Legendary disco group Nile Rodgers & CHIC will be back in the north west this summer for a huge outdoor summer gig.
They’ll be bringing their iconic blend of funk, pop and disco to Haydock Park Racecourse on Friday 11 August.
It follows their sold-out headline show at Aintree Racecourse last summer, and is again part of the hit The Jockey Club Live summer gig series.
Nile Rodgers is rightfully an inductee to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, plus a multi-Grammy Award-winner, composer, producer, arranger and guitarist.
The group’s pioneering hits have included Le Freak – which is the biggest-selling single in the history of Atlantic Records, and Good Times.
His work in the CHIC Organisation is the stuff of legend, from his work with Sister Sledge on We Are Family and Diana Ross with I’m Coming Out, plus productions for everyone from David Bowie (Let’s Dance) to Madonna (Like A Virgin) to Duran Duran (The Reflex).
Nile Rodgers and CHIC at a previous Jockey Club Live event. Credit: Supplied
Nile Rodgers has even collaborated with modern-day superstars including Beyonce, Daft Punk and Daddy Yankee.
Cumulatively, his productions have sold more than 500 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide.
Molly Dingwall, general manager at Haydock Park Racecourse said: “Nile Rodgers & CHIC put on the most incredible live show – their catalogue of unrivalled hits saw that Aintree Racecourse were all on their feet and dancing last summer. Due to phenomenal demand, we had to bring them back to Merseyside!”
Nile Rodgers said: “I’m so excited to come and see all our friends in the North West on Friday 11th August. Aintree last summer was a real highlight for us all so we can’t wait to continue the Good Times at Haydock Park!”
This year’s music series from The Jockey Club Live has included performances from Craig David, Sugababes, Pete Tong and a Faithless DJ set across the north west.
The Jockey Club Live events blend an exciting evening at the races with spectacular live music, in some of the most beautiful and iconic racecourse settings in the world. Tickets are on sale now at thejockeyclublive.co.uk.
Featured image: Publicity photo, Jill Furmanovsky
What's On
A local carpet company has ranked the top 10 Wetherspoons pub carpets in Manchester
Thomas Melia
One carpet company has compiled a list which ranks all of the Greater Manchester Wetherspoons’ locations based solely on their carpets.
Might they have too much time on their hands? Maybe? Do we care? Not one bit.
If you didn’t know already, this pub chain is famed for its reasonably priced drinks, both cheap small and big plates (usually decorated with some kind of garish pattern), and the ability to convert old cinemas, halls, churches and pretty much anything into a boozer.
But there’s also one key ingredient that makes each ‘Spoons’ special that goes over most people’s heads, or rather right under their fight: it’s the funky, unique and individually-designed carpets.
This attention to detail caught the eye of writer and publisher, Kit Caless, who launched a blog and social media account dedicated entirely to archiving these fascinating floor coverings, quite simply titled ‘Wetherspoons Carpets’.
Local carpet shop, Urmston Carpets, understands the importance of these fluffy floor patterns too and recently released a list ranking all Manchester’s Wetherspoons locations based on how many likes they received – again, the classification being driven by the carpeting.
There’s 35 pub chain sites throughout the Greater Manchester region, and nine of these can be found in Manchester city centre, although none of these pubs nabbed the top spot or even the top 10.
In fact, the borough which finds itself having some of the most liked Wetherspoons’ carpets according to the Instagram pages likes is Trafford, with three venues, closely followed by Rochdale with two.
Eccles Cross landed the number 10 spot, a pub which has a carpet full of alternating blue-and-gold-toned intertwining squares, receiving a total of 65 likes.
Next is The Unicorn, with its deep-red floral printed flooring, amassing 70 likes and a post with quietly one of the best hashtags ever invented: “#altrinchtothat”, paying homage to the area where this pub resides, Altrincham. Top notch.
Castle in the Air, attached to indoor slope attraction Chill Factore over in Trafford, has 75 likes, and although the carpet design is very fitting with its mountain-inspired landscape, the comment section isn’t too impressed…
Yes, people take this random passion project just as seriously as its creator.
