14

Groups

In Manchester

  • LocationManchester
  • TypeCommunity & interest groups
  • Updated25 June 2026

Arts, Crafts & Creative groups in Manchester

14 community groups in Manchester — find your people.

14 arts, crafts & creative community groups in Manchester, brought together in one place. Whether you are new to Manchester or looking to widen your circle, browse local arts, crafts & creative groups and find your people.

Showing 14 of 14 Arts, Crafts & Creative groups in Manchester

The Ghostlights Collective

Sat
📅 6 Jun 2026
📍 M3 4JQ

The Ghostlights Collective is a Manchester gathering for people interested in myth, folklore, dreams, symbols, strange stories, creativity and the inner life. We meet once a month to explore the old images and ideas that still seem to follow us around: myths, folk tales, dreams, weird fiction, art, psychology, occult history, sacred places, memory, longing, and the hidden patterns beneath ordinary life. It is for writers, artists, photographers, readers, quiet people, curious people, and anyone who would rather talk about meaning than make small talk for two hours. Each gathering has a theme. Sometimes we talk about myths, dreams, symbols or folklore. Sometimes we use simple writing prompts, images, reflection, or small symbolic exercises. You do not need to be an expert. You do not need to be spiritual, artistic, confident, or especially talkative. Curiosity is enough. Ghostlights is not a networking event, an open mic, a therapy group, or a formal workshop. There is no pressure to perform, impress anyone, share personal things, or have clever answers. Listening counts. This space is for people interested in: • Myth, folklore and old stories • Dreams, symbols and Jungian ideas • Strange books, weird fiction and occult art • Creativity, writing, photography and imagination • Thoughtful conversation without social performance • Quiet connection with curious people What to expect: • One monthly gathering in Manchester • A calm, welcoming, low-pressure atmosphere • A clear theme and gentle structure • Group discussion, optional creative prompts, and reflection • Sharing by choice, silence allowed The aim is to build a small, thoughtful community around myth, meaning, creativity and the hidden life of the imagination. A place for the rare, the reflective, and the quietly strange.

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Manchester Classic Films Group

Sun
📅 14 Jun 2026
📍 M15 4FN

Are you sick of superheroes and Jedis? Have you gone cross-eyed from too much CGI? Do you have difficulty remembering or caring what number the Fast and Furious franchise is on? Then come with me, because we’re going back. Back to a time of hard drinking detectives and double crossing dames. A time of quick one liners and million dollar explosions. If you enjoy the look, feel and sound of films from the past, this group is for you. Between HOME, Vue Printworks, Everyman Cinema and Cultplex (formerly Chapeltown Picture House), a wide range of films are regularly available, from classic noirs of the 40s, gory horrors from the 80s, and sharp thrillers of the 90s. The plan is simple. We meet up, grab a drink and then watch a movie. If we are feeling adventurous, we can even talk to each other too. So sign up, come along and watch an old favourite on the big screen. All start times stated on events are for the actual film, not the meetup time. Feel free to join the WhatsApp group here. I will only be using it to post our location pre-film as the Meetup app isn't great with notifications. If you are unable to attend an event, please be sure to change your RSVP so I know how many people to expect and can keep a lookout for latecomers. Multiple no-shows without changing your RSVP will result in you being removed from the group.

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The Sketchbookers (Manchester)

Sat
📅 20 Jun 2026
📍 M12 6HR

Calling all amateur, professional and curious wannabe artists, this might be the perfect group for you! Drawing is action. I have had a passion for the arts since childhood.  'The teaching of drawing is the teaching of looking.' A lot of people don't look very hard - David Hockney This group is an opportunity to: • draw/sketch/create (whatever you like to call it) in a group environment.  • see other ways of expression • spend a few hours broadening horizons on sketching and drawing • practice. Doing is thinking. And looking! Afterwards maybe find a pub for a nice long drink and share ideas on art and have a laugh!  Everyone has the ability to draw. I look forward to meeting you at an event!

