Manchester

Father’s Day: Some of the best things to do and gifts to buy from Manchester independents

Plenty of the region’s businesses are pulling out all the stops ready for the special day.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 11th June 2021

Father’s Day is right around the corner.

For a number of reasons, we know that Father’s Day can be a difficult time for some, especially as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to stick around and so many of us still may not be able to spend time the quality time with our loved ones that we so wish – but for those who are fortunate enough to have a father figure in their lives, this is a special day to celebrate a special person.

With just over a week to go before it’s finally here, plenty of independent businesses right across the region are pulling out all the stops, launching deals and stocking up on gifts galore ready for the big day.

Father’s Day gives us yet another chance to support local our local businesses as they continue to find their feet and navigate new ground.

If you’re looking for some gift inspiration, or a unique way to spend the day, here’s some of the best we’ve seen.

___

Gifts

From hand-crafted sweet treats and a tapas tasting experience, to luxury themed hampers and so much more, there’s a lot to choose to from.

Hip Flask

Father’s Day Craft Beer Box

£20

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPamEYQFYoO/

The perfect gift for any Manc dad.

Independent drinks delivery company Hip Flask is inviting you to “give the gift of beer this Father’s Day” with a curated box filled with Manchester’s finest craft beers.

Featuring tasty beers from a selection of Manchester’s best breweries, this is a gift for the Dads out there that were wetting your head whilst you were being born, with each box containing six craft beers, as well as a specially-designed card and the option to add a free personalised message at checkout.

“Leave the socks – get them something they actually want this year”.

You can place your order in time for Father’s Day here.

Tillys Fudge

Father’s Day Belgian Box

£24.50

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPx6sDanuPx/

If there’s one thing that independent Manchester-based company Tillys Fudge knows, it’s that “dads love fudge”, so it’s put together a delicious ‘Belgian Box’ filled with a selection of fan-favourite flavours especially for Father’s Day.

Each box contains a mixture of Belgian chocolate shapes filled with, Malted Madness, vanilla, rum & raisin, mint, orange, Lotus Biscoff, and butterscotch – and you also get to select one full size bar which is stamped with a ‘Happy Father’s Day’ message, choosing from salted caramel or brandy.

There’s only a limited amount available, and you can place your order in time for Father’s Day here.

DrinkWell

Father’s Day IPA Bundle

£18.95

DrinkWell

Especially for the IPA lovers this Father’s Day, DrinkWell is offering an exclusive bundle of 10 DrinkWell Heracles IPA’s, alongside a DrinkWell bar blade, two DrinkWell Beer Glasses and a bottle cooler chucked in for free.

The brand new DrinkWell IPA has seen the brand take everything it’s learned about low carb beer over the past eight years to create its own, and with over 35% fewer calories than other IPAs, this is the first “reduced calorie and carb IPA” ever produced in the UK.

You can place your order in time for Father’s Day here.

Hotel Football

Football Lover’s Hamper

£100

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPDDFwEtWdB/

Is your old man a United fan?

Manchester’s iconic football-themed hotel has got you covered then, as you can give your dad “the ultimate football lover’s gift” of a Father’s Day hamper filled to the brim with all things Hotel Football, Cafe Football, and Class Of 92.

As well as whole host of exciting gifts and memorabilia, each hamper also comes with the extra special addition of a Stanley Chow caricature print of, and signed by, your dad’s favourite CO92 player.

You can even upgrade the hamper to include the Lunch & Tour or Tea & Tour vouchers – offering a great dining experience overlooking Old Trafford, followed by a tour of the iconic stadium and museum.

You can place your order in time for Father’s Day here.

Abeja Tapas

Abeja Board-in-a-Box

£22.50 – £38

Abeja Tapas

Abeja Tapas’ “indulgent tapas boxes” are perfect for showing your dad “how much you love him in style and making him feel really special” as they are made up of selected products from independent producers from Granada. Manchester’s smallest tapas bar has established direct relationships with many local artisans to bring only the tastiest and truly authentic produce of southern Spain.

