Compiled by Amanda Griffiths

THEATRE AND DANCE

2nd-7th Blood Brothers

The captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

The Lowry, Salford Quays, 0844 815 4873

6th Steve Hughes

Brand new show ‘While It’s Still Legal’ featuring more thoughtful, outspoken social commentary courtesy of this masterful, erudite and provocative performer.

The Lowry, Salford Quays, 0843 208 6010

6th-14th Rough Justice

Nantwich Players present this gripping courtroom drama by Terence Frisby.

Civic Hall, Nantwich, 01270 600727

11th-14th A Piece of Cake

Bridget Jones meets Nigella Lawson in this delicious romantic comedy. London city girl Penelope is suddenly made redundant and seizes the chance to follow her life long dream of opening a cake shop, helped by bumbling estate agent David, not so bright assistant Lizzie and a handsome carpenter named Peter.

Knutsford Little Theatre, 01565 633000

12th-21st Witness for the Prosecution

Tip Top Productions present this thriller with an uncanny triple flip ending.

The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester, 01244 341296

13th Private Lives

Consensus Touring Theatre present this Noel Coward classic featuring a divorced couple who go on their honeymoon with their new spouses only to find, to their horror, that their former partners are staying in the same hotel – in the next bedroom!

The Brindley, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360

14th Jimmy Carr

Brand new show ‘Gagging Order’ packed with one liners, stories and jokes – some clever, some rude and a few totally unacceptable. Be prepared!

Parr Hall, Warrington

17th-18th Three Phantoms

Three Phantoms from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s eponymous musical are set to haunt, host and perform in a unique event where musical theatre meets the Rat Pack.

The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 7660

18th-21st The Mikado

Set in the zany flashy world of modern fashion houses, this energetic production promises a riot of gorgeous and bizarre creations.

The Lowry, Salford Quays, 0844 815 4873

25th-October 26th

All My Sons

Searing investigation of honesty, guilt and the corrupting power of greed by Arthur Miller.

Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 0844 815 4873

MUSIC AND CONCERTS

Until September 8th

Tickle the Ivories

Liverpool ONE will be alive with the sound of music as the popular and award-winning Tickle the Ivories festival returns to its streets for the third year. The pianos which are scattered throughout Liverpool ONE for ten weeks will host a range of pianists from professionals to members of the public.

Liverpool ONE, www.liverpool-one.com

11th Superstars of Soul

Two true superstars of soul, Ben E King and Jimmy James, join forces to present a stunning show, accompanied by The Vagabonds.

Parr Hall, Warrington,

15th Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas Recital 1

Features John Lill CBE on piano performing Beethoven’s Op.10 No.3 in D, Op.22 in B flat, Op.54 in F, Op.57 in F minor ‘Appassionata’.

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester,

19th Alison Farr

Winner of the BBC’s Young Musician competition in 1998, pianist Alison Farr performs a programme including works by Bach, Brahms, Mozart, Chopin and Mendelssohn.

St Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall, 01925 263183

21st Kate Rusby

Folk superstar Kate Rusby will entertain with a selection of much-loved classics from her back catalogue, stretching over two decades of music making.

The Plaza, Stockport, 0161 4777779

22nd Miyuki Kato

Shackleford Pianos presents a tantalising performance by Japenese pianist Miyuki Kato featuring works by Chopin, Mozart and Respighi.

Shackleford Pianos, Macclesfield, 01625 615033

FAIRS, FESTIVALS, DAYS OUT AND CHARITY EVENTS

1st -30th Handbag Amnesty

The Handbag Amnesty allows customers to bring in any brand of unwanted handbag – new or used - and in turn, receive 20% off a new OSPREY LONDON handbag.

The donated bags will be sold to raises funds for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd

Osprey London - Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

6th-8th Nantwich Food and Drink Festival

The historic town is transformed into a paradise for foodies with a vast array of regionally produced gourmet foods, beer and wine tastings with more than 2,000 products to sample.

Nantwich town centre, 01270 842680

7th Middlewich Annual Show

One of the surviving traditional Cheshire shows with flowers, fruit and vegetables, photography, arts and crafts, cookery and special classes for children and beginners.

Town Hall, Middlewich

11th Winsford Salt Fair

The second Winsford Salt Fair will be held in and around the Winsford Cross Shopping centre with a full programme of events across four days.

Winsford town centre www.winsfordsaltfair.com

12th-14th Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts

150 exhibitors with the latest products, ideas and innovations from the crafting world. Exhibits include the costumes from Simon Callow’s version of the Broadway musical, ‘My Fair Lady’ and the world’s first life sized knitted garden!

EventCity, Manchester, www.ichf.co.uk

14th Homemade Heaven and Vintage Style Fair

With 50 stalls, live entertainment from Heather-Marie and ‘pop up’ vintage tea room.

The Freemasons Hall, Manchester, 07887 767778

21st-22nd Autumn Craft and Food Fair

Celebrate autumn with terrific local food, inspirational gifts in stunning gardens.

Lyme Park, 01663 762023

21st Moore Finance ‘All That Glitters’ Annual Fundraising Ball

Raising Funds for The Moore Foundation and Claire House Children’s Charities

Tickets can be booked by calling 0845 094 0373 or emailing events@moorefinance.com

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Chester Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6JL

22nd Harvest Festival at the Farm

See the steam engine running, have a go at scarecrow making, spinning, making your own corn doll, sheep racing and woodturning demos.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400

27-29th Buy Art Fair & The Manchester Contemporary

Buy Art Fair and The Manchester Contemporary, the largest art fair in the North of England will return to Manchester bringing the original work of more than 500 artists to the city. There will be plenty for art lovers and collectors to choose from with the chance to find something unique from a wide range of contemporary art.

Hardman Boulevard, Spinningfields, Manchester

Free tickets available online at www.buyartfair.co.uk

28th-29th Autumn Fair

A weekend of activities for all the family including the chance to celebrate autumn with local food and crafts.

Quarry Bank Mill, 01625 527468

28th-29th The Tudor Mop Fair

Michaelmas was traditionally the time for hiring servants and labour for the year ahead. Find out more at this traditional fair.

Little Moreton Hall, 01260 272018

30th Go Ape Charity Climb in aid of Help for Heroes and Cancer Research UK

Instructors at the Go Ape course in Delamere Forest will be embarking on a challenge to turn the idea of Go Ape on its head.

Ascending the exact distance from the bottom of the ocean to the top of Mount Everest by pulling themselves up a zip line, the team will be ‘climbing’ a total distance of an impressive 19,772 metres.

Donations can be made on the Go Ape Just Giving and BMyCharity Pages:

www.justgiving.com/go-apedelamere

www.bmycharity.com/goapedelamere

OUR FAB FIVE

1st-30th

Sculpture Exhibition

Visitors can wind their way around the ten acre gardens discovering the spectacular sculpture displays.

Mount Pleasand Gardens, Tarporley, 01829 751592

12th-November 16th

Wicked Manchester

The global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz begins a major tour in Manchester.

The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3038

14th-15th

Battle of Norton Priory

The thunder of canon and musket will sound again with this dramatic civil war re-enactment of the siege of Norton Priory.

Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, 01928 569895

21st-22nd

Cheshire Food Festival

Chef demos, live music throughout the day, a cake-off, men vs food challenges and vintage and craft stalls.

Arley Hall and Gardens, Northwich

28th

The Northern Chamber Orchestra

The Northern Chamber Orchestra present Mozart’s Overturn inspired by the legendary, rakish nobleman, Don Juam, his Symphony no 39 and Dvorak’s towering Concerto.

Heritage Centre, Macclesfield, 0161 247 2220