Now that this month is well underway, and summer is right around the corner, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week – with everything from blossom trails, to museum exhibitions, days out, and more.
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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National Trust Blossom and Bloomtown 2026
Greater Manchester
Monday 11 – Sunday 31 May
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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.
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Find out more about all the events happening here.
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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 11 May – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
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Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
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 – Egg & Co
Deansgate
NEW OPENING – Egg & Co / Credit: The Manc Group
Manchester’s very-own Egg & Co has opened the doors to its first solo restaurant this week, promising some of the best breakfast butties in town.
Located just down the road from Eggslut, but undercutting them on price by several quid per sandwich, this is a local business that wants to start your day off the right way.
Grab an egg sandwich and a truffle hash brown, because these breakfasts are no yolk.
The Flat Baker Pistachio Festival / Credit: The Manc Group
A festival dedicated to all things pistachio is officially back in Manchester this weekend.
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Back again by popular demand, nowhere does pistachio quite like Debs and her team at The Flat Baker, who have, once again, worked up a full menu of pistachio inspired bakes – from classic filled croissants to Basque cheesecakes, savoury bakes, and even drinks.
There are vegan maritozzi, and gluten free brownies too, so no one has to miss out on the bakery event of the year👇
A huge and totally free wedding show is returning to Greater Manchester this weekend, giving you all the planning inspiration and introducing you to all the suppliers you need for your big day. From flowers, fashion, cars and cakes, to music, make-up and more, the event at Rochdale Town Hall will bring together dozens of different companies who’ll get you down the aisle in style. You can also get stuck into bridal fashion showcases, food tastings, and live music.
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.
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?
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.
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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.
Fancy saving up to 50% off at some of Manchester’s top restaurants?
A bit of a daft question really, we know.
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Well thankfully, EatClub – the free app that’s easy to download, and you can start using right away – has now arrived in Manchester, and there are discounts such as up to 35% off Habbibi, Lina Stores, and Salvi’s to take advantage of, plus many more to explore.
Simply download the app, book your walk-in slot, and enjoy. You don’t have to tell the restaurant either – just pay using your EatClub card, and it’ll sort the discount for you.
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.
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It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too.
Gig review | Lola Young’s Manchester comeback – A joyous return to stage at the O2 Apollo
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston
The excitement in the air is palpable in the O2 Apollo, the crowd is itching for her to make her way onto stage and is chanting her name – Manchester has missed you, Lola Young.
After an extended hiatus since she collapsed at the All Things Go festival in New York last September, Lola is back on a short tour to find her feet again. Whilst Manchester isn’t officially the first show, it is the headline performance for her comeback.
Lola’s break had come at a pivotal moment, with her third studio album, I’m Only F***ing Myself (2025), earning huge acclaim, performances across the globe, and endorsements from the likes of Elton John for her talent.
After cancelling all of her shows ‘for the foreseeable future’, Lola asked fans for their forgiveness, writing in an emotional statement: “I really hope you’ll give me a second chance once I’ve had some time to work on myself and come back stronger.”
Tough to handle for anyone, let alone a young rising artist.
It was clear to everyone that her hard work on herself had paid off, as this was a different Lola Young from the one I saw at Glastonbury last year: there was a calmness to her – she seemed more centred and more confident.
That calmness, however, did not mean a lacklustre performance: she is still a powerhouse; her stage presence is just magnetic, and it is clear to see how loved she is by her fans. The energy in the room didn’t falter the entire time she was on stage.
She kicked things off with ‘Sad Sob Story’, a song about moving on from a toxic relationship, which seemed fitting as she steps away from the drama and difficulties of last year into a fresh start. A wall-shaking opening number that set the scene for what was to follow with the rest of the show.
As part of her healing journey, Young stated that she has decided to write something special and specific for each show to tell herself if she’s worried or doubting her ability.
She shared her Manchester mantra with us: “When you are connected, when you express what you feel is true to you, when you open yourself up and share your very unique experience, remember you are electric… Those who want to listen will lean in, no matter your volume.”
Although she was clearly introspecting, she was also speaking to her audience, her fans, and expressing gratitude for them still being there. Shouts of support echoed out through the venue, her fans truly loving and supporting her as they have since day one, perhaps more so than ever.
Her performances of songs like ‘Big Brown Eyes’, ‘Not Like That Anymore’ and ‘Conceited’, showed just how much fun Lola was having on stage, being back and being surrounded by people who truly loved her.
At times, the crowd were singing along so loudly and passionately that she laughed and told the audience, “I can’t even hear myself in my own ears.” She had to occasionally take moments to step back and take it all in, seemingly overwhelmed with joy at the outpouring of love being reflected back to her.
Her band were also a stand-out, sharing in her energy and passion. It is clear that Young and her band could easily fill huge arenas with their talent and fervour, but this more intimate venue just seemed correct.
Lola continued to prove throughout the night why she was so deserving of her BRIT Award for ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’, and her Grammy nominations for ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best Pop Solo Performance’.
Her vocal talent, emotional depth and electric stage presence were showcased in songs like ‘why do i feel better when i hurt you?’, ‘Post Sex Clarity’ and the incredible ‘You Noticed’, showing an extremely vulnerable side to her that had many audience members tearing up.
Manchester City releases CGIs and important details of new ‘immersive’ museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester City has revealed key information about its new museum experience designed to immerse visitors in the history and culture of the club.
Set to open later this year in the heart of the £300m Medlock Square entertainment district at Manchester’s Etihad Campus, the Manchester City Museum Experience will be spread across 10 distinctive spaces and visitors will be able to take a trip down memory lane with nostalgic environments from throughout the club’s history.
Fans can also take part in interactive media experiences, like posing with all 48 major trophies won by the club’s first teams or trying their hand at football punditry.
The experience will combine the latest immersive technology with physical memorabilia drawn from across the club’s history to do this.
Hidden details and surprising ‘did you know’ facts are set to be embedded across the experience, so that even the most devoted Man City fans will have the chance to discover something new about the club they love.
CGIs of what the new museum experience will look like when it opens have been released.
By combining interactive environments, technology, and authentic artefacts, the experience is aiming to appeal to a wide audience – from lifelong Manchester City supporters, to families and those with a broader interest in football, culture, and the city of Manchester.
“Building a completely new museum has allowed us to create an immersive experience that celebrates the people and moments which have shaped Manchester City,” commented Danny Wilson, Managing Director at Manchester City Operations.
“But our story isn’t traditional and straightforward, so why should our museum experience be? We want something different. Something immersive which will resonate with our fans, as well as excite the wider city.
Manchester City releases CGIs and important details of its new ‘immersive’ museum / Credit: Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
“In doing so, we have developed something that appeals to fans, complements the Etihad Campus and provides a year round attraction for the city.”
When it opens, the Manchester City Museum Experience is set to complement the club’s existing Stadium Tour – which is currently ranked among the top five visitor attractions in the UK, according to TripAdvisor reviews.
Further information about the museum experience – including booking details – will be shared ahead of its opening later in 2026 during the phased completion of Medlock Square.
Featured Image – Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
Emily Sergeant -
8th May 2026 