All tapas hampers are beautifully-prepared by hand, and are wrapped up in eco-friendly or compostable packaging, and can be ordered for collection or UK-wide delivery.

You can place your order in time for Father’s Day here.

Decent Drop

Father’s Day Gift Boxes

£25 – £50

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPuvEabNlJF/

Here’s your chance to show your appreciation through wine, cheese and more.

Whether it’s your dad, someone else’s dad, or someone you wish was your dad, independent Manchester-based company Decent Drop has got a few great options lined up to make Father’s Day extra special.

Depending on your budget, you can chose from the Bearded Trio (£25) – with comes with x3 Trashumante wines, with handsome bearded chaps on the label – the Wine & Cheese Gift Box (£25) – which comes with one bottle of wine, 2 x 150g cheeses, and a miniature of whisky – or the Dad Box Special (£50) – which comes with x3 bottles of wine, 3 x 150g cheeses, a miniature of whisky and port and a cut glass whisky tumbler.

You can place your order in time for Father’s Day here.

Nibble NQ

Father’s Day Collection

£19.50 – £50

Nibble NQ

If your dad’s got a sweet tooth, then Nibble NQ’s got you covered this Father’s Day, with everything from treat boxes filled with a wide variety of cakes, to at-home afternoon teas (with a vegan option also available), brunch hampers, brownie boxes, and so much more, all made with love and available for UK-wide delivery.

You can place your order in time for Father’s Day here.

___

Activities

If experiences and making memories are on the top of your agenda instead, we’ve picked out some of the best things to do and deals to take advantage in Manchester this Father’s Day.

Food Sorcery

Big & Little Cooks – Father’s Day

£120

Food Sorcery

Didsbury’s very own cookery school Food Sorcery is offering the chance to work with a dedicated chef and join them for an “inspiring afternoon” of parents and children cooking together on Father’s Day.

This class is about spending time together doing an activity which requires working as a team.

With a bunch of different options on the menu – featuring everything from homemade pasa carbonara, to plaited loaves and chicken cordon bleu – you will prepare a main course, a side dish and dessert, before it’s then time to enjoy your meal together.

All ingredients, refreshments and glass of wine or beer for the adults will be included in the ticket price – and you can book onto the Father’s Day class here.

Point Blank Shooting

Father’s Day Bottomless Brunch

£35pp

https://www.instagram.com/p/COFpG0TrJT5/

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend Father’s Day in the city centre, then Point Blank Manchester’s ‘Bottomless Brunch’ definitely fits the bill.

In an attempt to “make Sundays as cool as Saturdays”, the shooting simulator bar’s 90-minute bottomless brunch events take place every weekend and combine pizza, prosecco, beer and shooting all rolled into one – but especially for Father’s Day, all dads will be able to get a gun upgrade free of charge.

You can find more information and book onto the Father’s Day event here.

Nelson’s Distillery

Gin & Vodka School / Talk & Taste

£20 – £155

Nelson’s Distillery

Nelson’s Distillery at Clayton Hotel Manchester has a selection of events that are a perfect gift / experience for Father’s Day.

As part of the Gin & Vodka School experience – which runs from 1-5pm – attendees get to make one 70cl bottle of Gin/Vodka per still, taste three of Nelsons Gins with tonic each, enjoy an afternoon tea-style lunch provided by the hotel, as well as have a talk about the social history of gin.

The Talk & Taste sessions are a one-hour condensed version of this experience, which also include the chance to taste three of Nelsons Gins with tonic each.

You can book your tickets as a Father’s Day gift here.

Rendition

Father’s Day Selected Menu

Rendition MCR

One of the city centre’s newest independent eateries, Rendition – a premium restaurant and bar aiming to revolutionise the Manchester food and drink scene – opened it’s doors earlier this month, and is offering up a selected menu of some of its classic dishes especially for Father’s Day.

Inspired by the “desire to celebrate regional ingredients”, Rendition serves locally-sourced and inspired dishes that champion British produce.

