It looks like we’re set for another week filled with summer fun in Greater Manchester.
Not only has the sun been shining bright in the region over the last few weeks, signalling that summer is well and truly here, but we’ve also got an events calendar thats jam-packed full of festivals, family-friendly activities, foodie feasts, immersive experiences, and so much more to get stuck into.
Once again, we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Here’s our top picks.
___
ADVERTISEMENT
La Clique
Depot Mayfield
Monday 12 June – Saturday 29 July
ADVERTISEMENT
La Clique / Credit: Leslie Martin | Craig Sugden
A huge circus tent has been installed onto the roof of Depot Mayfield in Manchester, as the world-leading cabaret La Clique is in town.
The trailblazing show – which has had its stay in the city extended right through to 29 July – features the best circus and cabaret acts in the world.
Presented by live entertainment company Underbelly, La Clique is wowing audiences with its genre-defining cabaret show, and for its Manchester stint, performers will include tension strap artist LJ Marles, singer Chastity Belt, aerial contortion artist Miranda Menzies, comedy and stunt performer Sam Goodburn, and more.
Stephen Hawking at Work / Credit: Science Museum Group
Mancs now now get up close to rare personal items of Stephen Hawking’s in a new exhibition that’s now opened down at the Science and Industry Museum.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stephen Hawking at Work explores the remarkable life of a world-renowned scientist, who passed away in 2018 – with significant objects from his office giving an insight into his life as a scientist, science communicator, and as a person who lived with motor neurone disease.
Highlights include a rare copy of his PhD thesis, and a wager he made with his peers about whether things that fall into a black hole are lost forever, while there’s also a ‘time traveller’ party invitation that he sent to his peers after the party had taken place, to prove that time travel to the past is impossible.
Chester Zoo is bringing its ‘after hours’ events back this summer after they proved so popular last year.
Giving visitors the chance to explore the UK’s biggest charity zoo “like never before”, the Into The Night series was launched to massive success in 2022, and offered unlimited access to animal habitats, indoor areas, and restaurants after hours for the first time ever.
And this summer, it’s back for animal lovers who missed out.
With tickets now on sale from as little as £10, Chester Zoo is inviting people to discover the zoo as the sun goes down with thrilling live entertainment, special guest appearances, and delicious food and drink.
A brand-new Coronation Street Experience has opened, and it’s giving fans access to areas they previously haven’t been able to before.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Coronation Street Tour is known for giving people the chance to discover the hidden world that lies behind the camera at the external sets at MediaCityUK in Salford, and now, the already award-winning experience has got even better as the new exhibition extends the current 90-minute tour and makes it even more “immersive” for fans.
You’ll get the opportunity to see Dierdre’s famous glasses up close, take a seat in Roy’s Rolls, or even stand behind the bar at The Rovers.
Fancy trying out some new bars, and restaurants that have opened in Greater Manchester this month?
Summer is here, al fresco dining is on the cards, and it seems like the suburbs are having a moment again, as Urmston has not one but two exciting new openings to shout about, and Withington has just welcomed Almost Famous into its neighbourhood, as Manchester’s original dirty burger bar takes over the short-lived Libertine site.
ADVERTISEMENT
Elsewhere, Gordon Ramsay moves into town with his Lucky Cat restaurant moving into the former Jamie’s Italian site at the top of King Street.
We think you’ll agree there’s a lot to look forward to now that June’s here, so if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite this week, we’ve rounded up some of the best new openings to try.
Great Big Green Week: Take A Detour with a Tree Tour
Castlefield Viaduct
ADVERTISEMENT
Thursday 15 & Saturday 17 June
Great Big Green Week: Take A Detour with a Tree Tour / Credit: National Trust
City of Trees is inviting Mancs to make the most of the long summer days by going on an hour-long stroll around the city this Thursday and Saturday.
Starting with a visit to see the magnificent garden of trees planted high in the sky on Castlefield Viaduct, guides will then take you down into the Roman gardens in Castlefield and beyond, teach you how to identify trees, and throw in some fun facts about the different species and their ability to adapt and survive the challenges of the former industrial city.
