There’s a distinctly gothic theme to this week’s events, with a giant glowing moon installation at Campfield Studios, a scary movie marathon at CULTPLEX, and the chance to whizz through the woods of Heaton Park after dark in a rubber ring (if that’s not a cult horror film yet, it should be). Or you can stay on the brighter side of life with the return of the fab Bound Art Book Fair at The Whitworth and a mood-lifting live music night at New Century Hall.
CULTPLEX dedicates its big screen to horror throughout October, with its annual STAB season bringing together cult classics, modern nightmares, double bills and all-night marathons. The programme ranges from creature features and psychological thrillers to bargain-bin oddities, with screenings including Obsession (pictured) and The Lair of the White Worm.
Forest tubing gets a spooky makeover at Heaton Park with illuminated slides and eerie woodland surroundings. Grab a tube and hurtle down the course after dark, keeping an eye out for monsters lurking along the way. It’s a high-energy half-term activity for thrill-seekers aged nine and over.
Something strange is growing in Ancoats, as cult musical Little Shop of Horrors continues its run at Hope Mill Theatre. This darkly comic tale follows Seymour, a florist who discovers an unusual plant with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. Expect memorable songs, outrageous comedy and a very hungry Audrey II in this new production which stars Maisie Smith as Audrey. There’s also a special Halloween gala on Saturday 31 October, with a post-show party and a welcome drink included in the £60 ticket.
Artist Lin Cheung presents Intervals, a solo exhibition of abstract paintings at Saan1 Gallery in the NQ.
Working intuitively with colour, gesture and layers of paint, Lin allows each painting to evolve through the process of making it, exploring the interplay between structure, spontaneity and unexpected possibilities. For anyone wanting to spend some time with contemporary art away from the larger galleries, this is one to check out.
Dutty Moonshine Big Band bring their genre-bending live show to New Century Hall, blending electronic production with live brass, jazz, hip-hop and bass music. Their big-band energy and expansive arrangements make for a dancefloor-focused night that sits somewhere between a club set and a full live performance.
Bound Art Book Fair returns to The Whitworth for its tenth edition, bringing together more than 90 artist publishers, collectives and independent presses from across the UK and beyond. Browse an eclectic mix of artist books, zines and experimental print publications, alongside a free programme of talks and events exploring everything from collective joy to underground culture.
- Words:
- Sarah Tierney
- Published on:
- Mon 26 Oct 2026
Artist Luke Jerram brings the moon down to earth with this spectacular seven-metre illuminated installation at Campfield Studios. Using detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface, the artwork offers a close-up view of our nearest celestial neighbour, accompanied by a specially composed soundtrack. Sessions are free but are selling out fast so act now if you want to go.