After our week-long second summer, get back into Autumn with plenty of gigs, theatre shows and even a museum opening to keep you busy in Manchester this week.
King Arthur at The Lowry
Le Navet Bete, one of the UK’s leading touring physical comedy theatre companies, bring their brand new show to The Lowry. King Arthur will stop off at the Salford theatre as part of its UK tour from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 September. Suitable for the whole family, the production hilariously retells the story of the Arthurian legends. ‘Camelot is in trouble. King Arthur knows that if he doesn’t turn things around, this civilisation will be forgotten, and be known as nothing more than a rather dull time in British history. But when three hapless squires approach him about changing that legacy… a legend is born.’
Frank Carter and Sex Pistols at Manchester Academy
Frank Carter and members of the Sex Pistols (Paul Cook, Glen Matlock and Steve Jones), have announced four more dates as part of their intimate UK tour. Following a successful run of fundraising nights at London’s Bush Hall, the legendary band will bring the show to Manchester Academy on Tuesday 24 September.
Breakfast & English with Heart & Parcel at Dishoom
Heart & Parcel will host a special breakfast at Dishoom in Manchester to bring together English language learners. The charity work with people learning the language to recognise, celebrate and develop their own existing skills, so they can communicate confidently. Head down to the eatery for a free English class with a free cup of chai and a bun. This event is for people learning English from different communities in Manchester only, all levels are welcome.
Beyond The Surface: Journeys From Within at The Turnpike Gallery
Head to The Turnpike Gallery in Leigh for the opening of the Beyond The Surface: Journeys From Within exhibition. The project profiles 10 years of Fallen Angels working in the borough of Wigan. The exhibition features artworks, photography and films from Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, with the focal point the newly commissioned work Samadhi, an immersive digital dance, light and sound installation. The exhibition is on until Saturday 23 November 2024.
AllPress Coffee Bar Takeover at Companio
Allpress head down the road to Companio in the Northern Quarter for a very special bar takeover. On Wednesday 25 September, they’ll be serving up speciality drinks, espresso flights, single origin on espresso and many more specials for one day only.
Husk at Hope Mill Theatre
Award-winning theatre space Hope Mill Theatre hosts Husk, a dark, twisting tale of violence, love, addiction and revenge. Written by Rupert Hill and directed by Joseph Houston, the production will run from Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 September. ‘Ray has just been released from a long stretch behind bars. Homeless and penniless he pitches a tent in a forest. Beth and her husband Clark are spending the summer at her Dad’s house overlooking the sea near Blackpool. Are they really being terrorised by a mysterious couple? Or is it a fabrication of the father’s increasing dementia?’
Orlando Weeks at Band on the Wall
From his time with The Maccabees, via becoming an author with his debut novel The Gritterman, to releasing three highly acclaimed solo albums, Orlando Weeks has carved a niche as one of the UK’s most intriguing talents. June 2024 saw the release of Loja, his third album, which he takes on the road this September.
Batik Workshop at Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery host a fabric painting workshop this month. Guests are invited to create their own Batik suncatcher, lead by artist Elena McLaren. The silk suncatcher will also feature the Manchester emblem of a bee. With guidance from Elena, use the cold batik technique to bring the symbol to life and connect with fellow art lovers in a creative setting.
Jordan Rakei at Albert Hall
New Zealand-born multi-instrumentalist and producer Jordan Rakei has worked with a host of artists, from Disclosure to Tom Misch, as well as releasing club bangers under the name Dan Kye. Via his given name, he’s released three albums of thoughtful, layered electronica on Ninja Tune, and then earlier this year, The Loop, a soulful elegy to the likes of Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo. See this ludicrously talented chap live at the Albert Hall on 26 September.
Gamma Ray presents: New Sonic Sessions at Lost Cat
Beavertown Brewery and Scruff Of The Neck team up for their monthly showcase of up coming talent from around the UK. Giving music fans the chance to check out cutting-edge sounds and make new friends, the September edition will feature Vincent’s Last Summer, Bayboards and Kaiden Nolan on the line up.
