SANKEYS NEW YEAR’S DAY | Victoria Warehouse | Friday 1 January
For those who don’t go too overboard on NYE (and those of ox-like constitutions), the party doesn’t stop there. Manchester ushers in 2016 with shindigs citywide but arguably the best is Sankey’s. Following a sell out 5000+ launch event, the warehouse series returns for its second instalment with house names like Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx and Armand Van Helden.
SWAN LAKE | Bridgewater Hall | Sunday 17 January
Swan Lake is stunningly interpreted by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia in this compelling take on the timeless classic surrounding Princess Odette, who is cursed to spend her days as a bird. Tchaikovsky’s haunting score accents the darkly atmospheric fairytale throughout, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s finest tragic romances and a jewel in Russia’s cultural crown.
NICO VASCELLARI | The Whitworth | February - September
As spring approaches, the Whitworth’s Landscape Gallery will metamorphose into a secret garden courtesy of Vascellari’s Bus de la Lum. This is nothing like the popular children’s classic however: the contemporary artist draws on satanic legend, connecting viewers to places like ‘Door to Hell’, a vast burning crater in the desert of Turkmenistan. Accompanied by Ghédalia Tazartès’ mythical soundscape, this promises an otherworldly experience.
Bus de la LumNITRO CIRCUS LIVE | Manchester Arena | Tuesday 2 February
One of the world’s most fearless bunch of freestyle athletes hurtle into Manchester Arena as part of their worldwide tour. Headed by America’s legendary Travis Pastrana, the star-studded line up includes the world’s first BMX triple backflipper and Australian X Games gold medallists Blake Williams and Cam Sinclair. Expect outrageous contraptions, stupefying stunts and a retro 1920’s three-ring circus set that took five years to create.
CHINESE NEW YEAR | Citywide | 4-7 February
Swing into the Year of the Monkey with four days of spectacular celebrations. Manchester’s Chinese population is the UK’s second biggest; promising thousands of lanterns, delicious street cuisine and a stunning light display. Of course, the traditional dragon parade will take centre stage once again, threading its vibrant way through the city centre. Events at CFCCA and a host of creative workshops will provide yet more insight into this fascinating culture.
TEDx MANCHESTER | HOME | Sunday 14 February
For over 25 years, it’s captured audiences worldwide with thought-provoking, boundary-breaking talks from some of the world’s leading thinkers and doers. Now, TED continues with its mission of ‘ideas worth spreading’ via regional TEDx events. February’s episode at HOME will feature speakers from across the board; including arts, technology, media, science, academia and industry. This event always sells out well in advance so book your place ASAP.
TEDx at HOMEMANCHESTER FILM FESTIVAL | AMC Cinema | 3-6 March
ManIFF kicked off last year with a stellar line up of Oscar-winning directors, Bafta-winning producers and UK premiers - not to mention 71 films, both domestic and international. Celebrating the best independent cinema worldwide, March’s programme will again include packed screenings, exciting discussion and an incredible party atmosphere.
ADELE | Manchester Arena | 7-11 March
Even by Adele’s standards, the success of her latest album 25 is astounding. Not only did lead track Hello become the first song to sell over one million digital copies within its first week, the single broke first week sales records in the UK and US and even stopped Coldplay debuting at number one for the first time ever. Adele returns to Manchester for the first time in five years from 7-11 March, having added extra dates due to popular demand.
CITY V UNITED | Etihad Stadium | Saturday 19 March
Spring sees another controversial match between the famous locals as they take to Etihad Stadium for the second Manchester Derby of 2015/16 and the final Premier League Fixture of the month. With United currently inching ahead on the league table, can City overtake them? In view of unpredictable scores since the first ever derby of 1881, you’ll need to don your clairvoyant’s hat for the answer to that one. Or wait til March of course.
Who will emerge victorious?FUTURE EVERYTHING | BASE | 20 March - 2 April
Having navigated the cutting edge of research for over twenty years, FutureEverything is Manchester’s award-winning innovation lab for digital innovation. Its annual festival has been named one of the world’s top ten ideas festivals; bringing together art, music and discussion - alongside new technology and social experiments - surrounding some of our most pressing issues. 2016 also sees a world premiere, Smoke Signals.
