This popular, annual craft fair brings more than 200 handpicked makers from across the UK to the gorgeous setting of Victoria Baths. Browse, buy and chat to the craftspeople and get inspired for your own creative projects through a programme of talks, live demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Full article.

It’s resale tickets only on this one so act fast if you’re keen to go. America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence this year and we’re sure President Barack Obama has plenty to say about the state of the union in 2026. Here’s a rare chance to hear his impactful message of hope, resilience and togetherness, first-hand.

Released on 11 September 2001, Mercury Rev’s cinematic All is Dream album was brushed aside while the world focused on bigger events. Twenty-five years later, lead single The Dark is Rising feels as apt now as it did back then. The Ritz is a fantastic venue to hear the band play it live in all its psychedelic splendour.

If you want to see the best up-and-coming bands playing independent venues, head to the Oxford Road corridor this Saturday for the return of Neighbourhood Festival. This year’s headliners are Merseyside’s Red Rum Club, alt-rock band Keo, and high-intensity four-piece Florence Road.

Explore how creativity can become a space for healing, connection and transformation at this free one-day exhibition and live performance from multidisciplinary artist Misha B. Featuring original artworks, soundscapes, installations, creative activities and live music, it offers a way to reflect and reconnect. The perfect way to spend a Sunday.

- Words:
- Sarah Tierney
- Published on:
- Mon 12 Oct 2026
Manchester Literature Festival launched on Friday, kicking off 17 days of storytelling, ideas and live performance from some of the biggest names in books. Events happening this week (with tickets still available) include poet Ian McMillan at Central Library on Monday, Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce at Central Library on Tuesday, Booker Prize winner Yann Martel at the Martin Harris Centre for Music & Drama on Wednesday, political writer Owen Jones at HOME on Wednesday, and feminist author Natasha Walter at Central Library on Sunday.