Key creative events in 2024

05/03/2024

Key creative events in 2024

At the University of Bolton, we’re committed to helping our students grow your creativity and seek inspiration. So today, we’ll be highlighting local and international creative events, workshops, exhibitions and competitions for you to sink your teeth into.

Creative events near Manchester in 2024

When you participate in events locally, there are tons of opportunities for you to network, gain insight and explore diverse artistic expressions.

Manchester Literature Festival

Celebrating literature through author readings, book signings, panel discussions and workshops; there’s always something going on, listed on their community page. Drop in for World Book Day 2024 on the 6th of March or attend any of the talks they sponsor year-round.

Manchester Film Festival

Providing a platform for filmmakers to exhibit their work and engage with audiences, you can explore UK and local premieres, sometimes before anyone else in the world. Just check their listing page for more details.

Manchester Art Fair

On 15-17 November 2024, immerse yourself in contemporary art from galleries across the UK. It’s a great place for art enthusiasts to explore works from emerging and established artists alike.

Afro Fashion Show 2024

At the Hilton Deansgate in Manchester, experience the height of African fashion on the 6th of July, 2024. Explore new and upcoming designers and delight in the expression of the African continent in bright prints and new, bold designs.

Bolton Film Festival

This “festival is a BIFA and BAFTA Qualifying short film festival and a Creative England CE50, it has been consistently voted a "Top 100 reviewed" festival from over 10000+ worldwide on FilmFreeway since inception.” Visit their website to see what’s showing this year, or come along from 15th-24th March.

Manchester Jazz Festival

From the 17-26th of May 2024, celebrate jazz music featuring performances by local artists. Put your glad rags on and get prepared to enjoy some free-flowing notes as you immerse yourself in jazz.

Bolton Pride Festival

Bank holiday weekend, 24th-26th of May 2024, join with other allies and the queer community to promote LGBTQ+ culture and diversity in Bolton. Events have yet to be announced but watch this space for more details.

Manchester Pride Festival

This annual event on 24th August is hosted by one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charities and celebrates queer culture and diversity through parades, performances, art exhibitions and community events. You can see everything that’s going on here; rainbow attire is a definite must.

Right to Roam

Bolton’s biggest metropolitan multi-venue music and arts festival, Right to Roam is back for 2024 from the 5th-6th of July in Bolton Town Centre. It’s only £15 for a weekend ticket and is jam-packed with amazing artists like Ben Brown, TVAM and more.

Manchester Comic-Con

From 27th-28th July, 2024, get surrounded by comics, graphic novels, manga, anime, cosplay and pop culture at Comic-Con. Rove explains, “Traders Hall is full of vendors offering costumes, books, collectables, toys and original art. Props and set displays attract big crowds as well as family-friendly attractions, such as video gaming and other activities. BEC Arena also features a replica Star Wars Cantina Space Bar and much, much more.” Do you imagine yourself in this hyper-creative sector? Why not make some meaningful connections?

Literary Arts Events

Want to attend local author readings, book signings, panel discussions and workshops? They are promoted on listings like All Events. Save this page to your bookmarks and have a look at what’s coming up next month near Manchester.

Put Big Light On

Amazing light art installations from around the world lit up Bolton last year and the festival is back for 2024. Last year’s event featured Borealis by Dan Acher, Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram and Evanescent by Atelier Sisu. Who knows what’s in store for 2024? Prepare to be inspired!

Albert Halls Bolton

Want to experience comedy, music, drama, dance and pantomime performances? It’s all on at the Albert Halls on Victoria Square. They promise a historic theatre, incredible venues and a very cool Albert Bar and Café to get your juices flowing.

HOME Manchester

This venue promises to be the place to see “thrilling theatre and dance shows, experience great independent films from across the world, dive into the new art in [their] galleries, relax in [their] café and browse [their] bookshop.” Have a look at the wide range of events they have on, listed here.

Key international events for 2024

Across design, film, art, technology, entrepreneurship, fashion, music and literature, here are just a few international stages for learning, networking and recognition on a global scale. 

Why not consider the:

● A' Design Award and Competition
● Blueprint
● Cannes Film Festival
● Edinburgh International Book Festival
● Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA)
● Hult Prize
● Montreux Jazz Festival
● New York Fashion Week
● Venice Biennale

Local Workshops

Let’s say you want to get a little more hands-on. Well, first, you have the events, workshops and skill-building sessions offered at the University of Bolton. They’re showcased on our events page here. But there are many more events on offer to boost your creativity held locally:

Manchester Craft & Design Centre

From watercolour workshops to craft supply swaps, there are a wide range of classes and meetups held at 17 Oak Street in Manchester every week at this registered charity. Drop in and see what’s on offer.

Z-arts

Have little ones? This family-friendly space provides workshops and classes for young creatives in areas such as theatre, dance, digital arts and creative writing. See what they have for 2024 by clicking here. It’s creative fun for the whole family.

The Lowry Centre

They say they are “proud to be the most visited cultural venue in the North West. Taking inspiration from the artistic work on [their] stages and in [their] Galleries, The Lowry aims to be a creative space where anyone, regardless of age or experience, can express themselves. [And they] have a range of fantastic workshops and programmes to get involved with all year round.”

Bolton Student Life

And lastly, don’t forget that you can get involved with one of the many creative clubs here at the Bolton University. Flex your creative muscles at Geek Culture, Graphic Design, Film FX, Student Diversity, Table Top or one of the many other amazing club and society options here at Bolton.

As always, we’re here to support you. We’re an inclusive University in the heart of Bolton, Greater Manchester that wants you to explore and truly embrace your creative side. So, if you want more information on what’s on or have any questions about our warm and nurturing classroom environment, please reach out to our helpful team at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call on 01204 952 747. We want you to experience #UniAsItShouldBe today!

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