It’s really starting to feel like summer across Greater Manchester now as we head into our third week of June.
With the temperatures hotting up and the sunshine season right around the corner, the summer events calendar is starting to get a whole lot busier now, and there’s 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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Box on the Docks
MediaCityUK
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Monday 13 June – onwards
Box on the Docks / Credit: BOTD
Box on the Docks has returned to the banks of Salford Quays for the summer, and there’s be flowing beers, freshly-baked bagels, and boozy ice cream.
Back for its third year in a row, MediaCity’s popular outdoor dining concept, Box on the Docks, is set for another busy summer on the waterside piazza – but for the first time, it has taken on a brand-new format, as this year’s event is in partnership with SEVEN BRO7HERS.
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The Salford-based brewing company has been put in charge of operate a rotating residency of the region’s emerging and established independent food and drink pop ups.
There’s also been an exciting lineup of live music and events for all ages.
A new national collection that’s 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 public resource for exhibitions and public events that’s open to all.
Looking for some new restaurants and bars to try out that have just opened in Manchester city centre this month?
While some big familiar restaurant names have rocked up in Manchester in recent weeks, and will continue to do so throughout June, there’s also plenty of homegrown talent popping up all over the region – including some old favourites moving up in the world.
Corner Slice x Jimmy’s, Pollen, and Neon Tiger / Credit: The Manc Group
Take Pollen, who have just moved into their enormous new site at KAMPUS, or pizza pedlars Corner Slice, who have paired up with Jimmy’s in Ancoats, as well as a very familiar old name in the form of a new Blockbusters cocktail bar, and plenty more newcomers joining the fray.
You can read our round-up to find out where to put on your list this month here.
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Amazônia
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 13 June – onwards
Amazônia / Credit: Science and Industry Museum
A critically-acclaimed photography exhibition has officially opened 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.
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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.
Singing superstar Russell Watson is set to perform an exclusive Greatest Hits gig for charity in Manchester this week.
The ‘People’s Tenor’ will take to the stage at the beautiful Bridgewater Hall this Wednesday, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, and the fundraising event will see the Salford-born classical singer give a rare performance of his hits – including Land of Hope and Glory, O Sole Mio, and Bring Him Home – with all money raised helping the charity continue its incredible mission.
Cloudwater x Levanter / Credit: KAMPUS | Cloudwater Brewery
Manchester’s neighbourhood KAMPUS will play host a solid ten weeks of back-to-back block parties from its canalside garden, with each weekend seeing guest DJs take to the decks to spin tunes from different corners of the world – and this weekend’s event is celebrating the US state of New England.
Free-flowing beer will come courtesy of Manchester brewery Cloudwater, and food will be provided by Ramsbottom favourites Levanter serving up tapas, giant paella, and charcuterie boards aplenty.
This weekend, you can expect Levanter dishes with beers from some of the highest-rated breweries in the world.
The Edge Events is hosting a launch party for the Women in Business Brunch Club this Friday at Namii Kitchen & Cocktails, and it gives the opportunity to bring a network of like-minded women in Manchester business together for an afternoon of cocktails, canapes, live music, networking, and more in a relaxed setting.
There’ll be a red carpet and Bellini on arrival, as well as a goody bag for all attendees to take home with them at the end of the event.
Northern kids of the 80s, 90s, and 00s can truly revisit their youth, as the abandoned Camelot Theme Park in Chorley has gone back to its days of Arthurian legend for the new Summer Knights drive-in cinema and entertainment attraction this summer.
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Some of the film highlights in the genre-diverse lineup include this week include House of Gucci, and Grease.
There’s also a fully-licensed bar and a number of street food vendors on site to choose from to make it a truly magical night.
The Lock-Inn Comedy Club is back at the popular Castlefield hangout, Lock 91, this Friday, and it’s promising a night of “hilarious comedy and drunken debauchery”.
Unlikely to be for the easily offended, but very likely to be one of the hottest tickets in town, the stellar lineup of international comedy includes Nathan Virica, MC Tony William Bolton, headliner Jordan Ducharme, and a bunch of other special guests.
