A chance to win tickets to see 'Allo Allo' at the Lowry's Quay Theatre.
FIND OUT MOREWin tickets for the hilarious festive farce, See How They Run, at the Royal Exchange.
FIND OUT MOREThe Calico Cafe Bar is offering one reader a free Champagne Afternoon Tea for two, worth £45.
FIND OUT MOREChartered Accountants Lucas Reis are offering an hour's free business consultation.
FIND OUT MOREThe city's countdown to Christmas starts on Nov 8, when everyone gathers in Albert Square for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-on, featuring live entertainment, family fun, celebrity guests and spectacular fireworks. The headline artist this year is Manchester's very own pop star Shayne Ward, who will perform some of his hit songs, with support from British dance music group Booty Luv. Members of the cast from Opera House Manchester's pantomime Cinderella, including Mike Toolan and Johnny Briggs, will also put in an appearance and so will a host of other entertainment stars.
Albert Square, Nov 8, 6.30pm - 7.15pm. Free. www.manchesterlive.co.uk
BACK TO TOPTraditional wooden chalets and bustling stalls offer freshly made continental delicacies, festive treats and gifts to put you in the mood for Christmas.
Albert Square, St Ann's Square and surrounding streets, Nov 15 - Dec 19. www.manchester.gov.uk/markets
BACK TO TOPPrepare yourself for an action-packed Christmas. Manchester's open-air ice rink returns to Piccadilly Gardens to offer the ultimate urban winter experience.
Piccadilly Gardens, Nov 8, 2007 - Jan 6, 2008. £5.50 - £8.50. Tel: 0870 066 6841. www.onicepiccadilly.com
BACK TO TOPSalford celebrates its cinematic talent past and present, with a host of free film screenings and events across the city. This year, the festival pays tribute to Oscar-winning Salford actor Sir Ben Kingsley, with an eclectic selection of his films. It also celebrates the birthday of Salford playwright Shelagh Delaney, with the screening of 'The White Bus' and 'Charlie Bubbles' - two of her more elusive screenwriting credits. Local actor Stephen Lord (Eastenders) presents his film directorial debut, 'It's Not the End of the World', and Stella Grundy dazzles with her multi-media production 'Nico Icon Play', which explores the life of model and singer Christa Päffgen (best known as Nico) after her years at Warhol's Factory, when she lived in Salford.
Various venues in Salford, Nov 24 - 28. Free. www.salfordfilmfestival.org.uk
BACK TO TOPAn amused look at how the world has chosen to see Northerners. Through photographs, paintings, films and artefacts, the exhibition celebrates the diversity of the North's people and places - in all their gritty, glamorous and sometimes gaudy glory.
The Lowry, until Nov 4. Free. Tel: 0870 787 5793.
BACK TO TOPAn exhibition celebrating the achievements of nine artists/artist collaborations, who have presented innovative work in the public realm. The artists use a variety of mediums, including film, video, photography and computer gaming, to produce screen-based work in public spaces that pushes the boundaries.
Cornerhouse, until Nov 11. Free. Tel: 0161 228 7621.
BACK TO TOPA celebration of the art and films of Lynn Hershman Leeson, with interactive video and computer art. This is the first European retrospective of the pioneering American artist.
The Whitworth Art Gallery, Oxford Rd, until Dec 12. Free. Tel: 0161 275 7450.
BACK TO TOPA special exhibition of new work by 12 Manchester jewellers, inspired by Christmas carols.
The Craft Shop, Royal Exchange Theatre, until Dec 29. Free entry. Tel: 0161 615 6767.
BACK TO TOPManchester Craft and Design Centre celebrates its 25th anniversary with a Silver exhibition. Based on the theme of a celebratory meal, Silver presents a range of utensils, accessories and tableware by some of the best silversmiths from across the UK. On view will be napkin rings, large and small vessels and boxes, goblets, vases, shot glasses and tea sets by makers including Grant Braithwaite, Selina Campbell, Shimara Carlow, Rajesh Gogna, Victoria Kershaw, Heather O'Connor, Maya Selway and Mary Ann Simmons.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre, Oak Street, until Jan 12, 2008. Free. Tel: 0161 832 4274.
BACK TO TOPThe Chinese Arts Centre marks its 21st anniversary with a specially commissioned exhibition, which serial window shoppers will find especially interesting. Four UK artists have been invited to consider the commodity element in their artwork and produce work in very different mediums that visitors will have the opportunity to purchase as well as admire.
Chinese Arts Centre, Thomas St., Oct 5 - Dec 24. Free. Tel: 0161 832 7271.
BACK TO TOPAn exhibition marking the 150th anniversary of the largest art show ever seen in Britain. The original Art Treasures exhibition, held in 1857 in Manchester, was an extraordinary artistic event, opened by Prince Albert and visited by more than 1.3 million people. The new exhibition brings to life the experience of that Victorian show for the 21st century visitor.
