BEDWYR WILLIAMS: THE STARRY MESSENGER | The Whitworth | 8 August – 10 January
Ever fancied exploring space? Well now you can – in The Whitworth Art Gallery. Welsh artist and comedian Bedwr Williams also invites you to experience life as a chunk of quartz... you won’t get an offer like that again. Quintessential everyday objects are transformed in his zany installation of sound, light and who knows what else.
The Whitworth, Oxford Road, M15 6ER (10am-5pm; free).
BRIAN TAYLOR MOVIE POSTERS | HOME | 13 November - 10 January
With Star Wars yet to be released, science fiction fans should meanwhile head to HOME for some supernatural action. 'Candykiller' Brian Taylor has reworked posters for classics like Alien and Bladerunner, turning them into a hyper realistic series combining film stills and design imagery.
HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN (daily; free).
BladerunnerCHORLTON BOOK FESTIVAL | Chorlton | 20-28 November
Manchester Literary Festival it isn’t but Chorlton Book Festival, back for its eleventh year, is nevertheless is a great community celebration of literature. Sixteen events comprise local author Jenn Ashworth, coding shop for teenagers, under-fives story time, Andrew Simpson’s engaging local history walk and the ever-popular Beech Pub Quiz.
Various; check the website.
16 DAYS OF ACTION | Oldham Street | 25 November - 10 December
As part of the international campaign ’16 days to end violence against women’, every day will see a piece of street art depicting a revolutionary woman appear on street pillars on Oldham Street. Entitled ‘Pillars of the Community’, the campaign aims to promote the work of female artists from across the North West and celebrate some of the lesser known female icons of past and present; it will finish on 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
Oldham Street, Northern Quarter (daily; free).
Artist at workJUNKYARD CRAZY GOLF | Great Northern | 24 November - 6 December
The Beat Street ‘Pop Up Kings’ are back with their crazy-est project yet. It’s crazy golf - but not as you know it. No teeing off on boring grass plains here, the nine cleverly-themed courses are all made of upcycled junk. Expect to encounter everything from gnome goals to ‘crockery shockery’ as you take your aim; as well as a fully stocked bar, DJ booth, darts and table football.
Unit 5, Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, M3 4EN (12-11pm; £6 at junkyardgolfclub.co.uk).
CADIZ | The Lowry | 26-27 November
With winter closing in, what better way to fend off the chill than with some Andalucían warmth? Jesús Fernández embraces his Spanish heritage with fiery passion in this outstanding performance, showcasing flamenco music and dance at its best. The show has garnered rave reviews countrywide and tops off Lowry’s dance season with a resounding flourish.
The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ (8pm; £20 from thelowry.com).
Jesús FernándezTHE BOX OF TRICKS | Kings Arms | 27-28 November
Former Corrie actress Judy Holt stars in this innovative Pagelight production, which delighted audiences at the 24:7 Festival last summer. On returning home from his brother’s funeral, Mike must open a Pandora’s box of forgotten memories... ‘An honest, searching and touching piece about the joy and pain of loving your brother’.
Kings Arms, Bloom Street, Salford, M3 6AN (7.30pm; £10 from wegottickets.com).
DOCTOR ZHIVAGO | HOME | 27-30 November
It’s the British Film Institute’s Love season at the moment; what better way to encapsulate that than with sweeping Russian romance Doctor Zhivago? In Moscow, on the eve of the First World War, medical student Yuri Zhivago meets the beautiful Lara setting in motion a fateful romance that turns their lives upside down...
HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN (various times; check the website).
Julie ChristiePAUL WELLER | Manchester Arena | Saturday 28 November
The former lead singer of The Jam returns this November to promote his new album Saturn's Patterns. During the 1990s Britpop explosion, Oasis and Blur cited Weller as a major inspiration, demonstrating his influence over British musical culture. He is the Modfather after all.
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR (7.30pm; tickets £38 from manchester-arena.com).
UKFAST SANTA RUN | Media City| Sunday 29 November
Hundreds of Santa-clad runners dashing through MediaCity can only mean one thing; it’s time for UKFast Santa Run. The charity circular covers just under £5K; no times are taken and all are welcome. On completion, adults will receive a medal and kids a selection box. With a third of children living in severe poverty in Greater Manchester, it’s a fun event for a fantastic cause.
Starts MediaCityUK Piazza, The Greenhouse, 111 Broadway, Salford, M50 2EQ at 10.30am (wearing own suit - £10 adults, £6 children; including suit - £15 adults, £10 children).
MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS | Citywide | Until 21 December
And who can forgot the Christmas Markets. Undoubtedly one of the Manchester calendar’s biggest highlights, this festive fixture enchants thousands of visitors annually. Fend off the chill with a punch wine, then meander around 300 gingerbread-like stalls stocked with gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes and toys. If shopping is making you hungry, grab a bratwurst and soak up a magical atmosphere even Scrooge would find hard to resist. More here.
Christmas Markets
