Image: Illuminate, Gallery Oldham

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. Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with The Portico Library 
 

On Saturday 11 February mark LGBTQ+ History Month with a special event hosted by the Portico Library. The month celebrates and commemorates the histories, texts, and people that have empowered and inspired the LGBTQ+ community and the Portico Library looks to discuss these topics in depth. Join Abbi Parcell and Ruby Seddon-Wilson and look at the stories of LGBTQ+ people that have shaped history, as well as the literature and texts that have been essential in their journey of self-discovery. Guests are encouraged to bring their own books that they have felt have inspired them. 
 

2. Get ready for Oldham’s annual light festival by making your own lantern 
 

On Saturday 11 February between 10am - 4pm, take part in Illuminate and join Oldham Library and Gallery Oldham in crafting your own free lantern to celebrate the borough’s celebration of light. Illuminate, Oldham’s annual light arts festival returns on Monday 13 February for 7 days of captivating artworks and performances from artists all across the UK.  
 

3. Seek out a royal scarecrow at Tatton Park 
 

Join Tatton Park as they celebrate their annual scarecrow festival this week. This year's theme is Kings and Queens, so keep your eyes peeled for a right royal mix of famous faces and colourful characters - all made out of straw! Search out dozens of scarecrows in the 50-acre Gardens and throughout the Farm. Normal Garden and Farm opening times and entry prices apply. 
 

4. Explore the history of fertility medicines at Castlefield Gallery 
 

Incorporating sculpture, sound, video, text and animation work, a new exhibition, 'Tale of the Frozen Bits', opens this week at Castlefield Gallery. The exhibition explores the rich and surprising history of fertility drugs, a witches brew of ingredients that laid the path for our modern-day medicines. The exhibition will run until 12 March. 
 

5. Explore Jurassic seas at Trafford Pallazzo 
 

Travel Back millions of years this week and navigate through the Jurassic Trail at SEALIFE Manchester. Explore your way to uncover fossils, meet and greet with ‘The Professor’ and test your knowledge in challenges. SEALIFE Manchester gives you the opportunity to get up close to thousands of creatures including majestic sharks, enchanting jellyfish, intelligent octopus Ernie and Cammy and magnificent green sea turtles.  
 

New Opening: Gail’s Bakery 
 

Iconic London bakery, Gail’s is set to open three cafes in the north this year, kicking things off this month in Wilmslow. Mancunians will soon be able to get their hands on all manner of treats: from its range of sourdough breads to cakes, pastries, sandwiches and more. 
 

Book Now: Manchester Film Festival 
 

Once again Manchester Film Festival will take place over a full week from 10-19 March at the Odeon, Great Northern with a line-up of films from around the world. With six feature film world premieres and 17 feature film UK Premieres, all films are screening in Manchester for the first time. 

Over 140 short films will screen at the festival including 32 world premieres. Local talent will be on show with three sessions of North West Shorts (most ever screened at the festival.) Tickets start from £28.