What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 10 – 16 April 2023

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 6th April 2023

We’re into our second week of April, and it’s really starting to feel like Spring has sprung in Greater Manchester now.

The new season has breathed some new life right across the region, and with schools still out for another week, and one more Easter bank holiday left to make the most of, the events calendar is absolutely packed with plenty to do – so we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.

As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.

Here’s our top picks.

___

Spring Escape

Trafford Centre

Monday 9 April – onwards

Spring Escape / Credit: Trafford Centre

A giant outdoor funfair full of vintage fairground rides and a circus is back at the Trafford Centre.

After several hugely successful runs in both 2021 and 2022, the UK’s third largest shopping centre’s outdoor space has “sprung to life” once again just in time for the school holidays, and is back with a whole host of thrilling rides, a glittering circus, and lots of delicious treats for the whole family to enjoy.

Spring Escape has popped up outside the Great Hall, and tickets are now available to buy for the wide range of events on offer.

Find out more here.

___

Gaming Extravaganza

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 9 – Sunday 16 April

Gaming Extravaganza / Credit: Science Museum Group

A massive “gaming extravaganza” is happening down at the Science and Industry Museum this month.

Inspired by the museum’s hugely-popular ongoing interactive gaming experience, Power UP, and an ideal way to keep the little ones educated and entertained while schools are out, visitors will be transported inside their favourite games as part of the Actual Reality Arcade – a life-size nostalgic gaming experience that’s promising to “unlock memories” players star in real-life versions of some retro favourite games, including Invaders and Breakout. 

Young gaming lovers can also explore a special Pac-Man floor maze, and families can level up together with some super-size gaming too.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

___

The Really Wild Egg Trail

Chester Zoo

Monday 9 – Sunday 16 April

The Really Wild Egg Trail / Credit: Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo’s launching an egg hunt with a twist.

If you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained and educated at the same time while schools are out this Easter, the UK’s largest charity and conservation zoo’s ‘Really Wild Egg Trail’ will see giant 3D eggs hidden over the 128-acre site.

But the catch is, each of the six hidden eggs all belong to animals that you might not expect to hatch from eggs.

Find out more here.

___

Read. Swap. Repeat

Corn Exchange

Monday 9 April – onwards

Read. Swap. Repeat / Credit: Corn Exchange

Corn Exchange has installed a book vending machine inside its stunning atrium space.

Whether you’re in need a book for your commute into the city, want to update your bookshelf at home, grab a page-turner for your holiday, or simply have a good read over a coffee or glass of something at Corn Exchange, the new vending machine has you covered.

Book lovers are invited to head on down with their old books, grab a token for the machine, and Read. Swap. Repeat.

With the aim to help the environment and reduce waste for book lovers, the machine includes a mix of pre-loved books of all genres, and you’ll just need to simply bring in a pre-loved book and swap it for a token with one of the Corn Exchange hosts to access the machine and choose your next read.

Find out more here.

___

Fancy trying out some new bars, and restaurants that have opened in Greater Manchester this month?

Spring has arrived, and with it, the region has ushered in a whole host of new openings in April.

From a new pasta concept over on Peter Street from the brains behind Gooey, to whole loaves of sourdough filled with Full English fry ups in Ancoats, plus a stunning new contemporary Chinese restaurant on the edge of the Gay Village, there’s many new places popping up in the city centre and further afield to try this month.

If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite this week, we’ve rounded up some of the best new openings to try.

You can read our list here.

___

The Giant Easter Egg Hunt

RHS Garden Bridgewater

Monday 9 – Sunday 16 April

The Giant Easter Egg Hunt / Credit: RHS Garden Bridgewater

RHS Garden Bridgewater has got a whole host of family-friendly activities planned throughout the school holidays, but one of the stand-out events has to be the chance to head out on a hunt for giant Easter eggs.

Families can first search for giant eggs hidden around the garden to win a chocolate prize, before getting stuck into other activities including craft workshops, interactive performances, and more.

Find out more here.

