Feeling the pinch after Easter egg excess? Then sign up for the Manchester Midnight Walk (2 July) and get training! The walk raises money for St Ann’s Hospice, the largest adult hospice in the UK.

The city’s original, exciting night-time event, the Manchester Midnight Walk, is back for the fourth year, even bigger than before and is putting its best foot forward on Friday 2 July 2010.

On the stroke of midnight thousands will take to the streets from Manchester Central in a fun-filled ‘night to remember’. All the walkers are raising money for St Ann’s Hospice, one of the largest adult hospices in the UK.

The walk will take a 10k route through Manchester’s city centre, past some of its best-known landmarks including the start point, Manchester Central, Granada Studios, Urbis, the MEN Arena and the Cathedral, giving walkers the opportunity to see their city in a new light and experience a unique party atmosphere at the same time.

But St Ann’s Hospice is largely dependent on donations for its survival and has to raise £16,000 a day to keep its doors open. For every £1 donated to the hospice, 92p is spent directly on patient care.

So why not set a challenge in 2010, register now and get a head start on fundraising! There’s also a special rate of £8 for those aged 11 to 17. For more information or to register visit www.manchestermidnightwalk.org.uk or call 0161 498 3631.

School holidays just got better with the news that at February half term there is going to be some great extraterrestrial fun with ‘Out of this World’ adventures from February 13th until February 21st 2010.

Firstly, there is something for Dr. Who fans, (young and old), with the arrival at the Mall on Saturday, 13th February (11:00 am – 3:00 pm) of Classic Dr Who characters played by Hyde Fundraisers to raise money for BBC Children in Need. You will be able to meet Dr Who and other popular characters such as K-9, Ogron, Classic Cyberman, Tetrap, Heamovore, Silurian, Davros, Exillon, Draconian and Auton, and no Children In Need fundraiser would be complete without a surprise visit from Pudsey Bear.

On Sunday 14th February and Friday 19th February the Mall is hosting Intergalactic Games Day (10:00 am-4:00 pm – every half hour). Games include Space Hopping, Mars Racing and Satellite Spinning. There is a space academy medal for everyone taking part and there will be a prize for the best space cadet in each group.

There is Alien face painting on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th February, (11:00 am – 4:00 pm both days) and there is the Floating Space Ships Craft Workshop on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th February (11:00 am – 4:00 pm both days) where kids can make their very own helium space ship.

On Saturday 20th February there is another opportunity to meet Dr Who characters, (11:00 am – 3:00 pm) but this time Hyde Fundraisers will be raising money for BBC Children in Need when they perform as Modern Dr Who Characters including Judoon, Santa, Ood Sigma, Host, Scarecrow, Hath, Donna Noble, Clockwork Droid and, of course, Pudsey Bear!

The following day, Sunday 21st February, kids can learn to moonwalk, Michael Jackson style, with the Learn to Moonwalk workshop. (11:00 am, 12:30pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30pm (30 minute sessions)). This dance session will feature dance movement, moonwalking, hip-hop and a body popping workshop for all those far out performers.

Get directions and keep up to date with whats happening at the Lowry Outlet Mall website.

Join the celebrations over two weeks in March 2010 when Manchester plays host to one of the worlds largest and most popular Irish Festivals. Festivities start in earnest with a Launch Night at Manchester Town Hall on Friday 5th March 2010.

The Manchester Irish Festival took place for the first time in 1996 and has grown to the amazing extravaganza it is today. The Irish Festival features two hundred events at more than 30 different venues across Greater Manchester.

Lawrence Hennigan, marketing executive of the Manchester Irish Festival website said………

“This years festival will feature two weeks of Art, Culture, Comedy, Community, Dance, Music, Sport and Theatre events, making it one of Europe’s biggest Irish Festivals. We have tried to include something for everyone to enjoy in the community and a warm Irish welcome awaits all our visitors.”

For many the highlight of the celebrations is the St Patricks Day Parade on Sunday 14th March. Last year the parade commenced at 12 noon at the Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 8UF and then progressed down Cheetham Hill Road towards Manchester town centre, ending up, after a couple of hours in Manchester’s Albert Square.

