Although 2022 is over half way through, and the months have passed us by so quickly, July does mean that summer is really here now, and the events calendar is packed with plenty to be getting up to across the region this week, 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.
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Lakeside Dining Dome
Heaton Park
Monday 11 July – onwards
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Lakeside Dining / Credit: Supplied
Afternoon tea fans can once again enjoy scones and finger sandwiches by the waterside as Heaton Park has reopened its lakeside dining domes for the summer.
The newly-refurbished domes are back to help us enjoy a bit of the al fresco experience this summer – no matter what the Manchester weather decides to do with itself.
Set in the midst of beautiful parkland, the refurbished domes will once again serve up a range of afternoon teas alongside a soon-to-be-launched summer evening picnic menu to help you make the most of the lighter evenings.
Bingo Balls at the Printworks / Credit: Bingo Balls
Bingo Balls is the newest member of the family at Printworks, and it’s home to the North West’s first ball pit for grown-ups.
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Having officially opened its doors to the Manchester public last weekend, you can expect a wide range of entertainment throughout the summer – with everything from bingo, drag brunches, burlesque shows, and retro food and drink on offer.
DJs will also be blasting out some of the hottest R&B, house, and disco mixes to keep you dancing all night long.
A new national collection dedicated to “the preservation and research of popular culture” has now opened in Manchester city centre.
The British Pop Archive (BPA) has been created by the University of Manchester (UoM) and has opened at the iconic John Rylands Library on Deansgate in the heart of the city centre, with the aim of celebrating British popular music and other aspects of popular culture to recognise its “pivotal influence” on the world stage.
Featuring “iconic items” relating to quintessential British bands, legendary UK television, youth culture, counter-culture, and more that have set trends around the globe, the BPA will be an important academic resource for research and teaching, UoM says.
It’ll also be a public resource for exhibitions and public events that’s open to all.
An all-new water park, funfair, beach, and giant 15sq m outdoor screen showing classic films and some of the summers biggest sporting events have all arrived at the Trafford Centre.
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The UK’s third largest shopping centre has announced that its “most significant outdoor event to date” will offer a full lineup of family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the day and into the night.
Summer Daze will span an impressive 2.5 acres of land, and will be located outside the Great Hall up until 4 September.
One of the new events arriving for 2022 is the Trafford Centre’s summer of sport – which is now live – and it will give sports-lovers the chance to gain free to access to a fan zone to watch some of the summer’s biggest sporting events such as Wimbledon, Tour De France, UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, and the Athletics World Championships, all on a 15sq m giant outdoor screen.
A critically-acclaimed photography exhibition is currently in Manchester as part of its international tour.
In what is the first UK exhibition of this scale outside of London for over 20 years from the world-renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, the Science and Industry Museum has will welcomed Amazônia – a major photography exhibition that celebrates the indigenous peoples and breathtaking landscapes of the Brazilian rainforest.
Salgado worked in the Amazon for seven years with 12 different indigenous communities, and the result is an incredible collection of powerful photographs that present his vision of a forest that is approaching a crucial tipping point in the fight against climate change, the Museum says.
Crossing The Line / Credit: National Football Museum
The National Football Museum and Manchester City Council has launched a new exhibition dedicated to the history of the women’s game.
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Coinciding with the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament, the new exhibition, Crossing the Line: The Story of Women’s Football, chronicles the game’s early growth, the effects of the FA’s de facto 1921 ban, its survival and its resurgence in recent decades.
The exhibition is split into two halves, with the first half telling the story of the women’s game up until the ban, from its nineteenth-century origins to the all-conquering Dick, Kerr Ladies, and the second half kicks off later in the summer, focusing on the present state of play within women’s football, from the grassroots up to the professional game.
UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Manchester Fan Party / Credit: UEFA
UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 has announced a huge festival of football this summer.
In Manchester, all the action will happen in Piccadilly Gardens from 11am – 4pm each day right through until Sunday 31 July, and thousands of fans from across Europe are expected to descend on the city centre.
Fans will be able to watch all the matches on a big screen, as well as enjoy food and drink which will be available throughout the tournament.
Coronation Street Stars Tour / Credit: Coronation Street: The Tour
Coronation Street has revealed that its famous ‘Stars Tours’ are returning this summer, and it means you can meet “mystery” cast members on the legendary cobbles.
Just as the name suggests, the Stars Tours not only include the standard 90-minute guided tour of the external Coronation Street set in MediaCityUK, but they also give you the opportunity to meet the a surprise cast member from the show.
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While bosses of the official guided tours are keeping names of the mystery cast members who are set to make appearances close to their chest, they have assured fans that they’ll pop out to say hello, and pose for pictures, as well as letting you in on a few filming secrets or a story during the special events too.
Skatefire Club / Credit: Netflix | Good Life Skates
A series of Stranger Things-themed skating sessions are taking over one of Manchester‘s newest retro roller rinks this weekend.
