Manchester - Unmissable Manchester, events throughout 2026

Manchester is a vibrant city, bursting with unmissable moments to experience in 2026, from music and sport to culture and food and drink. Known for its music scene, the line-up for 2026 events is set to be spectacular as the city welcomes both The BRIT Awards and the MOBO Awards. Don’t miss shows by some of the biggest artists around at the AO Arena or Co-op Live or discover emerging bands and underground artists at venues like YES or Night and Day.

The city is alive with arts and cultural experiences. You can discover the engines and ideas that changed the world at the newly re-opened Power Hall at the Science and Industry Museum. See award-winning classics brought to life with the Royal Exchange Theatre’s 50th anniversary programme and step into the light at Victoria Baths as Luke Jerram’s Helios comes to one of Manchester’s most beautiful landmarks.

And of course, one can’t talk about Manchester without mentioning football. Whether it’s a matchday or not, there’s always a way for fans to enjoy the beautiful game with tours of the city’s iconic stadiums, as well as the National Football Museum.

If that wasn't enough, Manchester is one of the UK's most exciting foodie destinations, with new openings, award-winning restaurants and bars, and unique food and drink tours. See the sights and sample the flavours of Manchester’s Chinatown with a brand-new Scranchester food tour or enjoy a restaurant safari around the city’s celebrated dining scene with a new Indie Restaurant Tour.

Find out more about what’s on through our campaign with Visit Manchester.

London - Wright of Derby: From the Shadows exhibition, National Gallery, until 10^th May 2026

Head to the Sunley Room at London's National Gallery to witness how in an interplay of light and darkness, Joseph Wright of Derby conjures sublime pictures of discovery and learning. 'Wright of Derby: From the Shadows' is the first major exhibition dedicated to the British artist’s ‘candlelight’ paintings, celebrating his most admired works.

Illuminated faces gather around a variety of objects – from classical sculptures and scientific instruments to bones, bladders and animals. Through his unflinching scenes of people watching, Wright of Derby proposes moral questions about acts of looking. The strong light and deep shadows create drama, reminding us of great painters from earlier centuries like Caravaggio.

Challenging the traditionally held view of Wright of Derby as a figurehead of the Enlightenment, this exhibition contributes to the ongoing re-evaluation of the artist, portraying him not merely as a ‘painter of light’. More than virtuoso scenes of dramatic light and shade, Wright of Derby used the night-time to explore deeper and more sombre themes, including death, melancholy, morality, scepticism and the sublime.

With over twenty works, including other paintings, mezzotints, works on paper and objects the exhibition explores both Wright of Derby’s artistic practice and the historic context of scientific and artistic development in which they were made.

Watch, along with the people he paints, as his scenes of spectacle and wonder unfold. Find out more. 

Exhibition organised by the National Gallery and Derby Museums.

Detail from Joseph Wright 'of Derby', 'An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump', 1768. The National Gallery, London

Birmingham & The West Midlands, a year-round destination

Fancy a weekend adventure that doesn't require boarding a plane? Hop on an Avanti West Coast train and in no time you can be in the heart of Birmingham and the West Midlands - region packed with adventures. Explore where the UK's favourite chocolate is made, Cadbury, step back in time and explore English history at Warwick Castle, or get hands-on at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre - these are just a few ideas that would do nicely as a half term day out and beyond. With experiences for all the family and attractions all within easy reach by train, the West Midlands is the perfect family day out or weekend away.

Whilst you’re here, explore the whole region. After all, the West Midlands spans across many culture-rich towns and cities, such as Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Wolverhampton and Walsall. Wander Coventry’s medieval streets, uncover Dudley’s Black Country heritage, and explore Sandwell’s parks and wildlife. Enjoy Solihull’s boutique shopping, Wolverhampton’s galleries and live entertainment, and Walsall’s renowned leathercraft. With great food, canals, and green spaces, the region is full of unforgettable UK breaks, so start your adventure today.

Find out more on the region's history, culture, shopping, food and drink scene and free museums and galleries here. 

