Free events in November

Free things to do in November across Greater Manchester:

Christmas lights switch-on

It's that time of year again, when the Christmas markets return to the centre of Manchester and everyone gets in the Yuletide spirit.

Before all that begins though, there's the annual turning-on of the Christmas Lights, held as always in Albert Square.

The star turns are led by the dual talents of X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, who'll also be pushing the button that turns the lights on, and Jay-Z collaborator Mr Hudson.

Also turning out to join in the fun are a selection of the on-stage attractions from around Manchester, including members of the casts of the Opera House's Aladdin, The Lowry's White Christmas and the Library Theatre's Grimm Tales.

The Manchester Christmas Lights switch-on is in Albert Square at 6pm on Thurs 12 Nov.

For more information, see the Manchester City Council website.

Worsley village heritage trail

From a clock that strikes 13 to 52 miles of underground canals, it's safe to say that Worsley village has a fair few unexpected attractions.

The area came to prominence in the Industrial Revolution, with the building of the Bridgewater Canal, which linked its coal mine to Manchester city centre - an act that changed the face of the village forever.

It may seem a tranquil setting now, but even the village green used to be a hive of industry, standing at the centre of an working complex which included a boat building yard, nail makers and wheel wrights.

It was also home to that fascinating clock, which now sits in St Mark's church but still chimes 13 - it was made that way as workers couldn't hear the strike of one calling them back to work after their lunch break because of the noise from the yards.

The Worsley village heritage trail is a mile walk around the area.

For more information and a guide, check the Visit Salford website.

Ghosts of Winter Hill

As we step across the threshold from the analogue age into the era of digital television, there's a chance to reflect on the importance of television in our region.

Ghosts of Winter Hill, named after the transmitter that stands high above Bolton, does just that - investigating the role that broadcasting and, in particular, Granada played in making the Manchester a TV hub.

The story is told via a wide variety of programmes, from dramas to documentaries, soaps to sport; the well loved and the little known.

And it's not just about the past, as the exhibition also considers the future of Granada-land, looking at the arrival of BBC North and Media City UK in Salford.

Ghosts of Winter Hill is at Urbis from Weds 4 Nov. Entry is free.

For more information, visit the Urbis website.

Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine

The steam engines that powered the Greater Manchester mills were colossal pieces of engineering, yet sadly, most have now been lost to the mists of time.

Up in Wigan, there is one of the metal beasts still working, thanks to the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund and a restoration project.

The Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine was restored to its full working glory in 2004 and has been pushing out its 2500 horsepower - that's about 10 times the power of an average car - ever since.

That means that visitors to the Wigan Pier Quarter are once again able to stand in awe at its immense size and power, but more importantly, experience the sights and sounds of it working just as it did when it was first turned on a century ago.

The Trencherfield Mill Steram Engine is in the Wigan Pier Quarter on Pottery Road and is open every Sunday from 11am - 11.45am and 1pm - 1.45pm.

For more information, visit the Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust website.