The much-loved East Lancashire Railway has finally reopened, and there’s something for everyone in the calendar packed full of events.
Families looking for something different to keep the kids entertained during the February half term can now book on one of the heritage railway’s popular children’s adventure days – including Harry Potter-themed, and pirate-themed adventures – while love birds can enjoy a Valentine’s dinner aboard one of the iconic Pullman-style carriages.
One of the standouts on the events lineup has to be the chance to go on a “roarsome adventure” through the Greater Manchester countryside.
East Lancashire Railway is inviting dino fans to “get your teeth into some Jurassic Lark” and go on a prehistoric expedition on “a time-travelling steam train” to meet with a herd of adorable baby dinosaurs.
You can get up close with the cute cretaceous critters, and maybe even give the T-Rex a tickle under the chin.
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The much-loved East Lancashire Railway is reopening for 2022 this month / Credit: East Lancashire Railway
Once you hop aboard, you’ll be transported back to the Jurassic period on a steam train ride through the picturesque Irwell Valley.
During this two-hour interactive return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a genuine dino-proofed steam train, visitors, both young and old, will get to enjoy a range of performances from colourful characters – provided by performance company Funcast – all before boarding to take part in a host of entertaining activities to complete the story.
There’ll be so much Jurassic-themed fun and plenty of photo opportunities along the way, as well as food and drink available from the café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station, and from the Rawtenstall Buffet too.
The Dino Adventure is a two-hour round trip journey through the Irwell Valley / Credit: East Lancashire Railway
The Dino Adventure for February half term will take place on Wednesday 16 February, and then the magical event returns for a selection of dates later on in the year – 6 April, 13 April, and 1 June 2022.
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Tickets are priced at £13.50 for children, and £18 for adults, and you can grab yours here.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 23 – 29 September 2024
Emily Sergeant
Can you believe we’re already in our last full week of September?
You know what they say, time really does fly when you’re having fun… and luckily, as we speed on into autumn over these next couple of weeks, there’s still absolutely no shortage of things for the whole family to be getting up to across Greater Manchester.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? We’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
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Stockport Paint Jam 2024
Stockport
Monday 23 September – onwards
Stockport Paint Jam / Credit: Supplied
Stockport is currently hosting its inaugural Paint Jam, and this huge event covers a 1km walking tour from Merseyway to GRIT Studios on Canal Street, with four different locations showcasing their own taste of culture.
Breakdancers, food and drink options, and DJs will keep you company along the trail as you immerse yourself in everything the Greater Manchester borough has to offer.
Akse P19, Qubek, Hammo, Liam Bonini, Caroline Daly, and Kelzo are some of the artists involved.
Manchester’s two-week “Bavarian extravaganza” is now underway.
Albert’s Schloss has a jam-packed programme of Oktoberfest-themed events for this year, and there’s plenty of bier-fuelled fun, foodie classics, and round-the-clock revelry that awaits.
Throughout the 16-day event, revellers are invited to head on down to Schloss and enjoy an array of activities – with everything from ‘Keg Tapping’, and specially-selected beers, to must-see “eclectic” entertainment, a live Oompah brass band, and best dressed competitions on the lineup.
Chop chop, you won’t want to miss out on Manchester’s most exciting new opening.
We’ve been lusting after this one for years, and now Blacklock has finally come up north to join us in our city, so we can finally get stuffing ourselves silly with some top-quality British food in this traditional chophouse with a modern twist.
Think mighty meat platters, beef dripping chips, pig’s head on toast, steak sarnies, and lashings of excellent gravy to top it all off.
And if you’ve got yourself a sweet tooth, then there’s even a dreamy cheesecake dolloped straight from the dish onto your plate, as well as plenty of other hearty desserts to round things up on a high.
Find out more about Blacklock’s opening in Manchester here.
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War Horse
The Lowry Theatre
Monday 23 – Saturday 28 September
War Horse / Credit: The Lowry
The National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse has returned to The Lowry as part of its all-new UK tour, and it’s described as being an “unforgettable theatrical experience” which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France.
Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of “phenomenal inventiveness”.
Known and loved for being one of the best musicals the 21st Century – and one of the funniest of all time – having scooped up dozens of coveted awards both in the US and here in the UK in its time, The Book of Mormon is currently out on tour, and the Elders have now arrived in our city for an extended stay.
The hilarious production has taken over the iconic Palace Theatre stage until early October, and there’s still chance to grab yourself some tickets too.
Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID-19 vaccine / Credit: Science Museum Group
More than 100 objects and stories collected during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic are now on display as part of a new exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum.
The groundbreaking new exhibition, titled Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID-19 vaccine, explores the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed, while uncovering the inspiring stories of scientists and innovators around the globe who collaborated to tackle the worldwide COVID-19 challenge along the way.
Cutting Room Square has now got its first Indian restaurant.
After opening its cherished Chorlton branch two years ago now, street food restaurant Indian Affair has now treated Manchester city centre to its very-own modern Indian kitchen too, and has taken over the former Rigatoni’s site in the heart of Ancoats.
The menu on offer at this new Manchester site fuses roadside food stalls and home-style cooking, and it’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Food here ranges from biryanis to burgers, celebrating North Indian cuisine with a modern twist – with loads of options for meat-eaters, veggies, and vegans alike.
Did you see that a massive new vintage clothing store has now opened in Manchester city centre?
ReMarket has opened on London Road, wedged between Piccadilly Markets and Manchester Piccadilly train station, with 6,000 sq ft filled with rails ripe for the rummaging.
From Dickies and Levi’s, to Stone Island and Gucci, there are some serious brands and serious bargains to be found inside, as well as a number of different independent brands – including Bare Necessities, Archive X, 28 Vintage, Cherry Blossom Vintage and Blank Seams.
