An exciting new Bluey play will be on stage in Greater Manchester this summer, and you can still grab yourself some tickets.
For the first time ever, smash-hit live theatre show Bluey’s Big Play has made its way over to the UK from Down Under, and opened to both critical and audience acclaim back in December of last year, before going on to scoop up a prestigious Olivier Award along the way.
Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new stage adaptation of the BAFTA and Emmy award-winning Australian TV series on CBeebies and Disney+ that’s loved by millions of children worldwide.
The family-friendly show features brilliantly-created puppets, live actors, and iconic sets to give audiences of all ages the chance to see title character Bluey, her younger sister Bingo, and their parents Bandit and Chilli “as they’ve never seen them before”.
A new Bluey stage show is coming to Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: Bluey
With an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush, Bluey’s Big Play is said to “remix” some fan-favourite moments into an all-new and exciting story featuring original voices from the TV show – including the instantly-recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Bandit and Chilli Heeler.
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And now, after entertaining families down in London, Bluey will be arriving in Greater Manchester towards the end of the month and taking over The Lowry’s stage.
Extra performances have been added so more fans can see Bluey and her family on stage / Credit: Bluey
Bluey’s Big Play will be at The Lowry from Wednesday 31 July until Sunday 11 August.
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Tickets have already gone on sale and have been selling fast, so a handful of additional performances have been added to the show’s run to give more fans the chance to see the beloved character on stage, and you can still get your hands on these.
Find out more and grab tickets on The Lowry website here.
Featured Image – The Lowry
Boroughs
Cuppello’s latest community-led coffee shop is far from hidden, but it is a proper gem
Danny Jones
Cuppello’s newest site in Stretford is not just the second in Greater Manchester, but their third in the North West as a whole, and it’s their journey from cult favourite Warrington hole-in-the-wall to now a much-loved local coffee house and growing outlet for residents that we love so much.
Having opened their latest location just around the corner from the tram stop only a couple of weeks ago, you’d be forgiven for thinking these lot would only just be finding their footing in a very old school borough – but they’re not. They’re already thriving.
Taking over the reins in the unit which used to house Gigi’s Coffee Shop, three could prove to be the magic number in this instance, as the new crowning point of the Cuppello‘s triumvirate has seriously impressed us on multiple levels.
And besides the food and drink, it all starts with one thing: community.
They’re open from 7am until 7pm. (Credit: The Manc Eats)
From that original village venue over Cheshire, to opening their first city centre site just down Oldham Road near Ancoats, to taking on the no-nonsense town of Stretford, it’s a journey we enjoyed hearing about from its early beginnings to now.
Don’t get us wrong, we love seeing a lineup of unique items in acafé menu – take, for instance, their Spanish lattes or a Mont Blanc – but they’ve done themselves a world of good by making this as much of an up-and-coming community cornerstone as it is another spot to grab a good brew.
Sure, they have fresh flat-pressed bagels by Barbakan Deli in Chorlton, pastries from Companio, as well as artisan bakes by owner Harry Sheridan’s mum, Carol (whose homemade sweet treat obsession started with local legend, The Vakery MCR), but there are so many other reasons to keep coming back…
And yes, that does mean they’re vegan-friendly, by the way.
Besides the obvious brunchy bits like those bagels, which they finish with their own special seasoning, the iced coffees, smoothies, meal deals and so on, more importantly, there’s a full weekly programme of interesting and varied events hosted here too.
From a regular run club and pancake days that you don’t have to wait a whole year until they come back around, to movie nights with smash-burgers from The Food Drip next door, evenings spent playing card games, they’re looking to become not just a place to eat, drink and gather but a veritable institution.
Harry told us about how a Lymm local painted their striking piece of lemon artwork that hangs on the wall as thanks for their work with a nearby old people’s home, one that fits perfectly with the yellow-accented aesthetic, but also goes to show their track record when it comes to serving communities.
Speaking of which, they’ve got plenty of style all their own – as you can see:
Honestly, from being one of the most welcoming stops on a dog walk to even offering £1 hot chocolate for little ones coming home from the neighbouring schools (a very nice touch indeed), we’ve been left very impressed by their debut in old Manc market town.
And if you are in the Stretford area or live centrally and are just on the lookout for a new go-to coffee spot that’s only a few tram stops away, it really is some pretty stunning stuff they put in that cup.
Cuppello’s are known for putting a lot of effort into their roasts, but we’d also like to give a special mention to the ‘Karlito’, named after Harry’s dad, which we believe could be the secret behind this very cool-looking family.
A recipe of his own making, which has kept him youthful and on them move all these years, it’s a rich chocolate poured over four, yes, FOUR shots of espresso. We won’t lie to you, it’s pure rocket fuel, but it’ll definitely set you up for a feverishly productive day.
You can see more of the stuff on their food and drink menu HERE, and in case you’re wondering where else they’ve popped up in and around central Manchester, read more down below.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 23 February – 1 March 2026
Emily Sergeant
February is only a short month, and it’s time to wave it goodbye at the end of this week.
While this month may be drawing to a close, as spring edges closer, we’re really not short of exciting events and activities to be getting up to right across Greater Manchester this week – with everything from 360° walk-through projection shows to world-premiere science exhibitions, and so much more happening this week.
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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BRITs Fringe
Manchester City Centre
Monday 23 February – Sunday 1 March
BRITs Fringe 2026 / Credit: BRITs (via Supplied)
BRITs Fringe is a week-long programme in the lead-up to The BRIT Awards.
