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. Enjoy a night of live music at Blues Kitchen 
 

Get ready to experience a night of music with one of the most influential Afrobeat artists in the scene. On Friday 27 January, Blues Kitchen are bringing you an evening of entertainment with Dele Sosimi’s Afrobeat Orchestra. With tickets starting from £8, don't miss out on this unique opportunity to enjoy some amazing music in one of Manchester’s coolest venues.  
 

2. GRUB Extravaganza is back! 
 

This January, Manchester's original three-day street food festival is returning to GRUB for a weekend of vegan-friendly fun. From Friday 27 January to Sunday 29 January, you can enjoy some of the best vegan street food in the UK. From vegan tacos, dumplings and kebabs to a fully vegan bar, don't miss out on this unforgettable experience. There’s also a plant-based bottomless brunch!  
 

3. Come together to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day  
 

On Friday 27 January, Manchester City Council invites you to join them for their Holocaust Memorial Service at the Manchester Central Library. The event is part of the global annual remembrance of those who have suffered and lost their lives during Holocaust. This year, the guiding theme is “Ordinary People”. People across the world are encouraged to consider how ordinary people were involved in all aspects of Holocaust and, how ordinary people can play a bigger part in challenging prejudice today. Alongside the service, Manchester’s Tower of Light, will be lit purple from 4pm on Friday 27 January. 
 

4. Explore Europe’s largest video game arcade 
 

Tucked away just 5 minutes from Bury town centre, Arcade Club is Europe's biggest arcade and offers a wide range of vintage and modern video games, arcade machines and VR experiences that are sure to keep you entertained. Whether you want to challenge your friends or just have some fun playing the latest games, this is the perfect place for an unforgettable experience. Tickets start from £9 and include access to all machines. 
 

5. Conquer a new challenge to kickstart the year 
 

Summit Up is the North's highest Clip 'n Climb centre, located in Oldham. With a variety of climbing walls, bouldering areas and a Leap of Faith, Summit Up is the perfect place for both experienced climbers and beginners alike. Take up a new hobby this year and challenge yourself to Summit Up's trademark 'Stairway to Heaven' or take on the 10m vertical drop slide! With these unique features, Summit Up is a great way to challenge yourself and have fun at the same time. 
 

New Opening: Manchester Museum reopens after 3 years  
 

After a three-year closure, the much-loved Manchester Museum reopens on Saturday 18 February following a £15 million transformation adding a two-storey extension, new exhibition hall, South Asia Gallery, and Chinese Culture Gallery. Its opening exhibition, Golden Mummies of Egypt, will be a UK premiere of Manchester Museum’s first international touring exhibition – following a successful tour of the USA and China. 
 

Book Now: AO Arena 
 

Manchester's AO Arena is one of the busiest venues in the world and the largest indoor arena in Europe, hosting a staggering 1.2 million visitors every year. Since opening in 1995, the AO Arena has hosted the biggest names in live entertainment including U2, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Lady Gaga, as well as the record-breaking residency by local comedian Peter Kay, who’s currently set to break his record with another. Check out the Visit Manchester website for all the events coming up at AO Arena in 2023 and beyond.