What's on in Manchester: 5 December – 11 December

By Emma Davies

Monday 05 December

XFM's Winter Wonderland – Manchester 02 Apollo

Watch many of the hottest acts at this festive event, including Chase & Status, Nero, Ed Sheeran, The Big Pink, Fenech-Soler, Maverick Sabre, Eddy Temple Morris & Mary Anne Hobbs.

The event begins at 6.30pm and tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk for £20.

Stockport Road, Ardwick Green, Manchester, M12 6AP

Cinderella – Opera House

The Christmas pantomime will be showing each night from 03 – 31 December starring Louie Spence & Suzanne Shaw.

The maximum ticket price will cost £29.

Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3HP

Pop Deviant - The Deaf Institute

Manchester based pop critics play some of their best writing of 2011. Pop Deviant introduces Mancunians to music journalists from across the city who will be playing some of their favourite new music, pop anthems, electronic and RnB.

The free event starts from 8pm – 3am.

135 Grosvenor Street, Manchester M1 7HE.

Tuesday 06 December

Machine Head - Manchester Central

The American heavy metal band often referred to as Machine f***ing Head during gigs are well known for supporting bands such as Metallica, Slipknot, and Marilyn Manson.

The event begins at 19.00, standard tickets cost £30.94.

G-mex Centre, Windmill Street, Manchester M2 3GX.

Young Identity – Contact Theatre

Join the group of Manchester poets and performers to open your mind and explore your creative side at the poetry and spoken word workshop.

The free workshop is open from 7 pm – 9 pm, for ages 16 – 25.

Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Wednesday 07 December

Quiz night - TV21

Brush up on your music, TV, film and general knowledge before the weekly quiz for the chance to win over £50.

The quiz starts at around 8pm but why not turn up early for a game of battleships on their retro arcade games.

10 Thomas Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1DH.

Dark Matters – The Whitworth Art Gallery

Visit the new major exhibition centred on the theme of shadow, technology and art which brings together the work of ten internationally acclaimed contemporary artists who employ a range of technologies, media and machinery.

The exhibition is open from 10am – 5pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm – 4pm on Sunday until 15 January 2012.

Whitworth Art Gallery, Oxford Road, Manchester.

Thursday 08 December

Christmas Show – Frog and Bucket

Watch the finest acts from the National and International Comedy Circuit.

Doors open at 7:00pm, tickets cost £8.

The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, 102 Oldham Street, Manchester. M4 1LJ.

Kamikaze Quartet – Matt and Phreds

A vibrant Manchester-based group will play a mixture of jazz standards from the likes of Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Freddy Hubbard, Wes Montgomery and many more.

The gig is free and the bar will be 9:00pm - 01:00am.

64 Tibb Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1LW.

Friday 09 December

The Best In Stand Up - Comedy Store

Laugh ‘til your stomach hurts, with a range of the best comedians such as MC Mick Ferry, Paul Tonkinson, Jason Cook, Pierre Hollins and Jo Caulfield.

The show starts at 9.30pm, tickets cost £22 or £11 for Concession.

4 Whitworth Street West, Manchester M1 5LH.

Cool Kids – Sankeys

Dance the night away to trance, electro and club music in one of Manchester’s best dance venues.

The doors open at 11pm – 5am, get your tickets in advance for £10.

Sankeys, Radium Street, Manchester, M4 6AY

Childline Manchester Carols by Candlelight – Manchester Cathedral

Childline celebrates its 25th anniversary year with its annual Carols by Candlelight concert  including performances by award winning Lees Brass Band, Manchester high school for girls prep choir, Classic singer, Janette Monroe, Manchester high school for girls senior choir and Preston local Joey Cobb. It will feature carols, traditional music and singing.

Tickets cost  £8.00 / £5.00 concessions / Accompanied under 16s Free.

Exchange Station Approach, Victoria St, Manchester, M3 1SX.

Saturday 10 December

Sun Ra Arkestra – Band On The wall

Lose yourself while listening to the jazz composer, keyboardist, band leader and philosopher Sun Ra, one of the most important figure in 60's avant-garde jazz.

Doors open at 9pm, tickets cost £22 on the door.

Northern Quarter, 25 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JZ.

Piccadilly Family Fair – Piccadilly Gardens

Take a trip to see Manchester’s giant Advent calendar, read the special daily message under that day’s window, which will offer suggestions and exclusive offers in the city. If you are feeling playful, take a ride on the sparkling carousel or another of the fairground rides.

Piccadilly Gardens family fair is open from 11am – 9.30 pm throughout December.

Sunday 11 December

Confidential Christmas Poker Tournament – Manchester 235 Casino

The poker tournament is open to all types of players. Entry includes a drink, raffle ticket and a festive buffet.

The entry cost is £25 + £5 registration fee. The event kicks off at 3pm with drinks and the tournament begins at 4pm.

2 Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4LP.

The Good Old Roast – Trof NQ

Devour a Trof roast whilst listening to soft rock, golden oldies, cover versions and chilled-out balearic classics played by resident Dj Paul Pasta.

Entry is free and starts from 3pm – 8 pm. A roast will cost £9.95 and happy hour last from 5pm – 8pm.

8 Thomas St. Manchester. M4 1EU.