The Manchester Marathon rocks up to the city centre and surrounding areas once again this weekend and we genuinely can’t wait.
More importantly, given that it’s not only one of the city’s biggest events of the year but the second-largest marathon in the UK after London and the fourth largest in Europe, there’s going to be plenty happening on the day and in the lead-up.
With that in mind, we thought we’d give a quick run-through of everything you can expect come Sunday. Whether you’re taking part or simply turning up to cheer on the runners from the sidelines, we want to make sure you know where to be and when, as well as how to make the most of the day.
How about we start with what time it all kicks off?
Manchester Marathon starting line 2021.
2023 Manchester Marathon Timetable
It doesn’t matter what wave you’re in or what level of capability you are, we do things at our own peace around here, and with more than 28,000 people registered to take part on Sunday, 16 April, you can expect some serious numbers lining the streets of Greater Manchester to show their support.
That being said, if you want to know where you need to be either as a participant or as a punter, we’ve got your covered.
Onto the Manchester Marathon Route for 2023 itself and for those of you running it for the first time, you’ll be pleased to know it’s also the UK’s flattest major marathon — though we’re sure plenty of you knew that already.
Virtually the same as last year’s route only with a few slight tweaks to some of the turns, the run will see you start under the Trafford Arch, heading through the likes of Hulme on your way into the city centre and back down past Old Trafford, towards Stretford; then Sale, Timperely; all the way down to Altrincham before looping round to Baguley and Sale Moor, onto Chorlton-cum-Hardy and back to Old Trafford.
We feel it always helps to visualise the route, so it’s a good job the organisers have thought of that too:
Travel advice
Now, as you all know, several major roads running throughout the city and surrounding areas will be closed for prolonged periods on the day of the big run and whether you’re a local or travelling in from elsewhere, it’s worth knowing where you can be and where’s best to avoid too.
Lucky for you, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have plenty of useful travel advice for competitors, spectators and everyone else in the area this weekend, just simply check out their website.
For starters, it’s worth noting that public transport around Manchester and Trafford will be very busy before, during and after the race, with several bus services set to be diverted and even those not directly impacted by the marathon route may still be affected by displaced traffic and congestion.
It goes without saying that there will also be a significant number of road closures throughout Sunday as well. However, once again, the wonderful organisers have you covered; you can see the full list of closures HERE and they have even put together an interactive map for you to check what’s shut when:
People are also being advised to leave their cars at home where possible to avoid the busy roads, or to at least use the free park-and-ride services on the way into Manchester and travel to their destinations via our city’s wonderful tram network.
Metrolink will be operating a six-minute frequency on the Altrincham line with more double trams and increased capacity along various other lines too. That being said, services are expected to be extremely busy throughout the day, so if you can travel flexibly, the predicted quietest time to travel is after 4pm.
Once you’ve tapped on and tapped off, most fan corners, cheer zones and regular spots for supporters to gather together should only be a short walk away from your chosen tram stop.
Event Village, Entertainment and the Post-Race Party
A cold beer after the fact might be the only thing that will rival the feeling of crossing that finish line.
Last but not least, aside from the incredible graft all of the wonderful runners are all going to put in over the 26.2 miles, marathon weekend is also about the fun, fanfare and festivities on show from start to finish and this year looks set to be bigger than ever.
Not only will those taking part being spurred on every step of the way by charitable organisations, choirs and live bands, as well as pumping music and cheer zones ran by groups from all over the UK at regular intervals, but this year’s Event Village has everything you will need before and after the race.
Located around the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, Event Village is where you’ll find the bag drop and running pack collection (available until 5pm Saturday, 15 April for anyone who did not receive their pack in the post), as well as food, drink, warm-down services, and where to pick up your post-race rewards, with plenty more music playing to celebrate your achievement.
For those staying in town for the event, the team have even put together a weekend guide to make sure you know where you can post up for the day, what’s on in Manchester from Friday to Sunday, where to eat and much, much more.
As for you racers, the only other thing you need to do is grab your well-earned finishers shirts and medals to wear with pride. Here’s how they look this year:
This year finisher’s shirt and medal designs. Absolute beauties.
We wish everyone the very best of luck for the 2023 Manchester Marathon this Sunday, 16 April.
It’s always a memorable day for the city and surrounding boroughs and we can’t wait to see thousands of Mancunians, fellow Brits and indeed people from all around the world turn up for the action.
The Manc will be there cheering you on every step of the way, now go and smash it!
The Canal Street star that we’re backing to be the next queen of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
Danny Jones
Amid all the buzz of Manchester Pride 2025, the latest series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK also returns this August bank holiday, and fittingly a Canal Street has joined the lineup for series seven.
The parade and Gay Village Party aside, we genuinely can’t wait for the cult favourite TV show to be back on our screens.
Already a classic among the queer community following many years on the air over in America, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is set to debut its seventh season, and part of the fun is always meeting the cast.
