From fashion festivals to makeup masterclasses, Body Confidential has this month's diary sorted

Autumn may be in full swing, but there’s far more to focus on this month than switching up your wardrobe. Fashion festivals, makeup masterclasses and a host of fab freebies – hold on to your baker boy hats ladies, because this month is going to be busy.     



Author Holly Ringland in conversation | PORTER + cole, 1 October

Australian author and University of Manchester writing graduate, Holly Ringland, released her debut novel The Lost Flowers Of Alice Hart earlier this year to the hungry delight of international publishers, securing publication deals in over twenty countries. Join her in conversation with Confidentials’ journalist L’Oreal Blackett as she shares her personal inspirations behind the book and how she turned a traumatic story into success. Canapes, cocktails and a chance to network with like-minds will provided after the discussion. 

Tickets free – register here
PORTER + cole, 124 High Street, Manchester, M4 5JY

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Holly Ringland in conversation with journalist L'Oreal Blackett - 1 October

The Fashion Network Sample Sale | University of Manchester, 1 and 2 October

Meet the brains behind brands, source new career opportunities and discover the best new names in fashion at this two-day pop-up. If you’re looking to gain industry insight, learn how to embark on a fashion career or just fancy browsing some up-and-coming brands at crazy prices, then this is an event not to miss.

Tickets free – book them here
University Of Manchester Students' Union, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PR

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The Fashion Network sample sale

JAG FIIT Bootcamp | Grindsmith Deansgate, 2 October

Fancy kick-starting your day with an early morning workout? With a 45-minute session burning up to 1,000 calories, JAG Fitness is exactly the kind of session you need to turbocharge your working week. From resistance training to kettlebells and core workouts, this fat blasting bootcamp promises to keep the fat burning during and after the workout. Ten per class, registration essential.

Free trial – full session £6 – register here
231-233 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN


An evening with Violette, Estee Lauder Global Beauty Director | Selfridges Trafford, 4 October

From art school alum to self-taught makeup artist, to Global Beauty Director to a prestigious makeup brand – Violette is proof of the power of social media. The French influencer and It girl has stacked up a loyal fanbase of over 500k across social media, all of which hungrily await each new product launch. This month, join the French beauty as she launches her exclusive new makeup range - La Dangeruese Collection by Violette. Enjoy a makeup masterclass hosted by the influencer herself before a meet-and-greet. Ticket price redeemable against product.

Tickets £45 – buy them here
Selfridges & Co, Regent Crescent, Stretford, M17 8DA


Elle Edit Trunk Show | Harvey Nichols, 4 October

Clothes looking more drab than fab? Cue Harvey Nichol’s Trunk Show, a curated collection of new season brands that no wardrobe should be without. Edited by Elle magazine, let Elle’s Senior Fashion team guide you through the latest trends, the new brands to watch out for and the timeless classics every woman should own at this exclusive trunk show event.

Tickets £15 – buy them here – 6.30pm
First Floor Harvey Nichols, 21 New Cathedral Street, Manchester, M1 1AD


Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair | Upper Campfield Market Hall, 11-14 October

Looking for a unique piece for your city centre flat? Then look no further. Over 150 designers and makers are descending on Manchester for the Contemporary Craft Fair – a curated creative marketplace home to everything from fine jewellery and fashion accessories to functional pieces for the home. Meet the artists and watch them demonstrate how they craft their work, before snapping up an original piece for yourself.

Tickets £6.50 – buy them here 
Upper Campfield Market Hall, Barton Street, Manchester, M3 4NN

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Visit the Great Northern Craft Fair at Upper Campfield Market Hall

Manchester Fashion Festival | The Midland Hotel, 13 October

Zeynep Kartal, Nadine Merabi and Boda Skins are just a few of the global fashion brands that will showcasing at this year’s fashion festival. A tribute to local talent, the exclusive event will be hosted by Corrie royalty Catherine Tyldesley and feature guest appearances from brand ambassadors Bhavna Limbachia and Boda Skins CEO Nathan Alexander. Following a catwalk of new season clothing, guests can enjoy a three-course meal at the Midland Hotel.  

Tickets start at £100 – buy them here
16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS


Never Stop MCR hike to Cautley Spout | Blacks Deansgate, 13 October

Think you can’t explore the great outdoors in autumn? Think again. As part of a host of free activities taking place across Manchester, Blacks Outdoors is hosting a free hike trip to Cautley Spout in the Yorkshire Dales. Participants will get a free bus ride to the start of the trail, before the qualified head trainer of Never Stop London navigates you around a beautiful hillside route. The hike finishes at a local pub for lunch (not provided) before catching the coach back to Manchester.

