4 min readOur 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. Celebrate Greater Manchester creativity at HOME.
From Monday 24 January to Sunday 27 March the walls of HOME’s gallery will be filled with work from 400+ Greater Manchester residents as part of the Manchester Open Exhibition 2022. Following on from 2020’s award-winning exhibition, almost 2,300 artwork entries were submitted for judging for this, its second outing and the resulting show promises to deliver an unmissable insight into the city-region’s local artistic talent.
2. Laugh out loud with Stewart Lee
Head to the Lowry this week for a double-bill comedy show from “the world’s greatest living stand-up” (Times) Stewart Lee. Snowflake/Tornado are two brand new 60-minute shows that will run back-to-back at the Lowry from Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 January. Expect a brutal analysis of Covid, Brexit and the ongoing culture wars.
3. Appreciate Black culture through art in Rochdale
Arriving this week at Rochdale's historical museum and gallery, Touchstone, is Maud Sulter's, The Centre of the Frame. The exhibition spotlights the work of Scottish-Ghanaian artist Maud Sulter (1960–2008), whose practice is rooted in questioning the representation of Black women in art and literature. The exhibition also brings together Sulter’s iconic photographic series Zabat (1989). It will run until Sunday 24 April.
4. Discover the history behind ‘Manchester’s Taj Mahal’
Once dubbed "Manchester's Taj Mahal", learn about the birth, decay, and fall of Gorton’s The Monastery, as well as its stunning restoration. The Monastery's volunteer-led tour provides a fascinating insight into the life and work of the friars who built this cherished house of worship and outstanding example of Manchester architecture. Two guided tours will take place on Monday 24 January.
5. Celebrate the city’s vibrant classical music scene with the BBC
BBC Radio 3 has chosen Manchester's Stoller Hall as one of the lead venues for their first-ever Manchester Week, packed with live and pre-recorded concerts all captured in Manchester venues.
Described as a 'poet of the piano', Pavel Kolesnikov will kickstart the week with his imaginative, thought-provoking programming, which offers a fresh perspective on familiar pieces. Alongside Pavel, other highlights of Manchester Week include period ensemble the Consone Quartet, tenor Alessandro Fisher, and the incredible Mithras Trio, all performing lunchtime concerts live from The Stoller Hall.
To explore the full programme of events, visit the BBC Radio 3 Manchester Week page on the Visit Manchester website.
Book now: Afternoon Tea at the Winter Garden
Settle into a comfortable chair, lean back, and unwind with a spin on the classic afternoon tea at the Winter Garden, the leafy heart of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s distinctive dining space, The Refuge. Standing tall on Manchester’s Oxford Road, every detail at The Refuge, from the furniture to the lively green colour scheme, has been thoughtfully considered at this historic venue. Every Tuesday to Thursday, experience a twist on the classic afternoon tea, which features a punchy pork and kimchi sausage roll, followed by date and cherry scones. Plus, there’s a host of sweet treats, including the must-try, delicious Black Forest gateaux, a nod to friends at Monkey 47, whose gin showcases botanicals from the Black Forest.
New opening of the week: CitySuites 2
CitySuites II houses 142 luxury apartments from comfortable studios to spacious premium two-bedroom suites. The new aparthotel, located in the upcoming Embankment West neighbourhood, combines the service and conveniences of a 5-star hotel, such as a 24-hour concierge, an exquisite restaurant and lounge, a state-of-the-art gym, an 18m swimming pool and spa pool, with the luxury comforts of home, such as a spacious fully fitted kitchen, ultrafast broadband, Sky Premium television package and much more to make you feel right at home.