Under the banner ‘Manchester Seen and Heard’, BRITs Fringe harnesses The BRIT Awards’ global platform to amplify grassroots creativity, elevate local voices, and connect emerging talent with the wider music industry.
From a curated art trail championing North West artists, to a bespoke exhibition showcasing iconic music artwork, there’s so much happening, and this calendar of activity will transform the city into a cultural playground.
Find out everything happening for BRITs Fringe 2026 this week here.
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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 23 February – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Did someone say £10 pie? The Festival of Pie is back at The Black Friar is Salford, and this is your last week to make the most of it.
In case you didn’t know, that means delicious handmade pies are yours for a bargain price
Pick from the classic meat and potato, or opt for something a little different like garlic, chicken and leek, mushroom keema and onion bhaji, and our personal favourite, the truffle dauphinoise. Plus, you can add sides like mash and peas for just £3.
While Manchester Piccadilly is closed for now, the concourse space has been transformed into art gallery celebrating over three decades of iconic British – and, of course, Manchester – music design.
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‘A Microdot Design’ by Brian Cannon is now open, showcasing artwork created for some of the most influential names in British music – including the likes of The Verve, Cast, Inspiral Carpets, Super Furry Animals, and a little-known Manchester band by the name of Oasis (ever heard of them?)
The exhibition is completely free to visit, and runs up until Sunday 1 March, all ahead of The BRITs landing in our city for the first time in its history this weekend.
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LUMINISCENCE
Manchester Cathedral
Monday 23 February – 26 March
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LUMINISCENCE / Credit: Supplied
Manchester Cathedral has been lit up with a ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection show this winter.
Combining 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special, visitors are now invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling.
LUMINISCENCE pays tribute to Manchester’s rich cultural heritage through specially arranged orchestral renditions of iconic anthems – with the setlist including songs by Oasis, The Verve, Joy Division, and Elbow, just to name a few.
L.S. Lowry’s iconic masterpiece ‘Going to the Match’ is being brought to life right before your eyes in this brand-new exhibition now open at The Lowry.
LOWRY 360 is an immersive experience forming part of the legendary The Lowry theatre’s 25th anniversary programme, and it means that, for the first time ever, you can see one of Manchester’s most famous paintings by, arguably, the city’s most famous artist come to life through sight and sound.
Better yet, after you’ve immersed yourself in this incredible experience, then you can then see the actual painting in the full gallery – Modern Life: The LS Lowry Exhibition.
2008 called, it wants its Topshop back… and it’s got it.
If you’re old enough to remember the struggle of contorting yourself into a pair of Joni jeans, then you’re going to want to pay attention to this news… the iconic, irreplaceable Topshop is finally back in our lives, having officially launched 32 physical retail spaces last week.
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The closure of Topshop and Topman stores back in 2021 left a gaping hole on British high streets, but the brand is now back in-person.
You can visit Topshop inside John Lewis stores across the country, including here at the Trafford Centre, and find out more about this exciting return here.
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Ever fancied learning to ski as an adult?
Ski season is officially here, the Winter Olympics have been in full swing for the past couple of weeks, and people are jetting off to the slopes left, right, and centre. But if you’ve never been skiing before, and you’re heading on your first ski holiday, luckily you can learn the ropes here at Manchester’s very-own Snow Centre first.
Over a two-hour beginner lesson here, you can learn everything from how to get your skis on, to snow ploughing… and even getting back up again after falling over.
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Our Amy’s currently on her first-ever ski holiday this week, so we took her for her initial lesson👇
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this half term? Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
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It’s time to let your competitive side out – get ready to experience the city’s most unique attraction like never before. Race through the vortex, create the best mirror image, and complete the brain gym the fastest to win the dazzling trophy at the end.
Whether you’re team building with your work lot, or taking your mates for a bit of healthy competition, it’s a great one to have a go at.
You can now get a taste of Mexico, Japan, Nashville, Naples, and Greece, all under one roof and without even boarding a flight, as Manchester Airport has now opened up a brand new foodie hub in Terminal 2.
Great Northern Market is a new food hall with six kitchens, plus a kiosk from our beloved Gooey.
Whether it’s a souvlaki and an airport pint, or breakfast butties and a smoothie, your pre-flight scran has just taken off to a new league.
Manchester Board Game Festival 2026 / Credit: MBGF (via Facebook)
Manchester Board Game Festival is set to kick off 2026 in style, returning for the first festival of the year with a full weekend of board games, role-playing games, indie traders, and community-led fun in the heart of the city.
The festival features a huge board game library, giving fans access to hundreds of games – with ‘Library Bees’ on-hand to help people find games, learn the rules, or jump into sessions with other players.
There’ll also be bookable sessions, like RPGs and Blood on The Clocktower, and seminars to take part in over the three-day event.
Yes, that’s right – for the first time in its illustrious 48-year history, British music’s most prestigious awards show will be leaving the capital London and heading up to the capital of the North, set to electrify Manchester’s newest – and Europe’s biggest – live entertainment arena, Co-op Live, this weekend.
It’s part of a two-year deal being described as a ‘bold new chapter’ for the legendary event, and there’s an impressive roster of artists lined up to perform too – like Harry Styles, Rosalia, Olivia Dean, and more.
While you won’t be able to get tickets to go and watch the show in-person, The BRITs will be broadcast exclusively on ITV1 and ITVX this Saturday (28 February) from 11am.
The full list of nominees can be found here, performers can be found here, and you can see all the other BRITs events here.
Emily Sergeant -
17th July 2024 
