While Vimto has not stopped anyone from drinking alcohol, it became a very popular drink in Manchester. Mean-Eyed Cat has given the classic Old Fashioned a spooky makeover, featuring pumpkin spiced syrup, orange zest and pumpkin chocolate. Downstairs in a hidden Caribbean paradise, Tiki Hideaway is serving up a twist on the traditional Pina Colada, with winter spices and pumpkin purée to get you into the Halloween spirit. 28. Celebrate Halloween with your pooch at this spooky pawty at Freight Island Credit: Supplied Are you brave enough to board the “spooky” steam train? Once every ten years at Summerseat tunnel a portal opens to the dark past… but what evil beasties and nasty things await on the other side? Join the East Lancashire Railway in your best fancy dress this Halloween to find out. There will be ghoulish goodies galore, and you’ll meet monstrous new friends including a fang-tastically friendly vampire, a chatty Zombie, mad Dr Frankenburger, a snappy plant creature and more oddballs and curios. Also, don’t miss the all singing, all dancing “Skeletonettes” on the platform! 9. Dance the night away at a spooktacular silent disco at Victoria Baths Credit: Victoria Baths Stunning beer garden hidden among reservoirs, ruins and woodland just outside of Greater Manchester

Drive from central Manchester: 50 minutes Two Michelin star restaurants Moor Hall, Aughton Credit: Moor Hall This November in Manchester is expected to be even brighter as a brand new light show is set to arrive in the city centre. Located in Mayfield Park, Manchester city centre’s first new public park in more than 100 years, an enchanting winter light show known as The Twilight Trail will take place from November 17 to December 31. visitors will explore enchanting lighting installations taking over the 6.5-acre park and finish the trail at Freight Island where they are encouraged to stay for further festive experiences – from Christmas food and drink to Visit Santa Experience, and much more. 15. Pay your respects at the poppy installation at IWM North on Remembrance Day Credit: IWM North It’s also the time to treat yourself to a fun day out or indulge in a romantic date night before your calendar starts filling up with festive commitments. To help narrow down the endless possibilities that await in the city, we’ve rounded up some fabulous things to do in Manchester this November. 1. Visit the Christmas Markets Wannabe potion makers will enjoy a tea tasting experience and learn to make elaborate spooky special tea infused potions, whilst being taken on a magical journey discovering teas, blending herbs, flowers and spices, whist learning about the power they hold. There will be a magical 10% off the whole store on the night too, with fancy dress encouraged. 25. Sing your heart out at this Halloween-themed lip-sync showdown Credit: Supplied/Printworks

25. Wholesome Junkies

Attention all art aficionados, painting pundits and sculpture savants. Manchester Art Fair is returning to Manchester Central between November 17 and 19, and will be the biggest to date, increasing its footprint by 35% on 2022 and with even more new artists and galleries to discover. Since its launch in 2008, Manchester Art Fair has quietly become one of the UK’s largest and most significant art fairs with its aim of making viewing and buying quality art accessible and enjoyable. 18. Party the night away at this year’s Homobloc at Depot Mayfield Credit: Rob Jones

Though it has no connection to Harry Potter, it looks like Hogwarts and that’s why a lot of people want to visit. It’s also worth noting that it was designed in a Greek revival architecture which makes it rather majestic. You’ll want to take loads of photos. 3.New Islington Marina ‘Cast No Shadow’ lyrics Lastly, head a little out of the city of Manchester to the wonderful village of Worsley as part of Bridgewater Canal guided tours. On these walking tours just outside of Manchester city centre you can find out more about the fabulous history of the Bridgewater Canal and Worsley Village that includes a Queen, a Duke, several Earls and some ingenious engineers. There is also a tour called Coal, Canal and Cake where visitors can indulge in the history of Worsley’s thriving coal industry and Bridgewater Canal as well as a slice of cake to finish. However, Dibnah’s estate in Bolton is what fans are most interested in, and makes a great day out for visitors who are keen on getting a bit of the history of the town. The famous home, workshops and amazing workyard as well as Dibnah’s 50ft chimney and mineshaft in his garden, are all available to visit at one off open days, but organised tours ceased to continue following the pandemic, so hopefully there will be positive news here soon! In the meantime, the house is beautiful to catch a glimpse of from the outside.