___

Castlefield Viaduct

Manchester City Centre

Monday 9 April – onwards

Castlefield Viaduct / Credit: National Trust

Families are encouraged to make the most of Manchester‘s new ‘sky park’ on Castlefield Viaduct during the school holidays.

The New York-inspired elevated urban park on the giant Grade II-listed 330-metre steel viaduct has been closed since December to allow time for the team of National Trust gardeners, volunteers, and community partners to prune, plant, and create new and exciting areas.

On top of the work to add a variety of seasonal planting displays created by, four plots on the viaduct have also been handed over to local community groups and partner organisations to create their own unique gardens for visitors to enjoy.

Find out more and book tickets here.

___

Return to Wonderland: A City Hunt

Escape Hunt

Monday 9 April – onwards

Return to Wonderland / Credit: Escape Hunt

Escape Hunt has launched a new City Hunt, and it’s giving families the chance to go outdoors, discover our city in a way like never before, and jump down the rabbit hole on this Alice in Wonderland-themed adventure.

The hunt will start at Escape Hunt at the Corn Exchange, where you’ll be set up with an iPad and picnic hamper filled with everything you should need to complete your adventure.

Tickets are now on sale, and children under eight go completely free.

Find out more here.

___

DNA VR

Manchester City Centre

Monday 9 April – onwards

DNA VR / Credit: Supplied

Manchester’s gaming scene continues to get bigger and bigger every year, and now one of the UK’s biggest VR arcades has opened in the city centre.

Promising some of the best and most immersive ‘alternative’ activities you’ll find anywhere in 0161, DNA VR’s arcade is packed out with an impressive library of games, over 100 virtual arcade challenges and even virtual escape rooms.

The new venue is right in the city centre and just a 15-minute walk away from Piccadilly Station.

Find out more here.

___

Looking for somewhere to take the kids for a hearty meal this school holidays, but keen to keep the pennies in your pockets?

With the rising cost of living crisis sadly continuing to make its impact felt on many families, plenty of supermarkets, independent and chain restaurants, and pub groups across Greater Manchester and the UK are offering kids the chance to eat a hearty meal out for as little as £1.

Some are even offering up children’s meals completely free of charge.

So if you’re looking to treat the kids to a meal, but you want to things on the cheaper side and save a few pennies, then thankfully, eating out just got a whole lot easier.

Read our roundup list of Easter school holiday food offers here.

___

Selfridges Spring Kids Craft Workshop

Trafford Centre

Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 April

Spring Kids Craft Workshop / Credit: Selfridges

Selfridges at the Trafford Centre is hosting a workshop led by the creative experts at Pop Up & Play this week, and little ones will be guided through an hour-long spring-themed crafting session to make their own creations, which they’ll get to take home to proudly display once they’re done.

The interactive event is suitable for children aged four and above, with tickets setting you back £5 each and now available to buy.

Find out more here.

___

Sour Sesh

GRUB

Thursday 13 April

Sour Sesh / Credit: GRUB

Manchester’s largest street food fair, GRUB, is hosting its first Sour Sesh of the year to kick off Spring this week and it’s giving beer lovers the chance be introduced to a range of sour beers from a wide range of local breweries.

Atom Brewery, Brewery of Saint Mars Of The Desert, Pomona Island Brewery, Rivington Brewing Co, and Squawk Brewing Co are just some of the breweries you can expect to taste beers by.

Find out more and grab tickets from £7 here.

___

The Wizarding Adventure

East Lancashire Railway

Thursday 13 April

The Wizarding Adventure / Credit: East Lancashire Railway

One of the East Lancashire Railway’s (ELR) fan-favourite events is back again this week, and it’s giving families the chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’ and ride a Harry Potter-themed train through Greater Manchester.

Aspiring witches and wizards can gather at the ELR for a day of sharing spells and magic-themed fun.

