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. 

Chinatown, Manchester

1. Celebrate Chinese New Year 

Chinese New Year 2022 begins on Tuesday 1 February, and preparations are being made to commemorate the Year of the Tiger.  

The usual dragon parade through the city centre will not take place this year; however, there are plenty of other opportunities to take in some Chinese culture, such as exhibitions at some of the city’s oldest libraries, Central and The Portico, and a chance to see the show-stopping tiger sculpture that looks over St. Ann’s Square.  Click here for more information on this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations.  

2. Shop local produce at Manchester Cathedral 

Filling Manchester Cathedral inside and out on Saturday 4 February, the Craft and Flea Fair hosts a hand-picked selection of the city's independent makers, designers, producers and collectors, served up with street food and flea market-style stalls offering vintage and collectables. After you’ve had a look around the fair, make some time to also explore the stunning interiors of the 600 year old Manchester Cathedral building and grounds. 

3. Blow away the winter blues with comedy 

British weather can be pretty harsh in the winter, which is no laughing matter. Fortunately, February is a great time for comedy with some of the best comedians performing across Greater Manchester. On Saturday 5 February, check out some new and established talent at Waterside Art’s Centre in Sale. Grab a drink at Waterside’s Sup Bar and Coffee House, then unwind with guest performances from Chris Washington, Karen Bayley and Stephen Cookson. Or if you want to ‘spice up your life’, the "Spice Girls of improv" come to the Oldham Coliseum theatre with their five star, sell-out, totally improvised musical comedy, Notflix.  

4. Try the best craft beers Manchester has to offer 

If you’re looking to enjoy the finest craft beers Manchester has to offer but you’re not sure where to start, then join the guys at Manchester Craft Beer Tours every Friday and Saturday. As Manchester’s highest-rated craft beer tour on TripAdvisor, this tour is all about Manchester and its fantastic beer scene. Tickets start at £35 per person, which will get you at least ten tastings of superb local craft beer, and at each venue, a brewer or a tasting expert will guide you through the drinks with notes and stories. 

5. Visit an iconic Market then dine in a former public library 

With over 30 independent and professional traders to choose from at Stockport’s Indoor Market, you can easily get distracted. Have a look at what's on offer or probe trader knowledge when seeking something specific. Then, after visiting the iconic 700-year-old marketplace, why not grab a bite to eat inside a former public library? Throughout its 160+ year life, Stockport Produce Hall has previously hosted fish and meat markets, cheese stalls, sweet shops, and served as a public library. Now, it is very much the home of one of Stockport’s most varied foodie destinations.  

New opening of the week: Le Social wine bar and tasting room 

Born out of the Covid lockdown as a wine delivery service, Manchester wine connoisseurs Le Social have opened up a new wine bar and tasting room in the vibrant co-working and makers space, Pollard Yard. In its chic new shipping container home, drinkers and diners can expect to experience an ever-changing menu of natural wines, deli boards and continental plates.  

Book now: Manchester Film Festival 

Manchester Film Festival returns 12-20 March at the Odeon Great Northern. Over 130 films will screen, all playing in Manchester for the very first time, and 80 of the selected films will be from the UK. There will be 27 world premieres and 74 UK premieres across the festival and many of the filmmakers will be in attendance to take part in Q&A sessions after screenings.