What's On North 22 Dec-5 Jan: Christmas and NYE
We're ending the year on a positive note, while also giving you shout outs for the best New Year's Eve parties in Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool, including Vogue as You Are at The Refuge, Hammy Hogmanay and more.
Each week The Skinny team hand-pick a selection of the best events from the North's cultural calendar to provide you with this 'ere top ten guide to the most exciting goings-on for the week ahead. From gigs, plays and exhibitions to spoken word, pop-up foodie events and one-off film screenings, we give you the insider's guide to things to do in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds every Thursday morning.
It's Not All Doom and Gloom
We know: 2016 has been quite the shitter. Confusing, scary, disappointing, baffling, heartbreaking and totally fucked up in equal measure. But also, at times, good.
Here at The Skinny North we've held our very own pub quiz (more to come in March!), seen some great new acts at Liverpool Psych Fest, Threshold, Dot to Dot, Cosmosis, Stay Fresh Fest and more, partied nice 'n' hard at Sounds From the Other City, seen The Kaz reborn as The Invisible Wind Factory, acquired a part-time office dog and, perhaps above all else, expanded into that there lovely Leeds.
So while we can't promise it's all gonna be okay, within the haze of the inevitable reflection that comes with the end of a year, we're feeling grateful for the good times – and excited for what's to come in 2017. Big ups to all those working hard in the arts to keep us entertained, motivated and inspired; you rock our shambolic little world.
Now, PARTY TIME. Merry Christmas!
The Skinny's Ultimate Christmas Cheeseboard
We've prepared for Christmas with a cross-office selection of cheese recommendations for your festive cheeseboards, dinner parties and hungover Boxing Day lunches. You're welcome. Photo: Jordan Johnson
Christmas Film Screenings in the North
There's no greater way to get into the spirit than kicking back with a festive film; check out our guide to screenings in the Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester, or read about great alternative Christmas movies to watch at home here.
Festive 45: An Alternative Christmas Playlist
If you, like us, are sick of hearing the same old Christmas songs then we’ve got just the thing for you: Festive 45. Taking in everyone from Belle & Sebastian to Tom Waits, it's the alt way to step into Christmas. On ya bike, Elton.
Our Year in Review
Like we said, among all the crap there's still been some good this year. Check out our favourite albums of 2016, along with the best films – and some of this year's most criminally overlooked cinematic gems. Thank goodness for the arts, eh?
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We Like to Party NYE
Dance off all that turkey with these NYE bashes in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester.
Vogue as You Are
The Refuge, Manchester. 9pm
The Unabombers' (pictured) latest venture, The Refuge, will cap a strong debut year with a big ol' shindig. Throughout the night the decks will be manned by Neil Diablo, DJ Paulette, Dance Lady Dancy, Meat Free DJs, Krysko and Will Tramp, while Cha Cha Boudoir and Vogue Dancers will be heading up entertainment duties.
Mr Scruff & MC Kwasi
Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds. 10pm
Belgrave Music Hall bring in the big guns with DJ mastermind Mr Scruff, known for his marathon DJ sets that leap through sounds from across the world and throughout the generations. For New Year's Eve he'll be joined by right hand man MC Kwasi. While tickets have now sold out, you can keep an eye on the Facebook page to try and hunt some down.
Hustle x Liverpool Disco Festival
Legion of Lost Souls, Liverpool. 9pm
No doubt the festive season has taken its toll on finances, so Hustle and Liverpool Disco Festival are teaming up for a free party with Groove Assassin (Defected Records), Al Kent (BBE/Million Dollar Disco) and Hustle/LDF DJs James Morgan and Jimmy Allen, who'll be playing the best in disco, boogie and house. Illustration: Studio Monik
Raise the Roof House Party
Islington Mill, Salford. 10pm
Put your hands in the air and party like you actually do care with NYE at the Mill, where all ticket proceeds to the Islington Mill roof fund. Along with sets from SMS, CVNT Traxxx, DJ iPhone (GNOD), Iwan Roberts (Pinot Grigio) and DJ Riv, you can also expect Fat Out Karaoke, Spin the Bottle and pop-up performances.
Hammy Hogmanay
Friends of Ham, Ilkley. 9pm
Not all parties need strobe lights and thumping basslines to get you revved up: at Friends of Ham they'll be getting your tastebuds dancing instead with an evening of the good food they've become famous for, plus mulled cider, Prosecco and live music.
Secret Diners Club New Year's Eve Spectacular
Venue TBA, Liverpool. 7.30pm
Secret Diners Club will also be ditching the club in favour of flavour, with what promises to be their most elaborate menu yet, serving up a secret eight-course meal where guests won't know what they've eaten until dessert.
Read our NYE clubbing guide here.
Read more news from across the Northwest cultural scene at theskinny.co.uk/news
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