The Pearl Monthly Jazz Night Launch
The Pearl in Prestwich introduce their eagerly-anticipated monthly jazz night alongside their award-winning à la carte menu. The dining room will host some of the most talented jazz musicians from across the North West, starting with the Ted Branson Quartet on Thursday 26 September. Diners are invited to sit back and soak up the vibrant jazz soundtrack once a month with a heady cocktail and a sumptuous meal, overseen by head chef Iain Mark Thomas, formerly of The Alan and The Edinburgh Castle.
SEE MY WORLD Connected Fragments Wrap Party at Manchester Central Library
As SEE MY WORLD Connected Fragments exhibition draws to a close, join the artists, curators, and community behind it to experience their worlds on display. This closing party marks the finale of the international exchange exhibition bringing together the worlds of Nigerian Diaspora Artists Chigozie obi, Daniel Oyegade and Dou. Through photography, oil paintings, and moving image, the exhibition is an ode to how life can seem fragmented, but is surely whole within.
LIE NING x LAVENDER RODRIGUEZ at Islington Mill
Head down to Islington Mill in Salford for a collaborative artist residency between LIE NING and Lavendeer Rodriguez. The German musician, model and dancer is stopping by as part of their upcoming European ‘slow tour’. They will be collaborating with a variety of local artists, including, first and foremost, local musician Lavender Rodriguez.
Thursday Club with Vala at Las Bombas
Every Thursday, Latin American eatery Las Bombas host live music at their restaurant in Irlam. On Thursday 26 September, enjoy five tapas dishes for £30 alongside a live performance from indie pop band Vala.
Museum Of Illusions Opening
Museum of Illusions has announced that its first UK location will open in Manchester in September. Opening on Market Street, the highly-anticipated new attraction promises a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. A world of optical illusions and interactive exhibits designed to challenge perception, the concept will spark curiosity and stimulate the imagination.
IAMDDB at Manchester Academy 2
Following the release of her latest EP Love Is War: Volume 6, IAMDDB brings her world tour to Manchester this month. The musician, actress and creative will perform a hometown show at Manchester Academy on Friday 27 September.
There Is Nothing Old Under The Sun at esea contemporary
Inspired by the street markets of London, Paris and Taiwan, artist Steph Huang draws on vernacular styles, informal architecture, and local culture for her first solo show in Manchester. The 21st winner of the Mark Tanner Sculpture Award, Steph Huang’s work investigates mass production and commerce, the implications of the food industry and the affects on the natural environment. Working in sculpture, mixed media, and found objects, Huang creates poetically charged installations of quiet resonance.
Mudhoney at New Century
Seattle punk dons Mudhoney – a huge influence on Nirvana and Kurt Cobain during their early days on Sub Pop – have never really gone anywhere, steadily releasing and touring since the late 80s, and now up to their 11th album in 2023’s Plastic Eternity. Though many will receive that electric thrill from classics like Touch Me I’m Sick, their new gear is still every bit as uncompromising.
The Paul McKenna Band at The Met
Scottish folk outfit The Paul McKenna Band come to Bury in September. Fronted by vocalist and songwriter Paul McKenna, the band will perform songs from their 15 year career at The Met on Saturday 28 September.
Soul Sampled at Old Town General Store
This month, head down to Stockport to level up your wardrobe with some of the city’s coolest fashion brands and retailers. Browse rails of clothing and shoes on the first floor of Union co-living apartments for the first event in the Soul Samples series. Launching with the Kicks n Garms edition, imagine a department store party bringing together the best of Manchester’s clothing and sneaker scene with threads, fresh kicks, and exclusive finds. Manchester DJs G2 and Habitat’s Tone Rarri will be spinning tunes throughout and a bar will serve up drinks.
Me To A Tee Makers Market at Stage & Radio
Me To A Tee bring their makers market to Stage & Radio this month. The Northern Quarter venue will welcome shoppers to browse stalls from independent traders. Expect some of the best selectors, collectors, makers, and doers from the North West and beyond on Saturday 28 September 2024.
Mas O Menos: Introducing Playback and Mafalda’s Return To Manchester
Mas O Menos is a grass-roots record label spearheaded by DJ and Producer Levi Love and run by a small, dedicated team. Their ethos centres on bringing accessible music to all, building a bridge between South Africa and Manchester, and representing new exciting artists. Introducing Playback / Mafalda’s Return to Manchester is set to be an all day and night celebration of DJ Mafalda, who will be playing her first live set in Manchester in quite some time. She will perform alongside DJ Playback at the excellent Old Abbey Taphouse.