Tickets will set you back £5 in advance or £7 on the door, and you can grab yours here.
A huge three-day weekender has been planned for the launch of the ABC Buildings in Manchester city centre to showcase the 1960s mid-century building in a new light.
A packed programme of free events will take over spaces at the creative hub on Quay Street, including in its new rooftop glass dome, and there’ll be everything from a silent disco to street food, rooftop yoga to a kids’ rave, plus Reform Radio DJs, a vintage flea market, football screenings, stand-up comedy, and a Northern Soul takeover.
The ABC Buildings Launch Weekend is taking place between Friday 17- Sunday 19 June, and you can find more information here.
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British Favourites Cookery Class
Zouk Tea Bar
Saturday 18 June
British Favourites / Credit: Zouk Tea Bar
Manchester’s legendary Indian restaurant Zouk Tea Bar is famous for its high-quality dishes, and proudly shows off its chefs through its Manchester restaurant’s semi-open kitchen – but now, you can learn all the tricks of the trade for yourself this weekend.
The award-winning curry house is breaking down the fourth wall and inviting diners into the kitchen for a British Favourites Cookery Class to learn tips and tricks from the curry masters themselves.
Starting at 10am and finishing at 1:30pm this Saturday 18 June, you’ll be initiated into the world of Indian cooking, learning how best to prepare your spice mixes and simmer down dishes for the perfect consistency.
You can find out more and book your spot on the class here.
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Manchester Rum Festival 2022
Manchester City Centre
Saturday 18 June
Manchester Rum Festival 2022 / Credit: Manchester Rum Festival
Manchester Rum Festival is returning to the city this weekend, and bringing fifteen brand new rum brands with it for their festival debut.
In what is set to be the biggest festival to date, organisers will bring together a mix of local Greater Manchester brands and those from further afield for an afternoon full of cocktails, tasting sessions and samples.
Local rum distilleries Tameside and Decorrum will make their festival debuts alongside Tanduay – an exciting rum brand from the Philippines – and other new brands set to take part this year include Beach House and Arcane, both from the sunny climes of Mauritius, Ron Aguere from the Canaries, Ron Colon from El Salvador and Santiago de Cuba.
A big festival full of fun for all four-legged friends is coming to Cheshire this weekend, as DogFest takes over Tatton Park.
Created by dog-lovers, for dog-lovers, and after making a name for itself as the nation’s favourite dog-friendly festival, with thousands of pups descending on popular parks across the UK each year ever since, DogFest is 2022 will give you and your pup the chance to “try your paw” at a whole host of activities – including dog diving, agility courses, or entering the Fun Dog Show for your chance to win ‘Best in Show’.
You can also see some sensational dog displays, get advice from a variety of animal experts, learn training tips at the Dog School, and so much more.
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the much-loved free event that is Manchester Day is back for 2022 on Sunday 19 June, with thousands of people set to flood the city’s streets for what promises to be a bigger and better parade than ever before.
Created by Manchester People, and produced by award-winning local arts organisation Walk the Plank, festival-goers will get the chance to immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of colour, sound and culture, as youth and community groups from across the city join the famous parade – which has become the highlight of the day.
As always, music and dance will also spill over into the city centre squares for an afternoon of family entertainment, food and drink.
You can find out more information about Manchester Day 2022 here.
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Power UP
Science and Industry Museum
Saturday 18 June – onwards
Power UP / Credit: Science Museum Group
A huge gaming event is set to return to Manchester this weekend.
With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP will be back at the Science and Industry Museum for the first time in three years, taking ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming, with everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more.
Power UP will be taking place every weekend and school holiday from 18 June all the way through to December 2023, and every ticket includes unlimited play all day.
The best afternoon teas in Manchester
Thomas Melia
Afternoon tea has been a British staple since 1840, luckily for us, Manchester has a great selection of places serving this midday tradition.
If there’s one thing Manchester does best after music, sport, style and, you know, everything else it’s definitely food and drink, especially British classics.