Right in the heart of Oldham town centre is The Up Steps Inn, which finishes as the seventh most-liked Wetherspoons carpet in all of Greater Manchester, with 82 people giving this beige vine-covered floor a double tap or two.
Just missing out on the top five is Ashton’s local Wetherspoons, aptly named The Ash Tree, with a bonfire-esque design with a variation of bright orange, grey and black tones, which amassed 86 likes.
Off to Chorlton-cum-Hardy next, where the top five kicks off with a combined 87 likes for The Sedge Lynn – famously beloved for its striking tiled exterior – thanks to its peach and red floral artwork adorning a blank black canvas, one fan describes it as “Very strong. Royal even”.
In fourth place is one of Stretford’s go-to Man United pubs: The Bishop Blaize. It collected 88 likes across two posts, and we can definitely see why with its funky and very swirly carpet, which probably would’ve been a dress pattern in the 60s.
Grabbing the bronze podium position is The Mardi Gras, Trafford’s third contribution to the top 10, with its New Orleans-cum-Trafford Centre Wetherspoons, boasting 92 likes.
Scoring the silver medal is the Greater Manchester borough of Rochdale and its trusty ‘Spoons location, The Regal Moon, which has been liked 99 times; the carpet may be dashing, but it’s the piano man above the bar who steals the show.
Now, are you ready to see who took home the gold?
Reigning victorious with a whopping 104 likes is the mighty Middleton Wetherspoons, The Harbord Harbord, with its wave-inspired warm-toned carpet; a massive pat on the back for this boozer from everyone on the internet – well, at least those in this particular corner, anyway.
The top 10 most liked Wetherspoons carpets in Manchester
The Harbord Harbord – Middleton, 104 likes
The Regal Moon – Rochdale, 99 likes
The Mardi Gras – Trafford Centre, 92 likes
The Bishop Blaize – Stretford, 88 likes
The Sedge Lynn – Chorlton-cum-Hardy, 87 likes
The Ash Tree – Ashton-under-Lyne, 86 likes
The Up Steps Inn – Oldham, 82 likes
Castle in the Air – Trafford, Chill Factore, 75 likes
The Unicorn – Altrincham, 70 likes
Eccles Cross – Eccles, 65 likes
If you’re questioning the accuracy of this ranking, don’t worry, you’re in safe hands as this flooring store is only a one-minute radius away from The Tim Bobbin on Flixton Road, so they definitely know their way around a good ‘Spoons.
Adrian Brown ofUrmston Carpetsprovided the following advice for homeowners looking to recreate: “While Wetherspoons carpets have become something of a design icon, it’s important to remember that pub carpets are made very differently than what you’d typically find in a home.
“Commercial carpets are designed to handle thousands of footsteps a day, resist spills, and stand up to regular deep cleaning. They’re built for durability first.
“If you’re trying to recreate the look at home, choosing a patterned carpet, you’ll need to find a balance between visual impact and practicality.”
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 18 – 24 August 2025
Emily Sergeant
It’s been a few months since we had a bank holiday, hasn’t it? Luckily, we’ve got one to look forward to this week.
Schools across Greater Manchester are now out for the summer holidays, and that means the fun is absolutely in full swing, even more so with a bank holiday weekend on our hands, so there’s plenty happening this week to celebrate – from festivals, and themed events, to new foodie openings, family fun, and loads more.
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
Friday 15 – Monday 26 August
Manchester Pride Festival 2025 / Credit: Manchester Pride
Manchester Pride 2025 is finally here, and the celebrations have started earlier 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 Festival is back with a bang this August bank holiday weekend, and has been co-created in collaboration with the North West’s diverse queer communities to create a lineup that champions ‘representation, inclusivity, and community celebration’ over the week-long extravaganza.
This year’s edition of the beloved Festival features 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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The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years
Manchester Museum
Monday 18 August – onwards
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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SCENE Festival 2025
Manchester City Centre
Monday 18 – Thursday 21 August
SCENE Festival 2025 / Credit: SCENE
SCENE, Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Film and TV Festival, returns this week for an even bigger celebration of queer screen culture.
