The Walk
Our top tips for making the most of the week ahead, with brilliant things to do across  the whole of Greater Manchester…  For even more ideas, visit our What’s On page.


1. MIF’s Little Amal arrives in Manchester after her 8,000km journey 


After walking through 65 cities, towns and villages from the Syria-Turkey border, Little Amal, a 3.5-meter puppet of a nine-year-old refugee girl arrives in Manchester for a powerful finale of her remarkable journey with The Walk: When the Birds Land.

Representing the millions of displaced children around the world who have been separated from their families, Little Amal offers a story of hope and inspiration and has been on an incredible voyage meeting people from across Europe, including an audience with Pope Francis.

Before arriving at her final destination at Castlefield Bowl on 3 November (event now sold out – but keep an eye out for last-minute tickets), Little Amal - who is part of Manchester International Festival’s year-round programme – will also be visiting Rochdale on 2 November at Yorkshire Street and Memorial Gardens in the town centre.


2. Celebrate World Vegan Day at one of Manchester’s plant-based eateries
 

There has been a rise in people going vegan for the benefit of the planet in recent years, and Manchester has seen an explosion of vegan food spots pop up to meet demand. Celebrating World Vegan Day, Escape to Freight Island has announced a team-up of Pomona Island and Mi & Pho who will be offering a pairing of six fresh Vietnamese dishes and six local beers on 2 November (tickets here). 

Other ideas this week for celebrating World Vegan Day include; GRUB and their Plant Powered Sundays, plant-based Banh Vi at new venue Kampus, Bundobust and their latest venue on Oxford Street, plus original favourite V-Rev. For takeaway ideas, try What The Pitta for vegan kebabs.


3. Celebrate the Festival of the Dead in Trafford
 

Europe’s biggest touring Halloween show returns with Festival of the Dead, a high-octane mash-up of circus, clubbing and carnival, with fire and aerialist performers, giant skeleton puppets, carnival processions and amazing circus performers. Be sure to dress up in your deathly best.


4. Join renowned football writers for the Football Writing Festival 2021
 

From Monday 1 to Friday 5 November, the National Football Museum is bringing together some of its favourite sports writers for five nights of insight into the beautiful game at the Football Writing Festival 2021. Expect talks from journalists from the Guardian and BBC Sport, including Fleet Street’s first female sports reporter, Julie Welch. Events will take place in-person, with two special YouTube online events, with a conversation with Narinder Dhami – author of the Bend It Like Beckham book; plus talks with former Premier League star Andy Hinchcliffe, plus writers and reporters from BT Sport and the New York Times. See the full programme here.


5. Join the official Homobloc brunch party at Ducie Street Warehouse
 

For those who missed out on grabbing Homobloc tickets, taking place at Mayfield Depot on Saturday 6 November – you can still grab a bite of the action down at Ducie Street Warehouse, when the official pre-party starts at 10am with a brunch menu with new dishes served all day until 4pm. Bookings are now open, or you can walk (dance) in, with a DJ set from DJ Tarzsa, one of the UK’s most exciting young DJs.


+ Book now – Lightopia dining experience at Heaton Park
 

Drink, dine and be merry in your own Illuminated Private Dining Dome at this year’s Lightopia Festival – coming to Heaton Park from 18 November 2021 to 3 January 2022. Nestled in the park’s woodland and surrounded by lanterns, Lightopia’s Illuminated Dining Domes make for a unique and atmospheric dining experience. Enjoy an imaginative and hearty three-course menu of classic seasonal dishes, all with a whimsical touch, curated by 3 AA Rosette Chef, Chris Holland. Bookings are now open.


New opening of the week: Nell’s
 

Nell’s, the home of the now famous 22” pies and slices will open in the iconic corner site at the new city centre garden neighbourhood, Kampus, on Friday 5 November. Serving up their best-selling Original Cheese, Do You ‘Roni Honey? & Vegan Deluxe, Nell’s at Kampus will feature a restaurant where you can make bookings for groups of all sizes, a bar and a standalone ‘Slice Bar’ where you can pop in for a quick slice all day and late into the evening.