GRILLSTOCK FESTIVAL | Albert Square | TBC May
Music. Meat. Beer. Is it any wonder Grillstock Festival is such a big hit? Then there’s finger-licking barbecued goodness, hotdog eating contests and Deep South Beats...they don’t half spoil us. Conceived in Bristol in 2010, Grillstock was born out of a deep love for the American BBQ culture and has since spread north, bringing a smokin’ weekend to carnivores countrywide.
SOUNDS FROM THE OTHER CITY | Citywide | Sunday 1 May
It’s been called ‘an antidote to the bloated corporate music festivals’ and SFTOC indeed remains more quality than quantity. Whilst Salford’s annual celebration of new art and music now showcases both international and UK talent, it retains its fabled local vibe. With a quirky mixture of performers spanning all genres, this is one event that refuses to be pigeonholed (and sells out extremely quickly for it).
Sounds From The Other CityMAMMA MIA |Palace Theatre | 10-31 May
What would a Best Things list be without a bit of cheese? With ingredients like ABBA songs, Greek island setting and a dash of romance, Mamma Mia was bound to be a smash hit. It may not be the most original story but, for bucket-loads of fun and sun, it can’t be beaten. Musical lovers might want to return to the Palace in October, when Dirty Dancing waltzes into Manchester for yet more feel-good action.
GREAT MANCHESTER RUN | City Centre | May 22
Pull out your trainers and get pumping some muscle because Europe’s biggest 10K run is back. Broadcast on BBC, the event has seen more than 250,000 people take part for charity: namely Cancer Research UK, The Christie and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Participants not only raise money for a great cause, they pass some of the city’s most iconic sights and feel ‘teamwork’ on a grand scale. The weekend includes plenty of family-friendly events too.
PARKLIFE | Heaton Park | 11-12 June
Parklife has come a long way since its Mad Ferret days, now averaging over 140,000 revellers yearly. With artists like Disclosure, Grace Jones and Jess Glynne it’s not surprising this is a crowd pleaser. Specialising in front-line urban, electro, indie and pop music, the Mancunian institution shows no signs of slowing down, with promoters like The Warehouse Project ensuring a high-profile line up across multiple stages.
ParklifeMANCHESTER DAY | Citywide | Sunday 19 June
Manchester Day is another event that has come a long way in a short time, highlighting just how much the city’s cultural scene has flourished of late. Over five years it has developed into one of summer’s flagship events, boasting 2500 performers and displays of incredible virtuosity. Curated by outdoor arts experts Walk The Plank, the day is a uniquely creative celebration of everything Mancunian.
THE STONE ROSES | Etihad Stadium | Sunday 19 June
The Madchester pioneers are back for one of their biggest gigs to date. Having influenced bands like Oasis, the band came to epitomise 1980/90s northern music with their unique blend of acid house and pop-based guitar rhythms. Their eponymous 1989 debut album is still considered one of the greatest of all time and they remain one of Manchester’s most definitive musical acts.
EUROPEAN CITY OF SCIENCE 2016 | Manchester Central | 23-27 July
As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and home to some of science’s greatest discoveries, it’s little surprise Manchester has been named ‘European City of Science 2016’. A programme of initiatives will highlight our rich scientific heritage, centred on July’s ESOF conference. This will bring together many of the world’s foremost scientific thinkers, innovators and scholars to discuss nine key themes. Following on from this will be October’s annual MSF.
Manchester CentralDIG THE CITY | Citywide | TBC August
Breathing life into the concrete metropolis, Dig the City is Manchester’s summer gardening festival. For one blooming brilliant week in August, the city centre flowers into a verdant space of music, markets, fashion and gardens galore. Add to the mix a myriad of free family events, alfresco dining and performances from the likes of Bridgewater Hall, and you have yourself a true horticultural high.
