The fortnightly Love Manchester message will keep you up-to-date with all the exciting things going on in our city that you can get involved with. This could be anything from giving us your opinion on new ideas, to being a part of some of Manchester’s great sporting, music or cultural events.

Unmissable firework displays and bonfires
28 October - 5 November
Various Locations
Wrap up warm, brave the autumn chill and stay safe at dazzling firework displays and bonfires across the city. Entry to firework displays is free; however, donations to Friends of the Park groups/Park. Trusts of £1 per adult at the 5 November events would be appreciated and help fund future displays and activities in the park. Visit www.manchester.gov.uk/bonfires for a list of events across the city.

Manchester Street Markets
Every Saturday
Various Locations
The Manchester Street Markets take place every Saturday of the month at various locations across the city. You will find them at the following places:

With everything from the finest wild salmon, to mouth-watering cupcakes and bespoke clothing and arts & crafts, the Street Markets are a wonderful place to pick up fresh produce or shop for that special gift. Pop along or find out more at www.manchestermarkets.com

Sunday Market and Car Boot
New Smithfield Market
Every Sunday, 7am-2pm
New Smithfield Market’s Sunday Car Boot Sale is a bargain-hunter's paradise. Teeming with traders and buyers, the market features all you would expect from a classic car boot, but on a grand scale. You’ll find a huge range of goods from clothing and bric-a-brac, to new and second-hand furniture. Whilst you are there, why not browse the Sunday indoor market and pick up fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, books and CD’s or relax with a cup of tea and admire your bargain purchases at the indoor café.
Do you want to sell at Sunday Car Boot?
If you want to sell your wares at the market, it couldn't be easier. There is no need to book in advance, just turn up at the market with your goods and your trading equipment (stall, table, rails, etc). Vacant spaces are allocated from 6am on a first-come, first-served basis and trading is from 7am - 2pm. Find out more at www.manchestermarkets.com

Manchester Comedy Festival
To 30 October
Various Venues
There's still chance to catch the last few days of the annual Manchester Comedy Festival as it showcases a dazzling array of talent, with a healthy dose of special shows and acts from all over the globe. From the big names to the small and quirky, shows for all tastes and budgets, this year is proving to be the biggest and best yet.

Manchester Science Festival
To 30 October
Various Venues
Dust off your lab coat, roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty at Manchester Science Festival 2011. This year’s highlights include BBC Bang Goes the Theory LIVE Experience and Polar, an inspiring arctic documentary with a live orchestral soundtrack. You can also transform a kettle to a robot, play a harp that sings in the wind and knit a solar system, so let the kids get stuck in and discover the wonders of science this October half term.

Adoption Information Evening
3 November
Manchester Town Hall
Manchester City Council currently has a number of children waiting for adoptive parents - many of these in sibling groups with ages ranging from 2-9 years old. Turn your dream into reality. Learn about the benefits and experience of adopting a child by attending our Information Evening - here you can speak directly to our adoption team, social workers and families who have been through the process. For more information visit www.manchester.gov.uk/adopt

Ford Madox Brown: Pre Raphaelite Pioneer
To 29 January 2011
Tickets: £8 / £6 Concessions
This autumn, Manchester Art Gallery stages the first major exhibition of Ford Madox Brown’s work since 1964. The show brings together 140 works from public and private collections, including his epic paintings of Victorian life Work and The Last of England. Discover the stories behind masterpieces and explore Brown’s pioneering role in the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Buy tickets online at: www.manchestergalleries.org/fordmadoxbrown Tickets: £8 (£6 concessions, free entry for Friends, Patrons and under-18s)

Thank You Manchester - A Celebration of Volunteering
Saturday 29 October, 1 - 3pm
Manchester Town Hall
The Lord Mayor is holding a celebration thank you event for everyone who supported our City after the disturbances in August, and to those whose ongoing volunteering efforts have made a positive impact to our wonderful city. A variety of volunteering groups and organisations who will be showcasing volunteering opportunities at the event and you will be able to meet volunteers and find out more about what they do. No matter what your interests are or how much time you have to give, there is a volunteering opportunity suitable for you! If you would like to attend to find out more about volunteering opportunities for you in Manchester, please register your interest to attend either by e-mail: campaigns.team@manchester.co.uk Tel: 0161 253 2733.

Coming Soon...

Manchester's Christmas Lights Switch On Thursday 10 November from 6.30pm.
Every year, Albert Square hosts the biggest Christmas party in the north west and this year it will be bigger and better! Come and join a host of celebrities and special guests to celebrate Manchester’s Christmas Lights Switch On and our dazzling Firework Finale. The show will be hosted by Key 103’s Mike Toolan and Chelsea Spokes. There will be a special performance by cast members from Dirty Dancing, which is coming to the Palace Theatre this festive season and an appearance by Suzanne Shaw, who is starring as Cinderella in the Opera House's Christmas pantomime Cinderella, Plus a very special message from a special cast member of Scrooge showing at the Lowry over Christmas. Listen to the wonderful voices of the Manchester Show Choir and courtesy of the Printworks, enjoy the amazing dance moves of the winners of the Printworks Street Dance Competition Soar I.N.K. All this and the stars of our show, the beautiful and multi talented Nicola Roberts and chart topping Tinchy Stryder. There’s no need for tickets it’s free. Simply wrap up warm, grab your family and friends and get ready to have fun!