Summer may be essentially over but the fun days out are still in healthy supply, with Heritage Open Days popular autumn event almost upon us.
Helping to clear everyone’s minds during and after the post back-to-school rush, the open days will allow you to visit hidden, historic and heritage landmarks right across Greater Manchester – for free.
Between 6 and 15 September, Heritage Open Days are working with a wide range of unique and interesting places for each and every person to visit for free.
Following what was a smash-hit success when it was here last year and over the three decades prior, the National Trust‘s ‘Heritage Open Days’ are back by popular demand.
So without further ado, here are some of the heritage highlights in Greater Manchester to visit.
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Manchester Victoria Baths
The Greater Manchester Heritage Open Days includes Victoria Baths. Credit: The Manc Group
Only a mile and a half away from the city centre, this Grade II* listed building has lots of crafts and artsy projects on offer alongside exploring the bathhouse.
If shopping is more your style, the Victoria Baths have Manchester inspired gifts from local artists and makers alongside some souvenirs of their own.
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This is running on 7, 8 from 11am-4pm and 11am-3pm on 11 September.
St. Wilfrid’s Church and Tower Trips – Northenden
St. Wilfrid’s Church is providing two dates this month for guests to lose themselves in culture.
Visitors will learn about some ‘Heritage Heroes’ of Manchester’s past including an 18th century owner of Wythenshawe Hall on Monday 9 September.
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The second opportunity sees this site opening their medieval tower for guests to take in the nearby landscape during the afternoon on Sunday 15 September.
Rochdale Old Fire Station
You can visit Fireground in Rochdale for free for Heritage Open Days. Credit: Google Maps
Repurposed in 2021 as the Fireground Museum, this Rochdale building has kept most of its original features throughout.
Now the building is hosting an open day welcoming visitors on Saturday 7 September where you can expect guided tours and some home comforts from the cafeteria inside.
The Met’s Emerging Showcase
After a day of exploring the world of fire engines, why not finish your night with some disco inferno from some of the great upcoming artists of the North on 7 September from 8pm.
The Met is offering a chance to watch some future talent perform live at The Stanley Bar in Bury, and who knows in 10 years time they might just be the next Oasis.
They will be providing a range of Q&A sessions, displays and more for all to enjoy.
There will be refreshments and finger food all at a cost of a voluntary donation.
Salford Road Solar Farm – Bolton
Not your usual day out, this one, but that’s what makes it even more intriguing.
On Monday 9 September the solar farm is giving us the chance to see how energy is made in real time from the sun, even in rainy Manchester!
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There is however a minimum age requirement of seven years old.
Heaton Hall Open Days – Prestwich
Heaton Hall in Greater Manchester is one of the spots you can visit during Heritage Open Days. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Normally only open on the second Sunday of every month, this fantastic building will be keeping its doors wide open for two days on 7 and 8 September.
If you get the time to pop in expect a jam packed day as Heaton Park is home to its iconic hall as well as the animal farm, beekeepers, vintage tram rides, lakeside walks and cafes.
It’s easy to commute to as parking is a reasonable price and there’s a Metrolink tram stop right outside.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – Ashton
After a first week back in school and work, it’s not unfair to say we all need an unwind… again.
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This Mandir is all about relaxation, so why not enrich yourself in the heritage and tranquillity of a Hindu place of worship.
As you are entering a place of worship there is a dress code meaning tops must cover the shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms and leg-wear must be at least below knee-length.
The open day is taking place on 7 September from 10am-6pm.
Medieval Food at Bailey’s Wood – Blackley
Innovation is Manchester’s middle name but sometimes its nice to take it back, all the way back to the middle ages.
The event is led by none other than a medieval food expert who will be able to answer all your cooking queries.
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This special occasion is happening on 14 September for two hours from 2pm-4pm. Guests are asked to meet at the Grange Park Road entrance to Bailey’s wood for a short walk to the location of the talk.
Renew Hub – Trafford
In a world where second-hand clothing apps like Vinted and Depop are sky-rocketing in sales, why not visit the Renew Hub in Trafford for a real-life clothes recycling centre experience.
There are four tour slots allocated from 10.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 3.30pm on 6 September, where you can see the whole recycling process and even visit the Ebay store.
Steel-cap shoes will be provided with a requirement that you bring your own socks (so make sure you’ve not got odd ones on).
There are tons of events taking place as well as these listed above, for a full rundown of everything occurring throughout the coming weeks here.
Printworks set to host a FREE music festival headlined by local music veterans
Danny Jones
You heard us right, Printworks is expanding its wide-ranging calendar of entertainment and leisure in 2026 with its very own completely free music festival here in Manchester.
Better still, it’s set to be headlined by some cult favourites.
The one-off event will debut next month to celebrate the arrival of the 2026 BRIT Awards, with the annual ceremony and accompanying seven days of intimate live shows coming to the city of Manchester for the very first time.
Set to take place from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening, 27-28 February (4-10pm and 2-10, respectively), the open access weekender has been dubbed ‘Live and Loud’.
Judging by the lineup of artists announced for Printworks’ debut music festival, we have every faith it will live up to the name.
