Join us at the monastery for a selection of seasonal and light music. As usual, the programme will include popular audience participation carols. Come and enjoy the festivities with mince pies and mulled wine in the inspirational surroundings of Gorton Monastery.

World-famous tenor who has won four Brit Classical Awards and is still the only artist to top the UK and US classical charts at the same time.

Join Gill Harbach for a fascinating tour of the Monastery, to find out the Hidden Secrets, but actually In Plain Sight, of this amazing building You will be going down a rabbit hole to discover all about sacred architecture, symbolism, mysticism, the real story of St Francis & St Clare, plus the Monastery’s connection with the Knights Templar The tour is all on the ground floor but it does involve a flight of three steps and is partly outdoors so please bring outdoor clothing About Gill Harbach: Gill Harbach is a Franciscan & esoteric wisdom researcher, meditation teacher & spiritual mentor based at the Monastery She also presents a series of two hour talks on Sundays at the Monastery on likeminded subjects, see the Monastery events calendar for details

The Print Pattern Archive is an exceptional private collection of over 50,000 antique fabric swatches and wallpaper books spanning from the mid-18th century to the 1980s. Visitors are mesmerised by the collection of handwoven, heritage, conversational, florals, geometrics, mid-century, bark cloths, scenic, heraldic, jacquards, damasks, foliage, novelty, ornate, chinoiserie, juvenile and baroque prints from all over the world. From Japanese silks to beautiful British florals, it’s a treasure trove of historical and global design inspiration. The archive owner, Cheryl O’Meara, is a designer and talented master of aesthetics. Join her for an exclusive exploration of her rare archive.

The Autumn Equinox marks a time of balance, when the sun rises and sets exactly twelve hours apart, and the Earth prepares for the transition into the darker half of the year. As the harvest season unfolds, we acknowledge the wisdom of the season’s change and the richness it brings. Nature’s cycles offer a moment to reflect on our own growth and the transitions in our lives. Join us for our 2025 Autumn Equinox celebration, led by Nicola & Jason from The Way of the Buzzard, as we gather to celebrate the balance of light and dark. This is a time to connect with the rhythms of nature, reflect on the journey so far, and revel in the abundance and beauty of the season. Together, we’ll share moments of connection, reflection, and gratitude, as well as singing and drumming in community to immerse in the energy of the equinox and the wisdom of autumn. Let us come together to appreciate the harmony of the season and the blessings it brings. - Immerse in the Autumn Equinox energies of balance and abundance - Connect with nature’s rhythms, and align with the natural world’s emergence - Tap into an ancient way of being with like-minded people to tune into your spiritual guidance Who should attend? This celebration is perfect if you: - Are looking to align yourself more with the natural cycles of nature - Would like to deepen your experience working with the shamanic and nature connection toolkit - Are an ‘old hand’ at all of this but would like to celebrate the Autumn Equinox with likeminded folk - Are a first-timer and keen to give it a go The practicalities: - You don’t need any experience in anything whatsoever to take part - If you have a drum or rattle, bring it along with you - Bring your journal or notepad and something to write with About your hosts: “We, Jason and Nicola Smalley, are edge dwellers and Shamanic Practitioners living in the Silverdale AONB in the northwest of England. For the past twenty years, we have been individually seeking a spiritual connection that is aligned with our core beliefs and values. This search led us to discover shamanism, and ultimately to each other. The Way of the Buzzard became our voice in the World. We have taught thousands of people the power of the shamanic toolkit and nature connection. We support others on their healing journey to find their purpose and their path through our online membership community ‘The Mystery School’, online courses, retreats, monthly shamanic journey circles, nature connection films and sacred tools. When we aren’t working, we can both be found roaming the local crags, coast, woodlands and meadows in our locale. Our passion is anything connected to nature and the mysteries of the Earth.”

This guided tour offers a fascinating insight into the life and work of the friars who created this much-loved place of worship and important example of Manchester architecture. Learn about the rise, decline and fall of The Monastery and its magnificent restoration, and find out what makes this famous Manchester landmark so special. Our guided tours bring this incredible story to life! This is a walking tour of The Monastery and takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

Award-winning British songwriters, composers and multi-instrumentalists Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington are The Blackheart Orchestra. One of the must-see bands pioneering folktronica duo blend musical styles seamlessly sidestepping boundaries to create music huge enough to fill a cathedral. Always producing something beyond all easily marketed genres, their multi-instrumental sonic landscapes have always been too unpredictable and adventurous for the mainstream. Fusing acoustic fragility and pulsing electronica, The Blackheart Orchestra bring together stringed instrument dexterity with 80's synthesisers and clear classical influences. Often mistaken for an eight-piece band on first listen, they are found on stage continuously changing from electric and acoustic guitars, bowed guitar, piano, organ, bass and electronic percussion to vintage synthesisers, omnichord and melodica in a complex choreographed weave of musical moods and textures. One moment their sound is minimal and molecular, the next a mountain-like wall of sound with vast symphonic climaxes. Their four critically acclaimed albums and mesmerising live shows have won them obsessive worldwide fans, plaudits from musical giants and placements on TV commercials and films. Chrissy Mostyn's haunting vocals, the Mike Oldfield-like multi-instrumental playing of Rick Pilkington plus their fearless combination of conventional and unconventional all reflect their self-created universe where art meets sound and words paint pictures that take you with them on their deep musical journey into the human psyche.