In addition to the official Festival from the 5th to the 21st there are a variety of pre and post festival events from February through to April 2010. There is a detailed website for the whole of the festival at ManchesterIrishFestival.co.uk which has full details of all festival events.

The day start off at 11:00am when the traditional market opens up in Chinatown and celebrations continue on into early evening around 7:00pm.

This year is the Year of the Tiger (February 14, 2010 – February 2, 2011). Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important of all the traditional Chinese holidays and Manchester is proud to host these celebrations.

Chinese New Year celebrations in Manchester are always very popular. Every year thousands and thousands of people from Manchester and the rest of the UK come here to join in the celebrations. This is a great, family friendly day out.

This year festivities will be centered around Albert Square, next to Manchester Town Hall in the centre of the city and Manchester’s world famous Chinatown, next to Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens.

According to the event website entertainment includes……….

“Dragon and Lion Dances, Parade, Money God distributes Lucky Red Packets, Kung Fu demonstrations by the legendary Shaolin Martial Arts Monks, Award-winning acrobatics, Folk dance performances, Hundreds of street stands including free tasting, arts & craft, jewellery and food stalls and Art workshops for children….”

For many the highlight of the day will be the Golden Dragon Parade. Last year the parade started in Albert Square and made its way through the streets of Manchester finishing, in China Town itself. To round the day off there will be a spectacular firework display, from around 6pm onwards.

Here is a very short video from last years celebrations which also shows the spectacular Chinese Arch in the centre of Chinatown……

Further details about the event can be found on the organisers website. The site will also tell you more about hiring a stall at the Chinese New Year market and you will also find details about the Chinese New Year Celebration Banquet on Monday 15th February 2010.

Its now the bonfire and fireworks season and there are a number of safe, family events being organised across Greater Manchester.

As there are so many events going on I have only listed events advertised on the Salford Council and Manchester Council websites. Apologies if you are looking for events in other local authority areas.

Council events are well organised and provide a safe environment for you to get the best out of every event you attend.

So here are details of some of the events going on between Friday 30th October and Friday 6th November in and around Manchester and Salford in November 2009.

Friday 30th October:

Debdale Park – M18 7LJ
Meet at the Event Field. Fireworks: 7.30pm and bonfire starts thereafter
Contact: 0161 223 8278.

Saturday 31st October:

Halloween Magic Garden
Lantern parade and animated magic garden includes a children’s pre-event party.
Parade 5.00-7.00pm Party 3.00-5.00pm
Albert Park, off Great Cheetham Street, Broughton.
Ranger Team 0161 793 4219

Witches Walk
Be afraid…be very afraid. The Witches Walk is back at Blackleach Country Park and it’s scarier than ever with more magic, mystery and mayhem on this popular walk. Please be aware that the trails will be very dark and uneven. 5.00-8.00pm
Meet at the Visitors Centre, Blackleach Country Park, John Street, Walkden, M28 3TD.

Monday 2nd November:

Crumpsall Park – M8 5SA
Family funfair and fireworks event: 6 – 8pm
Contact: 0161 795 2650.

Cringle Park – M19 3SD.
Meet at the Main Field. Family funfair and fireworks event: 6 – 8pm.
Contact: 0161 223 8278.

Tuesday 3rd November:

Philips Park – M11 4DQ.
Family funfair and fireworks event 5.30 -7.30pm – Sportcity (car park 6) http://www.medlockvalley.org.uk
Contact: 0161 223 8278

Brookdale Park – M40 1PE
Family funfair and fireworks event 6 – 8pm
Contact: 0161 795 2650.

