July has been treating us very well so far, and it’s only going to get better.
Last week was a week to remember thanks to the long-awaited Oasis reunion gigs at Heaton Park, and now that schools across Greater Manchester are preparing to break up for the summer holidays this week, you can bet that the social calendar is absolutely packed full with all sorts of things to be getting up to.
We’re talking festivals, themed events, new foodie openings, family fun, and loads more on the horizon in the coming weeks… oh AND more Oasis gigs.
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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MIF25
Manchester City Centre
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Monday 14 – Sunday 20 July
MIF25 / Credit: MIF (via Supplied)
MIF is back for 2025, and all the fun’s heading out to the boroughs too this year.
Manchester International Festival (MIF) is all about showcasing Manchester as a global hub of creative innovation, this year’s lineup presents some of the most exciting creative minds of our generation.
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MIF25 is set to be a celebration of homegrown artists returning to the region, with many of the names on the lineup originally coming from, or having important ties to, Greater Manchester and the North West.
Eric Cantona, Juan Mata, The Royal Ballet, Blackhaine, Shilpa Gupta, Richard Russell, Edgar Davids, and Ella Toone are just a handful of the well-known names contributing to this extraordinary bi-annual celebration of creativity this summer.
Music for the Senses / Credit: David Oates Photography
An all-new multi-sensory art exhibition is taking over the streets of the city centre this summer.
The new exhibition, which is titled Music for the Senses: an art arrangement for a musical city, is a collaboration between global art producer Wild in Art – the creators of the famous Bee in the City project – and Manchester City Council.
There’s everything from a pop-up bar in Piccadilly Gardens with surprise live acts doing sets, and markets in St Peter’s Square selling vinyl and vintage goods, to block parties in the Northern Quarter, and the already-announced Music for the Senses art trail dotted around all the well-known city centre sights.
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Stockport has transformed into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail has taken over the town.
Visitors should get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail is making its North West debut and taking over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
The trail is created by trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld.
Oasis Fans – 1994-1997 / Credit: Jon Shard (via Kimpton Clocktower Hotel & British Culture Archive)
A new free photography exhibition showing never-before-seen pictures of Oasis fans from the 90s is opening in Manchester this week.
As Manchester gears up to welcome Oasis back home once again, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s new free exhibition is set to take music fans a trip down memory lane.
Oasis Fans – 1994-1997 will showcase a series of exclusive photographs by renowned photographer, Jon Shard, to the public for the first time ever, opening the door to a world before online sales, dynamic ticket pricing, and frantically refreshing a website to get the hottest ticket in town.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 / Credit: Molly Darlington / The FA (via England on Facebook) | Wikimedia Commons
England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 matches are being shown on big screens for free in Manchester this summer.
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As England women’s national football team look to retain their title and continue to build on their ever-growing success as one of the best national football teams in the world, Manchester’s National Football Museum is hosting a series of family-friendly watch parties after hours for the UEFA Women’s Euros this summer.
Not only are matches being shown in all their glory for free on a big screen, but there’s also an on-site bar, and even the option to pre-order pizza ahead of time to feast on while you’re watching the action.
Find out more about the viewing parties at the National Football Museum here.
Keen to catch the football somewhere else instead?
Manchester is a city synonymous with sport, and football is arguably what we’re best at, so of course there’s plenty of other places screening the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 this summer.
A free open-air cinema has arrived Manchester city centre for the summer.
With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square the go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences can recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views, and watch everything from classic and family films, to music, sporting events, and so much more.
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It’s launched down at New Jackson – Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
Stories – Brought To Life / Credit: The Manc Group
A major new National Portrait Gallery exhibition has arrived in Salford.
The ground-breaking new experience by FRAMELESS Creative has opened at MediaCity, bringing some of the world’s most famous portraits to life like never before.
Stories – Brought to Life will explore the fascinating lives of these figures, who have shaped the UK’s history and culture all the way since the Tudor period, and will combine the highest quality digital projection, Hollywood-style visual effects, and the latest audio technology, along with specially created musical scores and creative narratives to shine a new light on each individual.
Visitors will be able to step inside iconic portraits including Grayson Perry, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Emmeline Pankhurst, Queen Elizabeth I, and William Shakespeare.
Adventure awaits, as premium outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx has now opened its first UK store outside of London right here in Manchester city centre, and it’s set up shop on the swanky New Cathedral Street.
Inside the brand new two-storey retail space, shoppers will find everything they need for their outdoor adventures – whether it’s hiking, climbing, or snow sports.
