Loads of stuff going on this week. Loads, and loads.
Like rom-com classics, pilates, ramen bowl making, futuristic R&B, an italo-electro legend visiting town, wassailing, foraging and a family rave at Eastern Bloc.
See, loads.
To Kill A Mockingbird at The Lowry
Aaron Sorkin’s riveting stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird will stop in Salford as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour. The seminal American novel about racial injustice and childhood innocence became a Broadway and West End sensation with star-studded sell-out seasons on both sides of the Atlantic. Set in 1934 Alabama, To Kill a Mockingbird was inspired by novelist Harper Lee’s own childhood and has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature and was long at the top of the banned book lists. It plays at The Lowry in Salford from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 24 January 2026.
Pilates & Flow at CUPRA City Garage
Expert Pilates instructor Dominique Binns leads an entirely free session of pilates and flow at CUPRA City Garage, setting the tone for a restorative January. The focused floor-work pilates session is aimed at strengthening the core, improving posture and supporting mindful movement. It’s part of CUPRA City Garage Manchester’s January programme which invites Mancunians and visitors alike to start the year with movement, mindfulness and connection, before moving seamlessly into creativity, culture and conversation as the month unfolds.
Mariah The Scientist at Manchester Academy
The magnificent Mariah The Scientist returns to Manchester, following a more intimate show at Gorilla in 2024. Back with new album Hearts Sold Separately, produced by Nineteen85 and featuring Kali Uchis, she’ll cram the Academy with moody tales of heartbreak and fury. With her captivating line in futuristic R&B, via sets Master, Ry Ry World and To Be Eaten Alive, she’s one of the most exciting stars of the genre to have emerged in recent years.
Soulwax at O2 Victoria Warehouse
Soulwax are landing in Manchester for the first time in nearly 10 years. Founded in 1995, the Belgian duo – brothers Stephen and David Dewaele – have spent the last three decades smashing up genres, on the turntables as 2ManyDJs, and in the studio as Soulwax. Their latest album All Systems Are Lying, their first in seven years, will arrive at the O2 Victoria Warehouse with a full live band set up – modular synths, tape machines and distortion. Strap in.
Wine Down Wednesdays: When Harry Met Sally at Treehouse Hotel Manchester
Remember Orange Wednesdays? Midweek cinema plans that actually felt exciting. Treehouse Hotel are bringing that feeling back with Wine Down Wednesdays. A grown-up midweek treat made for date nights and casual catch ups. For £45 two of you can enjoy a bottle of wine, a classic Ploughman’s board and a movie in Flix, Treehouse’s cosy cinema. Showing this week is a total heavyweight of the rom-com genre: Rob Reiner’s legendary When Harry Met Sally.
Cosgrove Hall Films Archive at Sale Library
A new permanent exhibition brings the legendary Manchester animation studio Cosgrove Hall to life, showcasing the original puppets, illustrations and sets behind classics like Danger Mouse, Count Duckula, Chorlton and the Wheelies and Postman Pat. It’s an nostalgic dive into the Manchester studio that reshaped British animation, revealing the artwork, storybooks and painstaking craft that took each character from sketch to screen.
LUMINISCENCE at Manchester Cathedral
The world-renowned immersive experience LUMINISCENCE is set to light up Manchester Cathedral, combining 360° projections, orchestral performance and a stirring new script by BAFTA Award winner Tim Whitnall, narrated by Christopher Eccleston. Having dazzled audiences across Europe and the US, the show reimagines the Cathedral’s gothic architecture as a living artwork, enveloping visitors in waves of colour, sound and emotion. It’s a mesmerising celebration of Manchester’s creativity and heritage – part light show, part concert, part cinematic dreamscape – offering a rare chance to see one of the city’s most historic spaces transformed from the inside out.
Vegan and alcohol-free wine pairing at Hinterland
Head to Hinterland – the Northern Quarter’s dedicated vegan and alcohol-free space – for an evening exploring food and wine pairings. Whether you’re new to alcohol-free wines, mildly sceptical or already a convert, this is a relaxed, delicious deep dive into how great alcohol-free wines and wine alternatives really can be – especially when paired properly. On the night, you’ll be guided through a carefully curated tasting of exceptional alcohol-free wines and wine alternatives, each matched with a generous spread of vegan cheeses, savoury bites and indulgent desserts.
