What's On

Multitalented 30-piece orchestra to perform RnB classics at O2 Ritz

RnB Classics has been in the pipeline since 2018 - put together by a team of professional orchestrators, DJs and arrangers, all of whom have been deeply ingrained in classical, pop and jazz music industries for the last decade.

The Manc The Manc - 13th July 2021

A 30-piece multitalented ensemble featuring some of the UK’s most talented musicians is coming to Manchester to perform a full night of RnB classics this autumn.

Paradox Orchestra – a powerhouse collective of musicians who’ve worked with everyone from Little Mix to Craig David, Liam Gallagher and Louis Tomlinson – is taking to the stage at O2 Ritz in September, reimagining the biggest rhythm and blues tunes released at the turn of the millennium.

The blockbuster two-and-a-half-hour show will see renditions of Destiny’s Child, Sean Paul, Kelis, Outkast and The Black Eyed Peas, among others – with promoters inviting Mancs to “get their freak on” for a night of early noughties bangers.

Paradox Orchestra will perform the set on Sunday 26 September 2021 from 7pm.

RnB Classics will be performed by a 30-piece ensemble

Promoter Mikey Sluman said: “We can’t wait to bring Paradox Orchestra to the people of Manchester, a city that has one of the most vibrant music scenes in the world. The orchestra is made up of musicians who have worked with the likes of Kano, Elizabeth Troy, Celeste, Sugababes, Marc Almond, So Solid Crew, Naughty Boy…the list is endless!

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“It’s a top, hand-picked orchestra with only the best musicians in the industry. I can promise you will be leaving the O2 Ritz having been dancing non-stop all night and having enjoyed one of the best parties you’ve had this year. 

“Having been a resident of Manchester for over 6 years I know how much the people of this fine city have missed a good night out and I can guarantee they are going to love this show.”

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RnB Classics has been in the pipeline since 2018 – put together by a team of professional orchestrators, DJs and arrangers, all of whom have been working across classical, pop and jazz music industries for the last decade. 

Paradox Orchestra will perform at the O2 Ritz on 26 September

Musical Director of the show Laurence Mason said: “It’s been really exciting orchestrating all of this incredible music for the show, I’ve been transcribing our original mixes by our resident DJ, Tom Langur by ear to create a bespoke set of parts for the orchestra and five of the most outstanding vocalists to perform.

“This is going to be a really unique gigging experience brought to you by some amazing musicians. The crossover of pop, jazz and classical is going to take the audience on such a high energy journey, the way Tom has mixed the songs is really unique to our production. 

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“Everyone is going to be leaving the show wanting to come back again and again!” 

Paradox Orchestra will perform at the O2 Ritz on 26 September.

Tickets are available online from Ticketmaster and Skiddle.

Paradox Orchestra Facebook

Paradox Orchestra Instagram

Check out the Orchestra in action on their socials and from their Eiger Studios session, filmed by Connor Page (@pageandpixels).

What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 4 – 10 May 2026

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

It’s our first full week of May, and we can practically see summer on the horizon now.

With a new month getting underway, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week, especially as we’re starting this week off with our first bank holiday of the month too.

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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Celebrate National Space Day this bank holiday

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 4 May

National Space Day 2026 / Credit: Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)

You can celebrate National Space Day with a bunch of free ‘out of this world’ activities this bank holiday.

Ever wondered what astronauts eat in orbit? How they use the loo in zero gravity? Or why crumbs are bad news on the International Space Station? Well, to celebrate National Space Day, you’ll now get to discover the answers to those questions and so much more down at the Science and Industry Museum this bank holiday.

The programme of free events are set to accompany the museum’s latest special exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos and will give visitors more ways to explore the ‘wonders and weirdness’ of space.

Find out more and book free tickets here.

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National Trust Blossom and Bloomtown 2026

Greater Manchester

Monday 4 – Sunday 31 May

Blossom and Bloomtown 2026 / Credit: The Manc Group

The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme full of trails and events is back once again so you can appreciate them in all their glory.

From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white, and you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season either, as there’s plenty of blossom to discover right on our doorstep in Greater Manchester.

Whether you’re walking through the city centre on your way to work, enjoying a spot of lunch in the park, or going on a little local adventure with your family, Bloomtown has something for everyone.

Find out more about all the events happening here.

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LUMINISCENCE

Manchester Cathedral

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Monday 4 May – 5 June

Luminiscence / Credit: Supplied

Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?

That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.

LUMINISCENCE combines 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 invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.

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NEW OPENING – The Trof

Northern Quarter

Trof is entering a new era… and we think it’s looking pretty special.

