Down the road in Cheshire and just beyond the reaches of Greater Manchester, the Manc-adjacent market town of Wilmslow is once again hosting a big street festival this summer.
The stylish suburb might be a short trip out of 0161, but this popular and now annual celebration is well worth the journey.
Following a smash-hit inaugural event last year, Wilmslow Street Fest is back for 2025 and what we’re sure will be an even more successful second series of dates.
Consider our train tickets booked already.
Credit: Wilmslow BID (supplied)
Set up by Market Co. in association with Wilmslow’s Way Better organisation, which is funded through the Wilmslow BID (Business Improvement Districts) and aims to develop the town centre with local business at the forefront, it’s part of a wider programme of events and activities each year.
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Most importantly, the festival is completely free to attend and designed to capture that community spirit at its highest: when the sun is out and shining bright – touch wood.
Based around a main hub on Wilmslow‘s Bank Square, natives and visitors from around the North West have not just one, not just two, but three different chances to enjoy the festivities.
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And since you’ll be there all evening, you’ll be glad to hear there’s plenty of scran to be enjoyed. Expect Jamaican delicacies from Hungry Little Critters, a delicious Cheeky Swine Hog Roast, delights from the Thai Food Van and tonnes more. *Deep inhale*…
Cheeky SwineCan’t go wrong with a hot dogOr a burgerCredit: Supplied
And it doesn’t stop there – not even close: there’ll be crepes from Flippen Good and top-tier ice cream from Gingers Comfort Emporium (big fans), as well as all the drinks under the sun from Vintro Bar.
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Besides eating and drinking your weight like we do in summer, there’ll also be plenty of free entertainment, including live music performances and DJs, stilt walkers and even a bubbleologist.
Yes, that is someone who blows giant bubbles.
Put simply, there’ll be something for everyone and having heard strong reviews from the debut event last year, we won’t be missing out on it this time.
Wilmslow Street Fest 2025 is taking place on Friday, 25 April, Fri 27 June and Fri 29 August 29th, all of which will kick off from 5pm and start wrapping up at 9pm.
Speaking on the upcoming sophomore event, Verity LeChapois of Wilmslow BID said: “We’re so excited to collaborate with Market Co. again to bring Wilmslow Street Fest back for 2025. These events are all about showcasing Wilmslow at its best – live music, great food and an unbeatable community vibe.
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“Street Fest offers something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie looking to try something new, a music lover eager to hear live music from talented performers, or you’re simply looking for a great night out with friends and family.
“We’re hoping to build on the success of last year’s events and make them bigger and more successful than ever. Entry is free – bring your friends and family and join us in Bank Square for a fantastic celebration in the heart of Wilmslow.”
Featured Images — Press Images (supplied via Wilmslow BID)
Things To Do
The best deals, offers and freebies you can get for Father’s Day 2026 in Manchester
Danny Jones
Father’s Day has come back around for 2026, and with dads set to be celebrated this Sunday, 21 June, we’re sure NO ONE in Greater Manchester has forgotten, right?…
In all seriousness, we all know these dates can creep up on you and slip your mind from time to time, so for anyone who may or may not yet have sorted something for their pops, we’ve got you.
Whether your dad likes the annual bit of fuss or is quite happy sitting with a pint and watching the footy, there’s something to suit all parents on the list.
Let’s not waste any more time: here’s a round-up of some of the best Father’s Day deals, offers and even flat-out freebies in and around Manchester city centre.
20 of the best Father’s Day deals and offers in central Manchester
1. Yard and Coop – Northern Quarter
What is it:NQ favourite chicken shop co-founded by Manc dad Carl Morris, doing great offers all-year-round, including free meals for kids, affordable lunch bites and more – always good portions, too.
The offer: They’re bringing back the ‘Father’s Day Feast’ for £25, as well as their cult-favourite take on a Sunday roast. You can book HERE.
What is it: Castlfield’s iconic canalside country-style and family-friendly pub, featuring a large outdoor terrace, multiple cosy rooms across two floors, and even an outdoor cocktail hut.
The offer: Complimentary pint of Budvar for dad with Father’s Day bookings. Simple as.
What is it: A beloved Manc boozer recently reborn under the Greene King umbrella a few years back, now complete with multiple floors, a rooftop terrace, live music, as well as great food and drink.
The offer: Book a table for at least two over Father’s Day weekend to enter into a prize draw worth £500 of Glenfiddich whisky.
Credit: The Manc Group
4. Founder’s Hall – Albert Square
What is it: The old Duttons site, now operating as an ancestral home and taphouse for J. W. Lees, serving real ale like the revived ‘Cream of Manchester’, Boddingtons, as well as a solid food menu.
The offer: Grab an entire beer flight for FREE, with up to 12 different kinds of ale for dads to choose from. To claim the mini beer tasting of three thirds, quote ‘BEER4DAD’ in the Special Requests box when booking HERE.
5. Dirty O’Sullivans – Albert Square
What is: One of the city centre’s latest Irish bars, specialising in great Guinness, traditional breakfasts, live music and more.
The offer: Dads eat completely free when booking a table of four or more, and they get a pint on the house, too. Reserve your table now.
What is it: A quaint tea room located on Sackville Street just on the edge of the Gay Village; a great option for a gift voucher/surprise for a special occasion, too.
The offer: Turn the usual Boston Tea Party afternoon/cream tea package into a day of dad bites, with sausage/bacon sarnies, brews, cheese scones with smoky jam and/or Marmite. You do have to book ahead, and a deposit may be required to secure your seat.
What is it: A beautiful city centre hotel with luxury hospitality and dining services, too, operated by Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.
The offer: Free glass of Macallan whisky and Sunday roasts reservations at their stylish and award-winning in-house restaurant, tender.