Wednesday 4th November:

Boggart Hole Clough – M9 7DF
Family funfair and fireworks event 5.30 – 8.30pm
Contact: 0161 795 2650

Lighting the Legend presents ‘Green Bananas’
An amazing night-time spectacle at a secret location on the Quays. Join the lantern parade to the site of ‘Green Bananas’, a magical story inspired by real events and stories from the working people of the docks. Plus fireworks.
Meet at Fit City Ordsall at 6.30pm

Thursday 5th November:

Heaton Park- MetroLink Bonfire and Firework Display – M25 2SW
Meet at the Papal Fields event site. Firework display and funfair 7.30pm and bonfire 8pm. http://www.heatonpark.org.uk
Contact: 0161 773 1085

Wythenshawe Park – M23 0AB
Funfair and food area 4pm, fireworks 7.30pm and bonfire 8pm.
Contact: 0161 998 2117

Platt Fields Park – M14 6LP
Meet at the show field. Firework display and bonfire 7.30pm.
Contact: 0161 224 2902

Buile Hill Park Bonfire Night
Introducing a fantastic sculptured bonfire with a hidden secret. There will be a magnificent firework display and fairground rides for children.
Bonfire lit at 7.15pm, fireworks 7.30pm, fairground 6.00-9.00pm
Buile Hill Park, Salford, M6 8GL

Peel Park Bonfire, Little Hulton
Traditional bonfire and fireworks organised by local volunteers working with Salford Ranger Team
Bonfire 7.00pm, fireworks 7.30pm
Peel Park, Manchester Road West, Little Hulton, M38 9EG
Ranger Team 0161 793 4219

Friday 6th November:

Irlam Bonfire and Fireworks at Prince’s Park
Bonfire, stunning firework display and children’s fairground rides.
6.00-9.00pm; bonfire at 7.00pm and fireworks at 7.30pm
Prince’s Park, Liverpool Road, Irlam.

For up to date details of bonfire and fireworks events in Manchester and Salford visit the Salford Council and Manchester Council websites.

There are two organised events in Stockport………

Light in the Night – Bonfire Blast – A Stockport Civic Bonfire will be held at Heaton Norris Park sponsored by local charity “Calvary Chapel” on Thursday 5th November, 2009. (Heaton Norris Park, Love Lane, Stockport, SK4 1JA). The schedule for the evening is:-

5:45 pm – Doors open
6:30 pm – Bonfire lit
7:30 pm – Fireworks
9:00 pm – Event over

For more information phone 0161 443 2327 or visit Stockport Council’s website.

Marple Guides and Scouts Bonfire and Firework Display will be held at Brabyns Park, Brabyns Brow, Marple on 7th November 2009.

The schedule for the evening is:-

7:00pm – Bonfire
7:30pm – Fireworks
8:30pm – Finish

For more information visit Stockport Council’s website.

Both racecourses are working together to deliver an unforgettable series of horse races which will include the 5th annual Northwest Racing Masters.

The action commences at Haydock Park (Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, WA12 0HQ) on Saturday 21st. The first race, scheduled for 12.25pm, is the £200,000 Betfair Chase. There is also the Betfair “Fixed Brush” Handicap Hurdle over the racecourse’s French-style hurdles.

At Haydock Park on the 22nd there is the £100,000 Betfair ‘Fixed Brush’ Handicap Hurdle, the £50,000 Timeform Betfair Racing Club Handicap Chase and the £50,000 Betfair Hurdle for four-year-olds.

The Betfair Chase is part of the Northwest Racing Masters which is staged at Haydock Park on Saturday 21st and Aintree the 22nd.

The second day of the North West Racing Masters takes place at Aintree Racecourse (Ormskirk Road, Aintree, Liverpool L9 5AS) on Sunday 22nd November. The first race is at 12.05pm and includes the £100,000 Totesport.com Becher Chase and the £80,000 totesuper7 Grand Sefton Chase, both run over the Grand National course. A family friendly day is on offer with Santa, Reindeer, Christmas stalls and carol singing.

Around 20,000 visitors are expected, making this likley to be a very popular, family friendly event whether you are visiting for the first time or a horse racing regular. More details about the Northwest Racing Masters can be found here.

For more information, ticket prices and directions, visit Haydock Park and Aintree Racecoursewebsites.

This is a great way to start off the new year for all motorcycle fans and their friends, partners and families, too!

The organisers promise an…….

“……………….action packed high-octane start to the New Year with everything you would expect and more from the greatest regional bike show……..”

