LET's be honest, most of us have had our fill of Manchester Christmas Markets by now... but what's the alternative?
Well, here's some to go at...
EAT NORDIC SUPPER IN A GIANT TIPI | Bolton Winter Festival | Fri 18 & Sat 19 Dec
Perhaps the only chance you'll get to experience fine dining in a fairy-lit tipi tent. This weekend Bolton Winter Festival will welcome MasterChef champion Simon Wood who'll create a special three-course Scandinavian supper for £30 (7pm start).
MasterChef winner Simon Wood
GO CAROLING | Manchester Cathedral | Sat 19 Dec
Cheesy yes, but there’s nothing like a few Christmas carols to get you in the festive spirit. Join Manchester Cathedral’s voluntary choir for the Sans Day Carol, the haunting Coventry Carol and an ‘offbeat’ version of Ding Dong. Saturday sees more a more structured evening event, along with informal drop-ins between 12-1.30pm.
A magical atmosphere at Manchester Cathedral
HIDE OUT AT A HOUSE PARTY | Hidden | Sat 19 Dec
Manchester’s hush hush new club venue may still retain its mysterious aura, but there's only so long you can keep a Christmas warehouse rave schtum. Promosing top DJs, a bespoke Neuron Pro Audio soundsystem, mesmerising light effects and fancy dress, this Christmas party promises to be a belter. And no bloody Christmas jumpers.
Hide out at Hidden (image courtesy of Hidden)
STEP BACK IN TIME | Heaton Hall | Sat 19 & Sun 20 Dec
The Ghost of Christmas Past visits Heaton Hall this Yuletide as Tangled Dance Company present Whispers of a Christmas Tale. Follow Martha through murmuring hallways in an enchanting Victorian story, which sees the protagonist swap rags for unexpected riches. Even Scrooge would find it hard to resist a blend of contemporary dancers, live classic musicians and a spectacular Grade I-listed setting.
Heaton Hall's Neoclassical facade
WALK ON AIR | The Hallé @ Bridgewater Hall | Tue 22 & Weds 23 Dec
Raymond Briggs’ loveable character walks on air once again, with The Hallé’s special concert. The animated classic will be screened, accompanied by Howard Blake’s emotive score. Don’t get your tissues out just yet, though, as the first half of the evening will also feature Steve Pickett’s light-hearted Dinosaurumpus; a brand new composition based on the popular children’s book by Tony Mitton and Guy Parker-Rees.
Take flight with the snowman
