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Autumn leaves

Autumn is in the air: Six things to cure your end of summer blues

Autumn is here and if you are feeling a little bit gloomy, Manchester has all you need to get you feeling seasonal.

Grey skies, torrential rain, and that melancholy work commute have helped plague the season with its depressive reputation.

But with many events on the horizon, there is no need to reminisce about those lazy days in the sun…

Sports in Manchester:

The Premier League and Champions League can always be trusted to make waves in Manchester. Whether you are a red, a blue or a neutral, those Champions League nights are sure to give your mid-week slump exactly what it needs.

Manchester United and Manchester City are both competing in the tournament, adding a buzz around the city as the teams fight for the coveted trophy.

old trafford at night
Image credit: David Dixon. Old Trafford at night.

Explore Manchester pubs and sports bars, find a great seat and grab a drink to take in the exciting atmosphere of match day.

Not into football? Sale Sharks have got you covered.

Take a trip to the AJ Bell Stadium to watch the Premiership Rugby team in action. And fans of rugby league will once again be able to watch the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 14.

Concerts are back:

Festival season is over.

It is no secret that the music scene in Manchester is truly alive and kicking, so you are never too far from a venue or artist itching to create a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Manchester’s AO Arena, O2 Apollo, and Academy are getting ready to present a whole host of shows now that concert season is upon us.

Whether you’re a fan of 5 Seconds of Summer, Fall Out Boy or Ellie Goulding, a venue in this city has the gig for you, guaranteed to give your chilly autumn nights the boost they need.

And if they don’t, a bit of S Club at the AO Arena is sure to do the trick.

Get cosy with coffee:

Every year, coffee lovers await the return of the delicious seasonal menu at their favourite café.

Costa’s maple hazel line is back with a bang, and the new chocolate hazel frappe is a certified chocolate lovers’ dream.

Pumpkin Spice has also returned. Starbucks is giving you something to perk up your mornings with the return of social media’s most controversial drink.

And with Manchester boasting a wide range of independent coffee shops, there’s something for everyone.

Autumn clothing essentials:

Chunky boots and cable knits have returned to the shelves as high street stores release their autumnal ranges.

Urban Outfitters’ has not failed to impress with its ‘Fall Essentials’ range which re-imagines plaid shirts and corduroy trousers, while adding an edge to your average knit jumpers.

H&M has also made fashionable fall fits an easy task, hopping on the trend of faux leather garments and chunky office attire.

Or head to Affleck’s where you can find loads of independent clothing shops preparing for the colder months.

Halloween happiness:

Dust off the costumes and carve those pumpkins because Manchester has everything you need to make this Halloween the scariest one yet.

This year, October 31 is bringing all treats and no tricks as Manchester welcomes Halloween in the city.

Why not get dressed up in your scary suits and dance the night away at the Monster Rock Music Festival? Or maybe take part in the team trick vs team treat challenge, competing in ghoulish games to win points and prizes.

With that familiar grey returning to the city skies, who doesn’t need a pop of colour and a bit of fun added to their daily commute? Giant, inflatable monsters are set to invade the Manchester skyline, planting themselves on streets and rooftops.

Halloween in the city party
Image credit: David Dixon. Monsters Rock! Party procession at Halloween in the City last year.

With heaps of lively club nights and party events, the city assures you that it is the place to be this Halloween, so get those costumes ready and make this October one to remember.

Christmas Market magic:

It is never too early to get festive, especially when the countdown to the Manchester Christmas Markets is just beginning.

This year, the much-loved markets return on November 10, sure to top off the best autumn ever in spectacular fashion and spin you with a shimmering segue into winter.

And the city welcomes the Markets’ Ice rink on October 27, perfectly easing you in.

Highly anticipated, the central Manchester festivities did not disappoint last year, with Yorkshire pudding wraps and karaoke becoming an instant hit with customers.

Manchester Christmas Markets
Image credit: Mike Peel. Manchester Christmas Markets in 2015

Take a trip down the brightly decorated streets of Manchester, visiting various independent venders who sell once in a lifetime treats, drinks, ornaments and clothes and take in the magic.

Featured image credit: Terry Lucas.

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