MANCHESTER is a great city with a great many things to do. So save yourself the bother of trawling endless listings websites with our round-up of the ten best goings-on in the city this week... we promise you'll be knackered by Sunday.
SCHIAPARELLI AND THIRTIES FASHION | Gallery of Costume | 8 October 2015 - 9 October 2016
Having cited surrealists like Dali as strong influences, it’s unsurprising that Elsa Schiaparelli’s fashion designs were what might be called ‘weird and wonderful’. The Chanel rival was popular with flamboyant customers like Marlene Dietrich and revolutionised fashion between the two World Wars. The Gallery of Costume on Oxford Road displays her iconic designs against a backdrop of 1930s design.
Platt Hall Gallery of Costume, Rusholme, M14 5LL (Thurs-Fri 1-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm; free).
WE BUILT THIS CITY | MMU Special Collections | 30 November - 18 March
There are few architectural melting pots quite like Manchester but few are familiar with the minds behind the grand facades. Profiling key members of the Manchester Society of Architects, alongside a vastly changing cityscape and society, We Built This City celebrates the centuries of innovation behind the dynamic metropolis of today.
MMU Special Collections Gallery, 3rd Floor, Sir Kenneth Green Library, All Saints, M15 6BH (various; free).
Schiaparelli, 1951BONGO’S BINGO | Albert Hall | Tuesday 1 December
Johnny Bongo is back with his insanely popular take on the classic pastime (main image). This is bingo’s rebellious sibling; complete with rave rounds, dance offs and copious swearing. Join the cult, prepare for mayhem and get ready to unleash some bingo balls... you could also win £150.
Albert Hall, 27 Peter Street, M2 5QR (doors open 7pm, first game 8pm; £4 on the door).
SHURA | Gorilla | Thursday 3 December
Once upon a time Shura had to indulge her passion for music during night shifts at work. It’s finally paid off for the Manchester-born songwriter, singer and producer - real name Aleksandra Denton - who has been signed to Polydor and was nominated for the BBC Sound of 2015 for her delicate melodies and bittersweet vocals.
Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street, M1 5WW (7pm; tickets £12.10 at seetickets.com).
ShuraPORTICO PRINT FAIR | Portico Library | 3-21 December
If you’ve had your fill of Christmas markets, but are still on the lookout for distinctive gifts, look no further than The Portico. Twelve northwest artists, printmakers and collectives will be exhibiting affordable works in a variety of media. Thursday 3 will see an opening party, complete with licensed bar and live music from 6pm.
Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, M2 3HY (6pm; free).
MOVIE NIGHT | Manchester Cathedral | 4-5 December
Where better to watch some festive favourites than a place that’s been celebrating Christmas for over 500 years? The Muppets and Buddy will have you chortling on Friday, then it’s tissues at the ready for The Snowman on Saturday, followed by Disney classic Frozen. A themed bar will sell popcorn and cocktails.
Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, M3 1SX (various; tickets from £5 at eventbrite.co.uk).
Manchester Cathedral will screen The Snowman on SaturdayFOR THE LOVE OF THE FORCE | Bowlers Exhibition Centre | 4-6 December
Cinemas see the force awaken on December 14. Meantime, however, there’s more on the starry horizon with a weekend-long independent Star Wars convention. For an unofficial event, it’s packing a punch; fans can expect prosthetics by the film’s own Shaune Harrison, Jedi training from Liam Neeson’s stunt double, laser shows, a full-scale X WING, the Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra and even Jabba the Hut in his gangster palace.
Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Longbridge Road, M17 1SN (7am-11pm; tickets from £20 at skiddle.com).
CHRISTMAS MADE PERFECT | Manchester Craft and Design Centre | Saturday 5 December
Every Saturday in December, MCDC will be hosting live music and workshops. Create homemade glass-fused stocking fillers, enjoy acoustic sets from multitalented studio residents and then drop into the award-winning Oak Street Cafe for hot spiced cider and a festive tart.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, M4 5JD (various; check the website).
Manchester Craft and Design CentreMUMFORD AND SONS | Manchester Arena | Sunday 6 December
The British rockers are back with an eleven-date tour. Performing hits from Sigh No More and Babel, alongside tracks from their latest album Wider Mind, the band debuts a more electric anthemic sound that has garnered worldwide critical acclaim. The Grammy award-winners will be joined by fellow Brit Jack Garrett.
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR (6pm; tickets £42 at eventim.co.uk).
SNOW WHITE | The Lowry | Sunday 6 December
When done well, reworkings of traditional fairytales are a treat; just look at Wicked. This dark, dance-based twist is no less enchanting, based on an original retelling by Carol Ann Duffy that reimagines a mother’s poisonous jealousy. The second in balletLORENT’s critically-acclaimed Brothers Grimm fairytales, Snow White is a truly sumptuous visual feast.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ (various; tickets £17 at thelowry.com).
Snow White
