Your bumper briefing of news of what to look out for

What’s Happening at NOMA  

NOMA has announced its calendar of six 'Happenings' throughout 2025, with free events including clubs, talks and workshops aimed to inspire creativity and community engagement. February will include literary-focused activities on a theme of reading and writing. 

Curated by Altogether Otherwise, the ‘Happenings’ encourage a slower and more mindful lifestyle, epitomised by NOMA’s partnership with MensRetreatsUK, which will deliver a four-week writing course for men named Write Your Purpose. Held on each Monday of February at Altogether Otherwise, the writing and wellbeing workshops encourage men to dig deep, focusing on mental health and sense of self.

2025 01 31 Front Page 3101 Noma 2025
NOMA Image: NOMA

The ‘Happenings’ series will continue to animate NOMA with different themes every two months—Sewing and Growing in March and April, Singing and Dancing in May and June, and more.

Ben Young, Founder of Altogether Otherwise and curator of the Happenings, said: “Instead of focusing on the usual grind culture and commitment to re-inventing ourselves in the New Year, NOMA’s two month focus on Reading and Writing aims to revel in the quiet, cosy moments of life.” 

Keep up with NOMA’s upcoming ‘Happenings’ on Instagram or visit their website.


Image: Kinky Boots The Musical

Kinky Boots The Musical struts its way to Palace Theatre Manchester

The Broadway and West End phenomenon, Kinky Boots The Musical, is bringing its sassy self to Manchester along with a start-studded cast including Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe, Dan Partridge (Grease), Courtney Bowman (Six) Scott Paige (The Addams Family) and Newtion Matthews (Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical). 

Following in the kinky footsteps of the hit movie (which is based on a true story, we'll have you know), this adaptation sees Charlie Price inherit his family's failing shoe factory, all the while his relationship is on the rocks. Life is tough, that is until he meets Lola, a drag queen whose sparkle and unsteady heels might just hold the answer to saving the struggling business.

Featuring music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this show is guaranteed to have you in high spirits making you want to don your best heels and get up on your feet. 

For more information, and to book tickets, click here


2025 01 31 Front Page 3101 Art School Grand National
The Art School at The Grand National Image: The Jockey Club

Thoroughbred chef keeps up the pace at Aintree 

Paul Askew and his team at acclaimed Liverpool restaurant The Art School have announced they are continuing their partnership with The Grand National and The Jockey Club for a further three years, starting April of this year. 

The partnership will see the fine dining experience of the Michelin Guide restaurant reproduced each race day in Aintree racecourse’s Topham House. 

“We are absolutely thrilled with our relationship with The Jockey Club and to announce we’re continuing our wonderful partnership with them for another three years,” said Paul Askew. “Since 2022 we’ve proudly served the world’s greatest horse racing event’s patrons in the magnificent Topham House setting. Quite simply, there’s no other sporting event like The Grand National and we’re honoured to be part of their story. 

“And of course, showcasing some of the region’s finest produce and exquisite global wines helps tell the wonderful story of Liverpool’s food and drink ambition, creativity and stature too, in a perfect pairing. I’m so proud of every member of staff who creates The Art School experience and I also want to say huge thanks to our wonderful customers and their continued support for what we do at The Grand National with The Jockey Club. We can’t wait to welcome you in April.”

For more information, and to book a table, visit The Jockey Club website.


Almost Famous closes all sites

Popular burger chain Almost Famous has announced the sudden closure of all its sites, citing Covid-related debts and rising costs.

Since opening in Manchester’s Northern Quarter in 2012, the brand expanded to Liverpool and Leeds, becoming a favourite known for its indulgent burgers, queues and fries.

After 13 years, all locations have now shut down with immediate effect. Further details have yet to be released.

Confidentials is of the understanding that some staff have not been told at all or some were only told the day before the announcement.


2025 01 31 Front Page 3101 Scottport
No, me neither Image: BBC Radio 2

Station celebrates man starting radio show

Proof if it was ever needed that the world of PR is full of more shoehorns than a branch of Clarks. 

Stockport station was dubbed ‘Scottport’ to celebrate Scott Mills taking over from Zoe Ball in hosting Radio 2’s flagship Breakfast Show.

Apparently he once lived “quite near” Stockport. 

That is all.


2025 01 31 Front Page 3101 Northern Light Cinema
The Northern Light cinema, Sale Image: @tnlcinemasale / Instagram

Sale sees the light with new cinema 

The team behind The Savoy in Heaton Moor and The Rex in Wilmslow are set to open their latest cinema, this time in Sale’s Stanley Square. 

The Northern Light cinema will open in the increasingly buzzy and well-stocked Stanley Square on Wednesday 12 February, but in the meantime bookings are open from today (Friday 31 January).

“We feel so lucky to do what we do and create a hub for all within our local communities,” the team said in a post on Instagram. “We’re committed to showing something for everyone in a boutique, luxury environment at an affordable price. We will work hard to make sure that we bring you an excellent home from home where you can enjoy a film with a glass of wine, a cup of tea in a mug or a nice slice of cake.

“From our first visit, we knew Sale was a vibrant and welcoming place and a fantastic community that we wanted to be a part of.”


2025 01 31 Front Page 3101 Little Sri Lankan Supper Club
A Taste of Sri Lanka Image: The Little Sri Lankan

A Taste of Sri Lanka in Stockport 

The Little Sri Lankan will be taking up a new monthly residency at Stockport’s Miru Mills from the end of February. 