The Northern Quarter institution has officially reopened its doors as The Trof – a space for pints and roasts (as always), but also refined British dining.

The team behind Stow are in charge of the kitchens and the bar, so suddenly this boozy favourite has become one of town’s most exciting food destinations.

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Did you know there’s an adorable open farm in Bolton where you can meet and hold baby bunnies, lambs, chicks, AND more?

This is Smithills Open Farm, and it’s one of the most wholesome family days out you’ll find this spring.

Here on this picturesque family-run farm nestled within 70-acres of countryside, you can feed the sheep and llamas, ride a tractor to visit the donkeys, or even head into the barn to see the cows, horses, and piglets.

Plus, they host ‘Pets Corner’ sessions throughout the day too, where you can meet and hold many different baby animals (including the softest little goats and chicks we ever did see.)

They even have a farm shop and ice creamery where you can buy local honey and other goods to take home with you.

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Find out more about the farm and plan your trip here.

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Or what about that Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for the third year in a row?

World's rarest lions at Chester Zoo
Kids at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for 2026 / Credit: Chester Zoo

That’s right – the UK’s biggest charity zoo has officially been named the best zoo in the country by TripAdvisor reviews, with the zoo having claimed a record 11,666 ‘excellent’ ratings for the first time too, making it even more of a cause for celebration.

Not only has the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences made it the best in our country, but this has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite.

Chester Zoo’s CEO, Jamie Christon, says he is ‘over the moon’ with the zoo’s new title.

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Read more here.

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Look, Albert Square is back open…

Sure, we know this isn’t exactly the type of ‘event’ we usually include in these round-up articles, but how could we not draw attention to the fact that, after eight long years, Albert Square has finally reopened to the public?

This means that you can now walk – heck, even run, skip, and jump if you’d like – your way through the big, clean open space outside the Town Hall.

Of course, we just had to go and check it out for ourselves👇

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Stuck for somewhere to have a bite to eat?

Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in April, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in May, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.

It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too.

Take your pick here👇

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Featured Image – The Manc Group | Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)

What's On

Latest wave of ‘Evening 4’ Ricky Hatton lineup in memory of the legendary Manc boxer announced

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Manchester is set to host a night of remembrance and celebration in honour of the late, great, local boxer, Ricky Hatton, and now a superb second wave of names has been added to AO Arena’s lineup.

Coming this summer, the legendary Manchester arena – where Hatton enjoyed so many of his iconic moments – will be holding the first-ever ‘Evening4Ricky’ later this year.

Held at the legendary sports and live entertainment venue just in time for summer, we still only know bits and pieces about what’s in store, but a whole host of familiar Manc faces, famous British names, and figures from the world of sport have now been announced.

One thing’s for sure, this will be special.

Sharing the news on social media, AO Arena said: “Join us for an unforgettable night of entertainment as Manchester comes together for Evening4Ricky.

“This will be a spectacular, unique celebration of the life, spirit and legacy of one of the city’s most beloved icons – Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton.”

With seats priced at £25, fans are being encouraged to join the early bird sign-up to secure access to discounted tickets.

As you can see, now confirmed for the evening are the likes of Man United legend, Paul Scholes, darts icon Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, as well as fellow former boxers like Frank Bruno, Tony Bellew and more.

Local band, The K’s, were already confirmed as part of the in-person performances, but now the likes of Manc grime artists Bugzy Malone, fellow UK rapper Tinie Tempah, and The Lottery Winners are joining in, too, alongside loads more live music and entertainment set to be revealed in the coming weeks.

They go on to add: “Hosted at the legendary AO Arena, home to so many of Ricky’s big fights, featuring a superstar cast of legends from the worlds of boxing, music, comedy and entertainment.”

So, we do at least know there’ll be some famous faces coming along to help make it a memorable Manc moment, just a few months on from the city and beyond uniting for his public funeral procession.

Ricky was beloved not only by the Greater Manchester community but was a popular figure and friend to many in the sporting and showbiz industries.

The homegrown ‘Pride of Hyde‘ tragically left us on 14 September 2025 at the age of just 46, but his passing has once again helped reassert the importance of having more conversations around wellbeing, suicide prevention, and most specifically, men’s mental health.

You can find more information and see how to grab tickets right HERE.

This isn’t the only charitable in memoriam event happening across the region in the coming weeks, either, as Mancs will be gathering to pay tribute to another fellow inspiring sportsman.

A ‘legacy walk’ in memory of Joe Thompson is taking place across Greater Manchester

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Sdcjeff (via Wikimedia Commons)

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