Author: Michael Dawson

When hundreds of flickering candles illuminate the medieval stonework of Manchester Cathedral or the Victorian arches of Hallé St Peter’s, something subtle but unmistakable happens. The everyday noise of the city fades into the background. What takes its place is a calmer, more intimate Manchester experience shaped by light, architecture, and carefully chosen music. Over the past few years, candlelight concert manchester has quietly taken root across the city. Rather than arriving with fanfare, these performances have grown through word of mouth, winning over Mancunians who might never have considered sitting in a church to hear a string quartet reinterpret…

Roller skating is no longer a niche hobby in the city. Over the past few years, roller skating Manchester has quietly grown into one of the area’s most welcoming, affordable and community-led activities. From weekend family sessions to late-night adult skates, Manchester now offers more ways to roll than at any point in its recent history. This guide is written from a Manchester local reporter’s perspective and focuses on what actually matters to people living here: where to skate, how much it costs, who it’s for and why this scene has stuck around long after its post-lockdown surge. Why Roller…

Every June, Manchester adjusts its routines. Trams run fuller earlier, roads around Prestwich tighten, and Parklife Festival transforms Heaton Park from public green space into the busiest festival site in the North of England. With parklife 2026 approaching, interest is already high. Searches around the parklife lineup, parklife tickets, and what is actually different this year are climbing fast. This guide is written for that moment. Not promotional. Not theoretical. This is how Parklife works in reality, and how it fits into the city that hosts it. What Parklife Really Is Parklife did not begin as a national juggernaut. It…

Manchester’s club scene has always been more than a night out. It is part of the city’s cultural DNA. From the Haçienda era that helped shape acid house to today’s warehouse raves and sweat-soaked basement venues, clubs Manchester locals actually respect are built on heritage, risk, and evolution. This is not a tourist listicle.This is a local reporter’s guide to clubs Manchester, written by someone who understands how the city really goes out. Understanding Clubs Manchester by Area Manchester nightlife is not concentrated in one zone, and that is deliberate. Each area attracts different crowds, music styles, and expectations. Knowing…

A Southern American pop-up serving flaky buttermilk biscuits and crisp fried chicken might not sound like a natural fit for Manchester, but Cardinal Rule Manchester has quietly become one of the city centre’s most talked-about food spots. Operating from Northern Monk Refectory on Tariff Street, the Northern Quarter residency brings a slice of Virginia to one of Manchester’s most creative hospitality hubs. Since launching, it has built a loyal following among Greater Manchester residents by doing one thing exceptionally well: authentic Southern American biscuits paired with serious fried chicken. These are not scones. They are not British biscuits. And once…

There’s a new restaurant in Manchester that people genuinely won’t stop talking about. You’ve probably seen it filling your Instagram feed, heard the name dropped in group chats, or clocked the queues forming off Jackson’s Row near Albert Square. Jasmine climbing the windows, thousands of bottles stacked floor to ceiling, phones already out before anyone’s even sat down. This is circolo popolare manchester, and since opening, it has become one of the city’s most divisive dining rooms. The real question isn’t whether it’s popular. That’s beyond doubt. The question Manchester keeps asking is simpler: is it actually worth it? What…

Grey skies over Piccadilly Gardens. The Christmas lights are gone from Market Street. Bank balances are sobering. For Manchester households, January is not just quieter, it is tighter. With energy bills sitting around £1,758 a year and average city centre rents pushing beyond £1,050 for a one bedroom flat, January Deals Manchester are not about impulse spending. They are about stretching what is left until payday finally lands. The upside is that January is also when Manchester’s retailers, gyms, restaurants and entertainment venues quietly compete hardest for custom. Not flashy hype. Real, usable discounts, if you know where locals are…

Friday night, half ten. Bass bleeds through the railway arches near Oxford Road. Someone’s negotiating with a bouncer outside 42s. A group of students are debating whether to brave the Northern Quarter queues or just stay put at Gorilla. This is clubs in Manchester in real time. No polish, no theatre. Just people deciding how late they’re willing to be out. Manchester’s club scene doesn’t rely on gimmicks. It runs on music heritage, loyalty, and the unspoken understanding that a good night starts late and ends later. From basement dancefloors where the DJ booth is an arm’s length away to…

Manchester is preparing to welcome the Year of the Horse as Lunar New Year celebrations return with colour, culture and a powerful sense of community across the city centre and beyond. From red lanterns lining Chinatown to packed streets for the famous Dragon Parade, Lunar New Year has become one of Manchester’s most anticipated cultural moments drawing families, students and visitors together during the quieter winter months. For many Mancunians, this is no longer just a festival associated with one community. It has grown into a shared citywide celebration that reflects Manchester’s identity as one of the UK’s most diverse…

A powerful winter system is unfolding, and the latest snow storm weather forecast points to widespread snowfall, plunging temperatures, and hazardous conditions across multiple regions. The combination of Arctic air, strong winds, and persistent snow bands is expected to disrupt travel, daily routines, and essential services over the coming days. Meteorologists warn that while snowfall totals will vary by location, the overall impact of this storm will be significant due to the intensity of cold air moving in behind the system. What Is Fueling This Winter Storm The current snow storm is being driven by a deep low-pressure system pulling…