There is absolutely no denying that much of the world is Stranger Things obsessed at the moment, and now Good Life Skates – the brand-new roller rink that opened its doors above Escape To Freight Island’s main hall last month – is hosting it’s very-own ‘Skatefire Club’ and inviting fans to “celebrate all things Stranger Things”.
“Lace up your skates and boogie along to the soundtrack of the show we all know and love.”
Madness at Haydock Park Racecourse / Credit: Flickr
Madness is another one of the huge names set to play a headline show as part of a live concert series at Haydock Park Racecourse this summer.
The Jockey Club Live is renowned for bringing live music to thousands of fans in the relaxed open-air setting of some of the UK’s biggest racecourses, and the legendary British band, Madness – who previously headlined the racecourse back in 2015 – will make a return on Saturday 16 July.
Combining the genres of ska, reggae, motown, rock’n’roll and classic pop, Madness have become one of the music industry’s best-loved live acts, and have had so many hits to their name over the last couple of decades, including ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘It Must Be Love’, ‘Driving In My Car’, ‘Our House’, and the iconic 1982 number one single ‘House of Fun’.
We Love MCR Charity Abseil Challenge / Credit: WLMC
Over 80 brave individuals are gearing up to abseil off the 26-storey One Regent Tower in Castlefield on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July, all with the goal of raising as much money as possible for one of the city’s most iconic charities, We Love MCR Charity, as part of its 2022 ‘Challenge Event Series’.
The abseil is just one of a set of mind-over-matter challenges that will raise funds for the charity’s work supporting Manchester’s communities and young people.
You can find out more about watching the event and making donations here.
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Featured Image – Good Life Skates | Lakeside Dining
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 30 January – 5 February 2023
Emily Sergeant
It’s time to wave goodbye to January, and welcome in another new month as February arrives in Greater Manchester this week.
With a new month comes an events calendar filled with all sorts of different activities to be getting up to this week, so once again, 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.
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Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors
IWM North
Monday 30 January – onwards
Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors / Credit: IWM North
Never-before-seen portraits of local Holocaust survivors are to go on display at the Imperial War Museum (IWM) North in Manchester later this month.
The new photography exhibition has opened to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2023.
Following its successful inaugural run at IWM London back in 2021, the exhibition – which is titled Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors – features 60 contemporary portraits of Holocaust survivors and their families, alongside four new photographs taken by The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) President and Chair of Trustees, Simon Hill.
PUSH Festival has returned for HOME MCR’s annual celebration of North West creative talent.
HOME’s stages, screens, and spaces are being dedicated to showcasing fantastic works from around the region, as well as offering opportunities for creatives to meet industry professionals, share ideas and inspiration, and develop their skills.
This year’s festival is showcasing newly-commissioned works across a range of art forms, including theatre, digital work, visual arts, and cinema.
The festival also includes a series of workshops and other artist development opportunities.
Fancy catching the last of all the January deals, discounts, and offers in Manchester’s cafes, bars, and restaurants?
January is typically a time when many vow to change their eating habits, but even the most committed dieter should be tempted by these Manchester restaurant deals, discounts and offers.
Whether you are starting a new diet, ditching alcohol, or trying out Veganuary, that’s no reason to stay at home.
Not when you’ve got January dining (and drinking) offers floating around like this.
January Dining Deals / Credit: The Manc Group | Evelyn’s | Ramona & The Firehouse
From half-price burgers to burritos, small plates, Sunday roasts, and more, we’ve rounded up some of the best Manchester January restaurant deals to take advantage of in 2023.
From Moss Side to Marseille: The Art of Michael Browne and Eric Cantona
National Football Museum
Monday 30 January – onwards
From Moss Side to Marseille: The Art of Michael Browne and Eric Cantona / Credit: National Football Museum
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has set up a special sport-based art exhibition in the National Football Museum.
Spotlighting work by fine artist Michael Browne, who created a series of pieces exploring the relationship between sport, art and modern society, the new exhibition titled ‘From Moss Side to Marseille’ covers everything from “human rights, equality, injustice, the impact of power and elevations to a godlike status.”
The exhibition was commissioned by the Frenchman with the aim of celebrating influenced sporting heroes who used their positions to advocate for social change, even in the face of great personal cost.
Winter at the Science and Industry Museum / Credit: Science Museum Group
Exhibitions that explore the power of music, and give you the chance to try out an interactive “hands on” gaming experience are just some of the activities on offer at the Science and Industry Museum this winter.
The award-winning museum is invites people to discover 250 years of innovations and ideas that started life in Manchester and went on to change the world. Standout exhibition, Turn It Up: The power of music, is a world-first event giving those curious the chance to explore the science of music’s mysterious hold over us through a series of “immersive musical experiences and interactive activities” at a specially-commissioned ‘musical playground’.