Tickets free – register here
Meeting point: Blacks, 200 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3NN

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Hike through the Yorkshire Dales with Never Stop Manchester

Lululemon Sweatathlon | Arundel Street, 14 October

Don’t let the cooler weather calm your workout routine. Join athleisure brand lululemon for their ultimate Sweatathlon – a free exercise event that will see participants push their bodies to the limit through a series of training, running and strength-based exercises. Train for 45 minutes, run 2km and then complete a 45-minute yoga session to complete the course. Workouts are scalable depending on experience and open to all levels.

Tickets free – register here
Train CrossFit Manchester, 6 Arundel Street, Manchester, M15 4JZ


Makeup Masterclass with Cassie Lomas | Harvey Nichols, 17 October

To mark the retailer’s Beauty-full October campaign, Harvey Nichols is hosting a series of expert sessions with makeup masterminds. On 17 October, celebrity makeup artist Cassie Lomas is sharing her expertise at exclusive one-on-one tutorials at the Cathedral Street store. Learn industry tips from the founder of an acclaimed makeup academy before perusing the aisles for products to add to your own makeup kit.

Tickets £15 – book here
Harvey Nichols, 21 New Cathedral Street, Manchester, M1 1AD


Free haircuts at London School of Barbering | Fountain Street, Various dates

Whilst ‘new season, new look’ is a mantra that most adopt come the changing months, forking out for a fresh look can be costly. Fortunately, the London School of Barbering is on and to sharpen up your look for free. The Manchester academy is offering free haircuts across the month with their trainee staff – simply register on their website to book a slot.

Tickets free – register here
London School of Barbering – Manchester, 44 Fountain Street, Manchester City Centre M2 2BE

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Free barber cuts at London School Of Barbering - Manchester

Movie scene painting with UV paint | Chapter One, 19 October

If you fancy less boozy Friday night antics, then head to Chapter One. Every Friday and Saturday, the cosy coffee shop hosts pop-up painting classes, covering styles from Van Gogh to kitsch kittens. This month, the quirky class is paying tribute to iconic movie scenes with a dab of UV paint for extra effect. So sit down, soak up the relaxed vibes of the Northern Quarter café and spend an evening unleashing your creative spirit at this engaging evening class.

Tickets £20 – register here
Chatsworth House, 19 Lever St, Manchester M1 1BY


Tribe.MCR launch event & workout | Sadler’s Yard, 20 October

Join Tribe.MCR to celebrate their launch with a group training session. Founded by Dr Jessicarr Moorhouse – an NHS Doctor, Physiotherapist and Personal Trainer – the new approach to fitness hopes to use exercise to promote all aspects of health. The feel-good workout will be followed by nutritious snacks from superfood café Pres, including cold pressed juices and smoothie bowls. Whether you’re just starting out on your exercise journey or want to ramp things up, try a new approach to fitness to kick start a more active lifestyle. All attendees will receive a voucher for a FREE Group Training session at Sadler's Yard, held every Wednesday evening at 6.30pm.

Tickets £10 – get them here   Sadler’s Yard, Redfern Street, Manchester M60 0AB


Nars 'Beauty & the Bellini' event | The Anthologist, 20 October

If spending Saturday splurging on your favourite beauty brand isn’t satisfying enough, it’s about to get a whole lot better. The Anthologist is hosting beauty-meets-brunch events this season with a line-up of world-famous names. This month it’s French cosmetics brand Nars’ turn to take the stage, hosting the makeup masterclass before guests tuck into brunch and bellinis. 

Tickets cost £25, including your choice of eggs (Benedict, Royale or Florentine) and a Bellini
RSVP - email Tara.Donelon@drake-morgan.co.uk to register - 11pm - 2pm
The Anthologist, St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 3DE

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Nars: Beauty & the Bellini event at The Anthologist

Fell by Obscura Theatre | Antwerp Mansion, 22,23 & 25 October

There's much more to Antwerp Mansion than all-night raves. If you're used to partying the night away at this student hangout, then brace yourself for its more sinister side. This month, the abandoned mansion is playing host to an immersive horror production that promises spine-tingling suspense. A missing child, a police officer's dedication and the awakening of a dark ancient force come to life in the viscous tale of Fell. Antwerp Mansion will never be the same again. 

Tickets £9 (standard), £7 (concession) - but them here
Antwerp Mansion, Rusholme, M14 5AG. 22nd, 23rd and 25th of October

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See Antwerp Mansion's more sinister side at 'Fell'

Alternative wedding fair & fake wedding | Victoria Baths, 28 October

Set in the stunning location of Victoria Baths, this is a wedding fair with a difference. Guests at the Magpie Wedding Show will not only meet alternative vendors - they’ll see them in action at a fake wedding. Eat the cake, taste the gin, visit the glitter bar and test out the DJ at this practice trial of your big day. This year’s theme is celestial metallics with a nod to the 1930s - so glamour is guaranteed. Plus £1 of every ticket sold will be donated to The Red Box Project, helping to provide sanitary products to impoverished school girls in the UK.  

Tickets £4 – buy them here
Victoria Baths, Hathersage Rd, Manchester M13 0FE