Entertainment – Christmas Lights Switch On, Albert Square
Thousands are expected to surround the Town Hall as The Wanted and Misha B perform some illuminating pop. Key 103 breakfast show presenters Mike and Chelsea will be back to compere the event which will officially signal the start of Manchester's festive season.
As usual the night sky will be coloured with fireworks launched from the roof of the Town Hall to end the night in celebratory fashion. The event begins at 7pm and there is no need for tickets, but remember to wrap up warm.
Christmas lights
Food - Albert Square Chop House
You might as well try the new boy on the block. The lovely old Memorial Hall has been brought back to life after a decade of sleep. The menu in the lower ground floor restaurant features well presented and delicious nosh such as the steak tartare and a fabulous loin of venison. There's a full picture gallery here. Try it out. The Albert Square Chop House is at The Memorial Hall, Albert Square, City. M2 5PF.
Venison
Charity – Medicinal Music for Malawi, 2022NQ
November 10 sees 2022NQ take on an African theme in an attempt to raise money and awareness for medical conditions in Malawi. The organiser of the event, Dan Travis, began organising a series of live music events after experiencing first-hand the standard of treatment available as a medical volunteer in Malawi in 2010.
Saturday's event will see headliners Zee Guveya & The Heritage Survival Band play out their hypnotic Zimbabwean grooves and insistent dance beats along with a huge line-up of supporting acts. Doors open at 9pm – 3am and tickets are priced at £10/£7 NUS and are available from here.
Zee Guveya & The Heritage Survival Band
Music – Still Corners, Soup Kitchen
Still Corners formed back in 2008 in London and quickly gained critical acclaim with singles such as the Don't Fall In Love/Wish 7-inch and Endless Summer. The dreamy sounding transatlantic band released their full debut album last October and will be bringing new and older material to Soup Kitchen's darkened music space. Tickets are priced at £7 and are available from here.
Still Corners
Culture – Anthony Burgess Exhibition, John Rylands Library
The stunning 112-year-old library has just been crowned as the best large attraction to visit in Manchester, so what better time to check it out if you've never been. Or even if you have the Deansgate library never gets tiresome to wander around in, lost in thought. Currently on show is a brilliant exhibition celebrating 50 years of Anthony Burgess' classic text A Clockwork Orange. The library is open 12-5pm Mondays and Sundays, 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday with free entrance.
John Rylands Library
Theatre – Faust, The Lowry
Gounod's great melodramatic opera detailing middle-aged scholar Faust's diabolical pact with the devil in exchange for his soul comes to Salford this weekend. The classic story has been performed in over 50 countries and translated into 25 languages, capturing audiences' imaginations since it's premiere in 1859. Friday 9 November sees the last night of this production on stage at The Lowry theatre, ticket prices range from £8 - £56 and are available here.
Faust
Culture – Un-Convention Festival, various venues
Manchester based cultural enterprise Un-convention is hosting a three part festival this weekend taking place at numerous locations around the city. The aim is to celebrate football, music and food across the events including appearances from star footballers, DJs and live acts plus international cuisine for all.
There will be three events taking place across the weekend, the first of which will be football focused with the likes of Patrick Viera and Pat Nevin getting involved, plus talks, panels, exhibitions, live music and more. For more information on all Un-Convention events click here.
Un-Convention
Music/Food - B Music presents Sounds of Wunder, Gurkha Grill
Going out meets dining out this Friday as the eclectic B Music/Twisted Nerve transform the Gurkha Grill into disco buffet. The eclectic music heads behind the two labels will be spinning various aural oddities and lost tunes at the acclaimed West Didsbury Nepalese restaurant.
Grill owner and MC Rappin' Raj may also be making an appearance. As well as the musical feast free samples of home-cooked food and ales from the far corners will be available. Entry is free, 9.30pm – 1am so get your Dansak shoes on for after your Chicken Dancing – or something like that. www.gurkhagrill.co.uk
Gurkha Grill
Entertainment – Mak presents Word Of Mouth, Chorlton Central Church
Local charity Manchester Aid to Kosovo was set up in 1999 at the height of the ethnic cleansing crisis in the Balkans. Now to celebrate thirteen years of good work MaK is hosting an all day event to explain their work plus live music, DJs, talks, films and food and gift stalls. The event takes place on Saturday 11 from 11am till 11pm. More information on Mak can be found here.
Chorlton Central Church
Drink - Hanging Ditch Wine Fair, 16 November
If you're looking for something to perk you up and you love wine then book on the multi-awardwinning Hanging Ditch event next week. This isheld in the splendid surroundings of Manchester Cathedral and is the acclaimed wine merchant's Fifth Winefair. For £19.50 you get the opportunity to sample a selection of 200 wines and there's music too. Friday 16th November 2012, 6pm – 9pm, live @ Manchester Cathedral, advance tickets £19.50. 0161 832 8222 www.hangingditch.com
Hanging Ditch
Parade – Remembrance Day Parade
The memorial parade led by dignitaries, faith leaders and members of the armed forces will take place this Sunday 11 November at 10.45am. The procession will follow in the wake of the Greater Manchester Police band as it makes its way from Albert Square to the cenotaph in St Peter's Square. It will wind its way down Mount Street and Peter Street and will be called to attention by the parade commander. Just before 11am, the Last Post will sound to mark the start of the two-minute silence.
Remembrance Day
