After a hugely-successful launch year last summer – which saw 60,000 visitors descend onto MediaCity and its neighbouring Salford areas – We Invented the Weekend will once again transform Salford Quays into a hub of family-friendly fun this June, all in a bid to “celebrate what people get up to over the weekend”.
An exciting programme of performances and activities has been teased this week – including an “unforgettable” Sunday afternoon DJ set from Manc icon, DJ Paulette.
The 2024 edition of the festival will take over MediaCity on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June.
Although the full lineup is yet to be released, organisers say festivalgoers can expect an specially-curated programme of over 200 events and activities, with something for people of all ages and backgrounds to get stuck into.
As well as DJ Paulette’s special Sunday afternoon set, there’s also set to be more “unmissable” headline moments scattered throughout the weekend celebrations.
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And the best bit about it all? The festival is completely FREE to head on down to.
Salford’s popular We Invented the Weekend festival confirms 2024 return / Credit: Mark Waugh (via Supplied)
“The concept of We Invented the Weekend is like no other,” commented festival co-founder, Wayne Hemingway.
“And based off the tens of thousands of people who visited on that wonderfully sunny, uplifting weekend last year, it’s clear people are understanding the ethos and meaning of the festival, so it’s incredibly impactful to be able to put on We Invented the Weekend as a free large-scale event in the place where the weekend was created in 1843.
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“The event doesn’t just celebrate what we all get up to at the weekend, but is also a moment to recognise the culture, heritage, and legacy of Salford and Greater Manchester.”
The popular cultural celebration will be descending on Salford Quays once again this summer / Credit: Supplied
2023’s edition of the festival saw well-known names like the BBC, the RHS, The Lowry, and Manchester‘s legendary Science and Industry Museum host special events, plus loads of local creatives and community-run organisations presented over 200 free performances and activities to help MediaCity achieve its highest footfall moment in its history.
Not only that, the 2023 festival also brought in more than £3.2 million to the local economy too, so it’s no wonder organisers are bringing it back for more again this summer, right?
We Invented the Weekend 2024 is happening down at MediaCity on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June, and you can find out more here.
Featured Image – Mark Waugh (via Supplied)
What's On
Pop icons S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Manchester gig
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back to Manchester on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the AO Arena in Manchester, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
S Club will play the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 9 October 2027.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
Manchester announces ‘poignant’ plans to mark Remembrance Sunday with free city centre service
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to honour the ‘service and sacrifice’ of members of the armed forces community during this year’s annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
With Remembrance Day only a couple weeks away now, just as it does each year, Manchester City Council has now revealed how the city will mark this important occasion, and has confirmed all the details of the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade.
Proceedings will start on John Dalton Street at 10:30am, and run right through until midday – with the service itself being held at 11am.
Veterans, military personnel and cadets, all led by Greater Manchester Police‘s Band, will march from John Dalton Street to the Cenotaph St. Peter’s Square.
This will be followed by a short return march to Mount Street across St Peter’s Square.
The service will begin at the Cenotaph at 10:58am, and a two-minute silence will be observed at 11am in tribute to those who have lost their lives in conflict. The start and conclusion of the silence will be marked by the firing of a maroon.
/ Credit: Manchester City Council
Following the service, veterans, military personnel and cadets will take part in a short return march across St Peter’s Square to Mount Street.
As the Council marks another year of its partnership with the Royal British Legion, further the Remembrance Sunday events will take place across the city following the service – including arts and crafts sessions, memorial services, and performances.
“Remembrance Sunday is one of the most important occasions in Manchester’s civic calendar,” declared Councillor Shaukat Ali, who it the Lord Mayor of Manchester.
“It is a time for us to come together as a city to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice and service of those from our diverse communities who have given so much in times of conflict. I want to encourage residents, families and visitors to join us at the Cenotaph as we pay our respects and ensure that the contribution of past and present generations is never forgotten.”
Emily Sergeant -
1st February 2024 