Join us for Rainbow Warriors family yoga and mindful colouring We will begin with a fun and uplifting family yoga class, taking you on a magical adventure whilst teaching simple techniques to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing Mindful colouring cultivates inner peace and helps to channel energy, develop focus, concentration and mindfulness Don't just take our word for it, come along and experience for yourself the wonderful benefits of yoga and mindful colouring.

Join John Hofton for a Healing Sound Bath here at The Monastery, Manchester For those of you wishing to lie down for the session, please bring a blanket Sound healing is recognised as an aid to deep relaxation, increased energy flow and is a way to still the mind and feel more connected to your inner core John uses a wide selection of highly resonant sound healing instruments in these sessions : e.g. Tibetan Singing Bowls, Traditional American Indian Drone Flute, Gemshorn, Dream Chau Gong, Sacred Solfeggio Tuning Forks, Tubular Bells, and Quartz Singing Bowls This is a gentle, refined and subtle form of healing which works holistically on mind, body and spirit Feel more relaxed, calmer, happier, more energised and in balance

With textile artist Lou Withers Step into the rich world of heritage embroidery and spend a full day learning the exquisite art of goldwork; one shimmering stitch at a time. This immersive workshop, led by renowned textile artist, Lou Withers, guides you through the process of creating a beautifully detailed hand-stitched goldwork bee a symbol of industry, elegance and Manchester pride. Whats included? Full day of expert tuition (10am4pm) All materials provided, including enough to make a second bee at home A light lunch and refreshments throughout the day Your very own hand-stitched goldwork bee to take home

Hosting over 30 incredible Wedding Suppliers for a unique and luxury Wedding Fayre & Open Day. Step into the awe-inspiring Great Nave with its spectacular high, vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, intricate stonework and grand altar, the Great Nave is a masterpiece of gothic revival architecture; pure romance. Explore the tranquil Archangel Garden and the atmospheric Cloisters - all set to inspire your dream day. Get ready for a Wedding Show to remember!

As part of our Gorton and Belle Vue Family Fun Day, we are pleased to offer a fun and educational interactive animal handling experience which is suitable for all ages and abilities There will be 8 animals to handle in our special one-hour workshop : - Woody the Barn Owl - Cookie the Guinea Pig - Monty the Royal Python - Lola the Leopard Gecko - Milly The Millipede - Fredo the Tree Frog - Jambo The African White Faced Owl - Incy Wincy the Tarantula All persons aged 16 or under must have a ticket and be accompanied by at least one paying adult All persons entering the experience, regardless of age, must purchase a ticket Only 35 tickets available so please book early to avoid disappointment! 'Animals Take Over' are based in Cheshire, North West England, and have a special selection of animals that children can touch and hold, whilst learning lots of fascinating facts about each and every one of them Fully Licensed Public Liability Insurance Full Risk Assessment DBS Checked HND Animal Behaviour & Welfare Over 14 Years Experience animals listed may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control

Do you want to act? Are you a Drama Queen / King? Have you wanted to try something new and challenging? Actor Stefan Gumbs, best known for his roles in BBC's Waterloo Road, BBC's Doctors, Ken Loach's Looking For Eric and many more TV, Film and Stage roles. This class is open to everyone from Beginners to Advanced We will be working with scripts from TV and Film, improvisation and working on confidence building

Local Wedding suppliers attending, including bridalwear, musicians, cake designers, photographers, florist and much, much more.

As part of our Gorton and Belle Vue Family Fun Day, we are pleased to offer a fun and educational interactive animal handling experience which is suitable for all ages and abilities There will be 8 animals to handle in our special one-hour workshop : - Woody the Barn Owl - Cookie the Guinea Pig - Monty the Royal Python - Lola the Leopard Gecko - Milly The Millipede - Fredo the Tree Frog - Jambo The African White Faced Owl - Incy Wincy the Tarantula All persons aged 16 or under must have a ticket and be accompanied by at least one paying adult All persons entering the experience, regardless of age, must purchase a ticket Only 35 tickets available so please book early to avoid disappointment! 'Animals Take Over' are based in Cheshire, North West England, and have a special selection of animals that children can touch and hold, whilst learning lots of fascinating facts about each and every one of them Fully Licensed Public Liability Insurance Full Risk Assessment DBS Checked HND Animal Behaviour & Welfare Over 14 Years Experience animals listed may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control

Trio Farben is an ensemble of flute, viola and harp, who have been playing together since 2019 after meeting during their studies at the Guildhall School The trio are performing their project A celebration of Ralph and Ursula Vaughan Williams at The Monastery this August, as part of their 2025 Summer Tour across the UK As a trio, they have been inspired and captivated by Ralph and Ursula Vaughan Williams commitment to preserving, collecting and sharing traditional British folk songs within their lifetimes. They aim to emulate the Williams spirit by performing a programme to champion their art, the folk music that they sought to preserve, the music of their contemporaries and new music that they have inspired.