Manchester Art Gallery, Oct 6, 2007 - Jan 27, 2008. Free. Tel: 0161 235 8888.
BACK TO TOPSalford-born artist Harold Riley's long and diverse photographic career is charted in this exhibition, beginning with a picture taken with a box camera and ending with images of present day Salford and cities around the world.
The Lowry, Oct 6, 2007 - April 20, 2008. Free. Tel: 0870 787 5793.
BACK TO TOPAn amused look at how the world has chosen to see Northerners. Through photographs, paintings, films and artefacts, the exhibition celebrates the diversity of the North's people and places - in all their gritty, glamorous and sometimes gaudy glory.
The Lowry, until Nov 4. Free. Tel: 0870 787 5793.
BACK TO TOPGet up-close to actual props, costumes and monsters from the hit BBC programme Doctor Who. The exhibition coincides with the long-awaited third series, starring David Tennant and Freema Agyeman.
Museum of Science and Industry, until Nov 5. £4.50 - £20. Tel: 08700 600 100.
BACK TO TOPA celebration of the art and films of Lynn Hershman Leeson, with interactive video and computer art. This is the first European retrospective of the pioneering American artist.
The Whitworth Art Gallery, Oxford Rd, Sept 15 - Dec 12. Free. Tel: 0161 275 7450. BACK TO TOP
A major family exhibition exploring the remarkable role of animals in conflict from the First World War to the present day. It uses hands-on interactives, photographs, film and sound clips, paintings, touchable sculptures and memorabilia from all over the world to present fascinating stories of animals in war.
Imperial War Museum North, until Jan 2008. Free. Tel: 0161 836 4000.
BACK TO TOPStep back 25 years to the heyday of the Madchester music era by revisiting the legendary Hacienda. This commemorative exhibition features photographs, graphics, previously unseen video footage, music, newspaper cuttings and various items from the place that put Manchester on the global clubbing map.
Urbis, until Feb 2008. Free. Tel: 0161 605 8204.
BACK TO TOPThe award-winning comedy by Bridget O'Connor returns to the Royal Exchange, following a sell-out run last year. Watch JJ and Howie, lifeguards on the second worst beach in Ireland, trying to clean up their acts to bag jobs on the best beach in the country.
Royal Exchange Theatre, Oct 23 - Nov 10. £8.50 - £28. Tel: 0161 833 9833.
BACK TO TOPTim Supple's acclaimed all-Indian production of A Midsummer Night's Dream is Shakespeare with a twist - combining the astonishing skills of actors, dancers, martial arts experts, musicians and street acrobats from across India and Sri Lanka to produce a very unusual theatrical event. Watch it at The Lowry prior to its world tour.
The Lowry, until Nov 3. £12 - £22. Tel: 0870 787 5793.
BACK TO TOPPuccini's heart-breaking opera about a young Japanese geisha who falls obsessively in love with an American naval lieutenant, only to have her hopes of a happy ending quashed. The opera is sung in Italian with English subtitles.
The Lowry, Nov 13 - 15. £13.50 - £50. Tel: 0870 787 5793.
BACK TO TOPTommy Steele leads a talented group of singers, dancers and puppeteers in this smash-hit musical about a world-renowned veterinarian who can talk to animals. Join him and his friends as they begin an adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail and expect to meet a host of amazing creatures along the way.
Palace Theatre, Nov 5 - 17. £10.50 - £35. Tel: 0844 847 2275.
BACK TO TOPThis West End show is a spectacular celebration of Motown's greatest hits - including 'I Heard it Through the Grape Vine', 'Dancing in the Streets', 'Stop in the Name of Love' and 'You Can't Hurry Love' - that will have you dancing in the aisles.
Opera House, Nov 12 - 17. £13.50 - £27.50. Tel: 0844 847 2295.
BACK TO TOPBrian Friel's mesmerising play tells the story of charismatic Frank Hardy, his desperately loving wife Grace and his devoted manager Teddy as they travel round the sleepy backwaters of Scotland and Wales peddling miracles.
Library Theatre, until Nov 17. £9 - £18. Tel: 0161 236 7110.
BACK TO TOPA special festive version of West End favourite The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas, Christmas with the Rat Pack celebrates the amazing talents of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr in a night of music, glamour and nostalgia. The show features Rat Pack renditions of classic festive tunes, including 'Baby It's Cold Outside', 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer', 'Let It Snow' and 'White Christmas'.
Opera House, Nov 19 - 24. £17 - £25. Tel: 0844 847 2295.
BACK TO TOPPrima ballerina Darcey Bussell and international opera star Katherine Jenkins combine their talents and explore new territory in this hotly anticipated touring show, which opens at The Lowry this month.
The Lowry, Nov 25 - 27. £25 - £55. Tel: 0870 787 5788.
BACK TO TOPThis hard-hitting, award-winning Australian drama, by David Williamson, focuses on two families united by a terrible crime. The Milsoms are mourning the death of their daughter, who was raped and murdered. The Williams are the family of the killer. But what responsibility do the Williams have for the crime committed by their son, and what hope do the Milsoms have for healing in the face of indescribable anger?
