This weekend (November 14-15) in Greater Manchester brings a horror convention, a winter parade and several Christmas light switch-ons, along with a wedding-focused event and the continuation of Manchester Cocktail Week.
For The Love of Horror at Bowlers Exhibition Centre
Movie legends, scream queens and TV stars head to For The Love of Horror at Bowlers Exhibition Centre. The line-up includes Henry Winkler, Scream's Melissa Barrera, The Lost Boys' Tim Capello and Juliette Lewis. Attendees can look forward to signing opportunities, panels and Q&A sessions, market stalls and costume competitions.
Ashton's Northern Lights Winter Parade and Christmas Launch
Ashton unveils its Market Square canopy on Saturday (November 13) as part of the Northern Lights Winter Parade and Christmas festivities. The official launch begins at 11am with a Christmas Market that runs until November 28. The day also features a festive funfair and live performances. The Tameside Northern Lights Lantern Parade starts at 5pm at Ashton Old Baths, heading to Market Square around 6pm for the Christmas lights switch-on and a firework finale.
Salford's Fun Wedding Event and Stockport's Spectacular Sunday
On Sunday, Salford Lads and Girls Club hosts The Fun Wedding Event from 12pm to 3pm. Local suppliers, including musicians, florists, stylists and wedding professionals, will be present, along with competitions such as a scavenger hunt. Entry is £5, with all proceeds going to the club. Each attendee receives a complimentary drink on arrival and a goodie bag.
Also on Sunday, Stockport holds Spectacular Sunday from 12pm to 5pm, taking over the town centre, including Merseyway shopping centre, Red Rock and the Underbanks. The event features stiltwalkers, oversized puppets, Brazilian-inspired drummers, dancing elves and a giant snow lion, culminating with a Christmas lights switch-on. Over 200 performers will take part in more than 50 shows throughout the day.
Stretford Lights Switch-On and Cocktail Week
Stretford holds its Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday (November 14) at Sir Tony Lloyd Square. The event includes a DJ set from Stanley Chow and performances from Stretford Brass Band and Stretford Uke, plus market traders such as Beatties Bakery. It starts at 2pm, with GRUB hosting the evening celebrations.
Manchester Cocktail Week continues through the weekend with masterclasses, pop-ups and takeovers across the city. On Sunday, a special collaboration takes place between Waltz and Bar Shrimp, alongside an Arts Show at Tariff & Dale.
As winter approaches, other festive activities across the city-region include Christmas Markets and ice skating, with a roundup of family-friendly events available for 2026.
