What's On
What's On
Huge festival of colour celebrating ‘new beginnings’ is coming to Trafford Centre this spring
Emily Sergeant
A huge festival of colour celebrating renewal and new beginnings is coming to the Trafford Centre next month.
You may’ve heard the news that it has rained somewhere in the UK every day since 2026 has begun, with the North West and Greater Manchester in particular coming off quite badly, as you’d expect, but don’t worry because colour is returning to the region this spring, and this year, it’s set to be brighter than ever before.
Known for bringing communities together through music, colour, and wellbeing, RDC Festival’s Elements is back next month, and will be transforming the Trafford Centre into a vibrant global celebration inspired by Holi – the ‘Festival of Colours’.
Holi is traditionally a celebration of renewal, love, and new beginnings, and Elements is designed to bring this spirit to life through immersive colour play, movement, and ‘shared joy.
Festival organisers are inviting visitors from far and wide to step into a world of ‘colour, sound, and connection’.
Taking place on Saturday 14 March, the festival is designed to awaken the senses and create unforgettable moments of togetherness, and you can expect everything from throwing vibrant colours, to dancing beneath global sounds, and plenty more.
There’ll also be an ‘energetic’ programme of live entertainment and DJs playing out tunes and sounds from across the world, and foodies will be able to explore the delicious Tropics Street Food Forest, offering global flavours and refreshing treats all throughout the day.
Beyond the vibrant festival atmosphere, there’ll even be a dedicated RDC Wellbeing Hub featuring music, arts and crafts, and a reflection wall to create a calming space.

And, of course, there’ll also be the famous ‘Colour Run’ at the heart of the event – which is what Holi is best known for.
“We’re delighted to welcome Rain Dance Colour Festival’s Elements,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre. “It’s an event that celebrates colour, culture and togetherness and we’re proud to support vibrant events that enrich our communities and give guests a joyful, shared experience they can return to year after year.”
Read more:
- Manchester’s ‘super duper’ family festival full of FREE activities is back early next year
- Manchester Cathedral lights up with ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection
- Science and Industry Museum announces new major exhibition taking visitors on an ‘epic space adventure’
RDC Festival Elements takes place at the Trafford Centre next month on Saturday 14 March, from 12:30-6:30pm, and early bird tickets are on sale now and include a free colour packet and free RDC ELEMENTS t-shirt for a limited time.
Find out more and book your tickets here.
Featured Image – Jaya Kasturi (via Unsplash)
What's On
Multi award-winning musical Back to the Future returns to Manchester next summer
Emily Sergeant
Nearly six years after making its world premiere here in Manchester, Back to The Future The Musical is returning to our city next summer.
The multi award-winning musical – based off the beloved 1985 film of the same name – held its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House back 2020, but unfortunately, as you can probably guess, its run was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now, flash forward to 2027, the production is returning to ‘settle some unfinished business’.
Lead producer Colin Ingram, together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy, have announced that the musical will return to Manchester as part of its first-ever UK tour.
Directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando, alongside a multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team, Back to the Future The Musical has a book by Bob Gale, and new music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard.

Additional hit songs from the film, including ‘The Power of Love’ and ‘Johnny B. Goode’, are also included in the production, making it a real trip down memory lane for fans.
The show will run at Manchester Opera House from 13 July through to 21 August 2027, following its run in the West End at the Adelphi Theatre, where it’s currently in its fifth year, having broken box office records and being seen by more than 2.3 million people.
“Speaking for the entire creative team, we are beyond thrilled to be returning to the Manchester Opera House, which we consider the birthplace of Back to the Future The Musical and one of the UK’s best venues,” commented co-creator Bob Gale.
“No city has ever given us a better reception and the incredible audience response we received in 2020 helped shape the show creatively in myriad ways.”
Read more:
- Beloved stage musical Billy Elliot to return to Manchester for 2026 Christmas season
- Smash-hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to return to Manchester on 10th anniversary tour
- Legendary musical CATS is coming to Manchester on its UK tour later this year
Back to the Future The Musical will take to the Manchester Opera House stage from 13 July – 21 August 2027, and tickets officially go on general sale tomorrow (18 February) at 10am.
Get tickets here.
Featured Image – Matt Crockett (Supplied)