Highlights of the modern British menu include locally-sourced oysters served with shallots, vinegar, tabasco and lemon, North Yorkshire potato croquettes and tomato jam – which are both designed for the table to share – and so much more.

The Father’s Day selected menu will be served up from 12 – 4pm, and then the restaurant’s full menu will be available from 4pm – late.

You can make a booking for Father’s Day here.

Euro 2020

Manchester City Centre

The Oast House

Father’s Day also happens to fall on the day where the group stage of European football’s flagship tournament Euro 2020 continues, so for any dad who’s a footie fan, there couldn’t be a better way to spend a day in the city centre.

While England may not be playing on Father’s Day itself, there’ll still be screenings of Sunday’s fixtures in a number of venues, as Manchester is a city that’s obsessed with football, so understandably, there’s plenty of places going all out for it this year.

If you’re looking for recommendations for some of the best places to catch a match with your dad this Father’s Day, we’ve knuckled down and done the leg work for you.

You can find 20 of the best spots to watch Euro 2020 in Manchester city centre here.

Sunday Roast

Manchester City Centre

The Refuge

What’s a Sunday without a roast dinner?

A roast is held dear to the hearts of many Mancunians, as this quintessentially British meal marks a time to gather your nearest and dearest around the table to tuck into one of the heartiest meals you’ll probably have all week – and there’s no better time to do that than on Father’s Day.

We’re absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to independent eateries to enjoy a roast in across our region, but considering this day is all about the father figures in our life, why not let dad pick?

Are you after some roast recommendations? We’ve picked out eight of the best places in Manchester city centre to choose from here.

Featured Image – Hip Flask

Manchester

The very best ice cream places in Greater Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones where to get the best ice cream in greater manchester places

We know it’s not often sunny out in these parts to enjoy the proper summery joy of lapping up lots of ice cream, but there are still bloody wonderful places to get it here in Greater Manchester – and we know some of the best.

It doesn’t matter if you prefer it chock-full of chocolate chips and coffee, mouth-frothingly fruity sweet, you’re in your pistachio phase or cannot get past the raspberry ripple, there are plenty of places to get whatever you’re after.

Be it Manchester city centre or beyond, we do ice cream pretty darn good for a place that basically rains for two-thirds of the year.

In no particular order, by the way, because we already hate playing favourites and all those serve our infinitely sweet tooth are created equal.

The best ice cream shops and parlours in and around Manchester

1. Grandpa Greene’s – Oldham

First up, there are few other fitting enough places to start than the Diggle Lock’s legendary Grandpa Greene’s, which serves not just some of the best desserts we’ve EVER had but stunning, homemade ice-cream that we here at The Manc have even helped make in the past.

In fact, this place has been such a hit in the area that they’ve gone on to open their own bistro and, unsurprisingly, it’s proved just as impressive and popular.

2. Milk Maids – Bolton

From Oldham over to the borough of Bolton and native favourite, Milk Maids, whose award-winning dairy farming expertise has seen them garner an iconic status among locals, and it’s no wonder.

We’ve been on to this place in Over Hulton for ages, but now they’re approaching a decade of serving their oh-so-sweet scoops, we can’t pretend to take even the remotest bit of credit. Their reputation precedes them and is about as long-standing as their lines.

3. Ginger’s – Northern Quarter

Number three is a go-to ice cream place for anyone in Manchester city centre: Ginger’s over in Afflecks Palace. Well, Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, to give them their full title, and we can only concur that it does provide us with immense comfort whenever we call upon it.

Made in small batches using award-winning, home-churned dairy ice cream just like Milk Maids, these guys have actually been here even longer, serving the massive multi-floored shopping complex and indie paradise since 2010. There are new flavours and specials on all the time, each as delicious as the last.

Credit: The Manc Eats

4. Big Licks – Printworks

In at number four is arguably the ice cream and dessert parlour with the very best name in Manchester, and that’s Big Licks, which recently relocated from Liverpool Road over in Castlefield to Printworks.

Now positioned in a much more central location, it’s no surprise that the spot has seen an increase in queues of late. You’ll find pretty much every combo you could ask for here; they also do some pretty banging burgers if you fancy eating both tea and afters here.

