What's On
What's On
An exclusive pop-up vintage clothing and charity market is coming to Manchester Arndale
Danny Jones
Love shopping locally, independently and sustainably and from the likes of traders and regional markets? Well, this one is tailor-made for you (pun intended), because a Greater Manchester favourite is coming to the city centre.
Better still, you can do your bit for charity whilst you’re at it.
That’s right: Salford’s former but ever superb Charity Super.Mkt is making its way from Media City to central Manchester for the very first time.
Popping up at the Arndale for its city centre debut, Exchange Court will be taken over by a sea of indies and vintage clobber for three whole days.

Boasting not only some native but even national history, the UK’s first multi-charity pre-loved fashion store boasts countless curated charity finds.
From second-hand gems and desirable denim, to retro and cult favourite football shirts and more, there’ll be plenty to get your hands on – all whilst supporting charities from nearby and all over the country.
Co-founded by Northern designer Wayne Hemingway MBE – whose Red or Dead footwear brand and fashion label began in Afflecks Palace and over on King Street – the Manc roots behind this run deep.
Notably, this upcoming and limited-time-only event marks a significant milestone for the initiative, too, as this will be their biggest activation since their highly successful two-month stint at the Quayside shopping complex.
The popular residency was only relatively short-lived, but it’s safe to say that it was much-loved and well-received by plenty more than just Salfordians.
You can read more here:
Getting underway this month, the pop-up will kick off from 9am on Friday, 10 July, running across the entire weekend.
Participating charities include The British Heart Foundation and the RSPCA, who have already seen support through more than 10,000 vintage items being resold in an effort to raise important funds from the Media City pop-up alone.
This also meant that more than three tonnes of textile waste were diverted from landfill, and over 25 tonnes of CO₂ emissions were offset, not to mention upwards of 4,500 cubic metres of water were saved in the process. Brilliant stuff.
Making its maiden appearance in Manchester city centre, this summer’s Charity Super.Mkt at Manchester Arndale is a must-not-miss; you can find the opening times for each of the days down below:
– Friday, 10 July: 9am–8pm
– Saturday, 11 July: 9am–8pm
– Sunday, 12 July 11:30am–5:30pm
Read more:
- The former pub in Hulme that’s now a haven for salvaged mid-century treasures
- Manchester’s free summer picnic is coming back to Oxford Road
- The world’s first standalone women’s football retail store has opened in Manchester
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE
Featured Images — Publicity pictures/Kris Humphreys Photography (via Manchester Arndale)
What's On
A brand-new live music series with big Northern names is coming to Blackpool
Danny Jones
An all-new live music series is coming to the beloved Northern seaside town of Blackpool, and there’s already plenty of big regional names booked for the inaugural slate of gigs.
What’s more, you won’t have to wait long for it to get underway, as the first date is this July.
Being organised by well-known local record label and promoters Scruff of the Neck, the brand-new multi-date event marks its debut edition through the summer and all the way into autumn.
Announcing a raft of 27 different acts in total, the inaugural Blackpool Live looks set to be a belter – and we’d be very surprised if this first year isn’t the start of something very special…
BLACKPOOL LIVE 2026
— Scruff of the Neck (@scruffoftheneck) June 26, 2026
We are proud to reveal the full lineup of 27 amazing artists all heading to Blackpool this summer as we bring the best live music to one of the UK’s premier getaway locations. pic.twitter.com/kWVGtqbl4T
As you can see, already confirmed for Blackpool Live 2026 are the likes of Feeder, Doves, The Fratellis, resurgent indie landfill throwbacks, The Enemy, Happy Mondays, The Pigeon Detectives, and even Oasis’ reunion support stars, Cast.
But even the so-called ‘warm up’ slots for each day of shows are filled with plenty of popular up-and-coming talent, as well as already established headliners in their own right.
From youngsters like our very own Alex Spencer, as well as fellow Mancs IST IST and Slow Readers Club (just to name a handful) to the likes of We Are Scientists, Inspiral Carpets, The Futureheads and more, the maiden live music crowds set to descend on Blackpool’s Winter Gardens are set to be spoilt.
Spread across multiple stages over the next few months, this fledgling event is not only a celebration of bands and artists from across the North, but a great way to spotlight grassroots music venues and the town in general.
Designed by illustrator Rod Hunt, you can see a map giving you an overview of key sites that will be partnering with the festival down below.

Inspired by a trip founder Mark Lippmann and some friends took back in 2006 – travelling all the way from Hazel Grove in Stockport to see Arctic Monkeys at the historic Empress Ballroom – this fresh live music promotion is a story two decades in the making.
After an initial smaller outing with just three groups on the bill last year, 2026 is the first proper iteration of the Blackpool Live vision.
Speaking ahead of its launch, Lippmann said in a statement: “People always ask what the best gig you’ve ever been to was, but when you think about it, you remember so much more than the band. You remember who you were with, what you did before the show and how the whole day felt.
“Blackpool is uniquely placed to create those experiences. You can jump on a train, spend the day by the sea and finish it watching incredible live music in one of Britain’s most iconic venues. That’s what Blackpool Live is really about.”
You can find out more information about all of the headline shows and grab your tickets right HERE.
Read more:
- Rochdale’s popular Feel Good Fest is set to return this summer
- Summer In The City Picnic @ Circle Square: MCR’s FREE festival returns to Oxford Road
- Audio North’s Artist of the Month – Aaron Dinning | June 2026
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE
Featured Images — Press shots (Sonic PR)/Rob M Whittaker (via WikiCommons)/WHP (supplied)