February gets off to a resoundingly proud start with events surrounding LGBT History Month, now in its tenth year. Queer Contact presents some fantastic art and performance over the next few weeks, some highlights of which are picked out below. Elbow return to their beloved home city, you can improve your baking skills, and The Lowry has a little infestation. Well, a big one...
LGBT History Month, various venues throughout February
February's alternative history lesson reveals a different aspect of the past which has had a profound affect on the lives of LGBT people. 2015 marks the tenth anniversary of LGBT History Month and Manchester celebrates with a festival, some fabulous events at Queer Contact (see below) and we ask why it all matters anyway.
Casa Tomada, The Lowry, now until Sun Apr 25, free
Have you ever been sitting having a sandwich in a park and you look down to where the crumbs have fallen only to see a load of ants swirling around your feet? Well, go to The Lowry and look up, not down... There's more to this exhibition though than just a lot of big ants.
Fingersnap, Contact, Thu Feb 5, £15/£10 conc
The outstanding duo of David McAlmont and Guy Davies bring their enormous talents to the opening night of Queer Contact. Expect original Fingersnap songs like the exquisite 'Blackbird' (below) and old favourites, including from the McAlmont and Butler days, like the classic 'Yes!'
Eggs Collective Get A Round, Contact, Thu Feb 5 - Sat Feb 7, £13/£7conc
Against the backdrop of a big night out, friends discover what it means to belong over crisps and cheap plonk. Tremendously entertaining, witty and touching comedy drama.
Elbow, O2 Apollo, Thu Feb 8 - Sun Feb 8, £40/£45
Seeing Manchester's current favourite sons in concert is like Guy Garvey throwing his arms around you and giving you a big beardy hug, even in an arena setting where, of late, we've been used to seeing the boys. So this series of gigs in the much smaller venue of Manchester Academy goes way beyond a hug and straight to second base.
Red Laser Disco, Bangkok Bar, Fri Feb 6, £10
Red Laser Records original crew member and internationally respected laser boogie / neo italo pioneer Starion will be playing a live set of past and new material in his first live set ever on home turf.
Cake International, EventCity, Fri Feb 6 - Sun Feb 8, £10 (£8 in advance)
The Sugarcraft, Cake Decorating & Baking Show is three days of delicious, mouth-watering baked goodies as well as workshops and demos, plus ample chances to buy the latest in baking accoutrements.
The Stitching, Sewing and Hobbycraft Show, EventCity, Fri Feb 6 - Sun Feb 8, £10 (£8 in advance)
At the same time as the cake show above, this event gives fans of needlework a chance to explore the latest developments, gadgets, techniques and materials.
You can attend both shows for the price of one!
Transmission: Steve Aoki, Albert Hall, Fri Feb 6, £30
One of the most popular DJs on the planet takes up the reigns of Transmission for a night of diverse thumping tunes.
Polish Dance Spectacular, The Lowry, Sun Feb 8, £17
Hundreds of dancers made up from Polish dance troupes from all over the country will be taking to the stage for an afternoon which promises to be, well, spectacular!