There is something of interest for almost every motorcycle enthusiast and there is a full programme of entertainment planned for each day. The Manchester Bike Show 2010 includes:-

Heart-stopping stunt displays
An Indoor Freestyle Arena
Dealers and dealer approved used bikes
A classic bike and classic scooter display
Motorcycle trials riders like Steve Colley
Demonstrations from Extreme Globe demonstrations by Finland’s Heidi and Mikko
Safe riding advice organisation Ridesafe Backsafe, will be there to arrange a riding assessment
Riders who want to improve their skills will be able to take a free assessments by Stockport School of Motorcycling

………and much, much more.

The event will also have a helmet park and a free bike park.

Admission on the day is £12.00 for Adults and £6.00 for Children and OAPs (There is also an advance ticket hotline.) For more information about the Show and for details about the advance ticket hotline visit the Manchester Bike Show (National Motorcycle Show) website.

If you are looking for a great free party in Manchester then get yourself over to Manchester’s Diesel Store at 74 King Street, Manchester M2 4NJ. 250 complementary tickets are available for this great event – just go into the store in Manchester and pick up your tickets. You can also get tickets by email, at manchester_afterdark@diesel.com. These tickets are available free of charge, but are subject to availability, so its best to pick yours up as soon as possible. You must be over 18 to join the fun and you will have to show your photo ID to get in.

The venue on September 17th is Hope Mill, 113 Pollard St Manchester M4 7JA and the party is on from 9.30pm till late. Nat Self from Zombie Disco Squad will be headlining and the theme for the night is “UV”. A shuttle service will be available from the city centre to the venue.

So if you want to join Nat Self from Zombie Disco Squad at the Diesel After Dark Party visit and Manchester’s Diesel Store at 74 King Street, Manchester M2 4NJ and get your free tickets.

The North West of England has produced many of this country’s most famous comedians. There is a vibrant comedy scene in the City and a good number of the UKs best loved comedians come from Manchester itself.

In the region of 90 shows are planned for the 11 days of the Festival. Performances will take place at a range of different venues, large and small, across Manchester. Participating venues include Contact Theatre (Devas Street, Off Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA), Cornerhouse (70 Oxford St, Manchester, M1 5NH), The Palace Theatre (Oxford St, Manchester, M1 6FT) and The Dancehouse (10 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 5Q1) as well as a diverse range of smaller venues all over the City.

There will performances from popular established comedians such as Manchester’s own Justin Moorhouse, Jason Cook, Richard Herring and Jimmy Carr. There will also be appearances by numerous newer and up and coming comedy talents including Michael McIntyre, Arthur Smith, David O’Doherty and John Pinette.

The Festival website explains…..

We have the full spectrum of comedy, from traditional stand up to sketch, films to cabaret and cartoons to improv with the odd musical act thrown in for good measure. There are shows for every age range and – thanks to some fantastic free shows – to suit every budget too.

Many of these performances are likely to sell out quickly. You can find out more about the events planned for the Festival by visiting the Festival website where you will find a day by day listing of whats on. You can also buy tickets for the events listed and you can join the event mailing list on the site as well.

The Manchester Comedy Festival is sponsored by Manchester City Council as part of the Council’s annual ‘events to listen out for…’ festivals and events programme.

The 2009 Great British Salsa Experience (GBSex), takes place in Manchester on the weekend of 20th to 22nd November 2009. The location is the gothic Alfred Waterhouse designed Manchester Town Hall (Albert Square, Manchester, M2 5DB) – an unforgettable city centre location.

At the time of writing tickets are still available for ‘beginners’ and for ‘Improvers and above’ classes/ workshops. Tickets are sold according to how many workshops are required – 4, 6, 8 or 10, and all tickets include entry to the shows and parties. Workshops fill up quickly and you are advised to book as early as possible.

There are a couple of videos on You Tube that give you a flavour of what to expect in November…………

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFbw3Gs1Pt4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frk9LprBAx8

There are a wide range of instructors from the UK, US, as well as a number of other countries. The event includes performances from salsa performers from all over the world. In addition, DJs from the UK, US, Cuba and Holland will be playing salsa music throughout the event.

Full details of this event are available from the event website where you will be able to buy tickets for the event. The event website is The Great British Salsa Experience (GBSEx) Salsa Congress in Manchester, UK.