Art & Culture

Manchester Independents commissions 12 incredible new events, including walking tours and AI-written theatre

Manchester Independents has commissioned more works.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 31st August 2023

A series of incredible independent arts and culture events will span across Greater Manchester over the coming weeks, as Manchester Independents commissions 12 amazing new works. 

They are an initiative launched out of the pandemic to support local artists across all 10 boroughs, and give them a platform to showcase their projects, supported by various cultural organisations around the region including Brighter Sound, HOME, Factory International, Contact and many more. 

Following on from the success of the 2021 scheme, which saw 23 new commissions, Manchester Independents are ready to present 12 new projects, from walking tours to art exhibitions to theatre. 

The vast range of new work includes everything from workshops with Muslim women in Rochdale to film screenings in Levenshulme to AI-generated theatre in the city centre. 

Themes will range from celebrations, love and feminism to mental health, chronic illness and dystopian Manchester. 

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You’ll find the new Manchester Independents commissions at venues from theatres (like Contact and 53Two) to parks to galleries to digital spaces. 

Events are going to be popping up all over Greater Manchester over the coming weeks – here’s what you need to know. 

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And for more of the latest events around the region, visit our What’s on Manchester page.

Manchester Independents – 2023 commissioned artists

Ways to Speak, by Chris Alton, part of this year's Manchester Independents commissions
Ways to Speak, by Chris Alton, part of this year’s Manchester Independents commissions. Credit: Supplied

Ways to Speak Absence by Chris Alton 

Bankley Open Studios, 8-9 September

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This six-minute video artwork will blend spoken word, an original soundtrack, and a choral performance of the chorus from Eminem’s ‘Cleaning Out My Closet’ to speak about absence, loss, grief and childhood rebellion.

SEE. SURE? by SEEME (Seren Marimba & Meme Gold)

Contact, 22 September

Dance, contemporary circus, poetry and improvisation will come together in this duet. The piece looks at mysticism, Afrofuturism and Black Feminist Hauntology through our connection with the life giving element, water. 

Birthday by Kao Hove, @kaotiiii

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Contact, 22 September

A one person autobiographical show about the journey of shame to celebration, touching on identity, experience and mental illness. 

Ruins of Earth: A Walking Tour From The Future by leo&hyde, @leoandhyde

Walking tour starting at Aviva Studios: 11am and 2pm; 3 September

Walking tour starting at Bury Met: 11am and 2pm; 30 September

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Mancs will be invited on a tour that imagines a dystopian city – all with an AI-generated script. It’s a chance to imagine a Manchester of the future. 

The Glass House by Michele Selway, @micheleselway

Horticultural Centre at Wythenshawe Park, 30 September

The neglected Horticultural Centre at Wythenshawe Park is going to be brought to life by visual artist Michele Selway. She’ll use Victorian photographic equipment to document the place and the people that are keeping it going, and use the unique 1951 Wet Plate Collodion process to photograph onto large format glass plates, mirroring the materials of the glass house itself. 

Four Dholis And A Divorce by Hafsah Aneela Bashir, @redwizz1

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Rochdale Ukrainian Club, 29 September

This performance explores intergenerational trauma and lived experiences of divorce through five female characters from a South Asian Muslim background. 

Portraits of a Poet by Princess Arinola Adegbite (BITEZ), @pabitez

The Whitworth, 5 October

A surrealist work exploring perception and the ways we perform in society for safety, love and acceptance. It begins from the perspective of a black female artist to investigate agency, spectatorship and power.

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Ward 76 by Shirley & Sam Jamil, @samjamil

M6 Theatre, 29 September, 3pm

A theatre piece exploring Sam’s 12 years of visiting Manchester Children’s hospital regularly. This performance plays with comedy, sadness, perceptions and toilet humour often found in discussions amongst young patients.

Toilet Paper Diaries by Porcelain Delaney, @porcelaindelaneyy 

53two, 24 September

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A fast-moving, comedy drama about life with chronic gynaecological disease.

