What's on North 2-9 Feb: LGBT History Month
With the arrival of LGBT History Month comes a whole programme of theatre, talks and more, while The Bluecoat celebrates its 300th anniversary year with Public View, Track throw another Brewtap and Constellations gets its D-I-S-C-O on.
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.
Love Trumps Hate
Welcome February! Aka LGBT History Month: a much-needed reminder that equality is still far from a dream achieved. In fact, let's face it, right now things seem to be going backwards...
All the more reason to keep on fighting the good fight, eh?
This one's a particularly important year, marking the 60th anniversary of the publication of the Wolfenden Report as well as the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality. As such, you can expect a diverse events programme across the country featuring everything from a screening of Frida at Liverpool's Victoria Art Gallery to a nationwide festival, OUTing the Past. Then, of course, it's also time to welcome the return of Queer Contact festival, Contact Theatre's annual ode to LGBT theatre, art and more – for which we've compiled a handy Top 5 guide of our do-not miss events.
Valentine's Day | 14 Feb
From stargazing in a forest to a private exhibition tour, loved-up club nights to feelgood film screenings, we've rounded up our pick of Valentine's events in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. We've also compiled our favourite alternative romantic films and Valentine's Day songs for you to set the mood at home. Newly single? Wallow in these 10 great breakup films – inspired by the recent Brangelina split, no less. Or, of course, you can always partake in a little erotic rock climbing... Illustration: Veronica Grech
Looking ahead: More acts announced for Live at Leeds 2017
Live at Leeds' already huge line-up will be bolstered by London soul singer and BBC Sound of 2017 runner-up Rag'n'Bone Man, plus Nothing But Thieves, DMA's, The Hunna, Gabrielle Aplin and Temples (pictured). Read the full story here. Photo: Nick Bojdo
Lunchtime read: How Hollywood joined the anti-Trump resistance
Shia LaBeouf scrapping with neo-Nazis, Alec Baldwin riffing on the President and Madonna dropping the F-bomb on the White House – the revolution might not be televised, but you can catch it on Netflix... Grab a brew and read the feature here.
Sign up to our Zap! newsletter to get our top ten events guide in your inbox every week
Do not miss:
The Bluecoat's 300th Birthday
The Bluecoat, Liverpool. From Sat 4 Feb, times vary
How's 300 years for a landmark!? Such milestones deserve their very own programme of special events; Liverpool's oldest building kicks theirs off with Public View, which brings together works by 100 artists who have previously exhibited at the Bluecoat. Photo: Ian Lawson
Track Brewtap
Track Brewing Co., Manchester. Fri 3-Sat 4 Feb, times vary
Time for another Brewtap in the intimate HQ of Track, this time with Stop Making Sense spinning tunes on Friday, DJs Jeff O'Toole, Harris and Devils Jukebox taking care of the Saturday soundtrack and food from Luncheonette. As well as launching a new special collaboration with Odyssey Brew Co., they'll also be serving up a "super juicy IPA" made in collaboration with Port Street Beer House – and much more, of course. Illustration: Dom Kelly
Advertisement | Beer52: Stone Brewing Co.
Stone Brewing Co. take over this month's Beer52 box. Get 8 craft beers, magazine and snack for only £12. Voted one of the best breweries in the WORLD. Featuring the incredible Go-To session IPA, the infamous Arrogant Bastard Ale and the stunning Xocoveza Mocha Stout. Get all these and more with free delivery on your first case. Quick – these cases will go FAST.
Leeds Preloved Vintage Kilo
Royal Armouries, Leeds. Sun 5 Feb, 11am
The skintest, bleakest month of the year is officially through – why not celebrate with some new threads? Or, rather, some preloved threads. At this 'weigh and pay' sale you can stock up on jackets, sportswear, boots, jumpers, dresses, hats, flannel shirts and more, buying in bulk at the rate of £15 per kilo.
Disco Glitter Love: A Space Disco
Constellations, Liverpool. Fri 3 Feb, 10pm
You kids love the D-I-S-C-O. And it's no wonder, being an all-embracing party that has throughout its history welcomed everyone, no matter their creed. Channelling those all-important positive vibes this week is Disco Glitter Love, a club night harking back to the classic disco days of the 70s, through to the New York club scene of the 80s and 90s. It's gonna be a good time. Illustration: Ailsa Johnson
Read more news from across the Northwest cultural scene at theskinny.co.uk/news
Find out how you could win some lovely prizes at theskinny.co.uk/competitions