This interactive adventure will see visitors, both young and old, enjoy a range of performances from colourful characters and magical creatures, all before boarding the ‘Wizard Express’ for a two-hour round trip journey through the Irwell Valley of wonders.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

___

Bobbi Brown Pop-up PRO Artistry Studio

The Trafford Centre

Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 April

Bobbi Brown Pop-up PRO Artistry Studio / Credit: Supplied

One of the world’s most-loved beauty brands will be back in Greater Manchester this week, as Bobbi Brown hosts its pop-up PRO Artistry Studio.

The pop-up in the Trafford Centre promises to be ‘bigger and better than ever’, offering make-up lovers a chance to take part in free 20-minute beauty services, masterclasses, and hop in to the selfie station.

The full service menu features five make-up looks to choose from, from golden-hour glow to ‘look less tired’ to minimal makeup.

Find out more and book your makeover here.

___

Farm Weekend

Alderley Park

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 April

Farm Weekend / Credit: Jody Hartley

Farm Weekend is back at Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park this weekend.

With families from all across Greater Manchester and the North West set to make their way to Macclesfield, you can expect a weekend full of different outdoor activities, performances, markets, and lots of local food and drink.

From tractor rides, falconry flying displays, and lamb cuddles, to bushcraft demonstrations, archery lessons, obstacle courses, interactive animal petting sessions, Easter-themed crafts, and artisan markets, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy at the two-day event.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

___

Featured Image – The Manc Eats | Trafford Centre | Jody Hartley

What's On

Science and Industry Museum unveils ‘summer of senses’ programme with dozens of FREE activities

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The Science and Industry Museum has unveiled its programme of free activities for the summer, and it looks set to be a ‘summer of senses’.

With the summer holidays right around the corner, and schools across Greater Manchester and beyond set to be out in a couple of weeks time, parents and carers will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids educated and entertained at the same time, especially if the unpredictable Manchester weather continues to show itself.

Even better if the activities are suitable for mini Mancs of all ages, and you don’t have to break the bank too much either.

As always, this is where the Science and Industry Museum comes in.

By far one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle with your little ones in the city centre, the Science and Industry Museum has got a spectacular summer holiday programme packed with all sorts of things to be getting up to.

At the heart of it all, you can explore the world of senses inspired by the museum’s latest exhibition, Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You.  

With events running from 19 July to 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.

The Science and Industry Museum has unveiled its ‘summer of senses’ programme / Credit: Science Museum Group

The ‘Bogie Lab’ is where all the action’s happening, as it will be full of sticky surprises for visitors wanting to explore more about their sense of smell.

Interactive workshops will aim to inspire future scientists by giving them the chance to unearth the ‘brilliance of bogies’, and visitors can get hands-on with this ‘magical mucus’ by creating their very own pot of snot to take home.

Our senses of sight and sound will also be examined in a brand-new interactive Explainer experience, unpicking optical and audio illusions that ‘bamboozle’ our brains.

Stay tuned as there’s also set to be another live appearance from presenter of Operation Ouch!, Dr Xand, due to be announced soon.

If learning about the senses isn’t really your bag though, then you can explore five decades of play in the ultimate gaming experience, Power Up instead, and discover just how far computer games have come over the years.

There’s dozens of free activities happening across the six-week holidays / Credit: Science Museum Group

“We’re celebrating the summer by exploring the snotty science behind Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You,” commented Tash Camberwell, who is the Interpretation and Content Developer at the Science and Industry Museum.

“With activities from disco dancing to exhilarating experiments and brain boggling illusions, you won’t want to miss this summer of fun.

“Everyone is welcome for six weeks of family fun celebrating our amazing bodies, how our brilliant brains see the world, and the surprising significance of snot. We’ve got brains, we’ve got bogies, now all we need is you.”

Read more:

Free museum tickets, plus charged-for tickets for Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You and Power Up, can be booked now. 

Find out more and get tickets online here.

Featured Image – Science Museum Group

What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 23 – 29 June 2025

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

How have we all been enjoying the sun this past week? There’s more where that came from too.

June is in full swing, and now that summer is here in all its glory, there’s absolutely no shortage of things for the whole family to be getting up to in Greater Manchester this month, as you’d expect – we’re talking festivals, themed events, new foodie openings, and loads more on the horizon in the coming weeks.