While there’s often a Northern name or two, including multiple Mancunians in the past, we believe this year’s contestant has a good shot at winning the whole thing. Manchester, meet Bonnie Ann Clyde.
Who is Manchester’s adopted 2025 Drag Race star, Bonnie Ann Clyde?
Now, aside from having a fabulous and very classic drag name, the other twist when it comes to this Drag Race debutant is that she’s not technically a Manc.
What gave it away? Was it the accent?…
Born in Dublin and dubbing herself “Ireland’s best export”, the 30-year-old Bonnie Ann Clyde has been here for the past 12 months, and it’s her time around Canal Street – The Goose and Cruz 101, specifically – that has seen her grow in reputation.
Speaking to the show’s British broadcasters, she told fans old and hopefully soon to be: “You could say that I’ve been around the block a few times, but I prefer to say that I’m an international queen!
“Bonnie Ann Clyde was created in Dublin, [during] the mid-2010s, when drag was starting to get popular again. I performed in Dublin for six years, then I did a Summer in San Francisco, and after that I moved to Gran Canaria, where I performed for two and a half years.”
Quite the CV, we’re sure you’ll agree, but it’s only since she started gaining a following here in 0161 that she got the call to be the next series of Drag Race UK. After all, we do know a thing or two about the scene in these parts.
— KaMorian (Sparkling Alien 💫) (@ka_morian0121) August 22, 2025
Why we think she should and will win
Aside from being the resident Greater Manchester representative (be it as an ex-pat or not), it’s this kind of globetrotting experience of LGBTQIA+ entertainment culture, pulling knowledge from all manner of drag queen circuits, that we think she’s odds on to push for the crown this year.
Detailing why she thinks she deserves to be named champion in 2025, whilst doing an impression of Holly Jervis from X Factor, she said: “‘This is MY moment’.
“I’ve worked for years doing jobs I didn’t want to do, and I’ve worked so hard. I deserve this crown, I deserve that sceptre, I deserve that £25k, and you know what? I’m going to get it because I’m fabulous, I’m fantastic, I’m Bonnie Ann Clyde, and I’m going to win!”
You’ve got to love that self-confidence, and while there are some other Northern faces among the lineup this year – including the Yorkshire favourite and the first ever contestant from Leeds, Silllexa Diction – there’s no question about who we want to win.
Once again, series seven of RuPaul Drag Race UK gets underway at 9pm this Sunday, 24 August, on BBC Three, as well as iPlayer in case you’re busy partying at Manchester Pride 2025.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 25 – 31 August 2025
Emily Sergeant
It’s our last bank holiday Monday before the big festive ‘C’ word arrives, so let’s make the most of it.
Greater Manchester sure knows how to celebrate a four-day weekend, and no better time to do so than during the last hurrah of summer – but while these past couple of days have been full of action, the fun isn’t slowing down any time soon this week either, as there’s so much left to experience before the kids go back to school.
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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Manchester Pride Festival 2025
Manchester City Centre
Monday 25 August
Manchester Pride Festival 2025 / Credit: Manchester Pride
It’s the final day of Manchester Pride for 2025, and it’s already proved to be bigger and better than ever this year.
Undoubtedly one of the most colourful, energetic, accepting, and highly-anticipated events in the Manchester social calendar every year, Manchester Pride has been back with a bang this August bank holiday weekend, and there’s plenty more to experience before the Festival closes out tonight.
This year’s edition of the beloved Festival has featured an impressive lineup of famous names, the iconic Pride Parade, and so much more, as well as countless other fringe events and themed celebrations to get stuck into too.
Find out more about Manchester Pride Festival 2025 here.
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Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2025
Bolton
Monday 25 August
Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2025 / Credit: BFDF
Bolton Food and Drink Festival has returnd this August bank holiday weekend, and this is your final day to get feasting.
The award-winning festival is the biggest of its kind in the North West, bringing together celebrity and regional chefs, cooking demos, live music, street entertainment, special events, and over 200 market traders.
Hosted right across the town centre, foodies can roam freely as they explore food stalls, bars, dedicated music stages, and plenty more at the free-to-attend festival.
Find out everything you need to know about Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2025 here.
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Moulin Rouge The Musical
Palace Theatre Manchester
Monday 25 August – Saturday 4 October
=Moulin Rouge The Musical / Credit: Johan Persson | Matt Crockett (Supplied)
If you’re wandering down Oxford Road over these next couple of weeks and take a wrong turn, then you may find yourself in early 20th century Paris.
Moulin Rouge The Musical is a sultry, sexy extravaganza of lust, sin, and debauchery that you just can’t get enough of, so it’s time to lose yourself in the magic and showmanship of the Parisian clubs of yesteryear, as whether you’re a big fan of the hit 2001 movie, or new to the world of Moulin Rouge, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that you will be blown away.
This is possibly the best show I’ve ever seen on stage, and it’s at the Palace Theatre right up until early October.
Read our review of the show, and get your last-minute tickets here.