There’s nothing better than a good sandwich followed by a sumptuously sweet scone, and a dazzling selection of cakes.
However, if you put all of those things together and bring it out on a meticulously-organised, multi-tiered serving platter, you’ve got the key to the nation’s heart.
When it comes down to afternoon tea we certainly don’t mess around and that’s why here at The Mancwe’ve put together a list of all the best dining experiences that are worth every single penny.
The top 10 afternoon teas in Manchester
1. Kimpton Clocktower, The Refuge
Credit: Supplied
This historic building is serving up elevated classics that you would expect on your typical afternoon tea platter including sandwiches with fillings like truffled egg mayonnaise as well as smoked salmon and pickled cucumber.
Pair these nibbles with all your go-to cuppa choices such as an earl grey and peppermint black, or sample ‘The Refuge blend’ – a fruity and herbal infusion with rosehip, hibiscus, peppermint, blackcurrant, and strawberry leaves.
Once your sweet tooth kicks in, there’s a variety of sweet delicacies with their glazed lemon meringue pie and obvious breadwinner, the treasured scones.
Nothing says grandeur like dining in The Midland and their afternoon tea options are certainly not subtle in any way, shape or form either.
Sandwich fillings are not limited, there’s avocado and chive, chicken, tomato and basil, with many vegan alternatives like the coronation tofu and watercress.
All their scones are served plain however they do offer you Devon cream and a helping of Mrs Darlington’s jam, yum.
Where to find: 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS
Price: £45 – £55 per person
3. Grandpa Greene’s, Diggle
Credit: The Manc Group
Ever fancied eating an afternoon tea in an igloo without the below-minus temperature? Well after this you definitely will.
Known and loved for their unreal ice creams, Grandpa Greene‘s are also all-around food caterers and their Afternoon Tea isn’t one you should be missing out on.
Enjoy treats, canapés, and of course, milkshakes made with that ridiculously moreish GG’s ice cream.
Where to find: Ward Ln, Diggle, Oldham OL3 5JT
Price: £24.95 – £29.95 per person
4. King Street Townhouse
Credit: The Manc Group
Quoted on their website as a ‘memorable Manchester experience’, there are two afternoon tea options to choose from.
Indulge in all the sweet treats you can possibly imagine with the ‘Traditional’ serving or if you’re someone who prefers savoury, delight in the ‘High Afternoon Tea’.
The first brings generously sized portions centred around the flavours of the season but always features a scone or two, while the latter sees orzo fritters and cheddar croquettes with cheese and chutney replacing the beloved scone.
This is another city centre hotel that’s putting on a dazzling display of tiered food and definitely not skimping on jam and cream with two pots placed perfectly next to those delicious scones.
There are finger-shaped sandwiches as well as a handful of mini cakes, and the multi-tiered platter exudes the Gotham style with its rose gold-tinged plates and matching teapot.
So why not take your pick at some bite-sized delights while perched high among the Manchester city centre skyline?
Where to find:100 King St, Manchester M2 4WU
Price: From £35 per person
6. The Martlet
Where better to enjoy an afternoon tea than in a historic Greater Manchester building that radiates notoriety and doubles as Rochdale’s newest fine-dining location?
The Martlet is preserving this British cuisine while bringing a modern touch with sandwich fillings like vegetable samosa and raspberry macarons to follow.
Of course, scones paired with the usual egg and cress sandwiches will still be present, but it’s always lovely to see some innovation where possible.
We’re pretty stunned by the whole thing, to be honest.
Where to find: Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Price: £21 per person
7. 20 Stories
Credit: Supplied
This Afternoon Tea reaches new heights, literally. 19 floors above the city centre is 20 Stories, which are branding itself as ‘The highest Afternoon Tea in Manchester’
20 Stories also has an exclusive mini cocktail pairing option where the drinks are hand-selected to go with your Afternoon Tea, because what fun day ever started with water?
Now all that’s left to do is choose between the Traditional, Piper-Heidsieck or Miniature cocktail Afternoon Tea, we’re really spoilt for choice!