Avanti West Coast travel from London Euston to Birmingham New Street in just 1 hour 23 minutes and to Coventry in 54 minutes and with up to three direct trains an hour*.

*Exclusions and limitations apply.

Coventry, FarGo Village, events throughout the year

Just a 15-minute walk from Coventry Railway Station, FarGo Village is the ideal place to explore the city’s creative quarter, and if we may say so - one of Coventry's best kept secrets.

Tucked away on the historic Far Gosford Street, FarGo is a reimagined industrial space bursting with independent spirit. This vibrant cultural quarter is home to over 40 unique businesses—from a craft brewery and artisan street food to vintage boutiques, a skateboard shop (complete with a ramp!), a Parkour centre, and even a quirky museum dedicated to Sgt. Bilko. Music lovers will also find one of the UK’s top independent vinyl record stores. 

There’s always something happening at FarGo, with a lively year-round calendar of events—think street food, alternative markets, live music, creative workshops, and fashion pop-ups. Whether you're a curious first-time visitor or a returning fan, you'll find something new to enjoy, both daytime and in the evening. 

Opened in 2024 is Indie Mart, an eclectic marketplace packed with handmade treasures, local crafts, and one-of-a-kind gifts—a must-visit for those who love to shop small and support local creatives. FarGo is dog-friendly too, so bring your furry friend along—everyone’s welcome at FarGo! Whether you're in town for the day or staying longer, make FarGo Village your creative gateway to Coventry. Check what's on now at FarGo: What's on at Fargo - FarGo Village.

Manchester, Manchester Power Hall: After Hours, Science and Industry Museum, 12 March 2026 19.00-22.00

Experience the energy that sparked a revolution with a special evening of interactive games, live music and unique performances. Explore Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery after hours and step into the sights, smells and sounds of the engine-driven ideas and innovations that started in Manchester and went on to change the world.

Grab a drink and enjoy a lively programme of high energy games, live music and one-of-a-kind experiences as you explore the museum at this special adult-only, evening event. Dive into the museum’s permanent galleries after dark. Discover stories from Band on the Wall and Factory Records in Revolution Manchester and explore why the city was named 'Cottonopolis' in Textiles Gallery. Plus, get hands on with science in Experiment, your own science playground for the evening!

Embrace your inner child with exclusive access to the brand-new world premiere exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos. Walk in the shoes of astronauts, discover far-off worlds and dance on an alien disco planet.

Indulge your playful side and face friends (or foes) in Power Up—the ultimate gaming exhibition. Revel in nostalgia and rediscover arcade classics like Pong and Pacman.

Your ticket includes:

• A specially curated programme of live music, unique performances and interactive games.
• After-hours, adult-only access to the whole museum, including the newly re-opened Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery.
• A journey through space in our brand-new world premiere exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos.
• Entry to Power Up, the ultimate gaming experience with over 150 consoles to try.

Student and Concessions are at £10/£5 students and concessions and include free entry to Power Up and Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos. Over 18s only Book your tickets now.

Make the most of your trip to Manchester. Save up to 25% on your stay with exclusive offers on hotels across the city. Explore the deals now at www.visitmanchester.com 

Avanti West Coast travel to Manchester Piccadilly from London Euston in 2 hours and 6 minutes and from Stafford in 54 minutes. 

Manchester, HELIOS at VICTORIA BATHS, March 17th – April 6th

Heading to Manchester? Make space in your evenings. Helios is taking over Victoria Baths — and after dark, it’s unmissable. Luke Jerram’s giant glowing sun hangs in the historic Gala Pool, turning one of the city’s most iconic buildings into a shimmering, cinematic night-time experience.

Manchester Nights, Reimagined

When the lights drop, Helios intensifies. Colours sharpen, shadows stretch, and the whole building glows. It’s the perfect after-hours adventure for anyone exploring the city — atmospheric, immersive, and unlike anything else you’ll find on a UK city break.

Wander the quiet corners, grab a drink, soak up the soundscape, and take in the artwork at your own pace. It’s the kind of evening that stays with you.

