1. Days out: C-old Trafford, Chorlton, Levenshulme

Oldham Advertiser, Friday 25 November 2005
Ice skating at Old Trafford, donkeys in Chorlton, and Christmas arriving at Platt Fields Park, we look at what's going on over the next week.

2. The big picture: accessible art

Oldham Advertiser, Friday 11 November 2005
It is usually frequented by film-goers and party-seekers, but a new show held in The Printworks hopes to dispel some of the popular myths about the art world. Conrad Astley takes a look.

3. Interview: outsider looking in

Oldham Advertiser, Friday 11 November 2005
The bestselling author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - made into a hit film starring Kevin Spacey and John Cusack - is coming to Manchester to sign copies of his new book, The City of Falling Angels. Conrad Astley spoke to writer John Berendt.

4. A bit about . . . Bill Hicks

Oldham Advertiser, Friday 4 November 2005
Bill Hicks was one of America's most confrontational stand-ups, with his attacks on the first President Bush, the 1991 Gulf War, the US media's anti-drug's stance and self-righteous non-smokers. Following his death from cancer in 1994, Hicks became a Lenny Bruce of his generation. Now, a new production called Bill Hicks: Slight Return, comes to the Royal Exchange. Here actor Chas Early, playing Bill, takes a look at what the comic would have to say.

5. Review: Happy Mondays

Oldham Advertiser, Friday 4 November 2005
The Happy Mondays return to Manchester did not disappoint. Conrad Astley was there.

6. Festive markets special

Oldham Advertiser, Friday 11 November 2005
This is the seventh year of the popular Manchester festive markets and this year promises to be more exciting than ever. Conrad Astley has a look at what you can expect.

7. The big picture: art meets technology

Oldham Advertiser, Friday 25 November 2005
Although his work was used on films such as Return of the Jedi, Pat O'Neill has used technology to create some of the most groundbreaking visions ever seen on film. Conrad Astley looked at an exhibition of his photography, films and drawings.

8. A bit about... Ima Castro

Oldham Advertiser, Friday 25 November 2005
Ima Castro, playing Kim in Miss Saigon, has been dubbed the "miracle from Manila" by the show's composer. She was a successful recording artist in The Philippines before being chosen to play the doomed lover of American GI Chris. She will be at Manchester's Palace Theatre from November 30 until January 7.

9. Days out: bonfire night and the Christmas lights switch-on

Oldham Advertiser, Friday 4 November 2005
We take a look at fireworks events near you, and next week's Christmas lights switch-on.

10. The big picture: Beatles behind the scenes

Oldham Advertiser, Friday 4 November 2005
A new collection offers a fresh look at the world's most photographed band. Conrad Astley finds out more.