A trip back to the 70s with Chef Claire Woodier, a TikTok-inspired theatre night and a host of half-term hobbies
SAY goodbye to January and hello to February. Known as the last month of Winter, we'll start seeing lighter evenings and, more importantly, due to the 28-day month, a better payslip. So, what should you do with all of this new time and (extremely limited) disposable income?
Whether you're interested in a trip back to the 70s with Chef Claire Woodier, a TikTok-inspired theatre night or a host of half-term hobbies to keep boredom at bay, keep reading for the best things to do in Manchester this February.
Gary Stevenson: The Trading Game
2 February
What happens when you realise winning means betting on others losing? Gary Stevenson knows first-hand. In a journey equal parts extraordinary and unsettling, Gary will take us deep inside the high-stakes world of trillion-dollar trades, where profit and moral compromise collide. When the easiest way to make money is to bet on millions becoming poorer and poorer – and, as the economy begins to crumble, how do you stop your own sanity slipping with it?
Nods not Laughs
5 February
Is 2025 the year you give up the day job? Work up to writing your first bits in this two-hour joke writing circle. Entirely inclusive, low-stakes, exercise-based comedy writing session. Led by comedian Michael Mannion, you’ll come away with a host of ideas about crafting your own routines.
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You
14 February
Looking for something to keep the kids busy this half term? Based on the hit CBBC show, Operation Ouch! Invites you to set out on a medical mission into Dr Chris's brain headquarters. Venture through the five familiar senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste, as well as lesser-known secret senses that help you stay balanced, tell you when you need a wee and when it's time to sleep. From sight to sound, mini medics and curious kids can get stuck into sense-sational science through interactive games, challenges and fun facts.
Abigail's Party with Claire Woodier
15 February
Moregeous Mansions
Party like it's 1975. Chef Claire Woodier is taking us back to the '70s with a 2025 twist on classics of the era. But don't panic; this isn't your mum's dinner party. Packed with punchy flavours, Babycham jelly shots and plenty of quirky amuse bouches, try a dinner with a difference.
Stitch with Steph
16 February
Feel Good Club
Set yourself a crafty New Year’s resolution? Head to Feel Good Club where you’ll learn all about crochet. Whether you've never held a hook before, or you just need a refresher, Steph will guide you through the techniques. While beginners will leave with a handmade scrunchie, intermediate crocheters will learn how to make tapestry art. Plus you’ll leave with all the supplies you need to keep improving.
Daisy Buchanan: You're Booked, Live
16 February
PINK, Stockport
Join award-winning journalist, author and podcaster, Daisy Buchanan for a live recording of her chart-topping literary podcast. Hosted by PINK, Stockport's new indie art studio, Daisy will be chatting with Bookstagram it girl, Gabby Humphries.
The Portico Secret Supper Club
20 February
Dine at Manchester’s oldest lunch spot! Join 11 other diners for an intimate supper crafted with seasonal produce. Served in the incredible Portico Library Reading Room, you'll discover why Elizabeth Gaskell used to dine here so often. With a seasonally-led two-course menu, it's well worth a visit.
FAMEHUNGRY
27- 28 February
FAMEHUNGRY is a helter-skelter nose-dive into the TikTok universe and the attention economy, asking what it means to be an artist now. Fusing performance art and very real and very live TikTok Experiences, join award-winning performance artist Louise Orwin as she cosplays as a TikToker in a real-life experiment hunting for fame and fortune to consider a very personal question… how can performance art compete in the digital age?
Think we've missed an event? Email Charleym@confidentials.com
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