The victorious Manchester City will be taking to the streets in the city centre once again to celebrate their historic four-in-a-row achievement.
Details of this year’s parade have just been announced, travelling from the National Football Museum and along Deansgate.
An open-top bus will carry the team and their winners’ silverware through town on Sunday, marking their unprecedented fourth Premier League victory in a row – even if they did miss out on an FA Cup win yesterday.
If previous years are anything to go by, thousands of fans will flood to the city centre to celebrate with Manchester City when they hit the streets on 26 May.
This also happens to be the same day as the Great Manchester Run, so Manchester is expected to be extremely busy.
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After tens of thousands of runners cross the finish line on Deansgate, the space will be readied for the Manchester City Parade, which will take place from 7.30pm until around 9pm.
There’ll be a number of road closures in place on Sunday for both the race and the parade.
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The Manchester City parade will take to the streets on Sunday. Credit: The Manc Group
The Blues are the first ever male team since the inception of the Football League in 1888 to win four successive championships.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Congratulations to Manchester City. Being crowned premier league champions once again and for an astonishing fourth year in a row is an incredible achievement by the club and its players, showing once again that Manchester’s world class sporting credentials really are second to none.
“We know how much this means to fans of the club young and old – not just in Manchester but around the globe – and the homecoming parade on Sunday promises to be an unmissable night to remember for fans and players alike as they celebrate this historic title win together.”
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A list of road closures over the weekend in connection with the Great Manchester Run is already available online at manchester.gov.uk/roadclosures and will be added to ahead of the weekend with any further road closures deemed necessary in order to facilitate the Manchester City parade.
Road closures for the Manchester City parade 2024
Sunday 26 May
Cateaton Street from Deansgate to the end – 8am to 10pm
Victoria Street from Deansgate to Cathedral Approach – 8am to 10pm
Victoria Bridge Street from Chapel Street to Deansgate – 3pm to 10pm
Market Street from Cross Street to Exchange Street – 3pm to 11pm
St Mary’s Gate from Exchange Street to Deansgate – 3pm to 11pm
St Ann’s Street from Cross Street to Deansgate – 3pm to 11pm
St Mary’s Street from Deansgate to Southgate – 3pm to 11pm
South King Street from St James Square to Deansgate – 3pm to 11pm
St James Place from John Dalton Street to South King Street – 3pm to 11pm
Deansgate from Victoria Street to John Dalton Street – 3pm to 11.59pm
Princess Street from John Dalton Street to Portland Street – 4pm to 11pm
Oxford Road from Lower Mosley Street to Deansgate – 4pm to 11pm
Oxford Street from Portland Street to Whitworth Street – 4pm to 11pm
John Dalton Street from St James Square to Deansgate – 5pm to 11pm
Bridge Street from King Street West to Deansgate – 5pm to 11pm
Withy Grove from Danzic Street to Corporation Street – 5pm to 9pm
Corporation Street from Withy Grove to Todd Street to Lower Byrom Street – 5pm to 9pm
Peter Street from Deansgate to Watson Street – 5pm to 11pm
Peter Street from Watson Street to Lower Mosley Street – 5pm to 11pm – Eastbound Carriage ONLY
Liverpool Road from Duke Street to Deansgate – 5pm to 11.59pm
Great Bridgewater Street from Watson Street to Deansgate – 5pm to 11.59pm
Quay Street from Bryron Street to Deansgate – 5pm to 11.59pm
Stone Street from Junction with Liverpool Road – 5pm to 11.59pm
Barton Street from Bridgewater Street to Liverpool Street – 5pm to 11.59pm
Southern Street from Bridgewater Street to Liverpool Street – 5pm to 11.59pm
Trafford Street from Century Street to Deansgate – 5pm to 11.59pm
Bootle Street from Jerusalem Place to Deansgate – 5pm to 11pm
Quay Street from Deansgate to the End – 5pm to 11pm
Jackson Road from Deansgate to Southmill – 5pm to 11pm
Lloyd Street from Deansgate to Southmill – 5pm to 11pm – One way reversed to allow parked vehicles out via Central Street and Mount Street
Central Street – 5pm to 11pm – Closed westbound only to prevent vehicles access to Southmill
Tonman Street from Deansgate to Porchfield Street – 5pm to 11.59pm
Camp Street from Deansgate to Longworth Street – 5pm to 11.59pm
St John’s Street from Deansgate to Longworth Street – 5pm to 11.59pm
Hardman Street from Deansgate to Loveose Way – 5pm to 11pm
Atkinson Street from Deansgate to Little Quay Street – 5pm to 11pm
Wood Street from Deansgate to Brazennose Street – 5pm to 11pm
Little Quay Street from Quay Street to Atkinson Street – 5pm to 11pm
All parking bays suspended from 8pm on Saturday 25 May to 12 midnight on Monday 27 May
Fennel Street (Cross Street to Cathedral Street)
Cateaton Street (Cathedral to Deansgate)
Deansgate (Cateaton Street to Whitworth Street West)
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 31 August – 6 September 2026
Emily Sergeant
It’s time to say goodbye to August, and welcome in a new month this week.