MANCHESTER JAZZ FESTIVAL | Citywide | TBC August
Manchester Jazz Festival turns 21 in 2016, breezing into adulthood with ease. Now one of the UK’s leading jazz events, MJF presents over 400 musicians spanning multiple genres. With a focus on musical innovation, the non-for-profit fest champions both regional and overseas artists. Many gigs are free and now number around 80 across ten venues, jazzing up the city over ten melodious days of summer.
CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL | Alexandra Park | 13-14 August
Sashaying back to its spiritual home of over forty years, the Caribbean Carnival promises live music, fantastical costume and a vibrant procession through the city centre. Also spicing things up will be delicious Caribbean cuisine, live performances and dance classes in which you can do your ‘ting. Elsewhere learn to sing calypso or join the liming squad and rediscover the lost art of doing nothing. Sounds good to us...
Manchester CarnivalPRIDE BIG WEEKEND | Citywide | 26-29 August
Talking of spectacular parades, Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend has become synonymous. 2015 saw over 3000 participants take part, headed by esteemed actor Sir Ian Mckellen. Overall the weekend raised £146,000 for related charities, taking Pride’s overall fundraising total since 2003 to £1.2 million. The weekender continues to be Manchester’s most colourful annual affair and an important reflection on LGBT rights.
MANCHESTER FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL | Citywide | TBC September
Last September saw a record-breaking 90,000 visitors arrive for a veritable feastival of MFDF events. With a packed programme of chef demos, street food traders, live music and plenty of alcohol (over 7000 gin and tonics sold apparently), it’s little wonder popularity continues to saw: expect even more to gorge on next time as the gastro-vaganza returns for its nineteenth chapter.
BUY ART FAIR | Old Granada Studios | 22-25 September
As the North’s largest art fair, this is an unmissable event for aesthetes. Combining high profile names like Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin with local talent across all mediums, it provides an important lifeline to Manchester’s galleries and essential viewing for the public. Alongside original art can be found children’s activities, guided tours, music and live painting.
Art wall at the Buy Art FairINDY MAN BEER CON | Victoria Baths | TBC October
A world showcase for the best breweries both across the UK and internationally, the Independent Manchester Beer Convention compromises over 200 beers from 50 brewers. If that’s not enough to send you hopping mad with excitement, the festival also boasts grub from the north’s finest purveyors, bumper live music sessions and a thirst-quenching range of Fringe events.
MANCHESTER LITERATURE FESTIVAL | Citywide | TBC October
Another festival, another roaring success. MLF was born out of Manchester Poetry Festival but now encompasses all genres, from world literature to rising stars, over 80+ events. Headline authors have included Margaret Atwood, Anthony Horowitz and Richard Dawkins, promising true bookworm bliss. Manchester’s robust literary landscape is also celebrated through guided tours and local publishers.
MANCHESTER CURIOUS | Citywide | 6-9 October
Still somewhat a hidden gem itself, Manchester Curious was founded in 2015 as part of the 150th Anniversary of the Manchester Architects. Drawing inspiration from London Open House and Heritage Open Days, the event’s aim is to reveal the hidden. Some of the city’s most iconic buildings open up their secret spaces whilst a programme of guided tours uncovers the context behind each.
Tours include Chetham's LibraryVEVO HALLOWEEN | Victoria Warehouse | 31 October
As with New Year, Victoria Warehouse again bags the principal event out of hundreds citywide. There’s Halloween and then there’s Vevo Halloween, where chart-topping artists perform full live sets and the scare maze gives visitors the heebie jeebies with live actors and award-winning prosthetics. All Hallows Eve last witnessed artists like Years & Years and James Bay perform for 5000 revellers, spelling one hell of a night to remember.
MANCHESTER SLEEPOUT | Manchester Cathedral | Friday 4 November
The estimated number of homeless per night nationwide is now 2744, 55% more than in 2010. Sleeping rough is more pervasive than we think, which is why the Booth Centre’s annual Sleepout is vital in raising both awareness and funds for those without shelter. The idea is simple: grab your sleeping bags and forsake your comfy beds for an outside sleepover at Manchester Cathedral.
MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS | Citywide | November - December
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.
Rudolph is a fan
