After quite some time away at the hands of our foe COVID-19, the award-winning Manchester Music Tours is back to provide a unique experience for music lovers in the city.
By visiting all the places across Greater Manchester that have defined some of the city’s biggest bands, you’ll get a true insights into the band’s lives and where they cut their teeth.
Led by Rose Gill alongside some guest tour guides, you’ll hear stories from those that experienced Manchester’s 80s and 90s music scene first-hand.
The Manchester Music Tours bus.
There are five different guided tours on offer. Each one an ode to a different iconic Manchester band. From Salford Lads Club, synonymous with The Smiths to Boardwalk where Oasis played their first ever gig, this is the ultimate Manchester music pilgrimage.
If Morrissey is your man, The Smiths tour will take you on a three-hour journey to places like Strangeways prison and The Iron Bridge that all inspired the lyrics to some of the band’s most famous songs.
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A guided tour of Salford Lads Club will also grant access to ‘The Smiths Room’ which has been kept as a shrine to the band with memorabilia and posters.
Recreate this iconic image of The Smiths stood outside Salford Lads Club.
Alternatively, fans of Joy Division can embark on a four-hour tour which takes a deep dive into the band as well as The Hacienda and Factory Records.
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Iconic stop-offs include Epping Walk Bridge and the home of Alan Erasmus, the location of the original Factory Records HQ when it was first established in 1979.
Praised by the Gallagher brothers themselves, the Oasis tour will explore the pair’s Burnage childhood, before visiting the clubs and rehearsal rooms that changed the band’s career forever.
Remember the Definitely Maybe album artwork? Well, this one will also take you the very house that was used on the cover. There’ll also be some crate-digging opportunities at Sifters record store, made famous by the band’s song Shakermaker.
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Visit the house pictured in the iconic Definitely Maybe album artwork.
The Stone Roses trip, however, will call at Granada Studios where the band made their TV debut performing ‘Waterfall’. And with a visit to Chorlton Waterpark that inspired the hit song ‘Mersey Paradise’ – and a show around the site of International 1 where they held their first gig in 1985 – you can walk in the footsteps of Ian Brown and the boys.
But for those that can’t decide on their favourite band (and really, we’d be stuck for choice too) you can get a taster of all the best bits with the Manchester Music Tour Special. This one will take you on a whistle stop tour of highlights from all four of the tours for the ultimate experience.
There are photo opportunities to be had at every location of each tour, plus tea and coffee to keep you going. And if you fancy a private tour of your own, get in touch.
Now, we all know music lover who’d be up for this, don’t we? Grab your tickets here.
Things To Do
Trafford Centre’s FREE emergency services day is returning with 50 vehicles, live demonstrations, and more
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of emergency services vehicles, live demonstrations, meet and greets, and more will be heading to the Trafford Centre this summer.
Back by popular demand, now that schools across Greater Manchester have broken up for the summer holidays, the North West’s biggest celebration of the emergency services back at the Trafford Centre early next month – offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the lifesaving work carried out across the region every day.
Running from 10am through to 4pm, this free family-friendly event promises a full day of excitement, education, and entertainment.
Visitors can expect around 50 emergency service vehicles, live demonstrations, and interactive displays.
The Trafford Centre’s FREE emergency services day is returning next month / Credit: Supplied
There will also be representatives from the British Army, RNLI, and many more.
Both modern and vintage vehicles will be on display to give visitors a fascinating insight into how the emergency services have evolved over the years.
Families can also enjoy a host of additional attractions while they’re there, including meet-and-greets at intervals with Fireman Sam, free face painting, fairground rides, ice cream vans, balloons, and live performances from local choirs.
There’ll be 50 vehicles, live demonstrations, and loads more happening / Credit: Supplied
The event will be officially opened at 10:20am with a short ceremony led by Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Kate Green, alongside other local dignitaries.
“Our annual Emergency Services Day is a brilliant day out for all ages, and a great way to say thank you to our amazing emergency services and support our everyday heroes,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“We’re proud to host such an inspiring day here at Trafford Centre.”
Emergency Services Day 2026 is taking place at the Trafford Centre from 10am on Thursday 6 August, and you can find out more here.
Things To Do
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 20 – 26 July 2026
Emily Sergeant
School’s out, summer’s here, and there’s SO much happening.
That’s right, the school summer holidays have arrived, and that means there are, of course, loads of things happening across Greater Manchester to be getting up to these next six weeks. If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do, no worries, as 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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Summer in Space
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 20 July – onwards
Summer in Space / Credit: Science Museum Group
Get ready to spend the summer in space, as the Science and Industry Museum has announced its summer events programme and it’s full of free interactive events and activities to get involved with these next six weeks.
From live space shows and giant rockets, to tinkering activities Martian discovery trails, and the chance to visit the blockbuster exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos if you haven’t already, budding astronauts are in for a summer to remember.
By far one of the stand-out free events this summer is the arrival of 30-foot-tall rocket ship, Skybolt 2 – hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company, Starchaser.
Find out more and book tickets for your visit here.
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National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails
North West
Monday 20 July – 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.
Manchester is bringing 14 weeks of free activities for children to parks across the city this summer.
Thanks to additional Council funding that was allocated earlier this year, Manchester’s biggest-ever Parktastic programme has now launched – expanding from the summer holidays alone to include after-school sessions before schools break up, activities throughout the holidays, and even sessions continuing into September.
