Whats on October 2021

October is here and this can only mean one thing – Autumn has truly begun! Here’s a list of cosy activities for you all to embrace the season of Hygge and Halloween! As always our listed events promote small businesses, the arts and/or celebrate diversity. Here’s what’s on this October in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and York.

London

Saturday 2nd October – Paint Van Gogh an Immersive Experience, London Art Bar, Holborn

PopUp Painting as you’ve never seen before, yes, there is a painting, yes there is music, and yes there is Van Gogh. But this time there is so much more – themed cocktails, snacks and you’ll be painting in our own version of Starry Night. It will be trippy as anything. Tickets £45 from here.

Friday 8th – Saturday 9th October – Africa Fashion Week London, Freemason’s Hall, Camden

Africa Fashion Week is having a hybrid event so you can enjoy the lineup online or in person. Enjoy talks, catwalks, classes, demonstrations, food and drink over the two day event. Various prices and locations, more information from here.

20th – 30th October – Rocky Horror Show, Peacock Theatre, Holborn

What’s Halloween without watching Rocky Horror Show at the theatre? The great news is that the Peacock is putting on their own rendition of the cult classic. Tickets from £18 from here.

Friday 29th October – The Shining Screening, Rivoli Ballroom

Watch what is arguably one of Jack Nicholson’s best performance, in the beautiful Rivoli Ballroom, which from some angles is similar to the hotel thatd featured in the film – perfect, eh? Grab a glass of wine from the bar, some popcorn and enjoy! Tickets from here.

Birmingham

Until 2nd October – Roxana Hall’s Crime Spree, Reuben Colley Fine Art, B3 2BB

Roxana Hall’s is one of the UK’s most exciting artists, using the traditional medium of oil paint, she challenges society’s expectations of women – a very powerful exhibition. Free, find out more here.

Sunday 31st October – The Parapod: A Very British Ghost Hunt, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), B12 9QH

The first podcast to be turned into a feature long film. The movies follows two men as they visit the most haunted village in the world whilst one of the two men tries to convince the other that ghosts are real. The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the filmmakers. Tickets £9 from here.

All Month – Black Hertitage Walks Network, Soho House, B18 5LB

The walks are a great opportunity to enjoy some exercise and fresh air, while also developing an understanding of the local place, and community. While walking, the Black Heritage Walks Network encourage participants to take notice of local businesses and groups operating within the area. Free, more information from here.

Manchester

Friday 1st October – All Singing, All Swinging, Albert Halls, BL1 1RU

This concert spectacular celebrates the fabulous music and tells the incredible story of the world-famous Rat Pack. Featuring all the greatest hits of Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and many more timeless classics from the stars of swing and rat pack…with a large dash of wit, charm and charisma thrown in for good measure. Tickets £25.50 from here.

Sunday 10th October – Paint Manchester, Seven Bro7hers Beerhouse, M4 5AF

PopUp Painting invites you unleash your creativity – glass in one hand, paint brush in the other. No experience needed! This event will be themed around Michelle Shore‘s Banksy-inspired Balloon Girl with a Manchester Bee. Tickets £30.99 from here.

Thursday 28th October – Aretha’s Anthems by Black Voices Quintet, The Blues Kitchen, M3 3HN

Black Voices Quintet will pay tribute to the Queen of Soul, the late great Aretha Franklin. The night will be celebrating Aretha Franklin’s 50 year career. Tickets £16.50 from here.

Leeds and York

14th October – The Spitfires, The Constitutional, LS28 5HX

The Spitfires are a Watford-based band pop-punk who have been together since 2012, featuring songwriter Billy Sullivan on vocal/guitars, Sam Long on bass/vocals, Matt Johnson on drums and Chris Chanell on keyboard/vocals. Tickets from here.

28th October – Nunkie Theatre Presents Oh Whistle, The Constitutional, LS28 5HX

Two candle-lit spine-chillers by M R James, the master of the English Ghost Story, performed in candlelight by Robert Lloyd Parry of Nunkie Theatre. Tickets £12.50 from here.

Saturday 9th October – Leeds Black History Walk 2021, Parkinson Building Steps, LS2 9JT

The creation of Heritage Corner’s Joe Williams, this walk exposes unseen narratives and recent history in order to provoke both questions and positivity, and to inspire the people of Yorkshire. Tickets £8 from here.