Payday has arrived, January is over, and we’re one day closer to winter being over for another year. Phew. Instead of hibernating from the chill this month, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Manchester this February – all indoors, we promise. From mesmerising performances in the form of concerts and shows to delicious experiences like supper clubs, guest pop-ups and food and drink tours, February in Manchester is sure to be exciting and not solely about Valentine’s Day.
1. Listen to the best of Coldplay in a whole new way at this Candlelight tribute concert
Candlelight is hosting a sensational tribute to Coldplay this month, but with a twist as talented musicians play their top hits on string instruments. With seven Grammy wins, they’ve pretty much cemented their name in the list of the most successful bands in music history. So, if you want to hear their catchy tunes in the classical form, look no further than this Candlelight performance, recreating hits like “Yellow”, “The Scientist” and “Paradise” inside Manchester Cathedral.
2. Celebrate the most romantic day of the year with a these Valentine’s Day ideas
For many, February of course means Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, Manchester has everything taken care for those looking for a bit of romance. From set menus curated for the occasion to plenty of date ideas, whether it be your first date or fiftieth, there’s plenty to eat, see and do in the city. And if you don’t fancy spending it alone, there’s plenty to do with your mates from bottomless brunches to wonderful walks.
3. Watch an incredible magic show at Manchester’s luxurious hotel The Midland
Combining mesmerising magic and a stunning setting, Magic at The Midland is an unforgettable experience. Witness the incredible magic of Steve Price, one of the UK’s best magicians, and prepare to be amazed, entertained, and left wondering how he does it all. Don’t blink or you might miss the magic unfold before your eyes in the luxurious Lancaster Suite at The Midland Hotel.
4. Head to the Super Duper Family Festival with six play zones across the city
This February half term, Manchester has just the thing as the city is set to launch The Super Duper Family Festival – a brand-new four-day celebration filled with imagination, creation and free family-friendly activities that will transform the city into a giant, interactive playground. Taking place from Saturday 15th February to Tuesday 18th February, families can explore unique play zones scattered across Manchester’s most iconic spaces, each bursting with everything from giant mazes and steam-powered carousels to retro video games and family raves.
5. See a brand new production of Kinky Boots at Manchester Palace Theatre
Kinky Boots The Musical is performing at Manchester Palace Theatre between February 4and 8 and features a score by the iconic Cyndi Lauper and the book by Harvey Fierstein. It will star TV dance sensation and international champion Johannes Radebe as Lola and rising star Dan Partridge as Charlie Price. Kinky Boots The Musical was a Broadway and West End phenomenon based on a true story and film of the same name released in 2005. After inheriting his family’s failing shoe factory and with a relationship on the rocks, life is proving to be very challenging for Charlie Price. That is until he meets Lola, a drag queen whose sparkle and unsteady heels might just hold the answer to saving the struggling business.
6. Get your creative juices flowing at this Paint in the Dark experience
If your new year resolution is to become more creative or try new things then this immersive painting experience is for you. This one-of-a-kind event invites you to tap into your creative side under the brilliant and luminous glow of neon lights. Explore vivid colours and paint whimsical waves or whatever your inner artist tells you while sipping a drink.
7. Watch all the Six Nations action unfold on the big screen
The Six Nations is officially back from January 31, and luckily for us Mancs there are plenty of places to watch it with mates, from food hubs to sports bars. Pull up a seat in front of the big screen, order a beer and relax with our guide to where to watch the Six Nations this year in Manchester.
8. Gorge on perfectly-made pies throughout the month of February at The Black Friar
The Black Friar in Salford has brought back its popular festival dedicated to the magnificent pie for two months (and the coldest ones of the year too) so soothing and tasty that it might just convince you to put your shoes on, grab your coat and head out for some proper pub grub. The Salford pub and restaurant claims to have the best pies in the city, all of which will be showcased on their specially-curated pie menu. The festival of pie runs up until the end of February, when pies will be just £10 each all day Monday and Tuesdays and between 12pm and 6pm Wednesdays to Fridays.
9. Discover all of the cheesiest spots in Manchester on this tasty tour
Sure, there are plenty of walking tours that you could go on that would take you around all of the historic parts of the city; showing you all the best tourist spots, most haunted spots or prime street art spots. But there’s only one way to truly get to know Manchester: by touring all of the cheesiest spots, of course. On this tempting trip around town you’ll not only get to fill your stomach with dairy delights, but there’ll be a cheese whizz quiz and an unmissable insight into the cheese-making process.
10. Witness a vibrant performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Told entirely through song with the help of the Narrator, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his eleven brothers. After being sold into hardship by the brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife. Featuring much-loved pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go, Joseph, the show has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals, and it’s back in Manchester from February 26.
11. Tuck into delicious Sri Lankan cuisine at this intimate supper club in Stockport
On February 27, The Little Sri Lankan will be doing a supper club at Miru Mills in Stockport, serving four courses for £45 with an arrival cocktail included. On the night you can experience the heart and soul of Sri Lankan cuisine in a cosy and welcoming setting all whilst sharing delicious food with new friends. The Little Sri Lankan’s intimate supper clubs are more than just a meal; they are a unique opportunity to connect with others and create lasting memories. Plus, more dates are set to be released and will be held on a Thursday every month with the menu changing every two months.
12. Watch the Super Bowl, America’s biggest sporting match live
February is not just the month for one sporting event but two as the popular Super Bowl game takes place. American expats and lovers of football (the other one) will be gathering together to watch the big match play out and luckily some of Manchester’s bars will be staying open late to screen the event. The teams in the play-off are yet to be confirmed but one team will be crowned this year’s champion of the National Football League (NFL) in New Orleans, Louisiana, and there will be a half-time performance of course.
13. Sample some of anchester’s best brews on this craft beer tour
Back on the booze after Dry January? Well for all lovers of craft beer this tour happening in February is one way to sample the finest brews in the city as you get to taste 10-12 beers (1/3 pints) of superb craft beer locally brewed in Manchester. Starting at Beatnikz Republic Bar, you’ll be introduced to breweries and beer houses off the beaten track, with a unique beer to try. After all, wandering the city can be thirsty work!
14. Be starstruck by the clear night sky at the annual Dark Skies Festival
OK, so not exactly in Manchester, but it’s a very magical festival worth the journey to as it’s a chance to see the full expanse of the night sky (which is rare in Manchester city centre). One of the best places to see the stars and less light pollution is the Forest of Bowland, just over an hour’s drive from Manchester, which is hosting a brand-new photography exhibition alongside its annual Dark Skies Festival, celebrating the practice of stargazing. The Dark Skies Festival returns from February 17 where you can find out about some of the area’s nocturnal inhabitants, discover the international career of a local astronomer and get creative with fun, family-friendly activities, as well as an opportunity to stargaze.