The week-long festival is an official partner event to the annual Manchester Pride celebrations, and after a smash-hit success in its first year last year, it’ll be back showcasing the best of both new and classic LGBTQ+ cinema and television.
Screenings will be hosted in spaces throughout the city – including outdoor screens, traditional cinemas, and pop-up screens in iconic city venues.
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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NEW OPENING – House of Social
First Street
Manchester’s got itself another swanky new food hall.
Gather round everyone, and say hello to House of Social – a whopping great new food hall down at First Street, where inside you’ll find five kitchens from some seriously tasty food vendors.
The vendors inside include a city centre outpost for Curry Mile legends Mughli, and the first Burger and Beyond site outside London, as well as getting the chance to tuck into dishes from Dough Religion, OK Taqueria, and Choi Wan too.
Stories – Brought To Life / Credit: The Manc Group
A major new National Portrait Gallery exhibition has arrived in Salford.
The ground-breaking new experience by FRAMELESS Creative has opened at MediaCity, bringing some of the world’s most famous portraits to life like never before.
Stories – Brought to Life will explore the fascinating lives of these figures, who have shaped the UK’s history and culture all the way since the Tudor period, and will combine the highest quality digital projection, Hollywood-style visual effects, and the latest audio technology, along with specially created musical scores and creative narratives to shine a new light on each individual.
Visitors will be able to step inside iconic portraits including Grayson Perry, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Emmeline Pankhurst, Queen Elizabeth I, and William Shakespeare.
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.
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Stockport has transformed into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail has taken over the town.
Visitors should get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail is making its North West debut and taking over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
The trail is created by trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld.
Cheshire Oaks has brought its popular The Great Summer Social event back for another year, and there’s currently loads to get involved with while schools are out.
Not only is there a bunch of retail offers and promotions to make the most of, as well as free family-friendly interactive activities to get involved with too, but there’s also a big wheel, a mini golf course, a big screen showing entertainment events, DJs blasting out tunes, and a wide variety of street food and drink vendors across the Designer Outlet.
Side-by-Side Festival 2025 / Credit: Alan Hamer (Supplied)
A new arts festival is coming to Rochdale, bringing a week 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 – will showcase 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 can enjoy a packed programme of fantastic events led by local community groups.
Passing Fancies at The Morris / Credit: The Manc Group
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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Festa Italiana 2025
Cathedral Gardens
Friday 22 – Sunday 24 August
Festa Italiana / Credit: Facebook
Festa Italiana is returning for its eighth year this August bank holiday weekend.
The UK’s biggest Italian food festival is hosted annually in city centre, and is known and loved for bringing together some of the best food traders from all across Greater Manchester to Cathedral Gardens for a celebration of Italian food, drink, culture.
This year at the three-day free-to-attend event, you can expect a jam-packed lineup of delicious street food, artisan markets, cookery demonstrations, masterclasses, and more.
Find out everything you need to know about Festa Italiana 2025 here.
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Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2025
Bolton
Friday 22 – Monday 25 August
Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2025 / Credit: BFDF
Bolton Food and Drink Festival returns 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.
Find out everything you need to know about Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2025 here.
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Very Good Plus
New Century
Saturday 23 August
Very Good Plus / Credit: New Century | Phillip Blocker (via Unsplash)
Record lovers and music fanatics, this one’s for you.
There’s a record fair called Very Good Plus making its way to Manchester this weekend, and it’s taking over one of the city’s iconic live music venues, New Century, so whether you’re after growing your own record collection back home, or showing off your DJ skills, then this event has everything you could ever ask for.
You’ll be able to browse through some of the best vinyl in the region and hopefully spot some releases by some of your musical icons.
Just as it always is, ManiFest is back for the August bank holiday weekend.
In case you haven’t heard, popular Spinningfields suntrap venue The Oast House hosts its very-own music festival every bank holiday throughout the year – with this weekend brining a lineup of live music from talented artists spanning the genres of rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco, and blues.
There’ll be live DJ intervals, flowing drinks, and a feast of absolutely delicious street food to tuck into all night long.
Daisy Jackson -
24th July 2023 