We’ve got one final day of August – and the last bank holiday before Christmas, too – to make the most of this week, before all the beautiful colours of autumn arrive, and, of course, that means there’s loads happening across Greater Manchester this week.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, 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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Manchester Village Pride
Manchester City Centre
Monday 31 August
Manchester Village Pride / Credit: Supplied
One of the most important events in the city’s annual social calendar has returned as Manchester Village Pride this bank holiday weekend.
This year’s event includes a ‘diverse’ programme of events that build on some of the best-loved elements of previous years – a Pride Parade, candle-lit vigil, party with performance and music across various stages, as well as talks, exhibitions, and community activities.
All funds raised through the sale of wristbands and passes will support LGBTQ+ charities, grassroots organisations, and vital community services.
Everything you need to know about Manchester Village Pride 2026 is here.
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Bolton Food & Drink Festival
Bolton
Monday 31 August
Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2026 / Credit: Paul Hayes (Supplied)
Bolton Food and Drink Festival is back this August bank holiday weekend.
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.
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Summer Scran Fest
Manchester Arndale
Monday 31 August
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Summer Scran Fest / Credit: The Manc Group | Supplied
Looking for the best foodie deals in Manchester city centre this summer? We’ve got you covered. Summer Scran Fest is back at Manchester Arndale, bringing a month-long celebration of tasty food, refreshing drinks, and unbeatable offers.
Running right through until the end of the month, there’ll be discounts across 30+ restaurants, cafes, kiosks and leisure venues, all under one roof – from big-name chains, to local indies.
Pride Fringe / Credit: Supplied | Jason Lock Photography
Of course, we all know Manchester Village Pride has returned for 2026 over the August bank holiday weekend, but aside from the official festivities around the Village, an extensive new Pride Fringe event is also taking place for the first time this year.
You can expect an exciting mix of LGBTQIA+ arts, culture, live entertainment, family events, food, drink and shopping experiences.
On top of that, the city’s hotels will also be joining in the celebrations – with dedicated Pride packages, parties, free gifts, and discounts this month.
You can find out everything happening these new few weeks here.
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Summer in Space
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 31 August – Tuesday 1 September
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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High School Musical
Lowry
Monday 31 August – Saturday 19 September
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High School Musical / Credit: Matt Crockett (Supplied)
If you want to relive your childhood, High School Musical is now on stage at the Lowry.
We all know how High School Musical goes, right? Set at East High, we follow Troy and Gabriella (the star basketball player, and the geeky new girl) who meet over New Year, and then become ‘star-crossed lovers’ when back at school as they’re part of two different ‘cliques’.
The duo mess with the ‘Status Quo’ when they audition for the school musical. But will they stick to what they know? Or become stars of the stage? I’m sure you know the ending.
Read our review of the show and get last-minute 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.
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Sessions are free, no booking is required, healthy snacks are provided, and children can simply turn up and join in.
Remember earlier this summer when Chester Zoo invited families from across the North West to visit for just £10? Well, as the offer proved so popular, they’ve brought it back again for a limited time. Without this offer, standard admission tickets usually cost up to £38, so you really are saving some important pennies. And the best bit about the offer returning is that the zoo is currently operating its extended opening hours until 6pm too, so you’ll even get to see the animals as the sun goes down.
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.
The huge new MCR Made exhibition by incredible local artist Stanley Chow has now taken over Manchester Arndale.
Running through until the autumn, shoppers and locals will be able to admire 13 portraits of Manc icons, which measure up to six-metres in length – whether it’s Oasis legends or Suffragettes, football heroes or creative pioneers.
The gigantic inflatable portraits are suspended right across the iconic shopping centre for an art trail that celebrates the figures who have shaped the city.
Manchester City Stadium Tours / Credit: The Manc Group
If you’re looking for something to do this summer, did you know you can currently get 15% off Manchester City’s tours of the Etihad Stadium?
You’ll get to walk in the players’ footsteps down the tunnel, sit in Enzo’s seat, get pitchside, see the Domestic Double Winners’ trophies, and loads more. Plus, from 17 August, you’ll be able to see City’s brand-new dressing room too.