500 Free Croquetas at El Gato Negro
El Gato Negro has announced huge plans to celebrate World Croqueta Day in true Spanish style with a generous giveaway of 500 free croquettes on Friday 16 January. They’re inviting food lovers to mark the occasion by enjoying one of Spain’s most iconic bites, completely free of charge. Crisp on the outside, rich and indulgent on the inside, the croquette has long been a staple on the El Gato Negro menu, as it comes up to its 10th birthday. The giveaway will operate on a first come, first served basis, with croquettes available until all 500 have been claimed. With limited numbers available, early arrival is strongly recommended.
Body Heat with I-F at Soup
One for ‘those who know’, the underground don that is I-F – aka Dutch producer Ferenc E. van der Sluijs – will be landing at Soup for an ultra-rare UK set. The man behind the legendary Mixed Up In The Hague mix series (seriously, look them up, they’re legendary for a very good reason), as well as the mastermind behind labels like Viewlexx, MurderCapital and seminal radio station Intergalactic FM, will be bringing all things electro-Italo to the Northern Quarter stalwart. Joining him on the decks will be Red Laser affiliate Ste Spandex, Neon Eyes and Aveidt, while avva.studio provide the visuals.
Biffy Clyro at Co-op Live
Scottish rock legends Biffy Clyro return to the stage in support of their 10th studio album Futique. Simon, Ben and James will bring their signature volume and raw energy to the stage at Co-op Live on 17 January.
Ibibio Sound Machine at Band on the Wall
Ibibio Sound Machine, led by Nigerian singer Eno Williams, bring their explosive blend of West African funk, disco, electro and post-punk to Band on the Wall, channelling the cadence of the Ibibio language into driving rhythms and unstoppable dancefloor energy. Formed in 2013 by Williams and Max Grunhard and now acclaimed worldwide for albums Uyai and Doko Mien, the band’s live show is a full-throttle celebration of cross-cultural sound.
Platt Fields Market Garden’s Wassail
Come and bless the apple orchard at the Platt Fields Market Garden with some gloriously wintery vibes. Learn how to prune in a two-hour workshop with the garden’s expert Dan, great for those with fruit trees that might need a seasonal glow up. Then after that, celebrate 12th night with a good old fashioned (well, ancient really, with roots extending to pagan times) wassailing session, with drinking, singing, the scaring away of spirits and general merrymaking.
Chotto x Studio 34 – Rooftop Pilates & Brunch
Chotto Matte is teaming up with Studio 34 for a short run of rooftop Pilates sessions paired with limited edition Nikkei protein bowls. Expect a guided mat class followed by build-your-own bowls featuring bases like Chotto Caesar or quinoa with pickled veg and anticucho-style grilled proteins including salmon, marinated chicken or king oyster mushrooms for a restorative start to the weekend. It’s running every Saturday until 31 January
Radiance at Eastern Bloc
Radiance is a new Sunday day party built for music lovers and their kids, bringing the community together around the tunes that shaped them. With back to back sets from Chris Kevill, WHP resident Krysko, Greg Lord, Karl Roscoe, Miguel Manzano and Wes Cutloose, it promises a proper heads atmosphere with a family twist, turning a winter afternoon into family friendly tear-up.
Forage & Nibble at Chorlton Water Park
Head out on a three-hour session led by a foraging expert around the peaceful surroundings of Chorlton Water Park. You’ll learn about identifying plants and tasting wild ingredients, gaining skills you can use in your own life, and kitchen, as well as enjoying a few wild snacks along the way.
Make a ramen bowl at House of Fu
Ramen obsessives, enjoy an afternoon at House of Fu making your own bowl. Will yours include resting dints for your chopsticks? Is it going to have intricate patterns? Are you going for a rounded shape or a V shape? It’s entirely up to you, from perfecting your design to choosing a glaze. Go on a date, go on your own – there’s no experience necessary. You can also enjoy a bao bun and frozen margarita or soft drink for £10 extra, just let them know on arrival.
