Featured image: Manchester School of Theatre

We round up the best things to do in Manchester this November.

HOMOBLOC
04/11/23 | Tickets

The self-proclaimed ‘queer party for all’ returns to Depot Mayfield for its annual night of music, dance and celebration, as part of Manchester’s Warehouse Project season. Headed by DJ The Blessed Madonna and Confidence Man alongside a whole host of performers, Homobloc‘s highly anticipated 2023 instalment promises to be bigger and camper than ever.

NATIONAL CREATIVE WRITING INDUSTRY DAY
04/11/23 | Tickets

Are you a writer hoping to have your work published? Would you like the opportunity to meet agents and commissioning editors – to learn how the industry works from its experts and sharpen the skills needed to enter it? Comma Press invites you to attend the annual National Creative Writing Industry Day, in partnership with the Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER AUTUMN FRINGE FESTIVAL
08-15/11/23 | Tickets

The University of Manchester Drama Society returns for another week of theatre this month. Baby Steps, Telephone, and Tenant are three new brilliant plays which have all been written, directed and performed by the talented student members. Tickets are available on the UoM Student Union website.

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF THEATRE: LIGHT FALLS
09-11/11/23 | Tickets

This extraordinary play by Simon Stephens connects five relatives in five disparate English towns from Blackpool to Durham. A richly layered play about life in the face of death, about how our love survives us after we’ve gone – and about how family, community and kindness help the North survive. Showcasing talented students from Manchester Met’s BA Acting course, Light Falls is the second production in Manchester School of Theatre’s stunning autumn season.

FREIGHT ISLAND-WINTER ISLAND
09/11/23-24/12/23 | Tickets

This festive season would not be complete without a visit to Winter Island. It’s the ideal Christmas get together for large friendship groups. Book yourself in for a carvery-style roast or enjoy the many independent food stalls. Keep an eye out for their wreath making workshops and ‘The Twilight Trail’ light show opening later in the month.

LOUDER THAN WORDS FESTIVAL
10-12/11/23 | Tickets

Louder than Words Festival returns this month with a packed a programme of events, including in conversations, panel discussions, live performances. There’ll be opportunities to purchase associated books and merchandise, including limited editions. This event is a must for music fan and budding music journalists.

MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS
10/11-03/01/23

Manchester’s beloved Christmas markets are returning on Friday 10th November. With over 200 stalls spread across the city, Manchester has been awarded the title of second best Christmas markets in the UK. The markets will be located in St. Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Market Street and Corn Exchange until 21st December. The Winter Gardens in Piccadilly will remain open until early January, 2024.

THE WELCOME: COMMUNITY TAKEOVER – FACTORY INTERNATIONAL
11-19/11/23 | FREE TO ATTEND

To celebrate the opening of the all-new Aviva Studios, be sure to check out their cultural celebration curated by Factory Assembly. They are a diverse group of Greater Manchester residents who have worked hard to bring their passions together to create this nine day event. The free welcome events include: art installations, creative workshops for all ages as well as plenty of live talks and performances that represent the cultures and spirit of the city. 

MANCHESTER ART FAIR
17-19/11/2023 | Tickets

The Manchester Central Convention Complex is holding their annual art exhibition for three days this November. Their programme consists of talks from the likes of artists such as Tony Heaton OBE and The Rouge Women. With print demos and classes led by Hot Bed Press and Jane Evans. Food and drink is available at the fair. Last year’s event showed 140 artists and gallery stands and 13,000 visitors, it was their most successful fair to date.

CANDLELIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO ED SHEERAN
24/11/23 | Tickets

Hear Ed Sheeran’s greatest hits in a completely different way – performed by a live string quartet at the candlelight concert. Manchester Cathedral will be transformed into a magical oasis through the illumination of hundreds of candles that will surround the live performers. This multi-sensory musical presentation is the perfect experience to share with a friend or loved one this winter season.

RECLAIM THE NIGHT
29/11/23

Reclaim the Night is the University of Manchester Student Union’s annual campaign against sexual harassment and gender-based violence. Each year, the student community is invited to take the streets to march for an end of sexual violence and ensure safety and autonomy for all women and marginalised genders in Manchester. Join the march and help Reclaim the Night!