Music
Weekend city guide: 9 – 11 December
Chill out while enjoying some festive fun because the Christmas season is in full swing in the UK!
But ho-ho-happenings are not all this weekend has to offer. What about sport, you ask? There’s plenty of that with major b-ball, strongman and squash tournaments underway. Live music and a dance party? Oh yeah! We’ve also highlighted some can’t-be-missed theatrical productions – including a panto starring Marti Pellow (shown above).
For more yuletide favourites check out our Winter guide. And if you’re making plans beyond this weekend, we’ve got you covered. Use our London, Manchester and Scotland guides to find cool stuff to do well into the new year.
LIVERPOOL
The Shires
9 December
O2 Academy Liverpool
Y’all in a country mood? After breaking the top 10 with their debut album Brave, the British duo are on the road in support of their sophomore release, My Universe. Hear them Friday in Liverpool or on 11 December at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
LONDON
Dirty Dancing
Until 31 December
Phoenix Theatre
If you’re like us, then you can’t get enough of Baby and Johnny — and that famous lift scene! Well, here’s your chance to see an exhilarating production of the beloved film in the West End. Dirty Dancing opened earlier this week and plays for a limited run until the end of December.
Ragtime
Closes 10 December
Charing Cross Theatre
This is your last chance to catch this lavish musical based on EL Doctorow’s novel in which fictitious characters interact with historical figures. Ragtime’s soul-raising score is so full of energy that you’ll have trouble staying in your seat.
London Lions
11 December
Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Ready for a slam dunk of a good time? Cheer on London’s only professional basketball team as they take on the Newcastle Eagles in this thrilling BBL Cup semi-final game.
GLASGOW
Fatboy Slim
9 December
The SSE Hydro
This Brighton-based DJ has come a long way, baby. In fact, his abilities behind the deck are the stuff of legend, so expect this show to be off the charts. Fatboy Slim will also be spinning his big beats in Manchester on 10 December at Albert Hall with Shadow Child, Solardo and Sam Graham.
Aladdin – The Magical Pantomime Adventure!
10 – 31 December
Clyde Auditorium
Your wish has come true! Marti Pellow appears as the evil sorcerer Abanazar in this hilarious panto that also features Johnny Mac as Wishee Washee along with flying carpets, a genie and other stuff from the story’s whimsical world.
A Matt Goss Christmas
11 December
O2 ABC Glasgow
Before the highly anticipated BROS reunion tour with his brother Luke next August, Matt Goss is coming to the UK to deliver some special Christmas shows. Filled with a mix of classic seasonal covers and his own songs, this is sure to be the most wonderful time of your year!
MANCHESTER
KISStory
9 December
O2 Ritz Manchester
Have the urge to party? Make tracks for this danceworthy event – a KISStory club night. Old skool, anthems, R&B, hip-hop and more spun by Shortee Blitz, DJ Luck and MC Neat and DJ Pioneer are on the bill.
Kula Shaker
10 December
Albert Hall
The ’90s Britpop band is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their iconic million-selling debut K with a tour during which they’re performing that album in its entirety. Kula Shaker will be at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London on 8 – 9 December before appearing Saturday night in Manchester.
NEWCASTLE
Ultimate Strongman World Championship
10 December
Metro Radio Arena
Ever seen giant tyres flipped? How about two motorbikes hoisted on someone’s shoulders? Zydrunas “Big Z” Savickas, Eddie Hall and many more of the biggest, strongest dudes on the planet will battle it out for the Ultimate Strongman World Championship title.
SURREY
Channel VAS Squash
Until 12 December
St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club, Weybridge
Calling squash fans! The world’s top players are busy fighting it out at this quintessentially English lawn tennis club. The quarterfinals will be held on Saturday, with the semi-finals on Sunday and the final on Monday. Proceeds benefit children’s charity CLIC Sargent.
Visit our Winter, London, Manchester and Scotland guides to discover even more activities.