Credit: Stock Exchange Hotel (supplied)
8. Manchester Gin – Online
What is it: Homegrown distillery and spirit brand, famous not only for their gin but also for rum, with a stunning brick-and-mortar Spirit of Manchester space in town over on Watson Street.
What is it: Similar to the above, these local booze-makers founded over in Salford still have their on-site taproom and flagship Ancoats venue, but they still sell plenty online and on shelves across the country.
The offer: 10% discounts on 7 Bros brewery tours, as well as their usual Father’s Day bundle of 24 beers for half price; you can order one from £49.95, or just grab a gift card if he’d rather pick for himself.
10. Sexy Fish – Spinningfields
What is it: Dad’s eat free as part of their extensive sushi and more brunch offering, as well as the return of the ‘Roll The Dice’ game, where even more prizes can be won.
The offer: Dad’s eat totally free as part of their extensive sushi and more brunch offering, as well as the return of the ‘Roll The Dice’ game, where even more prizes can be won. You can book HERE.
What is it: One of Manchester city centre’s most historic buildings, which now serves as the stunning red-brick Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Refuge, serving up banging breakfasts and stunning contemporary dishes and drinks from noon until night.
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The offer: Exclusive guided whiskey tasting sessions from the dining room, with premium gifts and Sunday roasts also on offer. Tickets are priced at £33.25 – secure his spot while you can.
What is it: One of the best pubs turned bistros you’ll find anywhere on the outskirts of town, certainly in Salford, known for the pies, top range of pints, Sunday roasts, and so much more.
The offer: Free refills of Boddingtons when your dad buys a pint of our famous ‘Boddies’ to go with his meal. Simple as that – reserve online whilst using code “FATHER’S DAY”
What is it: Manchester’s famous Bavarian beer hall and party venue that never disappoints – just remember to dance on the benches and NOT the tables…
The offer: A stein of Krombacher on the house for dad – you can even press the ‘push for papa’ button for table service, because he deserves the proper posh treatment at least once a year. You can even treat him to some stripy socks. Book HERE.
What is it: Another great Irish pub in the heart of the city centre, located on a main Manc thoroughfare and a handy distance from our main train station and Piccadilly Gardens.
The offer: Win a year’s worth of free Guinness by entering the competition on their social media; dads can also have their face printed on the pints with their special selfie machine.
What is it: Italian bar and restaurant operated by the Individual Restaurants group, known for its great al fresco terrace on the edge of Exchange Square.
The offer: ‘Festa Del Papa’ package, featuring two courses for £22.95 and Italian Sunday roasts on offer, not to mention a free shot of limoncello to all those dining on the day.
Credit: Riva Blu (supplied)
16. Black Cat Club – Central
What is it: Activity bar and hangout near the classy King Street area, offering high-tech shuffleboard, darts, DJ sets, plenty of live sport on the box, as well as great sharing food by the same team behind El Gato Negro tapas.
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The offer: Free pizza and a pint when you make a booking for a game of shuffleboard or darts; you do so right HERE.
Credit: The Manc
17. Electric Shuffle
What is it: A shuffleboard bar along the main Deansgate strip, also offering a great bottomless brunch package, as well as great pizzas, cocktails and more.
The offer: Free bottle of Madri beer for Dad this Sunday, 21 June only. Nice and easy.
18. Hello Oriental
What is it: An underground pan-Asian food paradise, serving everything from authentic Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese to Japanese and Malaysian, just to name a few.
The offer: The brand-new all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet, which is starting this Father’s Day. Priced at £26 per adult and £14 for U16S; kids under four eat free, and so does dad on Sunday, 21 June 2026
What is it:Malmaison‘s newest and most luxurious hotel branch, located not far from Albert and St. Peter’s Square, as well as Deansgate down the road. Also features two restaurants, including its stunning rooftop space, Sora.
The offer: Free pint of Cruzcampo when ordering their Father’s Day special called ‘The Stack’, which costs just £15. Burger and a beer, no fear.
Credit: The Manc
20. Gameface – Printworks
What is it: One of the newest interactive gaming and activity bars in Manchester city centre, bringing old-school house party vibes to life with both co-op and competitive games.
The offer: Dads go free with the code ‘FATHER26’, just make sure you don’t let them win – you don’t want this special day to go all the way to their heads, after all. You can book HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Publicity pictures (supplied)
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Popular Manchester attraction offering FREE entry to anyone who shares a name with these England players
Emily Sergeant
A popular Manchester attraction is offering people the chance to visit for free this summer… but only if they have certain names.
That’s right – Museum of Illusions is giving football fans an extra reason to celebrate every goal this summer, as the city centre attraction is offering free entry to anyone whose first name matches that of a Three Lions player that scores in an England fixture.
So if Harry Kane scores, all Harrys are in. If Jude Bellingham gets on the scoresheet, Judes can claim a free ticket. The same goes for Anthony, Ollie, or any other England player who bags a goal as the tournament foes on, meaning thousands more fans will be able to have their minds blown and let their imaginations run wild this summer.
The offer will run from tomorrow (Thursday 18 June) until 18 July – with the list of eligible names growing every time an England player finds the back of the net.
To claim their free ticket, visitors simply need to show valid photo ID at the admissions desk confirming their first name matches that of a confirmed England goalscorer.
Located on Market Street at the heart of the city centre, Museum of Illusions features more than 50 interactive exhibits designed to challenge perception and trick the senses.
Proving to be hugely popular since opening its doors back in 2024, visitors to Museum of Illusions can explore gravity-defying rooms, optical illusions, immersive installations, and holograms that create unforgettable photo opportunities for families and friends (and football fans) alike.
Free entry to Museum of Illusions in Manchester will be granted until 18 July 2026, and you can find out more info and opening times before you visit here.
Danny Jones -
15th April 2025 