Cerebral Palsy Graphic Novel by Julian Gray, @juliangrayart

Published online at the end of August – available at www.manchesterindependents.org

Interviews with people with Cerebral Palsy about its representation in media and performance, culminating in an online zine.

The Anxious Photographer’s Handbook by Simon Jones, @simonjones_2000

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Book launch in September, exhibition in October. Details to be updated on www.manchesterindependents.org

A visually engaging book containing a range of interesting photographic challenges which can be used as a way to connect with the local environment and society. The work is primarily aimed at individuals that have become isolated due to issues such as anxiety and other mental health/social issues.

yeguachita EP by yeguachita, @yeguachita

See www.manchesterindependents.org for latest updates.

Jova and the wave rebranding as yeguachita – EP, graphic identity and video works. yeguachita will be creating a concept album in collaboration with other musicians. 

Featured image: Supplied

Art & Culture

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 29 April – 5 May 2024

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Gary is outta here.

We’ve only got a couple more days left of April before May graces us with its presence as this week goes on.

And there’s so much to look forward to this month.

Foodie festivals, cultural celebrations, wholesome spring-themed events, and so much more has been happening all throughout April – but thankfully, there’s even more where that came from in May, as there’s loads more in the Greater Manchester social calendar for everyone of all ages to be getting involved with.

If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do this week though, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘What’s on‘ guide.

Here’s some of our recommendations.

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Tales of Manchester 2.0

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Monday 29 April – onwards

Tales of Manchester 2.0 / Credit: Supplied

A brand-new art exhibition curated by visual artist Emma Evans in partnership with six other creators is now open in Manchester, and it’s completely free to visit.

Tales of Manchester 2.0 down at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a collection of multi-platform art celebrating our brilliant city, and it’s showcasing six spoken word pieces by established Manchester based poets – Griot Gabriel, Ilaria Passeri, Lisa O’Hare, Mark Jackson aka Keith’s Brother, Matt Concannon aka The Thirsty Poet, and Sarah Attwell.

The spoken word is paired with visual pieces painted by self-taught artist Emma Evans, where the words have served as inspiration for the art.

Find out more here.

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Did you see that Manchester’s newest live entertainment venue is finally almost ready to open?

The biggest indoor arena in the entire UK is (we think) ready to rock and roll.

It’s been a very long time coming, but Co-op Live will finally throw open its doors this week, with the massive space having room for 23,500 music fans and a clever ‘smart bowl’ that’s been designed to make the best possible gig experience.

There’s also a huge bill of artists lined up to perform here in the coming months, including The Black Keys (rescheduled), Olivia Rodrigo, and Take That in the next few weeks alone.

You can take a closer look at the inside of Co-op Live here, and read a round-up of all the events happening across the brand-new venue’s opening season here.

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The Wizard of Oz

Palace Theatre Manchester

Monday 29 April – Sunday 5 May

The Wizard of Oz / Credit: ATG Tickets

A sensational new take on of one of the world’s most beloved musicals, The Wizard of Oz, is now on stage here in Manchester.

Having taken to the iconic Palace Theatre stage, starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion, JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, this new production is a truly magical for all the family.

Find out more and grab last-minute tickets here.

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Manifest

Yes, Manchester’s biggest free music festival is back for this upcoming early May bank holiday.

Hosted at the ever-reliable Oast House in Spinningfields – one the best suntraps in the city when the sun finally decides to peek out (and it’s coming) – you can expect live music all day long, dancing well into the night, not to mention as much food and refreshing cocktails as you can stuff your face with.

We went along to the last one during Easter and even on a cloudy day it didn’t disappoint.

Find out more about the full season they’ve got lineup and sort your place here.

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Bloomtown Blossom Trail

Manchester City Centre

Monday 29 April – onwards

Stunning pink blossom at Parsonage Gardens
Bloomtown Blossom Trail / Credit: The Manc Group

Manchester never looks better than it does when all the blossom trees burst back to life, right? Well now there’s a walking trail through town that shows off the best bits.