Earth to Heart Launch Party at Manchester Craft and Design Centre
Manchester Craft & Design Centre have teamed up with mental health charity 42nd Street on a new exhibition with residents Imprint of Earth and artist Lily Brown. Over the summer, Lily Brown in partnership with 42nd Street, and resident makers Shakti and Bhaggie Patel from Imprints of Earth, explored what ‘Creativity Means to Me’. Together they reflected, played, and unearthed a series of ceramics which showcased their shared experience and drive to step into the unknown. Lily embraces perfect imperfections in her work and finds joy in interpreting the world around her. Deeply inspired by nature, Lily translates the landscape into objects people can enjoy in their homes. Imprints of Earth are a mother and daughter duo who are passionate about creativity as a healing force. They find beauty in the unpredictability of ceramics and create one-off pieces which celebrate the imperfect and bring a little spirit to your surroundings. Together Imprints of Earth and Lily have produced a series of sculptural pieces which honour our connection to nature and explore creativity.
Mark Radcliffe and David Boardman: Folk Duo at The Portico Library
The Portico Library host musical duo Mark Radcliffe and David Boardman for a night of folk music this September. BBC host and author Mark met David, a consummate guitarist and guitar teacher, in their hometown of Knutsford. Since then, they have recorded their debut album First Light and performed live shows. Catch them at The Portico on Saturday 28 September.
Emergency 24 at Contact Theatre
Manchester’s 24th micro-marathon of the bizarre, the bold and the beautiful takes over Contact Theatre on Saturday 28 September. The event will see an afternoon of installations, interventions and limited capacity works from noon, followed by an evening of short shows from 4pm. ‘From sleeping princes to burning regrets, memorable ice cream to unforgettable break-ups, a deep dive into the environment and a trio of weddings. Welcoming new faces and the return of old friends — what we can say is: we won’t be crying wolf.’
Mini Comic Con at WooTea
Get ready for a mini comic con at the excellent WooTea in Manchester’s Chinatown on Saturday 28 September. Join in the fun in your best costume and enjoy 50% off all drinks at WooTea, including their famous foam fruit teas.
Art Battle Manchester XXIV – Going Northside at Champness Hall, Rochdale
Manchester’s underground live painting phenomenon is heading to Rochdale this month – ‘Going Northside’ for the first time. Taking place on Saturday 28 September, Art Battle MCR will make its debut in Rochdale town centre, bringing its high-octane live competitive painting event to Champness Hall.
Clothes Cycle Thrift Market at Victoria Baths
The next instalment of Clothes Cycle Manchester comes to Victoria Baths on Sunday 29 September. With over 100 traders, the UK’s largest thrift market offers a huge selection of pre-loved clothing, with rails heaving with all kinds of vintage pieces, from streetwear and y2k to luxury brands and handmade clothing. There’s bags, shoes and jewellery, as well as some vintage homewares and gifts. But it’s not just about shopping, enjoy live music from local DJs, indulge in delicious street food, and sip on refreshing drinks from the fully licensed bar. Elsewhere, visit nail and tooth gem artists and the permanent jewellery stand. There will also be an all-day clothing swap to get involved with where guests can bring a tote bag filled with preloved items and trade them in for a fresh haul from the swap rails. It’s the perfect way to refresh your wardrobe guilt-free.
Let’s Talk about Chemsex Presents: A Queer Gallery Takeover at Manchester Art Gallery
As the finale of Recoverist Month, head down to Manchester Art Gallery for a one-day queer gallery takeover exploring themes on sex, intimacy, desire, respect and consent within the LGBTQ+ community. After a hugely successful launch at Manchester Pride in 2023, with a 90s-style radio show-themed art installation, lead artist Harold Offeh brings Let’s Talk About Chemsex to Manchester Art Gallery, in a one-day collaboration with local and international artists: Valentin Ranger (Paris/London), Ghetto Fabulous (Manchester), mandla (Manchester), Daniel Rey (Venezuela/London) and Sam Cottingham (London/Frankfurt).
