Monday 14th – Sunday 20th February
This week, unfortunately for some, starts with Valentine’s Day. If you’re up for a bit of a laugh, I’d probably start the week by getting down to your local supermarket at about 5.30 this evening. I can guarantee there’ll be swarms of blokes fighting over boxes of Ferrero Rochers and bunches of lifeless flowers to impress their partners with. Very original, lads. It does make for a great bit of entertainment, though.
I guess the good thing about Valentine’s is that it only lasts a day, and, lucky for you, there’s an abundance of other mint stuff going on in the city for you to get yourself down to this week!
Events
First off, Gullivers in Northern Quarter is hosting an evening of comedy on Wednesday (16th) from Hannah Platt and Jain Edwards. Hailed as an ‘exercise in inventive, immensely creative comedy’ the show gives voice to a new generation and is completely FREE to attend! Missing out? You’re having a bloody LAUGH.
Hannah Platt & Jain Edwards @ Gullivers
There’s also a show-stopper performance from Drag Race royalty, Sasha Velour at Bridgewater Hall on Wednesday 16th. ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ will blend drag with visual art and a bit of magic, introducing a whole new side to Sasha Velour’s artistry.
Sasha Velour @ Bridgewater Hall
This week, specifically Thursday 17th, is Random Act of Kindness Day – so you should expect some stuff going on around the city. We don’t know what it is yet – otherwise it wouldn’t be random would it?
House of Suarez’s Vogue Ball is happening this Friday at Manchester Academy, too! The event we’ve all been waiting for, the legendary annual Vogue Ball is returning to Manchester with a 2022 theme of Night at the Poseum, with performances inspired by treasures from around the globe currently on display in museums throughout the North West.
Vogue Ball @ Manchester Academy
Arts & Culture
Chapeltown Picture House is hosting a FREE feature film preview screening of ‘Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist’ on Saturday (19th) evening. Written by Brett Gregory, the film follows a grieving English teacher attempting to recover the shattered elements of himself amidst the crevices of Greater Manchester.
Nobody Loves You and You Don’t Deserve to Exist
If spoken word poetry is your thing, then Manchester favourite, Sayin? is returning this Thursday 17th. Held at NIAMOS, rappers, poets and singers will descend on the venue once again to celebrate some of the North West’s most talented spoken word artistes.
There’s also a ‘Totally Improvised Musical’ heading to The Peer Hat. A brand-new event brought to you by ComedySportz, it will see a top team of improvisers take to the stage to compose a musical from your suggestions!
The Totally Improvised Musical @ The Peer Hat
Finally, the wonderful Luca Shaw from Underbank Studios is hosting a talk as part of Manchester Open at HOME. She will give her take on pieces that she’s found particularly inspiring – focusing on women, craft and print.
Music
We’ve compiled a very diverse list of entertainment for your ears this week. Starting off, O’Flynn will be making his YES debut. London-based DJ, producer hailed by Boiler Room as ‘one of dance music’s most prosperous newcomers’, O’Flynn will bring percussive house, acid and afro-disco to the Pink Room.
O’Flynn @ YES
Another one to watch, TARZSA is making an appearance at Stage and Radio this week. A Manchester-based local star, TARZSA has made a name for herself with stand-out sets at festivals including We Out Here and Dimension. Expect to hear a range of soulful house to wobbly garage!
TARZA @ Stage & Radio
This week we’ve been obsessively listening to the new debut album by Manchester outfit Lovescene. Give it a listen too right here:
This is gonna be a good’un. SKYND are at Deaf Institute this Saturday, a duo that are industrial tinged, true crime influenced electronica. I’m not 100% sure what to expect from this one but I am, most definitely intrigued.
SKYND @ Deaf Institute
Los Bitchos are also playing a gig at Gorilla this week. The London-based, long haired quartet have just released their eagerly awaited debut album with the world, taking influences from surf-rock, disco and psychedelia, tripping out on Tequila and Cumbia vibes.
Los Bitchos @ Gorilla
Food & Drink
It’s a massive week in the world of food and drink this week as this year’s Michelin stars are announced on Wednesday. Will Manchester manage to retain their star, or will we gain some more? Keep an eye out around 10am on Wednesday for the announcements.
If you’ve carried on the January drinking drought, Sober Girl Society have teamed up with Pho and TRIB3 to bring you a ‘Sweat, Sip and Slurp’ social this Sunday. You’ll start the day off with a workout at TRIB3, followed by a healthy lunch and some alcohol-free drinks at Pho to enjoy with your fellow sober sisters.
Sober Girl Society – Sweat, Sip & Slurp
Transcend Studios in Eccles is hosting a movie night on Friday 18th February. The adult-only event will see attendees pick a movie and enjoy food from ARMR Store, who will be serving Caribbean Vegan curry all night. Chairs and mats will be provided, but you’re encouraged to bring pillows and blankets if you fancy cosying up!
Ever fancied trying your hand at being a street food trader?
If you’re sat on an absolute mound of family recipes, or you’ve managed to perfect that stand-out dish you once had in Bali, GRUB is holding a New Trader Workshop on Wednesday! It’s a FREE workshop designed to give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have from the people in the business who know the most – current street food traders!
Want to Get Started in Street Food? This FREE Workshop is for you!
Finally, Zouk’s Cooking Masterclass returns this week! The theme is ‘Zouk’s Signature Dishes’ where you’ll learn how to cook a Chilo Kebab, Chooza Chaat, Crispy Calamari, Lamb Biryani and Butter Chicken alongside Zouk’s expert chefs!