Tipsy Tapas is one of Manchester’s newest bottomless brunches.
If you love Middle Eastern-inspired small plates, and a good Saturday afternoon out on the town, then you absolutely need to add this one to your list.
Hosted at former Michelin-recommended King Street restaurant Habas, for £38 per person diners can enjoy a ‘tipsy tapas’ with 90 minutes of non-stop cocktails, wine, beer, and a mouthwatering selection of punchy small plates.
Drink choices include the likes of fruit punch, Aperol and apricot spritzes, prosecco and bellinis, plus glasses of house lager and red, white and rose wine.
A massive festival especially for dogs and their owners is back at Tatton Park this weekend.
Described as being the “ultimate dog’s day out” and created by dog-lovers, for dog-lovers, DogFest returns to Cheshire by popular demand for another thrilling two-day event, so you and your pup can “try your paw” at a whole host of activities.
Dog diving, agility courses, the ever-popular hay bale race, or entering the Fun Dog Show for your chance to win ‘Best in Show’, are just some of the things four-legged friends can get involved with.
Father’s Day Screenings / Credit: King Street Townhouse
King Street Townhouse, is celebrating dads, grandads, and as-good-as-dads with a selection of themed Father’s Day film screenings at its very-own exclusive underground cinema this weekend.
With something for everyone to enjoy on the lineup, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating worlds of aliens, superheroes, boxing legends, interstellar adventures, and high-octane aerial combat, as six smash-hit films will be screened over three days.
Optional additions to enhance the Father’s Day celebration include whiskey cocktails, lager, pic ‘n’ mix, and mouth-watering burgers, all served to your seat for the ultimate indulgence.
ADVERTISEMENT
Find out more and grab tickets to each film screening here.
___
Madre
KAMPUS
Saturday 17 June
Madre at KAMPUS / Credit: Madre
Liverpool’s beloved taco joint Madre is bringing the spirit of Mexico City to Manchester when it opens at KAMPUS this Saturday.
With a menu made up of mouth-watering tacos, wood-grilled seafood and steaks, plus fresh oysters and ceviche straight from a huge ice counter, and a drinks list celebrating agave, this is a new opening you don’t want to miss.
Evolving from a lunch spot to a buzzing bar with Mexican party vibes as the sun goes down, expect a destination that celebrates Mexico City’s cuisine, culture and personality in equal measure.
GASP! Horror Festival is Manchester’s only horror film festival dedicated to minority filmmakers.
Taking over Manchester’s home of cult cinema, video games, and “cool nerdy events”, Cultplex – which is tucked away within the award-winning venue GRUB in Cheetham Hill – this weekend, there’s truly something for everyone within on the packed festival lineup that features the best new horror films by some of the most exciting filmmakers working today.
Six feature-length films and two short film showcases by female filmmakers, foreign language filmmakers, people with disabilities, people of colour, and the LGBTQ+ community make up the lineup.
City centre apartment brand Affinity Living is hosting Spinningfields’ biggest art event in collaboration with Cotton On MCR this weekend.
Taking over the whole Affinity Living neighbourhood this Sunday 18 June from 12-4:30pm, Art With Affinity is a completely free public event where everyone is welcome to head on down and celebrate Manchester’s fabulous art scene in all its glory.
You can expect over 25 of the city’s best independent and local artists selling a huge range of artisanal and small batch artwork, prints and paintings, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, and more.
10 of the best North West light trails to visit this winter
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Christmas is fast approaching, meaning it’s time to wrap up warm and get booking your tickets for one of these fabulous, festive, family-friendly light trails, before the rush.
While many of us are still acclimatising to that familiar bite in the air and finally beginning to accept these darker mornings – it doesn’t have to all be doom and gloom.
There are plenty of activities across the North West currently gearing up to light the way through these dark months, as we head towards Christmas.
After all – nothing quite gets you in the mood like witnessing the first twinkly lights of the season, as our local areas are transformed into a vision of festive light and colour. Why not go the full mile and attend one of these amazing trails to maximise on that Christmas magic.
