Technical Assistant
AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021
AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021 The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 4 – 10 May 2026
Emily Sergeant
It’s our first full week of May, and we can practically see summer on the horizon now.
With a new month getting underway, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week, especially as we’re starting this week off with our first bank holiday of the month too.
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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Celebrate National Space Day this bank holiday
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 4 May
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You can celebrate National Space Day with a bunch of free ‘out of this world’ activities this bank holiday.
Ever wondered what astronauts eat in orbit? How they use the loo in zero gravity? Or why crumbs are bad news on the International Space Station? Well, to celebrate National Space Day, you’ll now get to discover the answers to those questions and so much more down at the Science and Industry Museum this bank holiday.
The programme of free events are set to accompany the museum’s latest special exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos and will give visitors more ways to explore the ‘wonders and weirdness’ of space.
Find out more and book free tickets here.
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National Trust Blossom and Bloomtown 2026
Greater Manchester
Monday 4 – Sunday 31 May
The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme full of trails and events is back once again so you can appreciate them in all their glory.
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white, and you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season either, as there’s plenty of blossom to discover right on our doorstep in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re walking through the city centre on your way to work, enjoying a spot of lunch in the park, or going on a little local adventure with your family, Bloomtown has something for everyone.
Find out more about all the events happening here.
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LUMINISCENCE
Manchester Cathedral
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Monday 4 May – 5 June
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special.
Visitors are invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
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NEW OPENING – The Trof
Northern Quarter
Trof is entering a new era… and we think it’s looking pretty special.
The Northern Quarter institution has officially reopened its doors as The Trof – a space for pints and roasts (as always), but also refined British dining.
The team behind Stow are in charge of the kitchens and the bar, so suddenly this boozy favourite has become one of town’s most exciting food destinations.
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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 you’ll find this spring.
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.
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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?
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.
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Read more here.
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Look, Albert Square is back open…
Sure, we know this isn’t exactly the type of ‘event’ we usually include in these round-up articles, but how could we not draw attention to the fact that, after eight long years, Albert Square has finally reopened to the public?
This means that you can now walk – heck, even run, skip, and jump if you’d like – your way through the big, clean open space outside the Town Hall.
Of course, we just had to go and check it out for ourselves👇
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Stuck for somewhere to have a bite to eat?
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in April, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in May, 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.
Take your pick here👇
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Featured Image – The Manc Group | Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)
A brand-new shipping container village is opening in Manchester, with 250 new studios for local business
Daisy Jackson
A new shipping container village that will be home to 250 affordable studio spaces is coming to Manchester.
The concept may be familiar to you if you already know Pollard Yard, a maze of local business over in New Islington.
And now the team behind that, Meanwhile Creative, have announced plans for a major new site just north of the city centre.
When it opens, Bromley Yard will provide a whopping 250 studio spaces that can be transformed into studios, workshops, retail units, dark kitchens, salons, gyms, and just about anything else you can fit inside their walls.
Set to be one of the largest container communities in Europe, this is going to really foster all those amazing independent makers and creators that Manchester is so proud to be home to.
Pollard Yard itself won’t be going anywhere – it’s a vibrant home to more than 160 independent studios and a network of creatives spanning art, music, food, fashion and more, with a waiting list that can stretch for years.
Bromley Yard will just be building on that, unlocking even more space for the city’s creative sector and building on a clear demand for low-cost studio spaces – and building on underused urban space.
Phase One of the new shipping container village will open this year, with more phases to follow.
There’ll also be dedicated music units, food and beverage spaces, and customer facing studios, much like there is over at Pollard Yard.
Bromley Yard is set to be within walking distance of the city centre, just off Rochdale Road.
Expressions of interest are now open, with early access opportunities, open days, and previews set to be announced in the coming months.
Read more
- Sacha Lord set to back local hospitality again with money behind the bar of Manchester pub
- Major Canadian lifestyle brand Garage to open in Manchester Arndale AND Trafford Centre
- Manchester’s newest hotel launches massive recruitment drive with 100+ jobs available
Featured image: Meanwhile Creative
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Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute
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