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Manchester Witch craft Meetup Group

Wed
📅 10 Jun 2026
📍 M3 3AP

A welcoming meetup group for witches gathers practitioners of all experience levels to share knowledge, celebrate seasonal traditions, discuss spellcraft, herbalism, and divination, and build community. Members exchange ideas, support personal growth, explore magical practices respectfully, and enjoy workshops, rituals, and meaningful connections in a friendly environment for everyone involved.

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History Get Together Group

All agesSun
📅 10 May 2026
📍 M33 7BS

Cosgrove Hall Films’ internationally acclaimed animation collection is now on permanent display in a new, purpose-built space which opened on Friday 16 January 2026 in Sale Library. Catch Danger Mouse, Count Duckula, Chorlton and the Wheelies, and and more old friends in their new forever home. This remarkable collection celebrates a unique chapter in British animation film and TV history and holds a special place in the childhood memories of so many. The exhibition features original puppets, props, sets, and scripts, displayed alongside the storybooks that inspired classics such as The Wind in the Willows and The BFG. As visitors meet their favourite characters – Postman Pat, Noddy and many more – they’ll discover the fascinating history of the studio, explore the artistry behind the animation process, and celebrate a creative legacy that continues to inspire generations of storytellers and animators. We will meet at the cafe in the Waterside Arts Centre next door to the library at 11, and after a short wait and chat we'll go over to the exhibit. After looking around we can either break for lunch or go on to the Great Northern Graduates exhibition at the Waterside, which showcases art from fresh new graduates, then eat. Note that neither exhibit are likely to be large ones, so this is is probably a shorter event than usual. But it is a local and free trip down memory lane :) More info:

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The Manchester Film Fans Meetup Group

All agesSat
📅 16 May 2026
📍 M4 2AD

Moving this event to Vue Printworks * This weekend, we'll meet up to see The Blue Trail on April 18th. We'll meet from 3.45 for the 4.00 at Vue Printworks. We'll meet on the ground floor of Vue, near the ticket office, before heading up to the screen around 3.55.. Following the film, we'll go for a drink at a bar near the cinema. Feel free just to come along for the social if you'd like to catch up. Please ask if you have any questions. --- See the trailer here: Tereza, 77, has lived her whole life in a small, industrialised town in the Amazon, until one day she receives an official government order to relocate to a senior housing colony. The colony is an isolated area where the elderly are brought to ‘enjoy’ their final years, freeing the younger generation to focus fully on productivity and growth. Tereza refuses to accept this imposed fate, instead embarking on a transformative journey through the rivers and tributaries of the Amazon to fulfil one last wish before her freedom is taken away—a decision that will change her destiny forever.

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Manchester Knitting Bee

All agesTue
📅 5 May 2026
📍 M13 9GP

Do you like knitting, crochet or embroidery? Join us for drinks, treats and needlework. You can bring any project you're working on, or the supplies to start one. There's no pressure to work on anything or showcase your projects. THIS IS NOT A WORKSHOP. It is a space to meet other hobbyist and share your love of fiber crafts. Venue: Navarro Lounge Accessibility: Fully Accessible Food/Drink: Hot Drinks, Deserts, Vegan, Gluten Free, Alcoholic & Soft Drinks Food and Drink Offers: Tapas Tuesday | 3 Tapas + Wine/Pint/SoftDrink = £13,75 Please RSVP for the events. We currently only book 1 table, and it seats 10 people. If an event is full and you still want to attend, message the organiser. If you're no longer able to attend, update your RSVP to free the spot for people in the waitlist. Beginners/People new to needlework If you're a beginner or never picked up a needle before, someone more experienced might be able to help you get started. Leave a comment stating what craft you'll need help with, and bring basic supplies. I can guide you on what to bring, OR bring extra supplies for you. We can't guarantee that there will be someone to help you with a specific craft. If you leave a comment, the organiser and other members can tell you if they can help. This meetup is open to everyone. Our aim is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome. If you have any questions about attending, please message the organiser. ------/-------- Community Supplies Basket The organiser is putting together a supplies box for the events, that anyone can use. If you want to know more about it and how you can help, see this discussion post.