The ‘A Taste of Sri Lanka’ supper club will be taking place on the last Thursday of every month, starting on Thursday 27 February, and promises to showcase  “the heart and soul of Sri Lankan cuisine in a cosy and welcoming setting.”

At £45pp, the four-course meal includes a welcome drink. 

Tickets are limited. To buy yours click here.


2025 01 31 Front Page 3101 Meatworks
Meatworks, Circle Square Image: Meatworks

Circle Square gets a steakhouse 

Manchester’s newest steakhouse and eatery, Meatworks, is set to be the latest hospitality innovator to open its doors at Bruntwood SciTech and Vita Group’s Circle Square, joining the likes of Onda Pasta Bar, Detroit Slims and Ambers just off the Oxford Road corridor.

Opening on 5 February, diners can expect traditional and smash burgers, alongside inventive small plates like cheeseburger dumplings and slow-cooked short rib pancakes, as well as lunchtime value specials, including a smash burger and fries for £10.

With a stripped-back, modern design, Meatworks aims to provide laid-back yet high quality dining, featuring grass-fed Aberdeen Angus beef at the heart of its menu. As Manchester’s latest booze-less venue, Meatworks also serves an array of mocktails and alcohol-free drinks.

“Meatworks represents yet another fantastic new reason to visit Circle Square,” said Charlotte Wilde, Head of Retail & Leisure for Bruntwood SciTech. “After an extraordinary year of new openings in 2024 we’ve built a vibrant community of hospitality innovators here on the Oxford Road Corridor, and it's great to kick off 2025 with another great addition to the community. This independent, quality steak house and eatery will fit perfectly into the destination, and we can’t wait to welcome them.”

Meatworks will be open from Tuesday - Sunday, 12pm to 11pm. Walk-ins and bookings are welcome.


2025 01 31 Front Page 3101 Blithe Spirit Hope Mill Elvira Charles
Blithe Spirit at Hope Mill Theatre Image credit: Claire Angel

Ghostly goings-on at Hope Mill

Noel Coward’s classic farce on the supernatural, Blithe Spirit, will be staged at Hope Mill Theatre from Wednesday 12 February to Saturday 22 February. 

Produced by feminist theatre-makers Her Productions, the play - following Charles Condomine and his new partner as they are haunted by his eccentric first wife - promises a fun but faithful take on the Coward classic, according to Artistic Director, Hannah Ellis Ryan.

“This is the first time we’ve done Coward - but it’s been one of my favourite plays for years,” said Hannah. “I’m excited to offer audiences something I know is fun (even hilarious), while honouring the text and the medium of a classic farce. We will bring a HER flavour, which for this production will be via the vibe and rule-breaking of Bridgerton.”

Book tickets here.


2025 01 31 Front Page 3101 Middleton Arena
Middleton Arena Image: Middleton Arena

Middleton Arena staging Mondays and Manford 

Middleton Arena, managed by charity Your Trust, has unveiled a packed programme of events for the first half of 2025, promising its biggest year yet with an exciting mix of over 50 live music, comedy, and entertainment events all before June.

The likes of Happy Mondays and Black Grape’s Shuan Ryder, Jason Manford’s Comedy Club, and stellar tributes to iconic artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Oasis are all set to grace the stage, not forgetting June’s ‘Early Doors Day Sesh’ which will see Middleton Arena transformed into its first ever early-curfew club night for those who love to dance but still want to be home before midnight.

With affordable, high-quality entertainment on offer in the heart of Rochdale Borough, Heather Booth Deputy Events & Programme Manager from Your Trust said: “We’re grateful for our loyal audiences who love seeing the best of touring theatre and music on their doorstep and are always looking to expand the choice so we can welcome even more visitors to Middleton Arena”. 

For more information on Middleton Arena’s 2025 events, visit their website.


2025 01 31 Front Page 3101 Society Breakup Texts
It's not you... Image: Society

There’s no easy way to say this…

Good things can come from a breakup, but not normally a free meal.

Street food hub Society are asking for the best break-up texts you’ve received, and in return you’ll be in with the chance to win a free Valentine’s dinner and drinks with a plus one. 

It’s simple: submit a memorable break-up text that you‘ve received via the Society Instagram or TikTok DMs, or by email, from Monday 3 February until Tuesday 11 February.

To enter this year’s Valentine’s competition, email anna@siobhanhanley.com or message the Society team on social media @society.mcr.


2025 01 31 Front Page 3101 Manchagen Poster
MancHagen Image: MancHagen

World’s biggest Eurovision celebration coming to Manchester

The UK’s largest Eurovision Festival, MancHagen, is coming to Manchester’s Gay Village for a three-day celebration from 10-13 April. Powered by Manchester Eurovision Party and Copenhagen Eurovision Party, this not-for-profit event will feature live music, fashion, and cultural showcases, with proceeds supporting five charities.

Festivalgoers can expect Eurvovision alumni, 2025 contestants, international DJs and even the cast of Ru Paul’s Drag Race to put on a series of meet and greets, fashion shows and performances, all culminating in two huge concerts at The Depot and Manchester Arcade Arena.

Billed as the biggest Eurovision celebration outside the official final, MancHagen will also host free daytime family-friendly events, full accessibility, and discounted tickets for those on lower incomes, ensuring an inclusive and vibrant experience for Eurovision fans of all ages.

Click here to buy tickets.


This City: Old Trafford misreporting, MMU towers, Manc Lido, HOME grows

Sacha Lord resigns from advisory role to Andy Burnham


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