Greater Manchester is set to be battered by some heavy rain and wind this week, according to the Met Office.
While things have seemed surprisingly more settled for the time of year over the last week or so, with clearer skies and chilly winter mornings being fairly commonplace, all that will change very soon, as the Met Office has forecasted that the UK is set to be battered by some ‘impactful’ heavy rain and strong winds as the week goes on.
Low pressure systems will bring a more ‘unsettled’ spell of weather, with a severe weather warning for wind issued for certain parts of the UK.
Today is expected to be filled with grey skies and light rain here in Greater Manchester, with cloud covering much of the rest of the country, and other outbreaks of rain elsewhere, whereas on Wednesday, the focus of rain will shift to southern England instead.
The weather looks set to turn more unsettled during the forthcoming week 🌧️ 🌬️
Thursday is where it’s set to take the biggest downturn though, as a front bringing heavy rain moves eastwards through the day, and it’s us here in North West England that are expected to see the highest accumulations too, with 20-30mm could falling over the hills, and some hill snow even possible over the Scottish mountains too.
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A deep area of low pressure will also have ‘deepened rapidly’ by Thursday, bringing ‘strengthening winds’ to western parts of the UK along with it overnight, followed by more heavy rainfall.
Greater Manchester is set to be battered by ‘impactful’ heavy rain and wind this week / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“A very deep area of low pressure will bring a very unsettled, potentially disruptive, spell of weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday,” explained Chris Almond, who is the Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist.
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“Winds will begin to strengthen on Thursday night, with the peak gusts forecast through Friday in Northern Ireland and western Scotland. The wind will also be accompanied by heavy rain bringing some unpleasant conditions to end the week.
“We have issued a Yellow weather warning for wind, and with several days before the impactful weather, the forecast details are likely to be fine-tuned during the week, so stay tuned to your local forecast and keep up to date with Met Office warnings.”
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 16 – 22 March 2026
Emily Sergeant
We’re right in the middle of March now, and we’ve got another busy week in store.
And what a week it is – we’ve got everything from new art exhibitions making their UK debut, to the return of Manchester Folk Festival for 2026, and of course, St Patrick’s Day too, all happening throughout Greater Manchester.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
Europe’s most popular Banksy exhibition, The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind, has officially made its UK premiere down at Depot Mayfield, and the amazing industrial space has been filled with more than 200 reimagined works by the acclaimed street art superstar.
Fans are able to step inside the mind of one of the world’s most prolific artists in an immersive and interactive exhibition that has already wowed audiences in their millions.
Expect to see recreations of his most iconic works, including Girl With Balloon, the thought provoking Devolved Parliament, a fully ‘Banksified’ London Underground carriage, and a towering seven-foot elephant installation.
Did you also know that The Christie cancer patients’ artwork is also being showcased at this exhibition too?
That’s right, The Christie – which is, at present, the only hospital in the UK that offers a dedicated art service for patient – has been invited to showcase a selection of artwork at the new exhibition, all with the aim of highlighting the role art plays in supporting cancer patients.
Patients will have a chance to prove just how powerful and transformative art can be, all while raising money for a very important cause.
The Irish Festival Village is back in Manchester city centre.
With St Patrick’s Day arriving this week, and the popular annual Parade taking place on Saturday (14 March), it wouldn’t be a celebration in the city centre without the return of the Irish Festival Village, this year in St Ann’s Square.
Here you can expect back-to-back live music every day, plus Irish-themed food and drink, and unbeatable craic, of course.
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Wondering where the best Irish pubs and bars are in Manchester? Where serves the best pints of Guinness?
It would be St Patrick’s Day without a pint of the Black Stuff.
Manchester is home to an ever-growing collection of Irish pubs and bars of all sizes, so if you’re looking for somewhere to settle in and spend the night sipping on a Guinness or two, then you’re really not spoiled for choice in our city.
We’ve done all the hard work for you, and rounded up a list of the best places Manchester has to offer for you to take your pick from here.
Credit: The Manc Group
Oh, and on top of that, the city’s also recently been named as having one of the best ‘pub cultures’ in the UK, according to some new research… and we can’t disagree.
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is opening in Manchester this week, including works never-before seen on public display.
The new exhibition, titled Picasso: A Legacy, is comprised of more than 35 original works on paper and ceramics, all of which were created by the artist from the mid 1930s up until his death in 1973, and visitors will get to be guided through the last four decades of his life.