Where to find:No. 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman St, Manchester M3 3EB
Price: £37.50 – £62.50 per person
8. The Lowry Hotel, The River Restaurant
Credit: Supplied
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea before heading off to your next theatre show – how could your day get any better?
Sample a turkey and lettuce wrap, smoked salmon, crème cheese and white balsamic ‘on a slider’ and a cheese and ham tart.
Vegans are well catered for too with hummus, red roasted pepper and rocket wrap with vegan cream and jam for the scones!
Price: £30 – £40 per person
9. The East Lancashire Railway
Finger sandwiches, homemade scones and patisserie all onboard a vintage steam train, yes please!
And to top things off, you’ll have a personal waiter on hand for your whole journey ready to attend to however much unlimited tea and coffee you can manage in 90 minutes.
This experience will be nothing but exceptional and all catering is to very high standards, so sit back, relax and watch the views of Manchester go by.
Their afternoon tea is just one of many luxury packages you can enjoy – here’s another one:
Where to find: Bolton Street Station, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0EY
Price: £55 per person
10. Malmaison Manchester, Deansgate
This hotel really takes the concept of afternoon tea and combines it with a polar opposite: street food.
B&G slider, beef brisket bite, tuna taco and buttermilk fried chicken all for savouries with an unreal lineup of sweet tarts.
‘Fab Lollies’, carrot opera cake, choc chip cookie dough sundae, vanilla crème brûlée and to dust it off, a sticky toffee scone.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 10 – 16 February 2025
Emily Sergeant
It’s shaping up to be a busy week.
Not only is it Valentine’s Day at the end of this week, but it’s also the start of half term, with schools soon to be out across the region, so as you can imagine, there’s absolutely no shortage of things for the whole family to be getting up to in Greater Manchester throughout this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though?
We’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide, so here’s some of our recommendations.
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Six Nations Fanzone 2025
Freight Island
Monday 10 February – onwards
Six Nations Fanzone 2025 / Credit: Freight Island
Freight Island’s Six Nations fanzone has returned for 2025.
The iconic international tournament is now underway, and so is Freight Island’s fantastic fan experience, providing an unparalleled level of excitement beyond being inside the stadium.
Already proving to be even bigger and better than last year, it’s the largest of its kind anywhere in the country, with everything from free pints and prosecco, live music, top-notch scran from Freight’s in-house vendors, and so much more.
Looking for other places to watch the Six Nations?
We’re absolutely spoiled for choice with places showing all the sporting action across Greater Manchester, so if you’re looking to get together with your mates, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to head to here.
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Wild
Manchester Museum
Monday 10 February – onwards
Wild / Credit: Manchester Museum
A groundbreaking new immersive exhibition exploring our relationship with the natural world is now open at Manchester Museum.
‘Wild’ look at how people are creating, rebuilding, and repairing connections with nature, and how the natural world has traditionally been presented and idealised through Western art, as well as looking at some unique approaches to environmental recovery too.
The exhibition will also crucially look at how we can tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis by making the world more wild.
It’s time to celebrate living legend, Philip Glass.
Over the course of three days, in collaboration with the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), the Hallé is hosting festival showcasing the composers best-loved works.
With wildlife photographer Frans Lanting’s stunning photography projected on the big screen. and Glass’s hallmark evolving textures mirroring the ever-changing landscape of life, this one-hour immersive audio-visual experience is set to be an emotionally-charged journey through time, from the Big Bang to the present.
In need of last-minute Valentine’s Day plans? Wondering where the most romantic restaurants and bars in Manchester are?
It’s Valentine’s Day this week, and Manchester is gearing up to welcome couples wanting to celebrate the international day of love in style.
With so many great restaurants, bars, and date spots in the city centre, if you’re looking to take your other half out, then you are quite literally spoilt for choice, so we thought we’d help make things a little bit easier by recommending some of our favourite popular date night spots to help get you started.
