Top Ten Things To Do This Weekend: 17/18 December

Family

Manchester Cathedral is having a festive, family carol service this Saturday evening. Take the kids to sing along to a wide selection of Christmas music as well as cheerful carols. There’ll be wine and mince pies. 19:30 – 21:30pm, tickets cost £8 and £6 for concessions. Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, City. Click here 

Out and About

There are plenty of Christmassy events at Tatton Park this weekend, including a hat making activity, a visit from Father Christmas and his reindeer Prancer and Dancer, and a Venetian inspired Christmas mansion with striking displays and Italian paintings. On Sunday there’ll be carols crooned by The King Edward Musical Society. See here for more information, times and prices 

Art

If you haven’t already been, then head down to the Cornerhouse for your last chance to see artist Rashi Rana’s Everything Is Happening At Once. The exhibition explores numerous themes including culture, identity and the abstract. Your eyes may deceive you as you stare at a colourful, Jackson Pollock-esque image, but look closer and more will be revealed. The exhibition finishes this Sunday December 18 and is free. The Cornerhouse, Oxford Rd, Tues-Sat 12:00-20:00, Sun 12:00 – 18:00pm. Click here 

Theatre

You Can’t Take It With You at the Royal Exchange is an eccentric, heartwarming celebration of family. It tells the story of two star-crossed lovers from families with wildly different beliefs, and the chaotic consequences of their relationship. There are gags, silliness, and lovely costumes. 'You Can't Take It With You' is at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, until 14 January. Click here for info and here for review. 

Comedy

For a Christmas night out with a difference, Mother’s Ruin Yuletide Ding-a-ling presents a seasonal variety show complete with bearded lady and drag hostess, Timberlina. There’s quirky songwriter and performer, Lorraine Bowen, cabaret artist Marcus Reeves, plus a singing Christmas tree. There’ll be sherry, mince pies, and it’ll be as camp as Christmas itself. Over 18s only, £8 full, £5 concessions. Click here 

Live Music

Whitworth Art Gallery hosts an evening of live music, poetry and art at their After Hours event which sees the gallery open late into the night. There’s a complementary glass of wine (but get there in time) and melodic music by Butcher the Bar, We Are Willow, and poetry by Manchester based writer, Adrian Slatcher. There’s also live, interactive digital work from ABC artists. Whitworth Art Gallery, Oxford Rd. Free 19:30- 22:30pm Friday 16 December. Click herehttp://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/ 

Eat

‘Tis the season to indulge and Isinglass English Dining Room on Flixton Rd in Urmston is a suburban gem sure to satisfy.  Food is locally sourced, seasonal and cooked with love by head chef, Anthony Dunbar. It’s no wonder they have been included in the Michelin Guide 2011. Dishes include venison wellington, Cheshire lamb rump and a lentil and pumpkin pudding. They do roast dinners on Sundays too. Click here 

Drink

The cosy Briton’s Protection pub is 200 years old and has nearly as many whiskies on offer. It’s the ideal boozer in which to hibernate from the cold - bag a seat by the fire and sip on a warming malt or guest ale. It’s deceptively large inside, the front door hides the back rooms, beer garden and rich charm. Briton’s Protection, Great Bridgewater Street, City. Click here

Club

Diva club night, Off The Hook, returns to the hip Kraak Gallery on Saturday night for a special Xmas party to reward all you good people out there. Resident DJs will be blasting the very best in RnB, Hip-Hop, Soul and all the classics from disco divas. Dust off your feather boa and get your dancing shoes on. Saturday 17 December, 11pm - late, Kraak, Northern Quarter, City. Click here 

Kids

There’s a giant advent calendar made of plastic bricks at Legoland in the Trafford Centre, and every day there’s a prize to be won behind each door. Part of Legoland has also been transformed into Santa’s workshop, where kids can help make Lego snowmen, candy canes and Christmas trees. Legoland Discovery Centre, Trafford Centre. Click here