Manchester Cathedral is set to be lit up with ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection show this winter.
After captivating more than a million spectators globally and illuminating dozens of the world’s most extraordinary historic landmarks over the past couple of years, ‘LUMINISCENCE’ is set to make its highly anticipated UK debut this winter – and Manchester Cathedral has been chosen as the lucky location for this dazzling event.
Combining 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special, visitors will be invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling.
LUMINISCENCE is set to pay tribute to Manchester’s rich cultural heritage through specially arranged orchestral renditions of iconic anthems – with the setlist including songs by Oasis, The Verve, Joy Division, and Elbow, just to name a few.
Manchester Cathedral is set to be lit up with a ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection this winter (Credit: Supplied)
A brand-new script has been written for the show by BAFTA award-winning writer, Tim Whitnall, while narration will be provided by legendary local actor, Christopher Eccleston.
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The show will be brought to life further by Collectives Gospel Choir, who’ll add a soaring choral dimension to what sounds set to be an already-powerful immersive experience.
Light from a battalion of high-power projectors becomes the storyteller inside the Cathedral, transforming the ancient architecture into a vast living canvas where every statue, carving, pillar, and stained-glass window comes to life.
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LUMINISCENCE takes over Manchester Cathedral from Wednesday, 14 January, through to 26 March 2026, and audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid missing this unique experience, as there’ll be strict capacity limits during the limited run.
Audiences can choose between Gold and Silver ticket tiers, offering options to suit every budget.
Gold tickets include fast-track entry and a glass of fizz on arrival, while Silver tickets for adults start from £29 (including a 10% booking fee), with concession prices available too.
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Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday, 18 November, and you can book them HERE.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 15 – 21 June 2026
Emily Sergeant
Well, it’s time… by the end of this week, summer will officially be here.
That’s right – it’s felt like a long time coming, especially after both the heatwaves followed by the pouring rain in recent weeks, but summer finally arrives this Sunday, and of course that obviously means there’ll be loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week.
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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Looking for somewhere to watch the World Cup in Greater Manchester?
We couldn’t really start this list off with anything else, could we?
Of course, the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off last week, but if didn’t grab tickets to catch a game in person over in North America or Mexico, and you don’t fancy sitting at home watching on your own, then thankfully, our region is filled with places where you can catch all the action surrounded by hundreds of other football fans.
FIFA World Cup 2026 / Credit: Road to Victory
You’re absolutely spoiled for choice this year, as there’s plenty of places in Manchester city centre and beyond screening all the games.
Will England bring football home though? Only time will tell.
Check out our round-up list of all the best places to watch the World Cup in Greater Manchester here👇
Thrill seekers, this one’s for you – as Zip World Manchester has launched its new Forest Tubing experience, and it’s bringing the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide is coming to Heaton Park.
The new family‑friendly outdoor adventure gives visitors the chance to soar along two slides, winding through woodland at one of the largest parks in the North West.
Suitable for children aged four and above, visitors can book an hour-long session – with unlimited rides during that time slot – and either ride solo, or share the experience with fellow adventurers.
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.
This pub in Hulme has reopened following a huge restoration, bringing together historic pub charm, pies, pints, and live music all under one roof.
This is The Abbey, and it’s stood on the site since the 1890s.
It still features its original 19th-Century bar, alongside two beer gardens, a pie and pint deal, and a new 100-capacity live music venue dedicated to supporting grassroots artists and emerging talent.
There appears to be no limit to Manchester’s appetite for tiramisu, as now there’s a new bar dedicated to the stuff.
At Angel Crumbs over at Circle Square, you’ll find a whole menu of tiramisu and tiramisu-inspired treats, like lattes with a marscapone cream topping, and tiramisu balls. There’s even alcohol and caffeine-free desserts too meaning there is something for everyone.
You can take your treats to-go, and this new spot is right on the doorstep of the sunny Symphony Park.
It’s not every day you come across a sandwich with 20 different elements inside.
Tucked above a barbershop in Saddleworth is Fjord, where owner Kieran is taking his meticulous Michelin training and applying it to the humble butty.
He’s spending hours confiting, infusing, distilling, and preparing fillings to go inside Fjord’s signature pan-fried puffball focaccia (which they think might actually be a new invention). There’s also spritzes, brunches, small plates and so much more – Saddleworth’s got a great new addition.
Salford is celebrating 100 years of being its own city this year, and a raft of exciting new events have been announced to mark the occasion, featuring everything from art commissions to community events from the likes of Walk the Plank and From The Other – with many free to attend.
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Salford City Council has put together the cultural programme across Salford’s eight neighbourhoods, supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Everything has been created to explore the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future of Salford.
Find out everything happening for this special centenary year here.
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National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails
North West
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Monday 15 June – onwards
National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails / Credit: James Dobson | Annapurna Mellor
National Trust and Pokémon have teamed up for an exclusive trading card game and immersive trail.
The partnership is set to bring together the places the National Trust cares for and Pokémon’s spirit of play and discovery.
Exclusively designed for the National Trust, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are going to be running throughout summer at 14 National Trust places nationwide, combining ‘imaginative play’ with ‘gentle physical activity’ inspired by Mega Evolution Pokémon.
Find out where to get involved and book tickets here.
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GRUB On The Docks
MediaCity
Tuesday 16 June – onwards
GRUB On The Docks / Credit: Supplied
GRUB On The Docks has returned for the summer.