Weekends After Dark

Visiting on a weekend? Stick around. As night falls, Victoria Baths shifts gears - street food, a buzzing bar, music drifting through the pool halls. Helios becomes the radiant centre of a proper Manchester night out.

Special Night-Time Events

Across the three-week run, Helios hosts a series of standout evening events:

Daniel Avery w/ Aletha x Helios - a euphoric, atmospheric set from techno master Daniel Avery, with Manchester favourite Aletha. Hypnotic, driving, unforgettable.

Kantos Chamber Choir x Helios - Kantos’ soaring voices meet the glow of the Gala Pool. A spine-tingling journey from dawn to nightfall in one of the city’s most extraordinary acoustics.

Special Evening Tours

Explore Victoria Baths by night. Shadowy corridors, vast empty pools, and stories that hit differently after dark. Includes entry to Helios too – a great way to see the whole of the baths!

If you’re visiting Manchester, make Helios your night. It’s the one you’ll tell people about when you get home.

General Entry is just £3 – an amazing experience for the price of a coffee. Find out more.

Avanti West Coast travel direct from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly in 1 hour 41 minutes. 

London, Vikings: The Immersive Experience - opening 12th March 2026 at London's Dock X, Canada Water. 

Every season there is no shortage of exciting events on London's immersive experience scene and this Spring is no different. Opening on 12th March 2026 at London's Dock X in Canada Water is Vikings: The Immersive Experience. Step into Viking legend and explore a world of myth, power, and conquest at Vikings: The Immersive Experience - opening on 12th March 2026 at London's Dock X in Canada Water. You will have the opportunity to journey through a full-scale Vikings forest, explore the towering Tree of Light, and get on board a real Viking longship in a breathtaking 360° cinematic show. With VR adventures, interactive displays, and stunning visuals, this cutting-edge experience brings the saga of Queen Kraka and King Ragnar Lodbrok to life like never before.

Book tickets now and dive into the epic saga of the Vikings: https://vikings-immersive.co.uk/london/?utm_source=Avanti&utm_medium=ThingsToDo&utm_campaign=Pre-opening&utm_id=Vikings

Avanti West Coast travel to London Euston from Birmingham New Street in 1 hour and 21 minutes and from Liverpool South Parkway in 2 hours 10 minutes. 

London, The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition, until 15^th March 2026

One not to miss! Live at @Immerse LDN, Excel London Waterfront from 14th November 2025 for 16 weeks only is The Last Days of Pompeii - an immersive experience that will bring you closer to the once thriving town at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Witness history brought to life in The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition. Through stunning visuals, atmospheric soundscapes, and groundbreaking digital technology, this extraordinary experience transports you to the bustling streets of Pompeii in its final days before disaster struck.

From dazzling Roman villas to vibrant marketplaces, immerse yourself in the daily lives of the people whose world was forever changed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Combining archaeology, history, and cutting-edge storytelling, this exhibition offers a powerful window into one of the ancient world’s most captivating stories.

Don’t miss your chance to experience ancient Pompeii - book now!

 Avanti West Coast travel from Milton Keynes Central to London Euston in 36 minutes and from Manchester to London Euston in 2 hours 10 minutes. 

Birmingham - Discover the UK's second city with the West Midlands and Birmingham Pass (available now)

Planning a weekend away with family or friends and stuck for ideas? We've done all the research for you and are delighted to announce the newly launched West Midlands and Birmingham Pass allowing you to discover the best of the West Midlands and the UK's second city. This all-in-one digital pass opens the doors to the region’s top attractions, including the Cadbury World, Warwick Castle, Legoland Discover Centre, West Midlands Police Museum, and so much more. Beyond these must-see sites, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts at local hotels, restaurants, shops, and unique experiences There is so much to discover and easy to tailor your trip - whether you are planning a quick one day trip or a long weekend away, there are plenty of ideas for a perfect getaway with a discount on top.

Find out more about the West Midlands and Birmingham Pass here.