From the iconic purple blooms outside the Central Library to the surprising sprays that pop up in the middle of Ancoats, there are pretty colours appearing all over, so the National Trust is once again shining a spotlight on Manchester and bringing back its new-and-improved Bloomtown.

There are 39 spots all over the city centre (and slightly beyond) included along the route, each one showcasing one of the city’s most picturesque locations.

Find out more about 2024’s trail here.

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The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition

Manchester Central Library

Monday 29 April – onwards

The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition / Credit: Supplied

Photography students from The Manchester College will be showcasing their ‘Greater Mancunians’ project as part of a landmark exhibition at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall from this week.

150 students have participated in the groundbreaking photography project, and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.

More than 100 contributors are featured in the project, including musicians Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr, athletes Diane Modahl and Ricky Hatton, local politicians Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Bev Craig, actors Maxine Peake and Bill Roache, artists Stan Chow and AKSE P-19, and other local figures like Jonathan Warburton, Simon Martin, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE.

Find out more here.

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Operation Ouch!

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 29 April – onwards

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Operation Ouch! / Credit: Science Museum Group

Don’t forget there’s a world-first exhibition still running down at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and it’s giving families the chance to “dive headfirst into the digestive system” and “travel like a poo”.

The new blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch!, is based on and will see the award-winning CBBC children’s TV series brought to life.

Visitors can expect interactive experiences, amazing objects from the Science Museum Group’s collection, and appearances from world-renowned doctors who will be on hand to guide audiences through this “lively, interactive, and playful adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies”.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

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Fancy heading out a walk somewhere in Greater Manchester and beyond this week?

The weather is FINALLY warming up a little, and it’s beginning to feel like we might finally have made it through winter.

So that means it’s time for a walk, right?

Some of the green spaces that wrap around Greater Manchester are in their prime right now with blossoms, bluebells, and more – and that’s saying something, as they’re pretty spectacular all year round – so it couldn’t be a more perfect time to go for a walk to appreciate their beauty.

Read our round-up of stunning spots for a spring walk here.

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‘Trust’ – Six by Nico

Manchester

Tuesday 30 April

‘Trust’ – Six by Nico / Credit: Six by Nico

Are you ready to put your trust in Six by Nico? 

Previously a hit in London, but having now arrived here in Manchester at the Spring Gardens and Deansgate restaurants for the first time ever, ‘Trust’ is the latest dining experience from Six by Nico where guests are invited to put their trust in the popular restaurant’s chefs with a completely blind tasting menu that “puts culinary senses to the test”.

The three-hour tasting experience has 10-courses, and diners are given a blank menu with space write down what they think they’re eating.

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Ingredients of each dish are then revealed by your server following each course.

Find out more and book your place on one of the ‘Trust’ dining experiences on the Six by Nico website here.

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KinderFest 2024

Haigh Woodland Park

Friday 4 & Saturday 5 May

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KinderFest 2024 / Credit: Haigh Woodland Park

Haigh Woodland Park is hosting a festival filled with fun activities for the whole family this bank holiday weekend.

KinderFest 2024 will bring together some of Greater Manchester’s best children’s entertainment to the walled gardens of Haigh – with themed activity zones, bubble parties, an inflatable playground, puppet shows, and live music all on the exciting lineup, as well as there being a wide range of food and drink vendors serving up tasty grub to took into.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

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Have you seen that a new ‘hobby house’ has opened up in the heart of Manchester city centre?

It’s called ‘Altogether Otherwise’.

Having recently opened down at Manchester’s growing neighbourhood, NOMA, the innovative new concept is is setting out to provide the Greater Manchester public with a welcome relief from all the demands and fast-paced culture of city centre life that we’ve, sadly, all become so used to.

It’s been dubbed a “place to pursue creativity” and a chance to explore and get stuck into some new activities, all while bumping into like-minded people in an ever-changing gathering space. 

There’s an exciting lineup of workshops and events that are free to attend.

Find out more here.

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Day Out With Thomas

East Lancashire Railway

Friday 4 – Monday 6 May

Day Out With Thomas / Credit: ELR

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is once again making a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester this Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

The beloved Day Out With Thomas experience is said to be “a train ride like no other”.