MediaCity’s waterfront site has been transformed into a vibrant open-air destination built for warm weather and big moments across the season, as GRUB On The Docks returns later this week.
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Running across the summer months, you can expect some of Greater Manchester’s best street food traders to be serving up global flavours and summer-ready drinks, alongside live music, DJs, and just an all round laid-back atmosphere turning daytime hangouts into evening sessions.
Having taken place at Heaton Park since 2013, when it outgrew its original home in Platt Fields Park, this year’s event will take place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June, and features an absolutely packed lineup of both local and global names lead by Calvin Harris, Sammy Virji, Skepta, and Zara Larsson.
They each play alongside Parklife favourites like Kettama, Josh Baker, and Rudimental, as well as other big names like Nia Archives and Chris Stussy.
The massive party is attended by some 80,000 people each day, and is one of the biggest events in Manchester’s cultural calendar.
Everything you need to know about Parklife 2026 is here.
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Did you know that Printworks is currently hosting a UK-wide art competition for students?
Do you know an aspiring artist? Students aged 16 and over are invited to bring the ocean to life in a brand-new creative arts competition launched by one of the UK’s leading entertainment destinations, Manchester’s Printworks.
The venue has now opened entries for UK students from sixth forms, colleges, universities, and art colleges across the country to take part in an exciting new art competition.
The winning design is set to be showcased on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Did you know there’s an adorable open farm in Bolton where you can meet and hold baby bunnies, lambs, chicks, AND more?
This is Smithills Open Farm, and it’s one of the most wholesome family days out.
Here on this picturesque family-run farm nestled within 70-acres of countryside, you can feed the sheep and llamas, ride a tractor to visit the donkeys, or even head into the barn to see the cows, horses, and piglets.
Plus, they host ‘Pets Corner’ sessions throughout the day too, where you can meet and hold many different baby animals (including the softest little goats and chicks we ever did see.)
They even have a farm shop and ice creamery where you can buy local honey and other goods to take home with you.
Find out more about the farm and plan your trip here.
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Or what about that Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for the third year in a row?
Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for 2026 / Credit: Chester Zoo
That’s right – the UK’s biggest charity zoo has officially been named the best zoo in the country by TripAdvisor reviews, with the zoo having claimed a record 11,666 ‘excellent’ ratings for the first time too, making it even more of a cause for celebration.
Not only has the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences made it the best in our country, but this has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite.
Chester Zoo’s CEO, Jamie Christon, says he is ‘over the moon’ with the zoo’s new title.
Fancy saving up to 50% off at some of Manchester’s top restaurants?
A bit of a daft question really, we know… of course you do.
Well thankfully, EatClub – the free app that’s easy to download, and you can start using right away – has now arrived in Manchester, and there are discounts such as up to 35% off Habbibi, Lina Stores, and Salvi’s to take advantage of, plus many more to explore.
Simply download the app, book your walk-in slot, and enjoy. You don’t have to tell the restaurant either – just pay using your EatClub card, and it’ll sort the discount for you.
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in May, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in June, 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 a bunch of new openings too.
Featured Image – Road To Victory | Chester Zoo | The Manc Group
Art & Culture
A huge new bookshop, cafe and wine bar is opening in Stockport
Daisy Jackson
Plans have been revealed for a beautiful new bookshop which will double up as a wine bar and cafe.
Set to open in Stockport this summer, Prologue will come from the team behind Bramhall’s award-winning independent bookshop Simply Books.
Early images released of the new space show a huge wall of books before a modern bar space, where guests will be able to grab everything from a new novel to a negroni.
Prologue is taking shape at Weir Mill, the new Capital&Centric development by the River Mersey and iconic viaduct, which is bringing 253 homes inside Grade II-listed cotton mills and industrial-style new builds.
When it opens, Prologue will double up as a community hangout for readers, writers and creatives, with loads of different literary events, book clubs, comedy nights, live music, language classes and writing workshops in the plans.
As for the shelves, they’ll be stocked with everything from fiction and non-fiction to children’s titles.
The built-in coffee shop and bar will be serving coffees and pastries during the day, then wine and cocktails into the evening.
Ben Johns, co-founder of Simply Books and Prologue, said: “We’ve always believed that bookshops are a place of connection. With Prologue, we wanted to create something special for Stockport – somewhere everyone can feel right at home. We can’t wait to get to know a whole new community of readers.”
Early artist impressions of Prologue in Stockport
Richard Spackman Development Director at Capital&Centric said: “Prologue is the kind of operator we want at Weir Mill, something that goes beyond its core offer to create a space people genuinely want to spend time in.
“It’s about more than the books; it’s the events, the flexible use of space and the day-to-evening offer that will bring a different kind of energy to the neighbourhood.”
Lord Gavin Barwell, Chair of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), said: “This imaginative and experience-led bookshop is a brilliant addition to the growing neighbourhood at Weir Mill.
“As a Stockport grown business that has gone from strength to strength, attracting both authors and visitors from across the UK, it’s fantastic to see them opening another site here. It will create a space not just for enjoying books but for slowing down, connecting with others, and taking part in events, all within a really special waterside setting.
“This is exactly what regeneration should deliver: new jobs, strong independents and more reasons for people to spend time in the town centre, while keeping the character that makes Stockport what it is.
“Investment of this quality shows the direction we’re heading and the momentum we’re building, ensuring Stockport remains a vibrant, welcoming and thriving place for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”
Emily Sergeant -
11th November 2025 