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 too.

___

Clocking Manchester: 130 Years in the City’s Evolving Skyline

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Monday 23 June – onwards

Clocking Manchester: 130 Years in the City’s Evolving Skyline / Credit: Supplied

A new free exhibition is now open allowing visitors to open the door into the rich history of one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings the Refuge Assurance Building, which is now the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.

Clocking Manchester: 130 Years in the City’s Evolving Skyline has transformed the walls of the hotel’s Refuge bar and dining space to chart the building’s remarkable journey, from its beginnings in 1895 to its current life as one of the city’s most loved luxury hotels.

Alongside the story of the building itself, the exhibition also highlights the people who have shaped the building over the decades.

Find out more here.

___

National Trust – Sky Gardening Challenge

Manchester

Monday 23 June – onwards

National Trust – Sky Gardening Challenge / Credit: The Manc Group

It’s time to get your green thumbs out, as the National Trust has challenged city dwellers to ‘green’ their balconies this summer.

We know the city is a little lacking in greenspace, so why not bring the greenspace to you? If you need some tips and tricks on how to get a little greener, and what plants would work best in your mini oasis, then you can grab yourself booklets, seeds.

Plus, they’re also running free workshops across Greater Manchester.

Oh and hey, if you think you’ve got a bloomin’ lovely balcony, then you can now enter the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge and be in with the chance of winning some exciting prizes.

Find out more here.

___

Dear England

The Lowry

Monday 23 – Sunday 29 June

Dear England / Credit: The Lowry

An award-winning play about the England men’s national football team is playing outside of London for the first time ever, and Greater Manchester has been chosen as the lucky location.

The National Theatre’s smash-hit production of writer James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play, Dear England, has started its four-week run at the legendary The Lowry in Salford, and audiences have a chance to catch it up until 29 June.

Directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rupert Goold, Dear England tells the story of the England men’s football team under former manager, Gareth Southgate.

Read more and get last-minute tickets here.

___

Stories – Brought To Life

MediaCityUK

Monday 23 June – 31 August

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.

Find out more here.

___

Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 23 June – onwards

Operation Ouch!
Operation Ouch!
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You / Credit: Science Museum Group

You can plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses at a new immersive museum exhibition that’s now arrived at the Science and Industry Museum.

Back by popular demand after a successful run over these past two years, but with a fresh new adventure lined up for 2025, Operation Ouch! is giving you the chance to journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.

Tickets to Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You are now on sale, and visitors are being told to prepare themselves for an “epic exploration of the senses”.

Find out more here.

___

Kargo on the Docks

MediaCityUK

Tuesday 24 June – onwards

Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh

Kargo on the Docks is back for the summer.

MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.

A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.

Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.

Find out more here.

___

NEW OPENING – MOTH: License

Northern Quarter

MOTH, which sells premium cocktails in a can, has launched its first ever MOTH: Licence corner shop here in Manchester’s Northern Quarter

This convenience store with a twist on Oldham Street is now serving delicious boozy beverages in a can, with live DJ sets and the chance to win prizes.

These refreshing, bar-strength premium canned cocktails are ideal for picnics, single-serve drinking, and shoving in your bag for whatever summer adventures you may be heading out on.

Find out more here.

___

NEW OPENING – Oasis Live ’25 Fan Store

Spinningfields

The UK’s first official Oasis merch store has now opened in Manchester.

Officially throwing its doors open in Spinningfields at the end of last week, the Oasis Live ’25 Fan Store is stocked full to the brim of all the official merch for the hotly-anticipated reunion tour this summer, and it’s also launching online as well as in store.

As well as the official tour merchandise, the store sells exclusive brand collaborations, limited-edition products, and items not available to buy anywhere else.

Read more here.

___

Did you see that Manchester Museum has been named European Museum of the Year for 2025?

Talk about a prestigious title.

Yes that’s right, congratulations are in order, because Manchester Museum – which is part of The University of Manchester (UoM) – has received one of the most prestigious museum awards in the world, the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA).