5. Macari’s – Stockport

As a native Stopfordian myself, my grandma only ever called dessert a ‘sweet’ or ‘pudding’, regardless of what it was, but regardless of what you call it around your way/in your family, we have a Stopfordian ice cream spot that you need to visit.

Macari’s Gelateria opened up over in Heaton Moor back in 2023, and it’s quickly grown a passionate cult following – ourselves included. From their punchy and/or fruity flavours, to the super soft texture that their perfectly flaky wafers just about hold up to, it’s pretty perfect. Remember the name.

Credit: The Manc Group

6. Lazy Sundae – Manchester Arndale

We’re past the halfway mark now, and if you’re not already feeling a bit sluggish after this sugary feast for your eyes, you almost certainly will after looking at the super indulgent Lazy Sundae, who do everything from bubble tea and creative Korean desserts, to standard ice cream cones.

But make no mistake, there’s nothing plain or basic about this place: it’s remained one of the best places for ice cream in Manchester, and while we may have said goodbye to their OG spot in NQ back in January 2025, the Arndale parlour now serves as the perfect flagship location.

@the.manc Lazy Sundae has arrived at the Arndale #manchester #lazysundae ♬ Synchronize – Milky Chance

7. Black Milk – NQ

Sticking with the city centre and whipping our way back to NQ (pun very much intended), we’ve got the brilliant Black Milk up next, who we confess most regularly visit for a proper good milkshake, but they do shine when it comes to pretty anything sugary, to be honest.

Ice cream-wise, you can’t go wrong with their cookies and cream sundae, and their special St. Patrick’s Guinness gelato is still one of the most unique desserts we’ve ever had. Speaking of gelato…

Credit: The Manc

8. Gelato Creamery® – Sale and Ardwick

Heading out to Trafford now and the ever-growing foodie scene in Sale, their increasingly well-known Gelato Creamery® store has been making waves for some time now, and by waves, we mean perfectly swirled scoops of ice cream’s somewhat healthier but still just as tasty Italian cousin.

They have a more central pod at Jacuna Kitchen over in Ardwick on the outskirts of the city centre, but really do recommend visiting their shop on School Road for a lesson on what proper good gelato should taste like.

9. Get Baked – NQ

The penultimate blood sugar pincher is the famous Get Baked, who barely even turned the key to unlock the doors before they had a crowd waiting outside the shop window of their first Manchester location.

Whether you’re three for big cookies, the famous Matilda-inspired ‘Bertha’ cake’ or their free-flowing soft-serve that is easier to drink than water – we know we have a problem, we’re working on it – you won’t be disappointed by no matter how long you wait.

Credit: The Manc

10. Baby Mayhem – Ancoats

Last but certainly not least of the latest newcomers to the Manc dessert scene and while it may not be strictly just an ice cream parlour, it is one of the best places for anyone who is powerless to resist their cravings for things fresh, cold, filled, fried and covered in sugar.

Baby Mayhem is where ice cream and doughnuts collide in one superior pudding. How does a ‘donut ice cream sandwich’ sound? Incredible? We thought so. It’s popped in the old Lazy Tony’s Lasagneria site and is already following in its footsteps of filling locals’ bellies to the max.

That should just about do you for now, and if this list wasn’t sickly enough, don’t you worry…

You best believe we’ll be going around all around Greater Manchester in search of more ice cream and the best places that do it whenever the sun is out.

So, just keep your eyes peeled for when we inevitably update this one, because there’s always room for one more scoop.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group

Manchester

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 21 – 27 July 2025

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Schools are out, summer is here, and Manchester looks stunning in the sunshine.

The dust may finally be settling following Oasis’ nostalgia-filled run of gigs at Heaton Park, but that doesn’t mean the summer fun is over with across Greater Manchester, in fact, it’s just getting started and there’s plenty happening this week – from festivals, and themed events, tp new foodie openings, family fun, and loads more.

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.