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Side-by-Side Festival 2025
Rochdale
Monday 25 – Wednesday 27 August
Side-by-Side Festival 2025 / Credit: Alan Hamer (Supplied)
A new arts festival has arrived in Rochdale, bringing lots of performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities ‘shaped by local people’.
Developed with community input and led by local voices, Side-by-Side – which has been organised by Touchstones Rochdale – is showcasing Rochdale’s talent, imagination, and creativity in a bid to bring people together, strengthen community spirit, and share the stories, cultures and activities that make the borough unique.
Across the week of the festival, visitors have been enjoying a packed programme of fantastic events led by local community groups.
We’re three weeks into the school holidays now, and if you’re looking for more ideas on things to do, then Printworks has got you covered, as from a massive sandpit and the world’s largest Pac-Man, to giant Jenga and loads more, this is the place to be this summer.
Plus, there’s loads of places with offers on too – with kids’ meals at Big Licks, under £6 golf for kids at Treetop Golf, and kids eat free at Chiquito with any main meal ordered.
The Summer of Fun activities are on all August between 10am and 4pm on a Thursday, and you can find out more about everything happening here.
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Loads To Do
Greater Manchester
Monday 25 August – 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 Councilhas 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.
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years / Credit: Supplied
You can step into the fantastical imaginary world of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years this summer.
This world-premiere exhibition, created in collaboration with robotics studio Air Giants, invites you to experience a playful blend of education, theatre, and dreamscape – and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen at Manchester Museum before.
Once you’ve met the 10-meter long sleepy cat, you’ll then find a series of fun, free, cat-inspired activities at the Museum throughout the summer, including an augmented reality trail.
Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest is back for 2025.
Prices have been slashed at more than 30 different restaurants, cafes, and kiosks inside the shopping centre, and there’s some huge discounts to be had, so whether you fancy savoury or sweet, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.
You can grab free ice cream with any large drink at Lazy Sundae, get 20% off food at Sides and King Pins, get a massive 25% off at HOP Vietnamese, plus 15% off at The Bagel Factory,
There’s many more offers running too, and you can find out more here.
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NEW OPENING – Wynwood Lanes
Whitworth Street West
NEW OPENING – Wynwood Lanes
Manchester get ready, as Wynwood Lanes has taked over the legendary Dog Bowl site and given it a full Miami makeover.
Think five upgraded bowling lanes, pool tables, basketball hoops, sun drenched tunes, poolside cocktails, smoke machines, and a brunch menu from Kong’s NQ that’ll have you salivating before you’ve even sat down.
And to mark the grand opening, they’re giving away 100 free bowling sessions this bank holiday Monday, so you can celebrate in style without needing to spend.
Find out how to claim a free bowling session here.
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NEW OPENING – The Reserve
Chester Zoo
The Reserve at Chester Zoo is now finally open to the public.
Featuring 51 beautifully-designed lodges, with some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras, and blesbok antelope roam free, while others are nestled beside a peaceful lake, The Reserve is a staycation unlike anywhere else in the UK.
Guests can choose from a variety of different lodges to stay in, available for up to nine people, and every stay contributes toward the incredible work Chester Zoo is doing for critical conservation.
Find out more and book your stay at The Reserve here.
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NEW OPENING – Popeyes
Manchester Arndale
NEW OPENING – Popeyes / Credit: The Manc Group | Supplied
Manchester is getting another new Popeyes next week, and this time it’s coming to the city’s biggest shopping centre.
Popeyes has become known for its round-the-block queues on opening day – with both the Manchester Piccadilly and Bury New Road launches attracting hundreds for their first bite of the legendary Chicken Sandwich.
This is why a ‘show-stopping’ launch day is planned for the new Arndale site when it opens from 11am this Friday, and there’ll be loads of giveaways for shoppers to get their teeth stuck into.
Find out everything happening on opening day here.
Multi-sensory experience SUPERMASSIVE has made its way over to Depot Mayfield for a maze of interactive activities this summer.
Suitable for all ages – especially kids and families – and open for the next three weeks, there’s so much to get stuck into. Think puzzles where you connect various wires, a large sandpit with projections overhead, and even a retro arcade machine where you can practice creating your own DJ set.
There’s even timeslots dedicated to adults available from 7pm too, so you can bring your mates, have a pint or two, and wander around this huge indoor attraction.
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Summer of Senses
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 25 – Sunday 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One of the UK’s top bars (in fact, it ranks seventh in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list) is in Manchester for a very brief moment in time – and is a must-visit while you have the chance.
Passing Fancies have left their native Birmingham for a while and taken up residency on the top floor of The Morris, a lovely multi-storey bar on Thomas Street.
In here you’ll find playful but elegant cocktails, like a boozy ‘Adult Ribena’, ‘Canals’, which is served with scoops of sorbet, and the ‘Council Pop’.
They’ll be in situ every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 1 September.
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Featured Image – Johan Persson | Kongs NQ | Manchester Pride
Danny Jones -
12th April 2023 