As well as Manchester DJ Matt Hydes kicking things off, followed by the likes of R’n’B soul artist, KingFast, resident Reform Radio MC Urbi will also be joining the lineup, as well as regional dance veteran, Gareth James, and an intimate set by Sabira Jade.
That’s just a small handful of those who signed up to play the inaugural Live & Loud 2025.
As for your headliners, we’re buzzing to confirm that local house legends K-Klass are topping the bill; they may be from Chester, but they’ve been based here for ages and are practically part of the cultural fabric at this point.
You can see the full Live and Loud lineup and Printworks artist spotlight down below:
Friday, 27 Feb, 2026
Tristan Walsh
2Vibe
Urbi
KingFast
Honey Bee Jazz Band
Matt Hydes
Sat, 28
K-Klass
Matt Walsh & Jay Murt
Sabira Jade
Gareth James
Kick Back Sundays
Jorge Martin
Guy Connor
Emma Ellis
Printworks general manager, Dan Davis, said in an official statement: “Manchester is renowned for its musical heritage, and we are excited to bring music to life here at Printworks.
“Live & Loud will place Manchester artists front and centre, with an eclectic line-up that is diverse in genre, background and generation – reflecting our commitment to championing a wide range of local and upcoming artistic talent for a must-attend weekend of live music.”
In case you missed it, this brand-new event also comes amid a raft of small-capacity fundraising shows across the country.
Colette Burroughs-Rose, Director at Genre Music, added: “Live & Loud is Manchester in full voice – familiar faces and new names coming together under one roof across two standout days.
“This is Genre Music’s home city, and we’re proud to be partnering with Printworks on a music programme that welcomes everyone: family-friendly by day, great for evenings with friends.
“Alongside curating a truly eclectic mix of the city’s incredible DJs and live acts, we’re also capturing the artists’ stories on film to help amplify their voices and creativity beyond the stage.”
With the BRIT Awards being hosted at the Co-op Live arena not just this Feb but until 2027 as well, here’s hoping this is just the inaugural ‘L&L Fest and we at least get a sophomore edition next year.
There’s plenty of other music festivals happening in Greater Manchester throughout the year, especially this summer.
Sounds From The Other City has released its 2026 lineup, and there's set to be more than 100 exciting acts playing on 17 stages across #Salford. 🎶🎸
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Printworks (supplied)
What's On
The full lineup and extensive programme for Manchester Film Festival 2026 has been revealed
Danny Jones
The full lineup for this year’s Manchester Film Festival (MFF) is now out, with some well-known names and hotly anticipated projects set to be screened this year.
MMF 2026 looks to be one of the most extensive and exciting projects yet; spread across multiple venues once again, we can’t wait for the city go full-on cinephile.
With 52 feature films on the roster, including nine UK debuts and eight fully-fledged world premieres, this is going to be well and truly blockbuster – pun intended.
Yeah, Cannes, Venice and Toronto are cool, but having one right on your doorstep is way better.
The MFF26 programme is LIVE!
Featuring some of the best and boldest new cinema from the UK and around the world, book your tickets now to Manchester's biggest celebration of cinema https://t.co/6eRXJpkwmvpic.twitter.com/arIVqxl51k
Returning this coming March and spread over the course of 11 days, the latest edition of Manchester Film Festival is the biggest the city centre has seen to date.
Featuring everything from locally made short films from Greater Manchester and the wider North West, to bigger but still ‘small’ budget independent movies, there’s something for everyone.
Obviously, indie flicks are the lifeblood of this event, but there’s still plenty of A-listers connected to MFF26. For instance…
Actors featured this year:
Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling, Vicky Krieps and Cate Blanchett (Father Mother Sister Brother)
Angelina Jolie (Couture)
Callum Turner and George Mackay (Rose of Nevada)
Charli XCX (Erupcja)
Jason Isaacs (Honey Bunch)
Josh O’Connor (Rebuilding)
Kit Connor (One of Us)
Mads Mikkelsen (The Last Viking)
Tom Hardy (Rhino)
It remains to be seen how many of these famous faces will be in attendance, but the annual film fest always manages to secure a few.
For instance, with Kit Harrington (Game of Thrones) bringing his directorial debut, Psychopomp, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we’ll see Jon Snow in the flesh.
As you can see, the 2026 edition is being hosted across five different central and varied locations, including big screen cinemas like Odeon, as well as HOME on First Street and even the home of Factory International, Aviva Studios.
Speaking ahead of the start date, festival director Neil Jeram-Croft said: “We are incredibly proud to present the programme for the 12th edition of Manchester Film Festival, which marks our biggest and most ambitious year to date.
“This year’s line-up brings together an exceptional range of films and filmmakers, with screenings taking place across more venues than ever before, reflecting both the growth of the festival and the appetite for independent cinema in the city.
“We are especially looking forward to welcoming filmmakers from across the UK and internationally, as well as welcoming back our brilliant volunteers, whose support is vital to bringing the festival to life.
“We can’t wait to welcome audiences this March for ten days of powerful storytelling, standout premieres and inspiring conversations.”
Once again, the BAFTA and BIFA qualifying festival and its accompanying awards ceremony will take place between 19 and 29 March 2026; early bird passes have already sold out, but you can grab your general admission tickets right HERE.
Thomas Melia -
5th September 2024 
