Culture for all: Winter at MediaCity
It's the season for it
Our iconic waterside destination has transformed into a joyful winter village, complete with brilliant cultural events, Christmas classics and art that inspires; it’s the season for culture at MediaCity.
View Van Gogh’s most famous paintings in an immersive experience on the Piazza and follow the illuminated trail at Lightwaves, featuring more than 11 installations, including Luke Jerram’s giant Floating Earth.
The Lowry has a cracking line up of Christmas shows and Box on the Docks returns with new artwork, as well as festive food and drink; so make the most of winter and join us at MediaCity.
Box on the Docks Winter Village
Box on the Docks’ winter season combines festive cocktails, street food and a cosy tipi alongside its art-adorned sheds and greenhouses. Nestled among the fir trees in the MediaCity gardens, enjoy food from independents including The Tasty Greek, Chapati Café and Beigel, with a warming mulled wine or cider for the ultimate hygge experience.
Van Gogh Alive
This immersive experience on the Piazza lets you view Van Gogh’s most famous artworks in a kaleidoscope of colour. Set to an evocative classical score that’s delivered via a high-fidelity 3D sound system, this combination of sound, visuals and aromas will give visitors the sensation of walking right into Van Gogh’s paintings as if they’re living and breathing.
Until January 23rd, 2022.
Poppies at the Imperial War Museum North
Following the success of Poppies: Wave and Weeping Window, which toured in 2018 to mark the end of the First World War centenary, the iconic sculptures have been combined and returned to IWM North, where they are on permanent display as part of a brand new artwork. Reimagined into a dramatic new sculptural form, Poppies is displayed within the unique architecture of IWM North’s Air Shard.
Permanent exhibition.
The Lowry
There’s something for everyone at the Lowry this winter; Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker fills this classic with wit, pathos and magical fantasy, while families will love stepping through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. For younger audiences, the touching, funny and utterly original Stick Man will delight.
Various times and events.
Festive Makers Markets at Quayside
Every weekend from Saturday, 20th November until Sunday, 19th December, local makers, bakers and artisans, will tempt visitors with a seasonal pick of festive food and drink, art and design, plus vintage and modern crafts. Pick up festive tasty treats and bespoke homemade Christmas gifts.
From Saturday, 20th November.
Ten Years to Save the World
Ten Years to Save the World is a comic art exhibition showcasing 10 leading artists from the UK and the Philippines addressing climate themes and representing the decade we have left to save the world. It demonstrates the power of comics to stimulate climate change action and features internationally celebrated artists, including Manix Abrera, Kajo Baldisimo with Budjette Tan, Sayra Begum, Zoom Rockman, Jack Teagle and Clarice Tudor.
Wednesday, December 8th until January 14th
The Open Centre - Free
ITV I’m a Celeb Jungle Challenge
Explore the brand new I’m A Celebrity… Jungle Challenge. This action-packed experience will put your nerve and agility to the test! Race against each other collecting stars from a bounty of physical and mental challenges all in an epic jungle setting complete with Main Camp, The Throne and Winners Bridge!
Floating Earth by Luke Jerram (part of Lightwaves 2021)
Measuring 10 metres in diameter and featuring high-tech NASA imagery, as well as a surround-sound musical track by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, this enormous and awe-inspiring artwork lights up the water of the The Manchester Ship Canal and encourages us to question our relationship with our planet.
From Friday 3rd December
Free
Lightwaves 2021 by Quays Culture
Lightwaves, the annual 10-day light festival animating Salford Quays, features its most ambitious line-up to date. Alongside Floating Earth, there are eleven installations, including Cygnus by Loomaland, a mesmerising water ballet featuring 12 perfectly synchronised, glowing robot swans and Sirens by Davy & Kristin McGuire - an installation that uses holographic projections to transform public waterways into mythical underwater worlds inhabited by supernatural sea creatures and mysterious mermaids.
Friday 3rd to Sunday 12th December
Free