By Jack Holmes
Whether you’re new to Manchester or have lived here your entire life, there’s always something new to discover in the cultural capital of Great Britain. We’ve selected a handful of events, days out and things to do across the city, all with your student budget in mind.
Manchester Town Hall Clock Tower Tour
You’ve likely walked straight past the Manchester Town Hall in your time in the city, yet you may be surprised to hear that you can actually get a tour all the way up to the top of the 288-foot clock tower.
On this tour, you can see the bells you hear every day first-hand as well as witness the most impressive view you can find of the stunning Manchester skyline.
At only £10 for two hours, it’s a steal when you can capture images of seven different counties, all visible from the top.
Tours are now taking place every day at 2.15pm from the Lloyd Street entrance to the Town Hall. You can either book a ticket or just turn up. Tour guide Jonathan Schofield doesn’t seem to mind.
Lloyd Street Entrance, Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square, M60 2LA
jonathanschofieldtours.com
Group Therapy Comedy
As London’s comedy scene grows vastly more competitive with a number of renowned venues shutting down, it seems there’s a new British capital of comedy emerging. Manchester now has dozens of comedy nights across the city, but the king is clearly Group Therapy, voted Best Comedy Club at the the CityLife Awards 2015.
Finding the perfect middle ground between huge world-famous acts for £30+, and up-and-comers growing their sets, Group Therapy offers a minimum of two events per month for less than £10.
Recently they’ve had Josie Long, returning from her recent European tour, and Nick Thune, an American comedian destined for the big time. Group Therapy takes place at venues around the city including Gorilla and Tiger Lounge. With an average of three acts and a headliner each event, it’s a perfect night out, and let’s be honest we all need a comedic pick me up around deadline season right?
Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street, M1 5WW / Tiger Lounge, 5 Cooper Street, M2 2FW
grouptherapycomedy.co.uk
Bongo’s Bingo
“Expect mid-rave intervals with glow sticks, drunken frivolity and catwalks on the large benches. Maybe leave your nan at home for this one.”
After Bongo’s Bingo’s success in Liverpool, where it now sells out weekly even with a second show added, the organisers have decided to expand to Manchester.
With an entrance price of only £3 you’ll be treated to a bingo night with a twist, including rave rounds and dance offs. But don’t worry – the cash prizes are still quite the attraction.
Albert Hall, 27 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR
alberthallmanchester.com
Ziferblat
5p a minute. That’s right 5p. Ziferblat reimagines the modern coffee shop, bringing an all-you-can-eat-and-drink element to the world of relaxation.
How you spend your minutes is entirely up to you with offerings of Cards Against Humanity, Connect4, and a selection of cakes and fruit (if you’re the healthy eating type).
“We would love to welcome students when the library or home doesn’t quite do it,” says Ben Davies, Head of Marketing for Ziferblat. “Come down, relax with some friends, or just get on with some work.”
So check it out. We can all cough up 5p, right?
23 Edge Street, Manchester, M4 1HW
ziferblat.co.uk/edgestmanchester
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