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You’ll also get to encounter the artist’s lovers and muses, mythological alter egos, and playful zoomorphic ceramics, as well as feats of frantic artistic output that made up Picasso’s final decade.
Mamma Mia! The Musical / Credit: ATG Tickets | Brinkhoff/Moegenburg
Here we go again… one of the most iconic stage musicals of all time, Mamma Mia!, has arrived back in to Manchester, and has taken to the Manchester Palace Theatre stage for an extended stay throughout the month.
There’s absolutely no denying that Mamma Mia! has millions of fans right across the globe, after all, when you take all of ABBA’s greatest hits and put them into one all-singing all-dancing show, it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
Going from the West End to becoming a global phenomenon, this irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world for more than two decades.
Find out more and get your last-minute tickets here.
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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 16 March – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this spring? Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
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It’s time to let your competitive side out – get ready to experience the city’s most unique attraction like never before. Race through the vortex, create the best mirror image, and complete the brain gym the fastest to win the dazzling trophy at the end.
Whether you’re team building with your work lot, or taking your mates for a bit of healthy competition, it’s a great one to have a go at.
Manchester Folk Festival is back for 2026 this week.
Hailed as arguably the UK’s leading urban folk festival, this multi-venue event offers a welcoming city-centred alternative to the traditional rural greenfield gatherings.
Discover the best contemporary and traditional folk, roots, and acoustic music across a variety of Manchester’s iconic music venues.
From intimate spaces to festival stages, there’s something for everyone, and as always, you can tailor the festival to your own tastes, as individual tickets are available for all gigs, as well as being able to purchase a festival wristband for the full three days.
Looking for a different and creative way to spend your weekend?
If you fancy unleashing your inner artist, or you simply just want a break from staring at your phone for a bit, then this vinyl painting workshop in Manchester is well worth checking out.
Hosted by INK at Renae over in the Northern Quarter, this unique class lets you transform old, damaged records into your own piece of art.
No experience is needed, you just turn up and get creative – with tickets setting you back £18.50, and each including the record, all the supplies you’ll need, and even a drink too. Not bad for a wholesome afternoon out, right?
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Stuck for somewhere to grab a bite to eat?
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in February, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in March, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have loads of new openings too. From golden egg pops, to a pickle lover’s wet dream (… sorry) in pizza form, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Ski season is officially here, the Winter Olympics have well and truly entertained us, and people are jetting off to the slopes left, right, and centre. But if you’ve never been skiing before, and you’re heading on your first ski holiday, luckily you can learn the ropes here at Manchester’s very-own Snow Centre first.
Over a two-hour beginner lesson here, you can learn everything from how to get your skis on, to snow ploughing… and even getting back up again after falling over.
Our Amy’s currently on her first-ever ski holiday this week, so we took her for her initial lesson👇
Are you a fan of Mini Eggs? Oh boy, do we have a treat for you then.
If you ask us, one of life’s greatest pleasures has to be Mini Eggs, and Grandpa Greene’s and Greene’s Bistro over in Diggle and Uppermill have taken this humble choccy treat to the next level – with a whole menu dedicated to them.
There’s a full Mini Egg afternoon tea, stacked pancakes, waffles, French toast, milkshakes, and gigantic sundaes (plus, their homemade Mini Egg ice cream is up there with the best).
Oh and who can forget the Slattery x Grandpa Greene’s hot chocolate. The special Easter menu is available at both sites, but the question is, how will you have your Mini Eggs?
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Featured Image – The Manc Group | Manchester Folk Festival
Boroughs
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 9 – 15 March 2026
Emily Sergeant
The first signs of spring are really starting to show themselves now, and we couldn’t be happier about it honestly.
March is in full swing, so we’re really not short of exciting events and activities to be getting up to right across Greater Manchester this week – with everything from world-class theatre shows, Holi colour festivals, exciting new art exhibitions, and so much more happening.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Picasso: A Legacy
Castle Fine Art
Monday 9 March – 4 May
Picasso: A Legacy / Credit: Supplied
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is opening in Manchester this week, including works never-before seen on public display.
The new exhibition, titled Picasso: A Legacy, is comprised of more than 35 original works on paper and ceramics, all of which were created by the artist from the mid 1930s up until his death in 1973, and visitors will get to be guided through the last four decades of his life.
