoor ‘Sky Rider’, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
With Open Play, Toddler Play, birthday party bookings and even dedicated SEN Peaceful Play sessions – there’s something for everyone. And then after all that fun, you can gather up the gang and get stuck into food and drinks from the on-site cafe.
Get booking your day out at Oxygen MediaCity here.
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Stuck for somewhere to have a bite to eat?
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in March, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in April, 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. From mini tiramisu drawers, to Magnum-stuffed croissants, egg custard tarts, and more, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Sacha Lord set to back local hospitality again with money behind the bar of one Greater Manchester pub
Danny Jones
Local figure Sacha Lord is once again looking to help support Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene once again this spring by putting a total of £2.5k behind the bar of one lucky pub.
Well, let’s be honest, we’re about to be the real lucky ones.
It’s far from the first time that the Night Time Economy Advisor has done this, having previously put sizeable sums towards shared tabs on a few ocassions over the last few years.
Lining up his next handout for this coming early May bank holiday (perfect timing), it’s going to be a super and potentially very sloppy Sunday…
Tell me your favourite pub in Greater Manchester.
Bank Holiday Sunday 3rd May, I’ll be turning up and putting £2500 behind the bar.
Sharing the video above online earlier this week, the 54-year-old simply wrote, “Tell me your favourite pub in Greater Manchester. Bank Holiday Sunday, 3rd May, I’ll be turning up and putting £2500 behind the bar.”
The message is as straightforward as ever: “Support your local pub.”
Now obviously, the fact that people can reply with their go-to boozers and help influence the decision is one thing – something that has certainly always created an attraction each time he’s done this – but it’s also just a good way of marketing these watering holes to begin with.
Whether or not someone’s favourite public house tucked away in one of the 10 boroughs, or their bar of choice here in Manchester city centre, ends up being selected or not, it’s obviously great publicity having their names plastered on a notable social media account.
This is especially so when you see how much the post itself ends up being reshared and the overall exposure Lord ultimately lends them via creating such a big crowd discussion.
Here’s hoping we get proper beer garden weather over that long weekend.
It’s also worth noting that the further support stunts like this have helped garner support for other regional businesses – in particular, indies that are battling the cost of living crisis and so many other challenges within the sector – has proved crucial for some places to stay open to begin with.
A good example is the Thirsty Korean, who teamed up with the Altrincham-born entrepreneur to cover hundreds of bills back in 2023, and has now been able to expand into a larger venue down the road from their original Chorlton location.
The obstacles facing the hospitality industry remain varied and numerous, but gestures like this can go a long way to helping prop up those who need it.
Emily Sergeant -
9th January 2025 