The Royal Exchange Theatre, Nov 14 - Dec 8. £8.50 - £28.00. Tel: 0161 833 9833.
BACK TO TOPThe veteran rocker completes a Manchester hat trick with his third 2007 show at the M.E.N Arena this month.
M.E.N. Arena, Nov 4. £37.50 & £45. Tel: 0844 847 8000.
BACK TO TOPUS indie flick Garden State propelled the Shins to stardom, and the indie darlings from Albuquerque have been living up to the hype ever since - their latest album, 'Wincing the Night Away', being their most successful yet.
Manchester Academy 1, Oxford Road, Nov 8. £15. Tel: 0161 275 2930.
BACK TO TOPThe Welsh rock icons return to the M.E.N Arena to promote their new album 'Pull The Pin', with support from The Enemy.
M.E.N. Arena, Nov 7. £28.50. Tel: 0844 847 8000.
BACK TO TOPThe chart-topping British soul and jazz singer may be making more headlines for her hard-drinking rock and roll lifestyle than for her music these days, but there is no denying the lady has talent.
Manchester Apollo, Stockport Road, Nov 12. £20. Tel: 0870 401 8000.
BACK TO TOPVenerable German conductor Kurt Masur will open a short UK tour with his Orchestre National de France at The Bridgewater Hall this month. The concert will feature Beethoven's magnificent Leonore Overture No. 3, Mozart's dramatic Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major and Beethoven's epic Third Symphony Eroica.
The Bridgewater Hall, Nov 12. £11 - £35. Tel: 0161 907 9000.
BACK TO TOPThe US rap superstar returns to Manchester to perform tracks from his new album, 'Curtis', as part of an eight-date UK tour.
M.E.N. Arena, Nov 14. £30 & 35. Tel: 0844 847 8000.
BACK TO TOPAlternative country's biggest star takes the stage to perform tracks from his new album, 'Easy Tiger'.
Manchester Apollo, Stockport Road, Nov 15. £24. Tel: 0870 401 8000.
BACK TO TOPThe notorious British punk rock band returns to Manchester for the first time in over 30 years, marking the 30th anniversary of its controversial album 'Never Mind The Bollocks'. Featuring the original line-up of Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock and Johnny Rotten, this will be the only Sex Pistols concert outside London.
M.E.N. Arena, Nov 17. £37.50. Tel: 0844 847 8000.
BACK TO TOPThe Grammy Award-winning R&B star from Philadelphia is famous not only for her rich, powerful voice but also for her astonishing stage presence and intimate live shows, so don't miss her Manchester concert this month.
Manchester Academy 1, Oxford Road, Nov 18. £28.50. Tel: 0161 275 2930.
BACK TO TOPMetalheads rejoice. Heavy metal superstars Alice Cooper, Motorhead and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts are storming into town this month for a night of shock 'n' roll.
M.E.N. Arena, Nov 18. £32.50. Tel: 0844 847 8000.
BACK TO TOPAndris Nelsons, who is soon to take over as music director at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, makes his Bridgewater Hall debut this month. He will conduct soprano Kristine Opolais in Rachmaninov's Sing Not to Me, Beautiful Maiden, as well as two extracts from Tchaikovsky's opera Eugene Onegin. The concert will also feature Scythian Suite (Prokofiev) and Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring.
The Bridgewater Hall, Nov 23. £9 - £31. Tel: 0161 907 9000.
BACK TO TOPThe celebrated Tallis Scholars, notable for the purity of their unaccompanied singing, perform one of the great glories of English music, John Taverner's six-part Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas, together with Thomas Tallis' Lamentations.
The Bridgewater Hall, Nov 25. £12 - £27. Tel: 0161 907 9000.
BACK TO TOPFeaturing Chabrier's Espana, Bizet's Carmen Suite and Ravel's Boléro among other beautiful pieces, this concert will give you a taste of the passion, the romance and the excitement of a country that has inspired composers from all over Europe.
The Bridgewater Hall, Nov 27. £9 - £35. Tel: 0161 907 9000.
BACK TO TOPMatthew Bourne's New Adventures presents a sizzling revival of its internationally acclaimed The Car Man - a steamy dance thriller loosely based on Bizet's popular opera Carmen. Set in a bleak Italian-American town in the early 1960s, The Car Man tells a story of passion, murder and revenge triggered by the arrival of a handsome stranger.
The Lowry, Nov 6 - 10. £14 - £30. Tel: 0870 787 5793.
BACK TO TOPChosen for the honour of closing this year's International Festival of Contemporary Dance in Venice, this triple bill features work by Phoenix's controversial new artistic director, Javier De Frutos. Violent and sexual, De Frutos' choreography is not for the faint-hearted, but it is utterly compelling.
The Lowry, Nov 29. £11.50 - £17.50. Tel: 0870 787 5788.
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