Here are our 10 suggestions…
Ignite Fire Festival – Rochdale
Rochdale set to be illuminated by fiery sculptures for this year’s Ignite Fire FestivalIgnite Fire Festival returns this winter
The Ignite Fire Festival is set to once again unite thousands of locals and visitors alike in Rochdale, with a spectacular trail of fire, lights and sound, along with some thrilling new attractions including hand-crafted blazing fire sculptures, pyrotechnics, and illuminated installations.
Visitors can expect a dramatic experience from start to finish, executed through cutting-edge technology as part of Ignite’s most ambitious light display yet.
This year’s festival will all centre around the mesmerising, multi-sensory and immersive night time-trail ‘BODY,’ which will transport visitors on a journey, through the six zones of the human anatomy.
Ignite is a free festival running across three magical evenings, between Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November, 5pm-8pm.
Read more about it HERE, and click HERE for more information about the Ignite Fire Festival.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience – Chester
The flying Ford Anglia will even be in attendance
This immersive, multi-sensory, night-time trail is a chance to channel your inner witch or wizard, as you step into an enchanted woodland, under the night sky and transport yourself into a wintery world.
Along down the illuminated winding path, fans will encounter some familiar faces like Hagrid or the weird and wonderful creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, all brought to life through cutting-edge light shows and projections.
The installations will bring iconic scenes to life, as well as providing the perfect photo spots, opportunities for guests to practice their spell-casting skills, engage in a wand duel or summon a Patronus.
Northern Lights Manchester is taking over Heaton Park
Northern Lights has just announced a major return to Heaton Park, with a brand-new Christmas Time Machine theme.
The dazzling mile-long light trail will transform the park into a wonderland, with 14 different themed installations including Candy Cane Lane, a giant neon slinky, and shimmering nutcrackers, plus plenty of selfie spots along the route.
The Christmas Time Machine will take place from 19 November, all the way through to the end of the year, inviting visitors to step back into their favourite festive memories with a nostalgic collection in installations.
Expect original soundscapes, spectacular new illuminations, and even a marshmallow zone will bring the fully accessible trail to life.
There’ll also be vintage fairground rides, cosy festive pit stops and an expanded Christmas Village with artisan food and drink producers from across the region.
Northern Lights will also host dedicated inclusive evenings on Wednesday 2 and Wednesday 9 December, with reduced capacity and lower audio levels, to create a calmer environment that may be preferable for some neurodivergent visitors and those who benefit from a more relaxed experience.
Why not visit the glittering winter adventure at Tatton Park Gardens this winter?
This isn’t your average light trail – here, visitors have the chance to join in with festive mischief, toast marshmallows and discover magical surprises all along the route, it truly is an adventure for the whole family.
After dark, visitors are transported to an alternate reality with glowing installations and secret spaces throughout the gardens, encountering mythical creatures, inspired by ridiculous winter rituals.
The experience centres around a wonderful celebration of folklore, festive traditions and seasonal rituals, where guests should expect the unexpected with acrobats, puppets, curious characters, storytelling, live music and performances.
This is such a special celebration of the season for all ages to get involved with, which practically guarantees getting you in the Christmassy mood.
After dark, the Lanterns & Light trail is set to completely transform Chester Zoo as we know it, into a brand new experience complete with festive lights, wildlife-themed displays, animal puppets and even adults-only evenings, for the very first time.
This year, the trail has been reimagined, with some mesmerising installations including the spectacular Suspended Jellyfish underwater display, a mirrored disco tunnel, a glittering pea-lit canopy, and Floating Feathers.
Throughout the trail, visitors can expect to see some new life-sized animal puppets including parrots, dolphins and a giant polar bear, brought to life by specialist performers.
Alongside the new additions, the walk-through Cathedral of Light and atmospheric Fire Garden are set to return, where guests can toast marshmallows and warm up with festive food, or hot drinks by the fire pits.
Oh and if that wasn’t enough – there will also be a chance to meet Father Christmas and explore the funfair, all while helping fund Chester Zoo’s vital conservation work.
This exotic event will be running between Friday 13 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with two adults-only evenings, on 19 November and 8 December.