The new store is packed with technical, high-performance outerwear and equipment, from footwear, packs and accessories to Arc’teryx harnesses you can try out in-store.
adidas has made its big return to Manchester, and it’s back on Market Street where it belongs.
Spanning two floors, the new space delivers the best of both worlds, as downstairs is a full-on Oasis takeover with memorabilia, rare archive pieces, and custom shirt printing, but if you head upstairs, and it’s all about adidas Originals – terrace culture, football heritage, and iconic streetwear.
To mark the launch of their new flagship store, adidas has actually teamed up with Oasis for a one-off collab celebrating 30 years of iconic style, music, and legacy.
The limited-edition 26-piece drop brings together classic 90s silhouettes with a fresh twist including bucket hats, Firebird tracksuits, jerseys and more.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Kargo on the Docks is back for the summer.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
Oasis Live ’25 / Credit: Simon Emmett (Press Pictures)
Well well well, the time has come.
Like most people, we honestly never thought this day would arrive, but Oasis have returned to Manchester for the first time in more than a decade, and the Gallagher brothers and co are staging another three nostalgia-drenched gigs in Heaton Park this week.
More than 300,000 thousand Oasis fans have scored tickets, which likely means a few of you reading this will be attending this upcoming Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday.
For anyone lucky enough to go, a public transport ‘masterplan’ has been unvield here.
Our ULTIMATE Oasis gig guide with quite literally everything you’ll need to know if you’re heading to Heaton Park can be found here.
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Looking for somewhere to get into the Oasis spirit ahead of the gigs, and finish your night off the right way?
Get yourself down to The Liquor Store then.
The popular Manchester city centre bar is hosting a series of pre and post Oasis Gig Parties starting this week, and are offering fans a comprehensive concert package, complete with coach travel to Heaton Park, not to mention bottomless beer and pizza from 2-3pm.
Music Talks: Allie X and Peter Hook / Credit: Selfridges
A very special talk is taking place as part of Selfridges’ Summer of Sound this week.
Music lovers are invited down to Selfridges’ Manchester Exchange Square store for an evening of creative inspiration, as you can join musician and visual artist Allie X, and music icon Peter Hook, while they discuss music, fashion, identity, and the ideas that could only come from Manchester.
You’ll need to have the Selfridges app downloaded and your Selfridges Unlocked key ready to scan when attending this event – where tickets will set you back £15 each.
The Science and Industry Museum has got a spectacular summer holiday programme packed with all sorts of things to be getting up to, making it one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle with your little ones in the city centre this summer.
With events running up until 31 August, whether it’s disco dancing around a giant brain, unveiling the science behind optical illusions, or journeying through a giant ear canal, there’s something for everyone during the museum’s ‘sense-sational’ summer.
Loads To Do / Credit: Artem Kniaz | Yan Krukau (via Unsplash & Pexels)
Thousands of free activities have been planned by Manchester City Council ready for local families to take part in this summer.
A many parents, carers, and guardians will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained for six whole weeks before the new term starts, the Councilhas relaunched its popular Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) to help keep little Mancs active during the summer break.
From arts and crafts, to sporting events and plenty other physical activities, there is a whole host of entertaining things for everyone to get involved with, no matter your budget, making sure no one gets bored over the holidays.
A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun is returning to the Trafford Centre for the summer from this weekend.
After proving to be massively-popular over the past couple of years, with thousands of families travelling from across Greater Manchester and beyond to bask in the sunshine and make the most of all the fun and games, the Trafford Centre is welcoming back its Summer Fair for 2025.
And this year, the beloved event has got itself a new family activity zone, and it sounds set to be bigger and better than ever.
The best bit? Tickets will only set you back just £3 each.
Featured Image – Trafford Centre | Science Museum Group | Artem Kniaz
What's On
Less than a month to go until a blockbuster Manchester derby in the WSL at the Etihad Stadium
Danny Jones
We’re just one month out until one of the best games on the football calendar: the Manchester derby in a Barclays Women’s Super League campaign that is shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested in some time, with multiple Lionesses and international stars on show.
Manchester City and Man United are both duking it out at the top of the table already, with the high-flying East Manchester club and last season’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup finalists both boasting plenty of reason to go into the game confident.
With Man City boasting not just the home advantage but the bonus of playing in front of a crowd at the Etihad Stadium, many are already expecting a blue moon to rise once again.
This season may have only just begun, but Man City Women have already shown plenty of promise and signs of early form. Barring an opening day blip against the champions, Andrée Jeglertz’s side have looked pretty prolific; Man United are right up there with them, meaning we’re bound for a good clash.
Netting well over a dozen goals – the most of any team in the league – theCityzens will understandably feel on the offensive when they host the visitors on Saturday, 15 November.