Back by popular demand and aimed at children ages six-12, Parktastic offers sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, drama, nature activities, storytelling and messy play.
Sessions are free, no booking is required, healthy snacks are provided, and children can simply turn up and join in.
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.
NEW OPENING – SpudBros Express / Credit: The Manc Group
Viral internet sensation SpudBros have popped up at the Trafford Centre for a special limited-time appearance.
The UK’s most-followed jacket potato creators, SpudBros – also known as Jacob and Harley Nelson – have officially launched their hotly anticipated summer pop-up at the iconic retail destination this week as part of Trafford Centre’s annual summer fair.
Shoppers can get ready for freshly prepared, fully loaded jacket potatoes served up in minutes, all without compromising on quality, flavour, or portion size.
You can pick from fan favourites like the Tram Classic, which is loaded with garlic butter, the signature three-cheese mix, beans, crispy onions, and world-famous ‘tram’ sauce, to the Spudfather topped with chilli con carne, tuna, and coleslaw.
Manchester’s biggest exhibition of local artists is back again for the summer.
Taking place every two years, Manchester Open is a celebration of local talent, showcasing the work of 420 artists inside the gallery space over at HOME. The exhibition includes work from artists in all media formats who have been selected from each of Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs, ranging in age from four to 80 years old.
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Oh, and the whole thing is completely free to visit. Find out more about the return of this incredible exhibition here.
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Fancy a wholesome summer activity?
It’s strawberry season, and Kenyon Hall Farm has officially opened up its strawberry fields (plus plenty of other pick-your-own produce) for the season for you to frolic amongst, with loads of summer treats in its cafe and award-winning farm shop too.
Strawberries have been growing at Kenyon Hall Farm for nearly 50 years now, and it’s proven as popular ever since.
Did you know you can visit Chester Zoo for just £10 this summer?
For the past three years running now, Chester Zoo has officially been named the UK’s best zoo thanks to tens of thousands of positive TripAdvisor reviews, and now this summer, you’ll get to see exactly what makes it such a special place worth visiting for a cut price, as £10 tickets are now available to book for a limited time only.
With the offer only applicable to afternoons this summer, Afternoon Tickets allow entry to Chester Zoo from 2pm onwards – with the last entry being one-hour before it closes.
You can visit Chester Zoo for just £10 this summer / Credit: Chester Zoo
Without this offer, standard admission tickets to Chester Zoo usually cost up to £38 for adults, £37 for students, and £28 for children, all including a 10% donation to the zoo’s conservation efforts, so it really is worth making the most of these limited-time £10 tickets while you can.
Find out more and book your tickets in advance here.
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Or did you know that seven Manchester green spaces have been named some of the best in the UK?
Once again, seven of our city’s green spaces – including parks and cemeteries – have been named some of the best the UK has to offer. That’s because leading environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy, has handed out its coveted Green Flag Awards, which recognise accessible green spaces that set ‘an international benchmark for management’.
The awards shed light on the groups, volunteers, and staff who devote themselves year-round to the maintenance and upkeep of these areas.
Read more about this incredible honour and find out which green spaces have been chosen here.
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GRUB On The Docks
MediaCity
Tuesday 21 July – 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.
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.
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is currently hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this summer.
Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the 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.
Manchester Day 2026 / Credit: Manchester City Council
Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2026 this weekend., and you can expect a day filled with loads of Catalan-themed fun.
Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.
Switching for the first time to a Sunday this year instead of its usual Saturday, Manchester City Council is promising a ‘distinctly Catalan flavour’ to this year’s Manchester Day, as performers from Barcelona head to Manchester to join in the festivities in what is a first for the event.
This year’s Catalan theme has been chosen following Manchester’s guest city role during Barcelona’s iconic La Mercè festival in September last year, where our local artists were invited to take part.
A horror film festival screening sun-soaked slashers is coming to Manchester this weekend.
Popular Manchester indie cinema Cultplex is turning up the temperature with Summerween: Hot Summer Frights this summer.
Taking place this weekend, while horror films may make you think of the colder months at first, the festival will be swapping frosty scares for sun-soaked slashers – with movies guaranteed to make audiences sweat.
Find out what’s on the lineup and get last-minute tickets here.
Red Arch will officially celebrate its opening year in the city this weekend with an all-day party filled with community-led music, fashion collaborations, and BBQ food.
Set inside the iconic hole-in-the-wall on Manchester’s Red Bank, Red Arch has been transformed into a welcoming social bar and events space with both indoor and outdoor areas, centred around good music, thoughtfully curated events and the local community.
Running from 3pm until late, the summer party welcomes Manchester to celebrate the new space – which owners Amira and Pete have been gradually introducing since January 2026.
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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 June, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new in July, 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.
On a budget and need somewhere to take the kids to eat for £1 or even FREE over the summer holidays?
In case the ongoing heatwave didn’t remind you, summer is in full swing and so are the school summer holidays.
If you’re after ways to enjoy some quality family time without having to break the bank, we’ve found lots of places where kids can eat for £1 or free – 15 of them, to be exact.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty Italian, a bit of brekkie, or even a big Greek feast, just because you’re on a budget shouldn’t mean you have to limit your and your family’s taste buds.
Hannah Starkie -
25th June 2021 