Last year, more than 140,000 people visited the trail, so be sure to book ahead.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Christmas at Dunham Massey, meaning you can be well assured that they know how to put on a fabulous festive event.
Christmas at Dunham Massey is a staple winter tradition for many in the North West and we can see why – designed by award-winning light trail producers, the gardens are completely transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, colour, fire, and immersive sounds.
For 2026, the accessible, mile-long trail, promises a brand-new array of bewitching light installations, photo opportunities and projections on the historic house, in addition to the return of Father Christmas and the festive fairground.
This trail is built for all ages whether you want to bring a date, friends or your family – you are bound to enjoy the wide range of seasonal delicacies available from mulled wine, hot chocolates and plenty of food stalls to choose from.
While this trail is dog-friendly, there are accessible sessions available where only assistance dogs are allowed to join along.
The RHS Bridgewater’s 2026 celebration of light, ‘Glow,’ follows a brand-new route through the woodland, with two new breathtaking light art commissions – an enchanted forest and an immersive sunrise to sunset display.
These are in addition to a magical moon feature, the stunning Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden and the dynamic light show ‘Halo.’
This winter walk begins with a lovely selection of cafés, serving up some seasonal treats and the opportunity to toast marshmallows on the fire.
Get your tickets HERE and allow yourself to start getting excited.
How will you possibly pick which experience to go to? Whichever you settle on – be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
A festival dedicated to cheese is coming to Manchester next week
Daisy Jackson
A cheese festival will be launching in Manchester next week, where you can samples cheese, eat cheesy specials from food vendors, and drink some great beers too.
The newly-announced Cheese Fest, which plans to be an annual festival, will bring together eight different cheesemakers, top local food traders, and a beloved Manchester brewery.
And what would cheese be without pickles? Holly Pickles, who runs Pickle Fest and Track’s Pickle Club, will be on hand with the perfect accompaniments.
Cheese Fest has been set up by The Crafty Cheeseman, and all for a very good cause, raising money to support the vital work of The Christie.
Jonathan Pearcey, aka The Crafty Cheeseman himself, was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer back in 2024, and has been receiving treatment at The Christie.
It’s not the first time he’s set up a fundraiser for the charity, but he’s hoping that Cheese Fest will grow bigger and bigger every year, with vendors all donating a portion of their takings to The Christie Charity.
As well as having the chance to sample, buy, and learn about different cheeses from eight producers, you can feast on cheese toasties from Fred’s, and pizzas from Slice Culture.
The event will be taking place next weekend at Track Brewery’s home near Manchester Piccadilly – so you’ll also have some of the city’s best beers on hand to pair with your cheese.
Jonathan said: “Okay, so, huge news. We are launching, in collaboration with the beautiful Track Brewery, a cheese festival in Manchester.
Slice Culture will have pizza specials for the Cheese FestivalTrack Brewery will host Cheese Fest
“Now as far as I’m aware there’s not been one before, or not for a long time, it’s something that I’ve been desperate to do, Track Brewery are the most wonderful people to be doing it with.
“We are doing it on the 22nd November, it’ll be 12 til 5, there’ll be cheese producers there to talk to you about the cheese, you’ll be able to taste their cheese, and more importantly, buy their cheese.
“There’ll be food vendors there doing awesome cheese specials, we will also have obviously all the extra bits you need with cheese – there’ll be someone doing pickles, there’ll be bread. You know, this is about celebrating the wonderful thing that is cheese.”
He added: “The biggest part of this for me is that we are doing it in collaboration with The Christie Charity. As a lot of you know, the journey I’m going through it’s The Christie who treats me, I’ve done previous things to raise money for charity and Track have been amazing getting behind me with this.
“I think it’s super important to try and support places like The Christie as much as we can, which is why all the vendors will be donating a portion of what we take to The Christie.”
Announcing the event online, The Crafty Cheeseman posted: “Please come down and support this cheesy event as where else can you eat and buy cheese whilst donating to charity.”
Cheese Fest will take place at Track Brewery on Sunday 22 November, from 12pm until 5pm.
Emily Sergeant -
9th June 2023 