The Etihad recently hosted the Lionesses themselves in a close-fought fixture against Brazil this past October, with City legend Georgia Stanway herself getting on the scoresheet.
Man United are right up there with them, though, meaning we’ve got a derby day that shouldn’t disappoint. Let’s be honest, it rarely does.
Don’t you just love it when two rivals go into a clash in strong spirits?
Now both full England internationals are arguably fighting for the same position, too, you can expect the pair to get a rousing reception when they rock up/return to the Etihad.
All eyes will be on this WSL fixture, especially with members of the back-to-back Euros-winning Lionesses squad taking to the pitch on both sides.
Clinton, Park; Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone, as well as more international stars such as Viv Miedema and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw – there’s going to be so much talent on show.
Speaking to The Manc ahead of the match, first-team star and City vice-captain, Kerstin Casparij, gave us their thoughts on the historic and always hard-fought rivalry…
What does the Manchester derby mean to you?
The derby means more to me every year. It’s not just 3 important points, but also pride and bragging/banter rights. This year, I’d say it’s also about redemption for me, considering our home loss last season.
Are there any standout memories of derby day that come to mind?
I think the away win at Old Trafford two years ago is a nice memory. Being booed for the full 90 minutes and coming away with a win feels extra satisfying.
It really is set up to be an unmissable meeting between the two heavyweights of the female football world, with a 1:30pm kick-off leaving plenty of time for added fanfare before and after either whistle.
Promising plenty of activities in and around the stadium, as well as the dedicated Man City Kids Fan Zone, a completely free event that runs for four hours before kick off on the indoor pitch of the City Football Academy, the ‘Blue Carpet’ experience, where you can see players arrive 90 minutes before the game and plenty more, there’s so much going on.
As well as fun games at half-time, live entertainment, not to mention a wide range of food and drink around the concourse, it’s going to be a great day out.
Best of all, tickets are super affordable: general admission for adults starts from only £15 and £5 for under 16s. If you grab two adult passes and one U16 ticket, you can get any additional U16 tickets for just £1 each.
If you want to enjoy Hospitality at the Etihad Stadium, packages start from as little as £35. From the Sports Bar experience and the Tunnel Club, where you can see players getting read on the way to the dugout and pitch, or even a bottomless brunch before the game with your friends.
Whatever offer best suits you, fans can grab tickets right to see Manchester City Women, Man United, Lionesses stars and more right HERE.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 – dates, locations, and essential information
Daisy Jackson
The Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 are upon us, bringing festive cheer, seasonal shopping and winter warmer food and drink to the city centre.
The massive annual event attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the city, with the streets filled with wooden sheds and glittering lights.
Alongside all the food, drink and shopping that the event brings, there’s an ice rink over at Cathedral Gardens and a brand-new big wheel with views of the Manchester Town Hall.
The light installations will also be returning to St Peter’s Square this year.
The Manchester Christmas Markets will return to Albert Square for its 2025 instalment, for the first time in six years.
There’ll be more than 200 stalls to explore across the city centre selling everything from traditional bratwurst and gluhwein to more local and viral treats from familiar independent businesses.
Read on for your essential information for the 2025 Manchester Christmas Markets.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 dates
This year’s Manchester Christmas Markets will take place from Friday 7 November to Monday 22 December 2025.
Manchester’s Christmas Markets will open at ten locations across the city on Friday 7 November and close on Monday 22 December, except for A Taste of Christmas on Albert Square and the stalls at Cathedral Gardens which will remain open throughout the Christmas period until 4 January 2026.
Christmas in Manchester will also see the Skate Manchester Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens open for Christmas skaters from Friday 7 November until Sunday 4 January, and the magical Manchester Christmas Parade which will take place on Sunday 7 December.
The Manchester Christmas Markets will finally return to their home at Albert Square this winter, but it’ll look a little different to in previous years.
‘A Taste of Christmas’ will include a 50-metre-high Ferris wheel, as well as a bespoke market with twinkling lights and covered seating.
There’ll be traditional food and drink like a German swing grill, German beers, waffles and pancakes, as well as loaded hash browns from Wrap Up, and stalls selling a range of crafts, including jewellery, clothing and handmade decorations.
Piccadilly Gardens
Piccadilly Gardens will again be the main hub of the Manchester Christmas Markets, transforming into the Winter Gardens.
There’ll be global flavours from the traders here, like Greek gyros, British comfort food, Brazilian street food and Korean hot dogs.
And Crimble Crumbles will be back again with their famous fruit crumble desserts, served with lashings of custard.