Not only that, but it’s made history in doing so too, as it’s the first university museum to ever receive the annual prize.

Manchester Museum has been named the European Museum of the Year for 2025 / Credit: Manchester Museum

It beat out 41 other cultural hubs across the continent to claim the coveted prize.

Operated by the European Museum Forum (EMF), EMYA recognises new or redeveloped museums that showcase the best in excellence and innovation in their field.

Read more here.

___

Screen on the Square

New Jackson

Friday 27 June – onwards

Screen on the Square will open at New Jackson this week
Screen on the Square / Credit: Renaker

A free open-air cinema is coming to Manchester city centre this summer.

With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square will be a go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences will be able to 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 all launching 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.

Find out what’s being screened this week here.

___

Kampus Fest & Alty Fest by Nell’s

Kampus & Altrincham

Friday 27 – Sunday 29 June

Kampus Fest & Alty Fest / Credit: Supplied

Glastonbury weekend is upon us, and to celebrate the UK’s biggest music festival in all its glory, Nell’s is hosting its own festivals instead.

The beloved New York-style pizza specialists – which now has four sites across the region – is turning two of its most popular restaurants into festival hubs next weekend, bringing all the spirit of Glastonbury to Kampus and Altrincham.

Manchester’s thriving canalside neighbourhood Kampus will become home to the aptly-named Kampus Fest, while over in the Trafford town of Altrincham, Alty Fest will be in full force.

Free Glastonbury-themed festivals with pizza, tequila, and big screens to take place in Greater Manchester

You can expect big screens live streaming the full Glastonbury festival throughout, plus pop-up markets, face painting and hair tinsel stations, outdoor tequila and margarita bars, happy hours, and of course, lots and lots of Nell’s pizza.

Find out more about both these free festivals here.

___

Street Eat

Rochdale Town Hall Square

Saturday 28 June

Street Eat / Credit: Supplied

Rochdale Town Hall Square will be packed with foodies galore this weekend, as the town marks the return of its popular food festival.

Street Eat is one of the biggest days of the year in the Rochdale calendar, organised by the Rochdale Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), welcoming food and drinks stalls from local vendors and restaurants.

A whole host of other free activities will be happening throughout the day, including live Punch and Judy shows, face painting, a caricaturist sketching portraits, and lots of live music.

Find out more here.

___

The Weekender

Campfield Mega Campus

Saturday 28 June

The Weekender / Credit: Supplied

One of Manchester’s historic market halls has been revived for a new era, and a series of free summer festivals are set to celebrate – with the first kicking off this weekend.

As part of the unveiling of the newly-revived Campfield Mega Campus – a grade II-listed building that will be returning to its original purpose as a bustling market hall for the first time this century, a one-of-a-kind artisanal festival called The Weekender will be back on Saturday.

Expect a curated makers market, live music, creative classes, kids activities, top street food, delicious beverages, and a few other creative surprises.

Find out more here.

___

MCR Live ’25

Manchester City Centre

Saturday 28 June – onwards

MCR Live ’25 / Credit: MCC

A massive music-filled takeover of Manchester arrives this weekend ahead of 1.3 million music tourists descending on the city centre this summer.

MCR Live ’25 will celebrate what promises to be a sensational summer of sound.

There’ll be everything from a pop-up bar in Piccadilly Gardens with surprise live acts doing sets, and markets in St Peter’s Square selling vinyl and vintage goods, to block parties in the Northern Quarter, and the already-announced Music for the Senses art trail dotted around all the well-known city centre sights.

Find out everything happening here.

___

Featured Image – Nell’s | The Manc Group | Rochdale BID

More What's On

Art & Culture

Vogue’s immersive ‘Inventing the Runway’ show is coming to Manchester

Electric Shuffle has announced a margarita giveaway for its first birthday

Eats

Manchester bar announces huge giveaway of margaritas to celebrate first birthday

Gigs & Nightlife

Ashton town centre is hosting one of Greater Manchester’s ‘wildest’ street parties this summer

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches