A new exhibition by Pablo Picasso opens in Manchester next 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.
Featured in the exhibition are individual editions, as well as complete portfolios and books such as Nature morte aux poires et au pichet (c. 1960)and La Guerre et la paix (1954), to name just a few.
Some of the ceramics visitors can expect to see on display when the exhibition opens at Castle Fine Art gallery in Manchester early next week include Joueur de flûte (1951)and Yan soleil (1963) – which are described as being ‘whimsical experiments in three dimensions’ made while Picasso was living in the south of France.
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The exhibition will examine how minotaurs, fauns, bulls, matadors, and owls populated Picasso’s work, each serving as alter egos to express himself.
Exhibition curators say Picasso’s ‘prolific’ output in his later years is often read as an act of creative defiance against his own mortality, an attempt to delay time, and cement his place within the canon of art history, and the result is a body of work that is deemed both playful and profound.
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A new Picasso exhibition is coming to Manchester featuring unseen archived works / Credit: Supplied
This new collection coming to Manchester next week proves just that.
“We believe everyone should be able to experience the joy of fine art and it is a privilege to share this exhibition from one the most influential artists of the 20th century,” commented Ian Weatherby-Blythe, who is the Managing Director of Castle Fine Art, ahead of the exhibition opening.
“[The exhibition] is open to all to enjoy at our King Street gallery and features over 35 original artworks from the extraordinary last four decades of Picasso’s life.”
Picasso: A Legacy will be on view from 10am on Monday 9 March until 4 May 2026 at Castle Fine Art, and the exhibition is free to enter and open daily.
Featured Image – Supplied
Art & Culture
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.
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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Featured Image – Science Museum Group | Brinkhoff/Moegenburg | John Thomas
Art & Culture
UK’s ‘most ambitious’ festival returns to Greater Manchester this summer with 200 free activities
Emily Sergeant
The UK’s most ‘ambitious and creative’ festival is set to return to Greater Manchester this summer.
That’s right, We Invented the Weekend is back for 2026, and Salford Quays and MediaCity will be buzzing with more than 200 free activities for two days this June as one of the UK’s most original and fun-filled festivals celebrating the most precious of commodities – our free time.
Visitors from across Greater Manchester, the North West, and beyond are invited to celebrate the weekend as the festival brings activities ranging from live music, interactive sports, and gardening, to team games, family fun, theatre, dance, creative crafting, workshops, talks, food and drink, wellbeing, and much more.
You can jump on a boat and sail across the Quays whilst enjoying the sound of Northern Soul, or if sport more is your thing, then you can sample everything from rock climbing, BMX, and football, to skateboarding, hula hooping, cycling, and more have on offer.
New for this summer’s festival is ‘Club Culture’ – a zone that’s dedicated to recognising Manchester’s rich contribution, both past and present, to electronic dance music, and is set to be a space packed with sets from outstanding local DJs.
It’ll also host curated DJ workshops and panel talks to give dance music lovers of all ages an opportunity to learn and get inspired.
For quieter moments in-between all the action, there’s storytelling and in-depth talks for those who love discussing big ideas, and of course, The Lowry will be at the heart of the festival once again, and will be a host venue for many activities – from visual arts, to lively theatre performances.
We Invented The Weekend returns to Salford this summer / Credit: Mykola Romanovsky (Supplied)
“We Invented the Weekend is a truly unique summer celebration that brings together a huge variety of free activities all in one place, and we’re thrilled to bring it back for 2026,” commented Wayne Hemingway MBE, who is the co-founder of We Invented the Weekend festival.
“This festival is incredibly special because it recognises that we all love to do different things with our free time.
“So come along, with your kids, with your friends, on your own, listen to music, join a debate, eat great food, take part in some sport or crafting, explore a weekend activity you may have always wished to try or sit back and watch the world go by – it’s up to you and best of all, it’s all completely free.”
Emily Sergeant -
6th March 2026 