Valentine’s Day 2025 / Credit: 20 Stories | Unsplash
If you’re looking to spend a romantic evening celebrating the best of Manchester’s hospitality scene, then we’ve rounded up some of the city’s most romantic bars and restaurants here.
Need some date inspiration? We picked five of the best date ideas here.
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The Love Club
Embankment Kitchen
Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 February
The Love Club / Credit: The Manc Group
Embankment Kitchen inside CitySuites is celebrating Valentine’s in style this year, with its very-own ‘The Love Club’ menu.
The two and three-course set menu features a wide range of delicious signature dishes, with everything from fresh baked cod, and a mushroom and black truffle tortellini, to a salt-baked heritage beetroot salad, and a gorgeous chateaubriand for two to choose from.
There’ll also be live music across the three evenings from 7pm, and talking point cards on each table aimed at bringing you and your loved one closer together.
Two courses will set you back £36, while three courses costs £42 per person.
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 arriving at the Science and Industry Museum this week.
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 coming back to Manchester, and this time around, you can journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
Tickets are already on sale for the major new exhibition for children and families, which is titled Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You, and visitors are being told to prepare themselves for an “epic exploration of the senses”.
East Lancashire Railway’s special ‘Valentine’s Night’ luxury dining experiences are back once again by popular demand this weekend.
Lovebirds can hop on-board a vintage steam train and enjoy a four-course meal while riding through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside as the sun sets.
Part of ELR’s ongoing – and massively-popular – ‘Dining with Distinction’ series, these Valentine’s Night luxury dining experiences are promising to provide couples with an “elegant” and “atmospheric” evening as they travel through the Irwell Valley and raise a toast to each other to celebrate their love.
Find out more and book your last-minute tickets here.
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Valentine’s Day at Printworks
Printworks
Friday 14 January
Valentine’s Day at Printworks / Credit: Printworks
Fancy swapping Paris for Printworks this Valentine’s?
Love is in the air… and all over the ceiling at Printworks this Valentine’s, as to celebrate the international day of love itself, Mancs have been submitting their very-own messages to be displayed on Europe’s largest digital ceiling inside the city centre entertainment complex.
Whilst you’re down there, why not make a date of it? Maybe enjoy ramen and cocktails at Wagamama, or perhaps pizza and prosecco at Tank and Paddle, or look lovingly into your beloved’s eyes and serenade one another at Trax social – whatever your vibe, there’s lots to get up to this Valentine’s Day.
Don’t forget to chance your luck at the special Valentine’s game on the Printworks app too, where you might win a little treat for two.
Popular variety store Flying Tiger is opening inside the Trafford Centre this Friday.
The Danish brand has become a staple on Manchester’s high street, thanks to its ability to keep up with the trends and constantly reinvent its products.
Opening on 14 February, more widely-known as Valentine’s Day, anyone who’s left their present shopping until the last minute is now in luck, as they can nip in and pick up a selection of bits and bobs for their special someone.
The Super Duper Family Festival / Credit: ManchesterBID
A brand new festival full of free activities for all the family to get involved with is coming to Manchester this weekend.
The new event, which is called The Super Duper Family Festival and is free to attend, will feature a series of pop-up play zones at a variety of outdoor spaces and popular venues across the city centre, all of which will be free to use and ready to explore.
There will be six play zones providing unique experiences for all ages across the four days.
Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare are hopping over to RHS Garden Bridgewater this February half term.
Starting this Saturday and lasting all year, families can discover an interactive garden trail and get involved with loads of activities based on the well-loved children’s book Guess How Much I Love You – including craft, planting, and dance workshops.
Brickhouse Social has announced that it 90s-themed brunch is back by popular demand.
The Manchester social hub is inviting music lovers down to enjoy 90-minutes of bottomless pizza slices, fizz, bottled beers, and select cocktails on its ooftop terrace every Saturday over the nexr couple of months – with a resident DJ playing all the best tunes from the nineties.
There’s two brunch sittings available, so you can opt for 1-3pm or 3:30-5:30pm, and you can get booking your table now.