As 2024 comes to a close and we take stock of our countless unfulfilled resolutions, we prepare once again to pitch ourselves headlong into the new year with even more resolve to finally nurture a hobby, master a craft and foster our neglected passions. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to all the adult learning courses and workshops you can get involved with in 2025.
From learning a language and Indian cooking classes to painting workshops and the art of wine, there is an abundance of courses and one-off sessions to get stuck into across Greater Manchester in the new year. Take a look through a few of our favourites below…
If becoming bilingual is on your list, head to Cactus where you can learn a variety of languages from any level of starting experience. In the ten-week courses, you will get 20 hours’ worth of lessons in small groups of five. This is an excellent option for those who have long-term learning goals or simply wish to prepare for a trip abroad.
Choose from twenty-five languages, whether it’s Russian, Cantonese, French, Arabic, Spanish, Hebrew, Hindi or others.
Fancy a crash course in drama in the new year? The Performers’ playground has you covered. In their seven-week programme, you can train in a range of approaches to acting and theatre making including Le Jeu, (the game of theatre), Rhythm and Text Play, Clown, Bouffon and more, before you can adapt and create your own show to showcase your newly learned skills.
Shorter course options are available, with five-day modules available from £300.
Looking to impress at your next dinner party? This three-hour event will guide you through the vibrant world of Indian flavours, from aromatic spices to mouthwatering curries, you’ll gain hands-on experience in preparing traditional dishes that capture the essence of Indian cooking. Led by experienced chef Farzana Ullah, guests will spend six hours learning the basics of eight or nine dishes, with all ingredients provided, at home or in the chef’s kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete novice, this bespoke session is designed to cater to all skill levels.
Under the supervision of an accomplished street photographer, this insightful one-day workshop is designed to help budding snappers to master the art of capturing candid moments in urban environments, and build a comprehensive understanding of essential techniques like composition, lighting, and timing to tell compelling visual stories.
Ideal for both beginner and intermediate photographers, the morning class will guide you through Manchester’s diverse metropolitan landscape, where you’ll learn to observe unique details and develop confidence through shooting on the streets throughout the session and gaining valuable, personalised feedback as you go. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a unique collection of images and a deeper understanding of street photography’s creative potential.
Do you play an instrument and want to experience playing alongside other musicians? Whether you’re a guitarist, bassist, drummer, pianist or singer, this course provides an opportunity to come together and get a feel for playing as a band. Sessions are on a drop-in basis and you will be split up into groups based on age and skill level. There will also be a chance to perform further down the line at the school’s regular showcase gigs.
Formed in 2014, the Northern Wine School has quickly established itself as the region’s pre-eminent scholastic institute for wines and spirits. From beginner courses to advanced programmes on grape-growing, the school offers a comprehensive trajectory for enthusiasts to become experts. They also offer accredited courses on spirits and sake.
Welcoming all levels from beginner to professional, Bee Creative holds captivating life drawing classes – featuring models of all shapes and ethnicities – at various times throughout the week at Gorilla. With the promise to make life drawing a fun experience, Bee Creative invites guests to experiment with styles, techniques and form at any pace they wish.
You can book a ‘student paper and board’ ticket for just £16.99, or have all materials provided for £21.99.
Alongside renowned culinary classes on every cuisine and festive occasion imaginable, Food Sorcery’s Cooking Together programme offers beginners and seasoned cooks alike the chance to create menu favourites with mates and an expert chef, in an atmosphere which is ‘as much about chatting and relaxing as it is about learning and eating’. Featuring sessions on Korean, Japanese, Mexican, American, Sri Lankan, steak and more, as well as Parent and Teen classes, Food Sorcery is South Manchester’s gastronomic haven for every ability and appetite.
Perfect for both complete beginners and regular attendees, Merseyway Workshop’s 4-Week Throwing Course promises a welcoming yet comprehensive introduction to the potter’s wheel, with intimate and insightful tutelage from a group of experts in the cosy Stockport studio. At the end of the month-long class, participants can walk away with their own set of glazed mugs and bowls.
Click here to book onto the Wednesday course, or book your Thursday sessions via the link below.
Operating out of Hope Mill, Creative Art Courses offer a two-day weekend course which caters to ‘absolute beginners’ in a comprehensive, welcoming step-by-step introduction to drawing and painting. Using different tools and styles, participants will learn to ‘banish their worries and confusion’ and discover their ability to create fine art with joy and confidence.
Click the link below to check out the full course structure and book your place.
On Tue 14 Jan, Didsbury’s Reserve Wines hosts an experienced Literary Specialist for a fascinating and informative creative workshop focusing on world-building and scene-setting for your developing story.
Join other fiction writers in a two-hour session spent cultivating a unique sense of place in which your characters and plot can blossom into a full narrative.
No writing experience is required, and notepads and pens are provided.
- Words:
- Brad Lengden
- Published on:
- Thu 19 Dec 2024
Alongside its world-class schedule of live, intimate gigs, Band on the Wall offers a wide range of workshops and groups for all ages and abilities, from yoga to choirs to early years sessions. Sign up for weekly choir classes, ten-week foundation jazz courses, over-50s golden voice clubs and morning newborn sessions.
Find out more below.