You’ll also get to encounter the artist’s lovers and muses, mythological alter egos, and playful zoomorphic ceramics, as well as feats of frantic artistic output that made up Picasso’s final decade.
Mamma Mia! The Musical / Credit: ATG Tickets | Brinkhoff/Moegenburg
Here we go again… one of the most iconic stage musicals of all time, Mamma Mia!, has arrived back in to Manchester, and has taken to the Manchester Palace Theatre stage for an extended stay throughout the month.
There’s absolutely no denying that Mamma Mia! has millions of fans right across the globe, after all, when you take all of ABBA’s greatest hits and put them into one all-singing all-dancing show, it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
Going from the West End to becoming a global phenomenon, this irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world for more than two decades.
Find out more and get your last-minute tickets here.
___
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 9 March – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this spring? Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
It’s time to let your competitive side out – get ready to experience the city’s most unique attraction like never before. Race through the vortex, create the best mirror image, and complete the brain gym the fastest to win the dazzling trophy at the end.
Whether you’re team building with your work lot, or taking your mates for a bit of healthy competition, it’s a great one to have a go at.
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in February, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in March, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have loads of new openings too. From golden egg pops, to a pickle lover’s wet dream (… sorry) in pizza form, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Ski season is officially here, the Winter Olympics have well and truly entertained us, and people are jetting off to the slopes left, right, and centre. But if you’ve never been skiing before, and you’re heading on your first ski holiday, luckily you can learn the ropes here at Manchester’s very-own Snow Centre first.
Over a two-hour beginner lesson here, you can learn everything from how to get your skis on, to snow ploughing… and even getting back up again after falling over.
Our Amy’s currently on her first-ever ski holiday this week, so we took her for her initial lesson👇
You’ve know American Pies, you’ve had Foldies, you may’ve even tried Big BBQ Tray already, but we’re pretty sure you’ve never had stuff quite like this.
This is Ferma Pizza Bakery – the new concept from Brewski.
It all revolves and their that delicious pizza dough and their experimental excellence, which has resulted in everything from fresh new focaccia creations, top-notch sausage rolls, and even an Italian twist on Cornwall’s most famous food.
Oh, and you’re simply not ready for what they’ve done on the sweet side of things.
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NEW OPENING – Le Coq Boutique
Northern Quarter
NEW OPENING – Le Coq Boutique / Credit: The Manc Group
Le Coq Boutique has just landed in the Northern Quarter, and it’s doing one thing and one thing properly.
And that ‘thing’ is 24-hour brined, butter-basted roast chicken, cooked to perfection and finished with your choice of sauce.
Our personal favourite was the Buffalo, but there’s everything from chicken jus, to herby butter, and so much more to pick from. And then for sides, think crispy, fluffy hash browns topped with pecorino foam, labneh carrots. Divine.
And yes… you can wash it all down with chicken wine, because they’ve got bottles of the stuff. If you’re bored of basic roasts and dry chicken, then this is your upgrade.
A huge jacuzzi pool, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and lounge pods – and all a five-minute walk from Manchester Victoria? Jayde Spa has just opened to the public for the first time, so you can quite literally float away from your daily grind.
There aren’t a whole lot of spa spaces in Manchester city centre, but this one is a real escape from the madness of town.
If you’re ready to relax, get yourself booked in here.
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Power Hall: After Hours
Science and Industry Museum
Thursday 12 March
Power Hall: After Hours / Credit: Science Museum Group
Fancy releasing your inner child? If you need an excuse to leave the little Mancs at home, then the Science and Industry Museum has announced that its popular After Hours event especially for adults is returning for one night only this week.
You’ll get to celebrate the energy that ‘sparked a revolution’ with an evening of interactive games, live music, and unique experiences as you explore the Museum once it’s closed for the day.
It’s your chance to be among the first to explore the newly re-opened Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery after dark, and experience the sights, smells, and sounds of engine-driven ideas that started in Manchester and went on to change the world.
RDC Festival Elements / Credit: John Thomas (via Unsplash)
A huge festival of colour celebrating renewal and new beginnings is coming to the Trafford Centre this weekend.
Known for bringing communities together through music, colour, and wellbeing, RDC Festival’s Elements is back next month, and will be transforming the shopping centre’s outdoor space 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.
Emily Sergeant -
21st January 2025 