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ReMarket / Credit: The Manc Group
The best way to think of it is as a department store… but for very cool, independent vintage and second-hand brands.
Manc visitors will be able to walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates, explore some richly-themed environments, and encounter a life-sized Brachiosaurus, Velociraptors, and the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.
A groundbreaking new immersive exhibition exploring our relationship with the natural world is now open at Manchester Museum.
‘Wild’ look at how people are creating, rebuilding, and repairing connections with nature, and how the natural world has traditionally been presented and idealised through Western art, as well as looking at some unique approaches to environmental recovery too.
The exhibition will also crucially look at how we can tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis by making the world more wild.
Did you hear that Bada Bing is back with a bada bang?
Yes that’s right, it’s finally happened – this cult sandwich shop has made a triumphant return to Manchester, and planted its carby-heavy goodness in a new site right in the middle of the Northern Quarter.
The Sopranos-inspired deli is slinging out those famous huge subs we all know and love once again, brightening up lunch times all over the city, and we really couldn’t be happier to have that hoagie-shaped hole in our hearts filled once again.
MCR Student Social / Credit: Jason Lock (via Manchester Arndale)
MCR Student Social is back at Manchester Arndale this Thursday from 12pm, and it’s set to be the one-stop-shop for all students’ essential needs, whether they’re grabbing a new outfit for a night out, a scented candle for their halls, or even their weekly food shop.
There’ll be more than 130 exclusive discounts on offer for students in stores across the city centre, as well as up to 50% off on food, drinks, and leisure too.
If all of that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, as well as the unmissable discounts on offer across retail, food, drink, and leisure, there’s also set to be loads of games, spin-to-win competitions, and giveaways on the day too.
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is currently hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region.
Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer, East Lancashire Railway’s ‘Red Rose Diners’ are described as being “the ultimate first class foodie experience”, as they start with a glass of fizz and stretch over an almost three-hour steam train journey through the Irwell Valley.
The experience includes a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.
The Alternative Indie Wedding Fair / Credit: ALT Events Co
The Alternative Indie Wedding Fair is back in Manchester once again this weekend.
Hosted by ALT Events Co, The Alternative Indie Wedding Fair will see more than 20 independent alternative vendors take over the stunning Whitworth Locke hotel in Manchester city centre for one day only, making it the perfect place to get a feel of how you want your special day to be, all while being budget-friendly.
Taking place from 12pm – 4pm on Sunday 29 September, tickets are already on sale and will set you back £6.13 each, with a complementary glass of prosecco included, while walk-ins may also be accommodated on the day.
Clothes Cycle Manchester / Credit: Clothes Cycle Markets
Clothes Cycle, the UK’s biggest curated second-hand clothing market, is back with a huge pop-up fashion fair full of vintage, pre-loved, and small business clothing in Manchester this weekend.
With a focus on championing sustainable clothing and helping fashion fans find a gem they’ll treasure forever, each pop-up market sees dozens of carefully-curated sellers offering a wide range of styles and items all come together under one roof.
Taking over the historic Victoria Baths this Sunday, there’ll be dozens of sellers offering something for everyone on all budgets.
Featured Image – Albert’s Schloss | The Manc Group | Clothes Cycle
What's On
Moulin Rouge The Musical is heading to Manchester for the first time EVER
Daisy Jackson
For the first time ever, smash hit show Moulin Rouge The Musical is heading to Manchester on its debut world tour.
The multi-award-winning spectacle has announced an eight week run of shows at the Palace Theatre.
Moulin Rouge The Musical is set to bring ‘a world of splendour and romance, eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur and glory’ to Manchester next autumn.
The musical, based on Baz Lurhmann’s revolutionary film starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, features more than 70 hit songs from across 160 years of music.
Audiences will hear everything from Offenbach to Lady Gaga as the Palace Theatre stage is transformed into 19th century Paris.
The musical is set amidst the unparalleled extravagance and beauty of the iconic Moulin Rouge nightclub, where the space beneath the red windmill is filled with bohemians and aristocrats, boulevardiers and reprobates.
It follows the tale of lovesick American writer Christian and the subject of his affections, Satine, the star of the Moulin Rouge.
Their glittering love story is halted by the nightclub’s host and mastermind, Harold Zidler, and the Duke of Monroth, who wishes to buy the Moulin Rouge – and with it, Satine.
The all-singing, all-dancing cast also includes starving artist Toulouse-Lautrec and tango dancer Santiago, along with a full line-up of Can Can dancers, musicians, and more.
This is the first time ever that Moulin Rouge The Musical has performed in Manchester, landing at the Palace theatre on 20 August 2025.
Moulin Rouge The Musical is heading to Manchester for the first time EVER. Credit: Matt Murphy
The show has won a whopping 10 2021 Tony Awards (including Best Musical), an Olivier Award, and masses more.
Carmen Pavlovic for Global Creatures, producer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, said: “It is thrilling that the Manchester Palace will host Moulin Rouge! The Musical next year as part of its world tour.
“Manchester is such a welcoming, lively and culturally vibrant city, world renowned for its rich artistic and musical heritage.
“A city also known for defending free speech and liberty of opinion, so we know that the bohemians and artisans of the Montmartre will be embraced with open arms. We can’t wait to welcome Manchester to the Moulin Rouge!”
Casting is still to be announced.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical will come to the Palace Theatre Manchester between Wednesday 20 August and Saturday 4 October 2025. For information and to be first in line for tickets, sign up at moulinrougemusical.com
Emily Sergeant -
10th February 2022 