Now, this might just be one of our favourite new finds in Greater Manchester.
This is Holy Grounds, serving up fresh doughnuts at their newest spot in Wigan, right out of a church – quite fitting for their name, really. Doughnuts here are made fresh every single day, with the flavours changing each month.
Our favourite? The OG, dunked in a coffee – what a treat.
A Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant with a whole host of breakfast, brunch, and sweet treat dishes you need to try, and with a dinner menu coming soon too (plus, everything is halal), get yourself down Deansgate and try it out.
Proloco is gearing up to open its doors on Great Ancoats Street, and this is a neighbourhood restaurant we can all get behind – think £7 negronis, great wine, and ‘butter pie’ pizzas (where mozzarella is replaced with slivers of butter).
As well as pizza made with top local ingredients, there are little scoops of gelato that pack a big punch, plus fantastic small plates, so you can fill your table with the things that make you very happy indeed.
Everything you need to know about Proloco is here.
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NEW OPENING – Aldi
Market Street
Okay, we’re kidding a bit with this one… but also kind of not.
Everybody can calm down now, because after several weeks of refurbishment, Aldi on Market Street in Manchester city centre is now back open. The shelves are stacked, the floor’s brand new, there’s loads more self checkouts, and the Specialbuys aisles are full.
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.
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 that Go Ape now runs adult-only sessions?
We nipped over to Go Ape at Rivington as we heard you can now act like a big silly kid there without having to share anything with actual children.
It’s one of the region’s top attractions for good reason, giving you a chance to clamber and fly through the treetops on a sky-high obstacle course, and now every Thursday and Friday evening, you can escape your work inbox and switch it out for a maze of ziplines, ladders, swings, and more.
Less than an hour from Manchester, you’ll find what is essentially a gigantic floating bouncy castle which makes for an incredibly silly afternoon out.
At Wild Shore Delamere you can take on slides, monkey bars, ninja jumps, tyre runs, and plenty of other opportunities to slip and spectacularly fall into the lake. And if you don’t fancy wiping out in front of a lake full of children, there’s also paddleboarding, wakeboarding, open-water swimming, and even a lakeside sauna.
If you’d like to say on land, how about a shopping trip?
You already know Cheshire Oaks is the ultimate shopping destination, but have you seen its summer transformation yet?
The huge designer outlet has areas like a summer chill-out zone, its rooftop bar Under The Oaks, fairground rides, and absolutely loads more, plus kids eat free deals at restaurants across the village. That’s in addition to the big-name stores packed with summer essentials, the huge kids’ play area, and photo opps like murals and a massive floral installation.
We’re deep in the school holidays now, and if you’re running out of things to do, don’t worry as we’ve got you covered. To make life even easier, all the activities are accessible by the Bee Network AND they’re tried and tested by us, so we can guarantee you’ll love them.
Featured Image – Supplied | Matt Crockett (Supplied) | The Manc Group
What's On
10 of the best museums and galleries in Greater Manchester
Lydia Mastrolonardo
In need of a day trip, but the weather’s rubbish and money’s a bit tight? You’ll want to have a read of this then.
We just so happen to have put together a list with some of the best museums and galleries that our wonderful region has to offer – whether transport, dinosaurs, or artwork is your thing, there really is something for everyone.
There are so many amazing options in Greater Manchester that it would be silly not to make the most out of them.
So without further ado and in no particular order, here’s 10 of the best museums and art galleries across the region.
Manchester Museum
Oxford Road
Starting off strong with one of our personal favourites, Manchester Museum.
Manchester Museum is not only side one of the city’s most spectacular 130-year-old neo-gothic buildings, but it also has a little bit of everything, which makes for a lovely day trip for everyone, as no matter your interest, there’s plenty to explore.
Think all things natural history – from taxidermy tigers, to mummies, and cultural exhibitions from across the world. While you’re there, why not take the kids to meet Stan the Tyrannosaurus Rex?
Open every day apart from Mondays, all galleries and exhibitions are free but you must book in advance for the temporary exhibitions.
Hat Works
Stockport
Over in Stockport is where you can find the UK’s only museum dedicated to the hatting industry, tucked away inside a Victorian mill.
Many people don’t even realise that this South Manchester town was, in fact, once the centre of the British hat-making industry, but that’s why this museum walks you through the history of all things hatting, whilst being easy on your pennies.
Admission is free for all, however booking in advance is recommended. If you want to go the full mile, you are also able to book a guided tour, which costs around £8.50 for adults and under 16s go free.
Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10am-4pm.
Credit: The Manc Group
Museum of Transport
Cheetham Hill
Transport enthusiasts, this one’s for you.
