Monday 21st – Sunday 27th February
You’ve probably spent the entire weekend feeling like Bill Paxton in Twister, as Storm Eunice has been replaced by Franklin and both continue to batter trees and blow little old ladies halfway down the street.
As I sit here now, Monday morning, woken up by a Chinese takeaway disagreeing with my cat, the Storm is going hell-for-leather outside – and I don’t want to leave the house.
You may have felt the same this last few days but fear not – those boffins at the Met Office have closed their eyes and pointed to a day on the calendar – saying it should be done by Tuesday. We’ll see about that one.
It’ll leave you clear to get on with your life and get involved in some of these excellent goings on in the city and beyond…
Arts & Culture
It’s a busy one this week in the city centre’s two ‘main’ theatres – the Opera House and the Palace, with both of them showing big productions.
The multi-award winning Blood Brothers (until Saturday 26th) continues at the Palace, adding to it’s already astronomical number of shows over the years, while the Opera House welcomes Fatal Attraction (Tuesday 22nd – Saturday 26th February).
Yep, it’s based on the film with Glenn Close and Michael Douglas – the one where she boils his bunny and then tries to kill him. Not family-friendly fun then.
Blood Brothers @ The Palace Theatre
Fatal Attraction @ The Opera House
If you’re a fan of dancing, then The Lowry in Salford will be hosting Acosta Danza: 100% Cuban (on Tuesday 22nd), which I’m sure will guarantee plenty of legs akimbo and sweat, while Stockport Plaza hosts ‘Friends! The Musical Parody‘ (also Tuesday 22nd) – which might just provide the perfect break away from the ENDLESS repeats of the show on the telly.
Friends! The Musical Parody @ Stockport Plaza
Events
This week sees pay day FINALLY appear, and even though our gas and leccy have started to cost more than popcorn at the cinema, we can still get out and do stuff.
This Saturday sees heart-pumping energy drink crew Red Bull take over Victoria Baths with a massive rave, one that they promise will celebrate the city’s iconic and thriving night scene, with the help of local DJs and street food vendors.
Red Bull Unlocked @ Victoria Baths
It’s also International Mother Language Day on Monday 21st, which I’d never heard of before but looks to recognise languages and multilingualism in the city. As a result, there’s loads of events going on, including family workshops at the Central Library.
Finally, have you ever lay in your bed at home, staring at the ceiling, just wondering what the hell Web3 is?!
Well, this Wednesday 23rd sees a FREE event over at the Manchester Technology Centre for you – and for people wanting to explore the opportunities and potential of Web3 and the future.
WTF is Web3 @ Manchester Technology Centre
Everyday active lifestyle brand, Adanola will also be holding a sample sale this weekend at The Engine Hall in Spinningfields. They’ll be flogging products that are no longer available online at discounted prices, and, if you’re one of the first 50 people there you can also bag yourself a free gift!
Music & Clubs
As Dave takes to the stage at the AO Arena this Thursday 24th, rap legend and founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, GZA, will also be taking to the stage at the Ritz.
In terms of club nights, probably the biggest event of the week is over at Albert Hall – Spread The Love – featuring Nightmares on Wax, Horse Meat Disco and more on Saturday 26th February.
It looks like it’s going to be a biggie, and tickets are already a bit hard to come by. If you’re struggling – head on over to Twickets or try to make friends with someone with tickets and then just leave them once you’re inside.
Over in the Northern Quarter, at The Pen & Pencil no less, Body People will be making an appearance; a Birmingham-based collective playing “house and anything with soul since 2004.”
Finally, get your shag bands out of the drawer, and your eyeliner too because ‘Make Emo Great Again‘ returns to The Deaf Institute on Friday 25th.
Make Emo Great Again @ The Deaf Institute
Food & Drink
Just a little date for your diary – Pancake this year is on 1st March – which is next week, not this week. You should stock up on Jif this week though.
Hopefully this week will see the opening of Another Hand, a new restaurant venture from the team behind the wildly successful 3 Hands Deli on Deansgate Mews. A restaurant that’s just a couple of doors down from the deli, and one that will look to champion “produce-driven, minimal intervention, grower-to-chef-to-plate” cooking.
COMING SOON: The Team Behind 3 Hands Deli unveil Open Fire British Restaurant – Another Hand
This Saturday 26th sees the launch of Ducie Street Warehouse’s brand-new Bottomless Brunch offering – a New York Disco Brunch that looks like it’s going to seriously pop off. For £40 you get a brunch dish and bottomless cocktails and fizz, plus DJs and music performances throughout the day.
Although this is an art event, the Colours + Creeds: Art + Music Exhibition at Spectrum on Friday 25th will also include natural wines from the good people at KERB in Ancoats. A collaborative art exhibition and music event, a nice bit of plonk will go with it very nicely indeed.
BColours + Creeds: Art + Music Exhibition @ Spectrum
And finally, SOKA will be taking over Seven54 in Didsbury Village on Friday 25th – showcasing their unique Indo-Caribbean fusion cuisine. I had some at GRUB a few weeks back and let me tell you – it’s well worth the trip down on the tram to enjoy.