___

Music for the Senses

Manchester City Centre

Monday 21 July – onwards

Music for the Senses
Music for the Senses / Credit: David Oates Photography

An all-new multi-sensory art exhibition has taken 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.

It’ll be running across the city centre until the end of August, and there’ll be more than 80 artworks, murals, mosaics, and installations to see.

Check out the full lineup here.

___

MCR Live ’25

Manchester City Centre

Monday 21 July – onwards

MCR Live ’25 / Credit: MCC

A massive music-filled takeover of Manchester has now arrived ahead of 1.3 million music tourists descending on the city centre this summer.

MCR Live ’25 is celebrating what promises to be a sensational summer of sound.

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.

Find out everything happening here.

___

Summer of Senses

Science and Industry Museum

Saturday 19 July – 31 August

Summer of Senses / Credit: Science Museum Group

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.

At the heart of it all, you can explore the world of senses inspired by the museum’s latest exhibition, Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You.  

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.

Find out more here.

___

Loads To Do

Greater Manchester

Monday 21 July – onwards

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 Council has 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.

Find out everything happening here.

___

Summer Fair 2025

Trafford Centre

Monday 21 August – 31 August

Summer Fair 2025 / Credit: Trafford Centre

A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun has returned to the Trafford Centre for the summer.

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 has welcomed 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.

Find out more here.

___

UEFA Women’s Euro 2025

National Football Museum

Monday 21 July – onwards

England women's football
National Football Museum
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.

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.

Check out our round-up here.

___

SmileyWorld® Art Trail

Stockport

Monday 21 July – onwards

SmileyWorld® Art Trail
SmileyWorld® Art Trail
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.

Everything you need to know is here.

___

Oasis Fans – 1994-1997

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Monday 21 July – onwards

Oasis Fans exhibition
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 still open in Manchester.

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s new free exhibition takes music fans on a trip down memory lane.

Oasis Fans – 1994-1997 showcases 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. 

Find out more about the exhibition here.

___

Screen on the Square

New Jackson

Monday 21 July – onwards

Screen on the Square will take place on The Square at the base of Deansgate Square towers
Screen on the Square / Credit: Renaker

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.

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.

Find out what’s being screened this week here.

___

NEW OPENING – Arc’teryx

New Cathedral Street

NEW OPENING / Arc’teryx

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. 

Find out more here.

___

NEW OPENING – Three Rooms by Platzki

Didsbury

NEW OPENING – Three Rooms by Platzki / Credit: The Manc Group

Three is definitely the magic number.

Platzki is already known and loved here in Manchester city centre, serving up some of the most authentic Polish cuisine from their little restaurant on Deansgate – but over Didsbury is their newest addition to the dining scene.

Three Rooms by Platzki is a real treat, bringing a modern twist on traditional Polish dishes to the suburbs, all with a splash of global flavour.

From their signature Platzki pancakes with whipped feta, to pulled duck pampushky buns, and punchy cocktails to match, this cosy three-floor spot is made for lingering.

___

NEW OPENING – adidas Manchester

Market Street

NEW OPENING – adidas Manchester

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.

Find out more here.

___

Stories – Brought To Life

MediaCityUK

Monday 21 July – 31 August

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.

Find out more here.

___

Kargo on the Docks

MediaCityUK

Tuesday 22 July – onwards

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.

Find out more here.

___

Manchester Day 2025

Manchester City Centre

Saturday 26 July

Manchester Day 2025 / Credit: Manchester City Council

Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this weekend, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.

Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.

Aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’ Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.

From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.

Find out everything happening this Saturday here.

___

Featured Image – Manchester City Council | The Manc Group | Renaker

More Manchester

Oasis weather - Oasis fans prepare for biblical rain as Met Office issues thunderstorm warning

Audio

Oasis fans prepare for biblical rain as Met Office issues thunderstorm warning

Make Aldeh sign in Prestwich permanent petition

Audio

A petition has been created to make Prestwich’s Oasis-inspired ‘Aldeh’ sign permanent

Art & Culture

Manchester Fashion Week is returning for 2025 this autumn after a decade-long hiatus

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches