Christmas Lights at Albert Square
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner, but you can get in the seasonal spirit this Friday at the big switch-on of Manchester’s Christmas lights. The switch-on show is due to be hosted Key 103 radio DJ Mike Toolan, along with Coronation Street actor Brooke Vincent and Paddy McGuinness, who will definitely be making a ‘no likey, no lightey’ joke at some point. It’s a big variety spectacular and with performances from last year’s X-Factor winner Louisa Johnson, 90s comedian John Thomson and the cast of the Billy Elliot musical. See our full preview for more information
Fri 4 Nov, Albert Square, Manchester, M2 5DB. 7.30pm, www.manchester.gov.uk

Downpour! at YHA Manchester
Downpour is a game that imagines its participants in the near future, where climate change is swallowing up the streets, and players work in teams to decide how best to allocate resources and fortify the city against rising water levels. Played out on the streets, but starting at the YHA at Potato Wharf, Downpour fully immerses you in a story with more of a basis in science fact than science fiction. It’s been designed by urban games maker’s Playfuel along with researchers from the University of Manchester, and makes for a fun, thoughtful experience
Sat 5 Nov, YHA Manchester, Potato Wharf, Manchester, M3 4NB. 11am – 4.30pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Bicycle Maintenance at City Tower Cycle Hub
It’s not the ideal season for cycling, but if you’re getting around on two wheels this Winter, you’ll need to make sure your ride is in good working order. Here’s where Manchester council’s regular bicycle maintenance courses come in: It’s a free session where you can learn all the basic skills you’ll need to stay on the road, from making seat adjustments to fixing punctures. A vital course for any wannabe pedalhead, or even for an experienced cycle bod in need of a tune up.
Sat 5 Nov, City Tower Cycle Hub, New York Street, Manchester, M1 4BT. 1pm – 3pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Maker Day in Harpurhey (pictured)
Head over to Harpurhey, North Manchester, this Saturday and you can get in on this interesting little event. Organised by Oh Ok! – the design team behind The Pilcrow Pub in Sadler’s Yard – it’s a day of handcrafted fun and creative activities. There’s the opportunity to get hands-on with a potter’s wheel and have a go at silver-plating a spoon, all from the confines of an inconspicuous-looking terraced house (seriously, look it up on Street View, it’s just a house). The catch? The event is co-sponsored by property developers Tay Fay Homes, who have properties under development in the area for you to look at. But don’t worry! You’re still allowed to enjoy the Maker Day sessions without buying a house.
Sat 5 Nov, 50 Windsor Road, Harpurhey, Manchester, M9 5PJ. 11am – 5pm, www.eventbrite.com

Fri 4 Nov - Sun 6 Nov
Words:
Jon Whiteley
Published on:
Thu 3 Nov 2016