There’ll be covered seating areas, as well as karaoke huts from Bar Hutte.
Market Street
Manchester’s bustling main shopping street will be filled with more than 40 different stalls selling bespoke crafts, gifts and produce, like crowd favourites of freshly baked coconut macaroons and cheese truckles.
The beautiful Cathedral Gardens is home to Skate Manchester again, a huge ice rink where you can whizz around beneath a towering Christmas tree.
This is the most family-friendly corner of the Manchester Christmas Markets, with plenty of activities to entertain little ones all the way into the New Year.
This part of the markets also stays open until 4 January 2026, and there’s a hub of authentic food and drink.
St Ann’s Square
St Ann’s Square is the original home of the Manchester Christmas Markets, and it still keeps that traditional atmosphere alive and well.
There’ll be music from singers and community choirs, and an undercover bar where you can fill up on German beers and gluhwein.
Exchange Street
Last year’s viral melted chocolate taps will be back this year on Exchange Street, free-poured over strawberries, brownies, or straight into miniature chocolate cups.
There’ll also be new loaded hash browns, and stalls selling lovely festive gifts too.
New Cathedral Street
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025The Flat Baker will return to the Manchester Christmas Markets 2025
Nothing signals the start of the Manchester Christmas Markets quite like the arrival of the giant sausage statue on New Cathedral Street, which will be back for 2025 at the iconic Witch House.
As well as those traditional German bratwurst and beers, you can buy rum, leather goods and other keepsakes all the way down the row of huts.
There’ll also be steak frites, burittos from Mango Rays, and craft drinks at Bar 3.
Exchange Square
Exchange Square is one of the largest sites in the city, home to the legendary The Mill Exchange bar with a whole host of homemade mulled wine flavours.
This is also where you’ll find the always-popular Porky Pig and their Yorkshire pudding wraps, as well as loads and loads of other food and drink.
And as for the shopping, expect everything from soaps to Turkish delight.
King Street
This is always one of the cosiest and most traditional corners of the Manchester Christmas Markets, a row of wooden huts tucked in between the high-end shops and restaurants of King Street.
There are two new bars this year offering an upmarket drinking experience, plus food stalls selling chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, Greek gyros and plenty more.
And this is the home of picky bits, with an Italian deli selling gourmet meats and cheeses.
The Corn Exchange
Last but not least will be a huddle of craft stalls between the Corn Exchange and Shambles Square, where you can purchase pork pies, artisan cheeses, and handmade truffles.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 opening and closing times
Albert Square
7 November to 23 December: 10am to 9pm
24 December (Christmas Eve): 10am to 5pm
25 December (Christmas Day): closed
26 to 30 December: 10am to 6pm
31 December (New Year’s Eve): 10–12.30am
1 to 4 January: 10am to 6pm
Cathedral Gardens
24 October to 6 November: 10am to 8pm
7 November to 23 December: 10am to 9pm
24 December (Christmas Eve): 10am to 5pm
25 December (Christmas Day): closed
26 December to 4 January: 10am to 5pm
Other locations
Piccadilly Gardens – 10am to 9pm daily from 7 November to 22 December
Market Street – 10am to 9pm every day except Sundays, when the market will close at 6pm
St Ann’s Square – every day between 10am and 9pm
Exchange Street – 10am to 9pm daily
New Cathedral Street – 10am to 8pm daily
Exchange Square – daily from 10am to 9pm
King Street – every day 10am to 9pm
Corn Exchange – open daily from 10am to 8pm
Manchester Christmas Markets mug design and price
The design and price for the Manchester Christmas Markets mugs 2025 has been revealed. Credit: Manchester City Council
Festive, collectible, colourful mugs are a huge staple of the Manchester Christmas Markets – and the designs for 2025 are a true Mancunian affair, capturing several festive landmarks in the style of a colourful toy town.
That includes illustrations of the iconic windmill bar, a huge Christmas tree, and a neat row of Christmas Markets huts, complete with traders and (of course) a gigantic bratwurst statue.
The Manchester Christmas Markets mugs deposit remains at £3.50 for 2025, which you can sacrifice to take your mug home as a keepsake or have refunded when you return your mug to the bar.
The mugs will be available at all 10 market locations from opening day on Friday 7 November, while stocks last (and they have sold out in the previous three years).
Travel advice and how to get to the Manchester Christmas Markets
The city centre gets busy during November and December, so people are urged to use public transport wherever possible to travel in and out of the city centre for the Manchester Christmas Markets.
There are plenty of other events running alongside the festivities, from huge football matches to gigs at the AO Arena to Black Friday sales.
Emily Sergeant -
11th July 2025 