Inside the Museum of Transport Greater Manchester, you’ll find over 70 vintage buses, coaches, trams and fire engines.
Not only is this historic 1930s bus garage home to every kind of bus and tram you could imagine, but they also have a traditional tea room and museum shop that completely transport you back in time… get it? And throughout the year lots of different special events take place too, allowing visitors to travel in style on some of the historic vehicles from their collection.
Tickets for adults cost between £6 and £7.50, while people with disabilities, or accompanied children under 16, can enter for free.
Open 10am-4:30pm on Wednesdays, weekends, and bank holidays.
Imperial War Museum North
Trafford Park
IWM North takes you on a journey all the way from the First World War, to current conflicts.
The waterfront museum is completely filled with art installations and interactive exhibitions exploring the impact of war on society
They also run accessible, sensory-friendly ‘relaxed hours’ on the first Sunday of every month, for those that benefit from the opportunity to explore in a quieter environment, and there are also quiet breakout rooms available, as well as an indoor area for anyone wishing to bring a packed lunch.
Open daily from 10am-5pm, except over Christmas, IWM North is completely free to enter and no booking is necessary.
Science and Industry Museum
Manchester City Centre
There’s always something going on at the Science and Industry Museum, that you can guarantee.
From its fabulous selection of permanent free galleries, like Revolution Manchester or the Textiles Gallery, to its ever-changing selection of exhibitions and events, there’s something for all ages and interests to get involved with.
Not to mention a fantastic range of activities for the little astronauts and scientists among us all year round.
The museum is open every day from 10am-5pm.
Credit: The Manc Group
Fireground
Rochdale
Fireground explores the different scenarios that our brave fire service have overcome across the past 200 years – including two World Wars, many terror incidents, house fires, and vehicle crashes – and is fully equipped with uniforms medals, paintings, and the fire engines themselves to really immerse visitors in the world.
The museum is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am-4pm, with children’s tickets costing £6, adults £8, and those under three going free, but we think it’s well worth a visit.
There’s also free onsite car parking, as well as being easily accessed from the Metrolink stop directly outside and the train station a stone’s throw away.
People’s History Museum
Spinningfields
Everyone should visit the People’s History Museum at least once in their lives if you want to feel empowered.
The museum explains Britain’s major political parties and movements, as well as covering historic activism, protests and events such as the Peterloo Massacre, the emergence of the NHS and the continuous fight for LGBTQIA+ equality, among many other important causes.
This colour-coded gallery explores multiple different themes – including courage, revolution, reform, loyalty, dignity, and peace.
Open 10am-5pm every day, except Tuesdays, and entry is completely free.
Credit: The Manc Group
Bolton Museum
Bolton
The family-friendly Bolton Museum is another one that’s got a bit of everything.
It’s home to over 3,500 pieces of fine art, dating from the 18th century to now, as well as a botanical collection boasting about 60,000 different specimens, over 100 ceramics, and a surprisingly vast collection of Egyptology due to Bolton’s links to the cotton trade.
While the Nature Gallery is currently partially closed, there are plenty of other areas to explore celebrating art, culture and history.
The museum is free to all and open 9am-5pm every day, with slightly different hours on Wednesdays and Sunday.
Portland Basin Museum
Ashton-under-Lyne
This award-winning museum can be found within an old canal warehouse.
Its purpose is to showcase local history of the Tameside area, hence why the location seems particularly fitting with it being located on a historic canal junction – which during the Industrial Revolution would have been a bustling hub for trade.
Their current exhibition, Period Street, serves as a portal back in time to the 1920s, with traditional shops and housing that portray life back then. There’s also an educational play area for the little ones.
It’s open from 10am-4pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, with completely free entry and parking.
Greater Manchester Police Museum
Northern Quarter
Ever wanted to know what a 1879 police station or 1895 court room looked like? Now’s your chance.
Since being founded back in 1981, Greater Manchester Police Museum has curated a collection of police-related objects and archive material packed with history.
To get full access to the archive, you must book an appointment, but the museum is easily accessible from all over Greater Manchester, due to it being in such close proximity to Manchester Piccadilly Station.
It’s open to the public on Tuesdays from 10:30am-4pm, free of charge, but if you wish to book a private tour or larger group visit, this is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Credit: The Manc Group / Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)
Who knew educational activities could be so fun and cheap?
Now all you have to do is plan your route, absorb as much information as possible, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.
While many of these have free car parking, we would always advocate for you to use green methods of travel, as well as aiming to save money where possible, which is why using the Bee Network is the perfect way to get around.
Daisy Jackson -
20th May 2024 
