Best of the Manchester Weekender

This weekend sees a host of activities taking place across the city as part of the annual Manchester Weekender celebrations. There is a truly diverse range of events happening – many of which form part of Manchester’s ongoing cultural scene. First up is a tour, Behind the Scenes at BBC North (weekly: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat & Sun, Media City, various times, from £5.75), offering the chance to see how programmes make it from set to screen. Those with a passion for all things retro will find what they are looking for in the 1910 Cycle Ride (Sun 14 Oct, Victoria Station, 10.30am, £5). This event offers a chance to explore Manchester’s post-Victorian history including views of the Ship Canal and old warehouses by bike, with local experts as your two-wheeled guides. Feel free to dress up, or just ride along and join the fun. For more laughs, check out the Joke Boat, which departs from the Lowry arts centre, with comedian Sam Avery on board. Hecklers (aged under 10 years) are particularly welcome (Sat 13 Oct, The Lowry, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 1.45pm, from £2). A particular highlight is Another Common Affair (Sun 14 Oct, Common Bar, 1pm-midnight, free), which sees a print and zine fair from the city’s favourite makers including Common wall doodler, Savwo, and Mount Pleasant’s Lucy Jones as well as live acts and DJs from 6pm. Other events under the Weekender umbrella include Richard Ford (see preview), who appears as part of Manchester Literature Festival, The Heretic by Richard Bean at The Lowry (see preview), 50 years of A Clockwork Orange at John Rylands Library, Deansgate (see preview) and a rare show from Brooklyn’s electronic overlord, Oneohtrix Point Never (pictured, Sat 13 Oct, Islington Mill, 9pm-2am, £10 OTD).

Find out more about the Weekender at Creative Tourist.