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Manchester Art and Cult Cinema Group

Sun
📅 5 Jul 2026
📍 M1 2TP

A group primarily for watching non mainstream films. Anything that falls outside of the multiplex distribution network.  Contemporary independent, classics, arthouse, cult, documentary, short films, avant-garde, world cinema. However you wish to define it! - Pick a film, watch it, discuss it over drinks. Manchester's got the excellent venue of Home and Cultplex, as well as lots of smaller film events that crop up over the year, so an ideal group to meet other cinema enthusiasts ... 

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The Buddy Club

Tue
📅 23 Jun 2026
📍 M3 3AP

Welcome to the BUDDY CLUB. A group for people who are looking to make genuine new friends in the Greater Manchester area. Hosting a mixture of relaxed social get-togethers, meet ups will consist of coffee shops, cinema (Big blockbusters & foreign/independent film) theatre , days out, events, gigs, comedy nights,bowling and much much more. This is a non-political, non-religious & non-competitive group where all are welcome regardless of gender, age, sexuality, race, physical abilities or social backgrounds.So, if introverted or extroverted & wishing to make new friends in your area, please consider yourself more than welcome to join the buddy club, Where there's always a warm hello for everyone. All we ask is that you attend your first event within three months of you joining and you read the discussions segment for rules on no shows This is YOUR group and any suggestions for meet ups you would like to see in future please feel free to just ask. There are a few rules which we have to keep our members safe and can be found on the group discussion board . You can also find us at our Facebook group for extra information. Finally to keep the group strong and going and to pay for the running of the group a £4 a year subscription charge is payable. £3 for guests per event Cheers, Nick .

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The Manchester Film Fans Meetup Group

Sat
📅 27 Jun 2026
📍 M3 3AP

Manchester Film Fans is a friendly and welcoming group where we watch films at a variety of places, usually Odeon Great Northern and HOME. We enjoy anything from big screen blockbusters to independent productions. We are a very social group of people and, following the film, we stay around for a chat, food and a drink in the bar area at HOME. New members are always welcome. Matthew and the other organisers

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Wigan & Leigh Social Hub

Tue
📅 30 Jun 2026
📍 WN6 7DN

Hi, Thanks for looking at our meetup group. We are a community group that based around the Wigan & Leigh & surrounding areas. It's a social group not a dating group. We offer wide range of events, and always will try something new. We appreciate good music and a good film. We dine, we drink we try have a great time meeting old and new friends. We set this social group up to help enjoy having social life instead being all alone looking at four walls. We always make you feel welcome and safe.. We are out to enjoy ourselves just have a laugh and are not scared of laughing at ourselves but we always have a good time. We are a bunch of friendly people always looking to welcome new people, if you think you good at dancing or quizzes or laughing with us your the person we want to meet. It's really simple to join just click the request to join button and we will do the rest. Just make sure picture is just a portrait picture of just yourself, please no pets, children or something that the host will not be able to recognise on any event you attend and this private only to group members. If you have a question message me and i promise to reply. By the way its free to join so hit request to join button and get ready to meet some new friends We try to put events on 2 month in advance so plenty notice given to organise various events you may like to come too. Our events include: Cinema, Variety of Meals, Tribute Bands, Quizzes, Walks, Comedy Nights, Sports Events and Theatre and much, much more. Come and join us, we are a bunch of friendly people always looking to welcome new people and who knows you might enjoy yourself and probably end up having a great social life. Once you join you wonder while you didn't do it sooner.

