It’s time to wave goodbye to January, and welcome in another new month as February arrives in Greater Manchester this week.
With a new month comes an events calendar filled with all sorts of different activities to be getting up to this week, so once again, we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Here’s our top picks.
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Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors
IWM North
Monday 30 January – onwards
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Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors / Credit: IWM North
Never-before-seen portraits of local Holocaust survivors are to go on display at the Imperial War Museum (IWM) North in Manchester this week.
The new photography exhibition has opened to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2023.
Following its successful inaugural run at IWM London back in 2021, the exhibition – which is titled Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors – features 60 contemporary portraits of Holocaust survivors and their families, alongside four new photographs taken by The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) President and Chair of Trustees, Simon Hill.
PUSH Festival has returned for HOME MCR’s annual celebration of North West creative talent.
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HOME’s stages, screens, and spaces are being dedicated to showcasing fantastic works from around the region, as well as offering opportunities for creatives to meet industry professionals, share ideas and inspiration, and develop their skills.
This year’s festival is showcasing newly-commissioned works across a range of art forms, including theatre, digital work, visual arts, and cinema.
The festival also includes a series of workshops and other artist development opportunities.
Fancy catching the last of all the January deals, discounts, and offers in Manchester’s cafes, bars, and restaurants?
January is typically a time when many vow to change their eating habits, but even the most committed dieter should be tempted by these Manchester restaurant deals, discounts and offers.
Whether you are starting a new diet, ditching alcohol, or trying out Veganuary, that’s no reason to stay at home.
Not when you’ve got January dining (and drinking) offers floating around like this.
January Dining Deals / Credit: The Manc Group | Evelyn’s | Ramona & The Firehouse
From half-price burgers to burritos, small plates, Sunday roasts, and more, we’ve rounded up some of the best Manchester January restaurant deals to take advantage of in 2023.
From Moss Side to Marseille: The Art of Michael Browne and Eric Cantona
National Football Museum
Monday 30 January – onwards
From Moss Side to Marseille: The Art of Michael Browne and Eric Cantona / Credit: National Football Museum
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has set up a special sport-based art exhibition in the National Football Museum.
Spotlighting work by fine artist Michael Browne, who created a series of pieces exploring the relationship between sport, art and modern society, the new exhibition titled ‘From Moss Side to Marseille’ covers everything from “human rights, equality, injustice, the impact of power and elevations to a godlike status.”
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The exhibition was commissioned by the Frenchman with the aim of celebrating influenced sporting heroes who used their positions to advocate for social change, even in the face of great personal cost.
Winter at the Science and Industry Museum / Credit: Science Museum Group
Exhibitions that explore the power of music, and give you the chance to try out an interactive “hands on” gaming experience are just some of the activities on offer at the Science and Industry Museum this winter.
The award-winning museum is invites people to discover 250 years of innovations and ideas that started life in Manchester and went on to change the world. Standout exhibition, Turn It Up: The power of music, is a world-first event giving those curious the chance to explore the science of music’s mysterious hold over us through a series of “immersive musical experiences and interactive activities” at a specially-commissioned ‘musical playground’.
There’s also still time to head on down and check out the stand-out interactive gaming experience, Power UP, and so much more.
Find out more about what’s on at the Science and Industry Museum here.
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Mamma Mia!
Opera House Manchester
Tuesday 31 January – Saturday 11 February
Mamma Mia! / Credit: Opera House Manchester
Mamma Mia! will be taking over the Opera House Manchester from Tuesday 31 January – Saturday 11 February.
Fancy grabbing tickets to see the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical? Making a much-anticipated return to our city, fans of the popular films will know Mamma Mia! is set on a Greek island paradise, and cleverly tells a story of love, friendship, and identity through the timeless songs of Swedish pop group ABBA.
Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.
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 last year.
Theatre Shows 2023 / Credit: ATG Tickets
And 2023 is set to be absolutely no different – with award-winning musicals, family-friendly plays, inventive dance productions, and more on the agenda.
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You can read our round-up of the best productions in 2023 here.
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Open Mic Night at Lions Den
Great Northern Warehouse
Wednesday 1 February
Open Mic Night at Lions Den / Credit: Lions Den & Unsplash
One of Manchester’s best live music bars has relaunched its open mic night and is calling out for new talent.
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Nestled on Manchester’s hidden street, Deansgate Mews, independent bar and performance space Lions Den hosts an open mic night every Wednesday, which supports grass-roots music and provides upcoming musicians with an ‘unopposed’ opportunity to hit the stage.
Popular amongst students and up-and-coming musicians, the open mic night offers those who want to try their hand at performing the chance to build confidence and meet like-minded people who share a passion for live music.
The Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch / Credit: The Blues Kitchen
The Hip Hop Orchestra will serve up a mouth-watering combination of hip hop nostalgia, chart-topping R&B goodness, badass BBQ, and luscious liquor at the ultimate bottomless brunch party.
Kicking off this weekend, and running every Saturday at The Blues Kitchen in Manchester, you can expect live versions of your favourite tracks.
A range of tasty dishes will be served up, including burgers, fried chicken, and a handful of veggie and vegan options, and then for those really looking to get the party started, there’s an option to add bottomless booze to your ticket – with rum and prosecco for 90-minutes.
Featured Image – IWM North | Evelyn’s | Mamma Mia!
