After a month of truly miserable weather doing its best to keep us from going out, March is finally here, bringing with it the promise of springtime and maybe even a glimmer of sun.
From live gigs and world theatre premieres to sought-after fashion events, live orchestra performances and film screenings, as ever there is a lot going on in Manchester this month.
To help you sort the wheat from the chaff, we’ve picked out our top ten goings-on in the city.
Keep reading to discover what is happening for International Women’s Day, where to get your hands on the freshest kicks, and which pop icon is landing at the Albert Hall this month.
Manchester International Film Festival
7th-15th March
Showcasing inventive films from narrative and documentary films to a range of experimental shorts and music videos, the line up for this year’s Manchester film festival is bursting with variety. A five-film pass starts at £27, going up to £89 for full festival passes. Concessions available.
Back to the Future The Musical
On now
25 years since the cult movie hit cinema screens, Back To The Future is back in musical form – and Manchester audiences get to see it first.
Starring Olly Dobson as Marty McFly and stage and screen actor Roger Bart (The Stepford Wives, The Producers, Desperate Housewives, A Series of Unfortunate Events) as Dr Emmett Brown, catch the world premiere at Manchester Opera House before it transfers to the West End.
Walk for Women – International Women’s Day march
7th March
Totally free and open to anyone to take part, on Saturday 7th the Walk for Women weaves its way through the city to mark International Women’s Day. Meet on Victoria Street, outside Manchester Cathedral at 12pm before walking together to St Peter’s Square. Here there’ll be community-led performances and other activities taking place outside the Central Library.
Boy Toy Bottomless Brunch
7th March
This risque bottomless brunch brings together topless butlers, acrobats, dancers and one of London’s most in-demand drag queens for four hours of heady indulgence. Expect immersive dance and acrobatic performances from the boys and drag queen Honey The Foxx, helped along by a full 90 minutes of bottomless bubbles.
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons By Candlelight
13th March
The London Concertante chamber orchestra performs Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by candlelight at Manchester Cathedral later this month. Founded in 1991, it is one of the finest chamber ensembles in the country. It is also very accessible for first-time baroque fans, so expect to laugh at a few jokes as well as being blown away by the group’s virtuosity.
25 Years of Bugged Out Weekender at Mayfield Depot
13th and 14th March
Legendary Manchester club night Bugged Out! celebrates 25 years of raving with a weekend-long affair at Mayfield Depot’s Concourse stage. Denis Sulta and Mella Dee will go back to back for an all night long party on 13th March, with Green Velvet, Heidi and Erol Alkan due to appear the following evening.
Sausage and Cider Festival
14th March
Enjoy live music and some of the best sausages going at the sausage and cider festival, coming to Victoria Warehouse later this month. Expect traditional butchers sausages and those with a little twist too, alongside an array of tasty ciders sourced from the best producers in the UK.
Kelis at the Albert Hall
17th March
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kaleidoscope, Kelis is out on tour playing all of her biggest hits from the release. Catch her in the stunning settings of the Albert Hall this March 16th from 7pm.
Planet Earth II Live in Concert
27th March
This live concert at Manchester Arena will bring Planet Earth II to life in a whole new way. Hosted by Liz Bonnin, specially-selected footage will be shown in 4K HD on a giant LED screen whilst the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra play music by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and Jasha Klebe.
Crepe City Manchester
29th March
Find some of the rarest sneakers on the resale market at Crepe City this month. Last year’s event saw over 150 traders will showcasing the rarest and most in-demand trainers in the world, plus a dedicated bar, bespoke trainer cleaning service, DJs, film screenings and panel discussions from footwear experts.
Hosted at Bowler’s Exhibition Centre, tickets are priced between £11.37 for general admission and £22.15 for VIP tickets with queue jump privileges.
