11 Wonderful Things To Do In Manchester This Weekend (January 23-25)

If you’re a fan of The Traitors, head to Fairfield Social Club to celebrate the grand finale of The Traitors this Friday, starting at 7pm. Enjoy free drinks for anyone who dons a Claudia Winkleman-esque fringe, with a live show hosted by viral stars Sam O’Leary & Tom Lawrinson, featuring sketches and prizes. Watch the final episode on the big screen while sipping the drink included with your £15 ticket.

As Manchester gears up to welcome The BRIT Awards for the first time, the city’s iconic Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has revealed a new free exhibition, in partnership with celebrity photographer and filmmaker Steve Read. Having shot rockstars, rappers, royalty and leading fashion brand campaigns, Read is bringing his collection of celebrity portraits Shooting Stars Pays The Rent to Manchester for the first time. The collection features A-Listers such as Ray Liotta, Eminem, Lennox Lewis, Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne, Mickey Rourke and Michael Stipe and is open to the public now, available to view for free, on the walls of the hotel’s bar The Refuge.

Luminiscence, an enchanting 360° projection-mapped experience that fuses sound, light, and magic, arrives in Manchester this week. Taking place at Manchester Cathedral, visitors can rediscover the century-old architectural masterpiece as it turns into a vast, glowing canvas of light and storytelling. Using advanced 3D modelling and projection technology, every architectural detail is recreated with remarkable precision. The event tells a magnificent story narrated by Christopher Eccleston and is accompanied by an incredible live choir to create a goosebump-inducing experience.

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. Plus if this isn’t enough to get you out the door and battling the elements, all of the pies at the festival are just a tenner, meaning you can enjoy that hearty pastry-covered goodness on a budget.

As one of the coldest months of the year, indoor activities are high up on the agenda. Taste Film is a great option if you’re looking for something to do with your pals or partner, with or without alcohol. Pairing brilliant food with iconic on-screen moments, Taste Film is truly a feast for all the senses. Giving a whole new meaning to ‘watch what you eat’, the immersive experience combines two of life’s greatest joys: food and film. If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to reach out and grab a bite of whatever’s on screen, then you can do exactly that, with this month’s movie being Monsters Inc.

Since the iconic Campfield Market Hall in Castlefield was reopened last year, it has really been making its mark in the city as it did in its Victorian heyday. Now, Manchester street food icons GRUB and Campfield have brought back their weekly market for the new year, making it Manchester’s first European-style food hall experience. Every Saturday from 10am–4pm, the historic Campfield campus in Manchester’s St. John’s neighbourhood will transform into a vibrant city market, celebrating the best of independent retail, food and drink across all three Campfield buildings.

Candlelight is hosting a sensational tribute to Coldplay this weekend, but with a twist, as talented musicians play the band’s top hits. With multiple Grammy wins, Coldplay has pretty much cemented its name in the list of the most successful artists in music history. So, if you want to hear their best tunes in the classical form, look no further than this Candlelight performance, recreating hits like Yellow, The Scientist, Speed of Sound and Fix You inside Hallé St Peter’s.

Heading to Fairfield Social Club this weekend for three days of top-quality independent beer, cosy winter pours and proper FSC atmosphere, Winter Beer Fest is set to light up even the darkest of Januarys. Expect 30+ guest taps pouring everything from dark, malty classics to fresh seasonal releases, alongside mulled cider, hearty street food and plenty of space to settle in for a long session. 

Manchester-based sobriety creator and speaker Karl Considine is launching Soft Supper Club this weekend (Sunday 25th January) at Erst. Soft Supper Club is a new alcohol-free dining concept focused on good food, thoughtful drink pairings and connection – without alcohol being the point. Guests can expect a relaxed, communal dining experience with a series of small sharing plates and paired with drinks including an aperitif, homemade sodas, palate cleansers and Eisberg’s Premium Selection of non-alcoholic wines.

Visitors to the National Football Museum can score half-price tickets on Fridays throughout January. Experience the world’s largest collection of footballing heritage, featuring the limited-time exhibition Black in the Game, interactive games including the always-popular penalty shootout, and become a pro-star with the new immersive Premier League Player VR experience, by Rezzil. The 50% discount offer is available on advanced bookings placed online via the National Football Museum website on January 16, 23 and 30.