Families will have the chance to hop onboard the East Lancashire Railway’s replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns in a couple of weeks time for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.

Find out more and grab last-minute tickets here.

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Featured Image –

Art & Culture

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 22 – 28 April 2024

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Can you believe we’re already into our last full week of April, and May is right around the corner?

So far, April has been full of foodie festivals, cultural celebrations, wholesome spring-themed events, and so much more – and thankfully, there’s more where that came from as there’s loads more in the Greater Manchester social calendar for everyone of all ages to be getting involved with throughout this week too.

If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.

Here’s some of our recommendations.

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Bloomtown Blossom Trail

Manchester City Centre

Monday 22 April – onwards

Stunning pink blossom at Parsonage Gardens
Bloomtown Blossom Trail / Credit: The Manc Group

Manchester never looks better than it does when all the blossom trees burst back to life, right? Well now there’s a walking trail through town that shows off the best bits.

From the iconic purple blooms outside the Central Library, to the surprising sprays that pop up in the middle of Ancoats, there are pretty colours appearing all over, so the National Trust is once again shining a spotlight on Manchester and bringing back its new-and-improved Bloomtown Map.

There are 39 spots all over the city centre (and slightly beyond) included along the route, each one showcasing one of the city’s most picturesque locations.

Find out more about 2024’s trail here.

___

Tales of Manchester 2.0

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Monday 22 April – onwards

Tales of Manchester 2.0 / Credit: Supplied

A brand-new art exhibition curated by visual artist Emma Evans in partnership with six other creators is now open in Manchester, and it’s completely free to visit.

Tales of Manchester 2.0 down at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a collection of multi-platform art celebrating our brilliant city, and it’s showcasing six spoken word pieces by established Manchester based poets – Griot Gabriel, Ilaria Passeri, Lisa O’Hare, Mark Jackson aka Keith’s Brother, Matt Concannon aka The Thirsty Poet, and Sarah Attwell.

The spoken word is paired with visual pieces painted by self-taught artist Emma Evans, where the words have served as inspiration for the art.

Find out more here.

___

The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition

Manchester Central Library

Monday 22 April – onwards

The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition / Credit: Supplied

Photography students from The Manchester College will be showcasing their ‘Greater Mancunians’ project as part of a landmark exhibition at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall from this week.

150 students have participated in the groundbreaking photography project, and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.

More than 100 contributors are featured in the project, including musicians Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr, athletes Diane Modahl and Ricky Hatton, local politicians Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Bev Craig, actors Maxine Peake and Bill Roache, artists Stan Chow and AKSE P-19, and other local figures like Jonathan Warburton, Simon Martin, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE.

Find out more here.

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Did you see that one of the biggest charity shops has recently opened here in Greater Manchester?

The independently-run Regenerage superstore is the newest resident at the massively-popular Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton.

Inside the huge 10,958 sq ft store, shoppers can find everything from ladies and menswear, to homeware, furniture, and children’s clothing too, plus books, and new white goods – including washing machines, fridge freezers, and more.

There’s also a specially-created bridal and occasional wear department too.

And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, there’s even the chance to get your hands on designer brands like Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, and Armani, all without the hefty price tag.

Find out more here.

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Power UP

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 22 April – onwards

Power UP / Credit: Science Museum Group

Did you know there’s a huge gaming event currently happening in Manchester?

With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP is back for more in 2024 down at the Science and Industry Museum, and it’s taking ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming every weekend.

There’s everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more to get stuck into, and each ticket includes unlimited play all day.

Find out more about the exhibition here.

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Pieminister’s Bottomless Brunch

Pieminister

Monday 22 April – onwards

Pieminister’s Bottomless Brunch / Credit: The Manc Group

Pieminister’s legendary pie bottomless brunch with free-flowing drinks has finally made a comeback.

The popular pie restaurant chain – which has two sites here in Manchester city centre on Church Street in the Northern Quarter, and on Deansgate – is known and loved all across the UK for its thick and chunky pies, but its bottomless brunch offering is something else.

Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie, vegan, flexitarian, or gluten free, there’s something to suit everyone on the menu.

Find out more and book your bottomless brunch slot here.

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The Wizard of Oz

Palace Theatre Manchester

Wednesday 24 April – Sunday 5 May

The Wizard of Oz / Credit: ATG Tickets

A sensational new take on of one of the world’s most beloved musicals, The Wizard of Oz, is arriving here in Manchester this week.

Taking to the iconic Palace Theatre stage, starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion, JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, this new production is set to be truly magical for all the family.

Find out more and grab last-minute tickets here.

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The Botanist LIVE

Greater Manchester

Friday 26 & Saturday 27 April – onwards

The Botanist LIVE / Credit: Supplied

The Botanist has brought back The Botanist LIVE to “help everyone celebrate summer” with free live music every weekend.

Set to “supply the soundtrack to your weekend” every Friday and Saturday night, The Botanist’s talented artists are set to play live from 8pm until late, and guests can expect a vibrant party atmosphere with sounds of rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco, and blues.  

The events are not ticketed and are free to attend, so all you need to do is turn up and wait for its house band get the party started. 

Find out more here.

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Red Rose Diner

East Lancashire Railway

Friday 26 April – onwards

Red Rose Diners / Credit: ELR

Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this week.

Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 March right through to November this year, East Lancashire Railway’s Red Rose Diners are described as being “the ultimate first class foodie experience”, as they start with a glass of fizz and stretch over an almost three-hour steam train journey through the Irwell Valley.

The experience includes a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.

Find out more and book here.

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Fancy heading out a walk somewhere in Greater Manchester and beyond this week?

The weather is FINALLY warming up a little, and it’s beginning to feel like we might finally have made it through winter.

So that means it’s time for a walk, right?

Some of the green spaces that wrap around Greater Manchester are in their prime right now with blossoms, bluebells, and more – and that’s saying something, as they’re pretty spectacular all year round – so it couldn’t be a more perfect time to go for a walk to appreciate their beauty.

Read our round-up of stunning spots for a spring walk here.

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Spring Fest

Alderley Park

Saturday 27 April

Farm Weekend / Credit: Jody Hartley

Spring Fest is taking over Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park this Saturday.

With families from all across Greater Manchester and the North West set to make their way to Macclesfield, Spring Fest is a chance to celebrate the magic of spring and everything that it means for wildlife, animals, and nature.

You can expect a jam-packed day full of different outdoor family-friendly activities, performances, markets, and lots of local food and drink.

Find out more here.

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Ex-Paw Extravaganza

Angel Meadow Park

Saturday 27 April

Ex-Paw Extravaganza / Credit: Ex-Paw MCR

A festival especially for dogs is all set to take over a popular Manchester city centre park for some “paw-tastic fun” this weekend.

And the best bit about it? It’s absolutely FREE to head on down to.

Back by popular demand, the Ex-Paw Extravaganza festival is returning to Angel Meadow Park near Manchester‘s Green Quarter this Saturday for a jam-packed day of “pawsome activity”.

Kicking off from 11am and running right through until 4pm, this year’s dog-themed festivities include a selection of different stalls to shop from, dog agility courses, puppy play areas, hands-on pet first aid courses, and so much more.

Find out more here.

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Looking for somewhere to go for a hearty roast dinner in and around Greater Manchester this weekend?

From the moment we start to feel the weekend rolling in, we can’t help but turn our thoughts to Sunday roasts, steaming jugs of gravy, and big glasses sploshing over with red wine.

It’s just the best feeling, and there’s plenty of it to be found here in our region.

We’re used to it being wet and miserable most of the year, and while we do love Sunday lunch on a sun-soaked afternoon in the beer garden when we get the chance, nothing warms the cockles more on those darker days than a giant plate piled high with roasted meats, vegetables, and gravy.

Read our round-up of some of the best Greater Manchester roast dinners here.

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Featured Image – Ex-Paw MCR | The Manc Group | Bruntwood

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