What's On
Where to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleskandr Usyk 2 in Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Tyson Fury vs Usyk 2: ‘Undisputed’ is nearly upon us with the two contenders fighting to become unified heavyweight champion, and as the biggest fight of the year (at least since the last one), you might rightly be wondering where in Manchester is best to watch it.
With a homegrown albeit controversial talent on one side in Fury and a no-nonsense, not to mention undefeated Ukrainian on the other, there’ll be Mancs cheering for both sides but regardless of who you want to win, we can assure you town is going to be absolutely rammed with fight fans.
That being said, much like getting in the ring itself, you’re best having a game plan if you haven’t already sorted out where you’re going to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch.
Now, you’re going to want to bank on big rooms with plenty of space for those coming last minute; don’t worry, we’ve got a few ideas and they’re decently spaced out in terms of area too.
Where to watch the Fury vs Usyk 2 fight in Manchester city centre
1. Tank and Paddle – Printworks
Spread across too large floors, it still has all the appeal of the old place and more. (Credit: The Manc Eats)
First up on the list is the newest addition to the Printworks entertainment complex: Tank and Paddle, which has taken over the old Yates site. Specialising in craft beers, cocktails, big pizzas and big screens for live sport, if you used to head here for the boxing before you have even more reason to now.
2. BOX – Deansgate
Next up is arguably the current king of Manchester’s live sports bar scene. Famous for great food, live music, shuffleboard, big steins of beer and even pornstar martinis (yes, whole pitchers of the stuff), as well as its giant jumbotron screen, it’s literally impossible for you to miss a single punch thrown here.
ln at number three is what we refer to as old faithful but, to repeat its true title, is The Brotherhood of Pastimes and Pursuits. We never ever say that name in full but we what do on a regular basis is head here after work, as well as pre and post-matchday to watch the rest of the action and play some games whilst we’re at it. It will be heaving for the fight but if you can book or get there early, you’ll have a ball.
Speaking of reliable after work and weekend haunts, they don’t get more tried and tested than Roxy Ball Room as we simply like to call her, our lovely lady Roxy. Shuffleboard, bowling, darts, pool, table tennis, basketball machines, beer pong, curling – oh yeah, and you can look up to watch the boxing if you want…
Fifth and finally, Mother Mary’s is the unsung hero of our list. It’s fast becoming one of our favourite places to watch sport anywhere in town. It’s popped over on New Wakefield St where Manc institution The Font used to be and it won’t stay the city centre’s best kept secret for long, so make sure you grab a table, one the cheapest pints of Guinness around and a seat in front of the big screens whilst you can.
Honourable mention…
Shooters/Bierkeller
Last but not least, we had to throw another suggestion (or two in there) because besides Tank and Paddle in Printworks, there also happens to be the legendary Bierkeller beer hall and the American sports and gaming bar attached it, Shooters, both of which will promise a great crowd for this title fight.
If all else has truly failed, O’Neill’s and Walkabout are just around the corner too – you’ve got to get in somewhere and you really don’t want to miss this clash.
If you were still wondering where to watch to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch in central Manchester this Saturday, that handful of suggestions should just about do you in a pinch, just keep in mind that the earlier the better when it comes to events like this.
The two boxers are expect to begin their ring walks at around 10:25pm UK time, so you should have plenty of time to find a good spot to watch the carnage.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/TNT Sports (screenshot via YouTube) BOX (via Instagram)
What's On
Spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display confirmed for Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Manchester will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular FREE fireworks display, the council has confirmed.
This year, the dazzling display to ring in the new year will be set off from the roof of the city’s landmark Central Library building.
Mancs will be able to gather in St Peter’s Square as the city waves goodbye to 2024 and welcomes a new year.
The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration has never taken place at St Peter’s Square before, nor has the iconic Manchester Central library hosted any sort of fireworks display.
The fireworks spectacular and New Year countdown will take place on Tuesday 31 December between 10pm and 12.30am, hosted by local radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.
With a rough capacity of 20,000 people, there’ll be a festive atmosphere in the city centre – but Manchester City Council has stressed that alcohol is not permitted at the New Year’s Eve fireworks event.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “If there’s something we do well in Manchester, it’s getting together for a big celebration – and there’s no better time for a big do than New Year’s Eve.
“This is the time to remember the year we’ve just had and to look ahead to the new one and all it may bring, surrounded by the people we love.
“Mancunians of all ages love a party, and this New Year’s Eve is going to be fantastic – a chance to dance the night away, with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the region for everyone to enjoy.
“All you need is your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab hold of those and we can’t wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024.”
Spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display confirmed for Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, designecologist
There are a few things you need to know ahead of the event – attendees are asked to limit bag sizes to no larger than A4 in size, with bag searches in operation at the entrances.
It will be a standing room only event though there’ll be a managed designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Portaloos, public toilets until 1am, and hot drinks and food will all be available on site.
Event staff will make sure St Peter’s Square is cleared promptly after the event and once the fireworks are over to minimise disruption to local residents.
Councillor Pat Karney added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year’s Eve, including the growing number of local residents who live in town.
“I will therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for city centre residents.”
Important road closures and event information for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Manchester
A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.
Road closures – 31 December 2024
7.30pm–2am
Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)
9pm–2am
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Parking suspensions from 8am on 29 December until 6am on 2 January
Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Parking suspensions from 6pm on 30 December until 6am on 1 January
Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill (Windmill Street to Bootle Street)
Accessible parking
Unreserved accessible event parking is available on Mount Street.
Emily Sergeant -
27th January 2023 
