It can always be a bit hit-and-miss each week with the things to do and so if I put what’s on and it’s rubbish – nobody will bother clicking. You don’t have to worry about that this week though – there’s loads of mint things on…
At HOME in the 80’s
All Week
Another regret at being in LA right now is that I won’t get to watch the long list of 80’s classics that are playing at HOME over the next week and a half. They’re showing some of my favourite films of all time including An American Werewolf in London, Spinal Tap, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Heathers. They are also showing Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which was filmed about 100 metres away from where I am sat this very second, as well as Bill & Ted which was filmed a few miles away in San Dimas which I might just visit so I can check to see if Waterloo actually exists in real life. While I do that – enjoy the films.
Tib Street Tipi @ Dive
Until Thursday 20th December
As if the Christmas Markets weren’t enough for you lot, there’s plenty of other places popping up all over the city offering something similar – warmth, hot boozy drinks, big German sausages and general Christmas cheer. Probably the best such place is the brilliant Tib Street Tipi – located in the garden outside Dive NQ and somewhere that is a great place to flitter a few hours with your mates or someone you fancy. It’s nowhere near as busy as the Christmas Markets, or as expensive – so it’s win-win (and jingles) all the way!
Unveiling The Pankhurst Statue
Friday 13th December
This Friday sees the unveiling of Manchester’s newest and most impressive statue – that of Suffragette legend Emmeline Pankhurst right slap-bang in the middle of St. Peter’s Square. The unveiling is timed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the date that women first voted in Britain – a revolutionary move that was fought for so vigorously by those fearless women. Their fight should always be remembered, both with statues and ceremonies like this, but by every single one of us when we go to vote. So fucking vote. Vote for whoever you like. I don’t care. But vote please. There’s a packed day of events marking the unveiling – details of which you can check out below…
The Hallé – The Snowman
Saturday 15th December
The sound of Aled Jones’ voice as he flies in the air with a snowman is one of the most haunting and disturbing things that anyone can remember from being a kid – especially when you pair it with the rather shoddy animation and the fact that in the end, The Snowman melts – the poor bastard. Trying to make us feel better (and more festive) as adults, The Hallé are showing the film in all its glory alongside the full might of the brilliant orchestra. On top of this (because the film isn’t very long), they’ll also be showing a bit of the Polar Express, again alongside some fine orchestra strumming.
Gremlins Interactive Film Showing at The Refuge
Saturday 15th December
Another bit of movie magic here as Gremlins comes to The Refuge for a full-on immersive and interactive screening from the gang over at Make-A-Scene. If you’re sat there thinking how the hell you can make Gremlins ‘immersive’ and ‘interactive’ then let me sit here and tell you. First of all they’re going to release a load of disgusting, blood-thirsty creatures into the room while you’re watching the film. Then they’re going to feed them before midnight and then throw water on them. Finally (and more accurately) there will be loads of slime and drag queen Gremlins to host. It’s going to be a blast.
A Tribute To Jilly’s Rockworld Xmas Special @ The Ritz
Saturday 15th December
Anyone who remembers Jilly’s Rockworld will probably be getting very excited with the idea of this Christmas special. Located right up at the top of Oxford Road, Jilly’s later became that Pizza Express, or is it that Tesco? I can’t remember – but it’s definitely a big shame that it went. It was the place to go if you were into your rock and or roll, and although I only ever went once – I seem to remember having a very good night there and snogging a pretty fit girl who actually bought me a drink for once. This special on Saturday will feature all the original DJ’s, playing all the original music you remember – nostalgia rules the day once again.
The Mouse Outfit Christmas Special at Band on the Wall
Tuesday 18th December
One of The Mouse Outfit sits right next to me at work, day-in, day-out. His name is Ellis and he is one of our videographers. So, this is probably as close to nepotism as Manchester’s Finest is ever going to get because if he didn’t sit next to me, I wouldn’t even know that Mouse Outfit existed, never mind recommending that you go to their Christmas Special at Band on the Wall this Tuesday. Even though we sit next to each other I still don’t know much about the music but I’ve heard it’s very, very good, and that this night should be a cracker. Get your tickets below please.
Xmas ‘None’ Deck Wednesday with Irvine Welsh
Wednesday 19th December
For anyone who has watched Trainspotting, or has read it, or has read Filth, or has watched it, or has read any of Irvine Welsh’s other works will speculate that he’s probably a little bit…errr.. fucked up. There’re some mental things in there, but I expect that he’s actually a really nice man in real life, and certainly someone who has a few good stories to tell over a few cold pints of Tennants. Well, this Wednesday is your chance because he will be hitting up Electrik in Chorlton for this month’s One Deck Wednesday, but I think he’ll be using an iPad so it’s a ‘None’ Deck. It’ll still be mint though.
Bunny Jackson’s Holiday Ho-Ho-Hoedown
Wednesday 19th December
My only regret with being in LA at this exact moment is that I won’t be able to attend this Christmas Party at Bunny Jackson’s. This place has certainly been my favourite place to eat and drink this year, and I’ve certainly made a complete tit of myself on a fair few occasions to prove it. This lot know how to throw a bloody good party so this one should be a fucking cracker. They’re promising to make it snow inside, as well as putting on some live music from the likes of Izzie Walsh, Robbie Cavanagh & Demi Mariner and there’ll be loads of cocktails and wings flying about too. Of course. Have a good one guys – I’ll see you in the New Year!
Urban Narnia Closing Party
Thursday 20th December
Bloody hell. As soon as something arrives and you start to enjoy yourself – it’s cruelly snatched away from you like your wrestling figures at lunchtime after Andrew Gartside ruined the last day of school by stealing Chris Stringer’s Ultimate Warrior mask. So Urban Narnia is retreating back into the wardrobe, but they’re not disappearing without a bit of a bash this Thursday. You should expect all of your favourite Hatch hits including Cottonopolis’ Japanese Junk, Electrikbox, some top tunes and of course – the strangely attractive ‘Mr Tumnus and the Fabulous Faun’s’.
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