There’s also still time to head on down and check out the stand-out interactive gaming experience, Power UP, and so much more.
Find out more about what’s on at the Science and Industry Museum here.
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Mamma Mia!
Opera House Manchester
Tuesday 31 January – Saturday 11 February
Mamma Mia! / Credit: Opera House Manchester
Mamma Mia! will be taking over the Opera House Manchester from Tuesday 31 January – Saturday 11 February.
Fancy grabbing tickets to see the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical? Making a much-anticipated return to our city, fans of the popular films will know Mamma Mia! is set on a Greek island paradise, and cleverly tells a story of love, friendship, and identity through the timeless songs of Swedish pop group ABBA.
Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.
Greater Manchester has firmly earned itself a spot as a place for world-renowned touring theatre productions to make a stop off at.
While the past couple of years amid and post-pandemic may have hit the theatre pretty hard, it’s a beloved industry that has now well and truly bounced-back – with the region’s three main theatres, Palace Theatre Manchester, Opera House Manchester, and The Lowry, all having welcomed some absolute show-stopping productions last year.
Theatre Shows 2023 / Credit: ATG Tickets
And 2023 is set to be absolutely no different – with award-winning musicals, family-friendly plays, inventive dance productions, and more on the agenda.
You can read our round-up of the best productions in 2023 here.
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Open Mic Night at Lions Den
Great Northern Warehouse
Wednesday 1 February
Open Mic Night at Lions Den / Credit: Lions Den & Unsplash
One of Manchester’s best live music bars has relaunched its open mic night and is calling out for new talent.
Nestled on Manchester’s hidden street, Deansgate Mews, independent bar and performance space Lions Den hosts an open mic night every Wednesday, which supports grass-roots music and provides upcoming musicians with an ‘unopposed’ opportunity to hit the stage.
Popular amongst students and up-and-coming musicians, the open mic night offers those who want to try their hand at performing the chance to build confidence and meet like-minded people who share a passion for live music.
The Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch / Credit: The Blues Kitchen
The Hip Hop Orchestra will serve up a mouth-watering combination of hip hop nostalgia, chart-topping R&B goodness, badass BBQ, and luscious liquor at the ultimate bottomless brunch party.
Kicking off this weekend, and running every Saturday at The Blues Kitchen in Manchester, you can expect live versions of your favourite tracks by Beyonce, Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, Wu Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Salt n Peppa, Destiny’s Child, and so much more.
A range of tasty dishes will be served up, including burgers, fried chicken, and a handful of veggie and vegan options, and then for those really looking to get the party started, there’s an option to add bottomless booze to your ticket – with rum and prosecco for 90-minutes.
Featured Image – IWM North | Evelyn’s | Mamma Mia!
What's On
Meet the couple who quit their jobs to sell sandwiches from their Northern Quarter flat
Georgina Pellant
If you’re a fan of things in bread (and honestly, who isn’t) then there’s a new Italian sandwich dealer in town that you absolutely need to get down your neck.
Serving up some of the best butties we’ve had in a long time, it’s called Ad Maiora and is being run by a couple who are making absolutely everything out of a kitchen in their little Manchester flat.
Collected from a nondescript door on a Norther Quarter back street, we’re talking giant focaccia-style loaves generously stuffed with premium ingredients like ‘nduja, spicy Tuscan sausage, smoked scamorza, mortadella, burrata and red pesto.
The brainchild of Sardinian couple Daniela Steri and Enrico Pinna, all of their sandwiches are made using only top quality Italian ingredients with a total of nine different options to choose from.
From the vegan-friendly La Nonna (Italian hummus, roasted aubergine, olives, sundried tomatoes and rocket) to a huge array of different cheesy and meaty delights, fillings include parma ham, gorgonzola DOP, truffled brie, Milano salami and crumbled pistachios.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Their bread is baked freshly by hand each morning using a tiny domestic oven, and they’re already baking up to 60 loaves of schiacciata (a traditional Tuscan flatbread) a day to keep up with the demand – putting just four in the oven at a time, over and over again.
On our visit, the pair tell us that they moved over from Sardinia to the UK six years ago and first tried living in London for a year (they say they hated it) before making the move up to Manchester.
In that time, they say they’ve fallen in love with the city of Manchester and with the Northern Quarter in particular.
Inspired by the brilliant food scene in their area, two months ago they both decided to pack in their jobs and pursue their own business instead – and haven’t looked back since.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Previously, Daniela tells us she’d worked at hotel Dakota in housekeeping for three years whilst her partner, Enrico, had been employed at Ezra and Gil. Despite their hospitality experience, though, neither of them had made bread before.
That doesn’t seem to be holding them back, though, and demand for their sandwiches is rocketing as word spreads about the new homemade Italian butties for sale on a Manchester backstreet.
Emily Sergeant -
8th July 2022 