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Manchester IVC

Sat
📅 11 Jul 2026
📍 M15 6BY

Manchester IVC is a membership club, run by its members for its members. Typical events that we run include an afternoon walk every Sunday, meals, theatre trips, day trips, discussion groups, cinema trips, art gallery tours, pub quiz, etc. Membership is open to anyone, though our members typically tend to be aged 50 upwards. Membership runs from January to December each year, with the current membership fee being just £10. We have agreed that it will be fixed at this amount until at least 2028. New members are always very welcome and will be given any help needed if they want to organise an event once they have got to know people. If you are interested in joining, click the 'Join' button and provide us with an email address so that we can send you a copy of the monthly events bulletin. You are welcome to attend any number of events for a month before deciding whether you wish to join. Only members of IVC can view full details on this Meetup site. So get in touch and enrich your social life! To find out more about Manchester IVC and its events, please email the Membership Secretary on  and we will be delighted to email a programme of events to sample from, along with a membership application form. Health and Safety precautions for members attending all events: Please do NOT attend or lead any face to face IVC event if you recently tested positive for COVID-19 or if any of the following applies: 1\. You have any symptoms of COVID\-19 \(e\.g\. high temperature\, new continuous cough\, loss or change in sense of taste or smell\) 2\. You are awaiting the result of a COVID\-19 test 3\. You have been told to self\-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID\-19 app 4\. Anyone in your household has COVID\-19 symptoms or has been told to self\-isolate\. The latest on coronavirus can be found at [www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19](

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Around Bolton AnyDay Social Group

Thu
📅 9 Jul 2026
📍 BL1 2AH

This group is for people who live in and around Bolton who would like to go to events such as theatre, cinema, shows, music, opera, comedy, art exhibitions, museums, etc. Weekends or weekdays, afternoon or evenings. There are a variety of venues in Bolton - eg Octagon Theatre, Albert Halls, The Light Cinema, Bolton Arena in Horwich - as well as Bolton being easy travelling distance of Salford's The Lowry, and only a train ride away from all the Manchester City Centre theatres and music venues. We could even go on a coach trip to a London show break! To apply to join this group, you need to answer: Whereabouts in Bolton area do you live - place name or first part of postcode. N.B. Please make sure your Meetup profile location matches! What events do you want to go to - e.g. Cinema films, theatre plays, art exhibitions, classical music performances, musical shows, opera, etc etc Which venues would you go to - Bolton, Salford, Manchester, London. What times could you go e.g. Weekend/weekdays, afternoon/evening, various. Anne will post:- a) "What's On" events for information only. b) Suggestions for an event on a particular date, ask for comments from anybody who is interested in meeting me there. c) Events I have booked - you will be able to RSVP to the waiting list if you want to go, and will be transferred to the "Going List" once you have confirmed your booking. Please note that Anne is a volunteer Group Organiser and event host, and is offering to meet people at the venue who make their own way there and buy their own tickets.

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Over 55's AnyDay Socialise, Manchester

Over 55’s AnyDay Socialise, Manchester

Thu
📅 2 Jul 2026
📍 M4 4EE

For people age 55+ who live in Greater Manchester who wish to socialise on various days. \- Short walks of 3\-5 miles \(1\-2 hours\) etc\, with an optional cafe/pub after\. \- Visit places of interest\, museums\, art galleries\, exhibitions\, parks\, cafe's\, etc\. \- Go to the cinema\, theatre\, music concerts\, etc\. \- Meet up for events e\.g\. music/food festivals\, air\-shows\, etc\. Many will be accessible by public transport. Membership is free. When you apply to join, please answer these questions to help us focus our efforts - Whereabouts in Greater Manchester do you live? Are you over 55? What events would you go to? Which days/times are you usually free? Look forward to seeing you at an event. AnneJ

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Frequently asked questions

How many Arts, Crafts & Creative groups are there in Manchester?
SeshDesk lists 14 arts, crafts & creative community groups in Manchester. Browse them all on this page.
How do I join a arts, crafts & creative group in Manchester?
Each arts, crafts & creative group on this page links to its own page, where you can see how to get involved and contact the organisers directly.
What are community groups on SeshDesk?
Community and interest groups are local groups that bring people together around a shared interest — from social meetups to hobbies, support and volunteering. SeshDesk aggregates them so you can find your people in one place.