Newsham Park Hospital in Liverpool could easily be mistaken for an old hotel left to ruin – its windows boarded up, perimeters overgrown. This Halloween, the haunted building less than an hour’s drive from Manchester will host a spooktacular in the form of Newsham Scream Park, a series of blood-curdling spooky attractions to get you in the gruesome spirit. Each experience will wind through the dark bowels of the building, filled with deepening dread and moments of sheer blood-curdling panic, as guests follow each nightmarish path through Newsham Scream Park. 6. Watch a creepy cabaret performance at the King’s Arms Credit: Supplied I’m a big movie guy and doesn’t everyone know it. Honestly, try me. I’ve seen everything at least twice. If you are into your movies but have some catching up to do, you can head over to the central library and watch anything you could possibly dream of in a cool little pod. You can watch some pretty rare stuff too like obscure sitcoms from the 1970s and loads of early camera footage of old-timey people pottering about. Such fun. The mighty Depot welcomes RUDIM3NTAL, who will be debuting a brand new show, plus an array of dance music stalwarts including DJ EZ, Hannah Wants, Paul Woolford, Jaguar, and Alex Mills. The unique 360° Concourse stage welcomes awe-inspiring talents with the likes of Sammy Virji, Girls Don’t Sync, La La, Rich Reason, and Ghoulish. Under the arches, the intimate Archive stage welcomes further UK talents including Hammer, Hayley Zalassi, Gina Breeze, as well as WHP residents Krysko and Joe Motion. On October 31, Bird & Blend Tea Co in Manchester will remain open after hours for any wizards and witches keen on learning the mastery of potion brewing whilst tea tasting. This is a special one-off Halloween Magic Potions Brewing Workshop that combines the worlds of tea mixology, science and Bird & Blend’s magic autumnal tea elixirs. The first day of the month is officially World Vegan Day. As if you needed a reason to visit one of the many spots around Manchester that serve tasty vegan grub? Whether you’re someone looking to dip your toe in the world of vegan food for the first time or are a long-time vegan who is constantly on the hunt for new haunts serving delicious plant-based dishes, you are sure to find a favourite among these vegan eateries in Manchester. 11. Explore over 250 craft gins and spirits at this festival at Victoria Baths Credit: Jez Timms, Unsplash

Prepare for a night of terrifying harmonies as Printworks Manchester goes all out for its latest lip-sync event with a Halloween special this October. Taking place on October 27 at Printworks iconic nightclub, Cargo, the Halloween Lip Sync is taking over The Vault from 7pm – 10.30pm. Every day throughout Ramadan, the First Street restaurant will be welcoming customers to come and break their fast with a fabulous spread of much-loved dishes. Zouk will also be taking care of customers by greeting them with a gift of stuffed dates on arrival plus fruit chaat, dates and water on the table. Once seated, guests can go up to the buffet and enjoy the daily selection of food which will include salads, starters, curries, lamb raan and a selection of accompaniments. Zouk has created two sittings this year so the Ramadan buffet is available for a longer period of time each evening. There will be one sitting at Iftar with a second sitting an hour earlier or later, depending on BST. 2. Manchester Museum Credit: Manchester Museum The staff at the entrance will explain everything to you and will be more than happy to answer any questions.Ewe Restaurant and Bar officially opened its doors last year in Westhoughton near Bolton. To celebrate the new year, diners can enjoy 50% off the all day menu every Monday to Friday, from 12-5pm. The offer will be available throughout January 2023 when booked in advance using the code EWE50. You can expect modern, British, and globally inspired dishes with a warm countryside welcome, with Ewe showcasing a seasonally changing menu of classic and locally sourced signature dishes. Ewe Restaurant & Bar, 370 Chorley Rd, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3NB. 39. Hello Oriental Credit: Hello Oriental This beautiful subscription library lies on Mosley Street, close to the art gallery and above that weird pub called ‘The Bank’ that no one seems to go into. Built between 1802 and 1806, this is a beautiful space, which is designed in the Greek revival style. The library was originally intended to be a place for local businessmen to meet up and chat about…business. What a fun party that must have been. Nowadays, it is the home to thousands of books- mostly 19 th century English literature which is open six days a week. The best part about the Portico Library is the stunning interior, however, tied with the wonderful section of exhibitions on art, literature and beyond. This is the Godlee Observatory. It’s an old astronomical observatory that was given by Francis Godlee (hence the name) to the city of Manchester in 1902.

Not to be confused with Eagle Bar in the village, the Eagle Inn on Collier Street, is a proper boozer with a great atmosphere, friendly smiles and a ton of booze. Owned by the same folk who run Gulliver’s and the Castle on Oldham Street, the Eagle has a wide range of live music on their books too. It’s proper in the middle of nowhere this one but once you’ve found it and you’re in – there’s not many reasons to leave. It is actually located on Thomas Street, on the roof of the building where there is the restaurant Wolf at the door but the best place to see it is from the Old Wholesale Fish market. There’s a reason that the Northern Quarter has become a Hollywood favourite, and that’s its old-worldly resemblance to New York City. Think old fashioned fire escapes, street art aplenty, and tons of grand art deco era architecture. It might be a popular area of the city, but next stroll you’re strolling around, be sure to take in some of the impressive buildings. 3. The Chinese Garden at RHS Bridgewater Credit: RHS / Mark WaughBut Manchester’s rich history and sprawling expanse mean there’s always something new to discover, no matter how long you’ve lived here. The building in question on Thomas Street used to belong to a wealthy accountant during the Industrial Revolution and that’s why the pineapple is there. 7. Ancoats Peeps Like every city, Manchester has issues with littering so these ashtrays were installed to push people to use them instead of throwing their cigarette ends on the ground. The clue is in the name with this club, situated in M3 Salford at Down Tex Mill, taxi drivers find it difficult to get to. Once you’re there, you won’t want to go home. Hidden always likes to have little surprises for gig-goers (see: Denis Sulta surprise set during August Bank Holiday last year). Its two floors of good music, mismatched furniture and a brilliant courtyard for outdoor festivals in summer make it well worth a visit or six. The rotting pumpkins are now feeding our plants while our trolleys are filling with sparklers and firewood… That’s right, Halloween is behind us and November is taking centre stage. It’s the month to dig out your woolly hats, pin on your poppies and start some preliminary Christmas shopping.