What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 13 – 19 May 2024

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 9th May 2024

How glorious has the May weather been so far this month? Let’s keep hoping there’s more where that came from.

Over the past couple of weeks and throughout the month of May so far, the Greater Manchester social calendar has featured the likes of foodie festivals, cultural celebrations, and wholesome spring-themed events… and thankfully, there’s loads more for everyone of all ages to be getting involved with this week and beyond.

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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Operation Ouch!

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 13 May – Sunday 9 June

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Operation Ouch! / Credit: Science Museum Group

Don’t forget there’s a world-first exhibition still running down at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and it’s giving families the chance to “dive headfirst into the digestive system” and “travel like a poo”.

The new blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch!, is based on and will see the award-winning CBBC children’s TV series brought to life.

Visitors can expect interactive experiences, amazing objects from the Science Museum Group’s collection, and appearances from world-renowned doctors who will be on hand to guide audiences through this “lively, interactive, and playful adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies”.

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Find out more and grab tickets here.

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Mental Health Awareness Week – Free Fitness Classes

Printworks

Monday 13 – Sunday 19 May

Mental Health Awareness Week – Free Fitness Classes / Credit: Printworks

Manchester’s landmark entertainment complex, Printworks, is encouraging everyone to “move their bodies” during Mental Health Awareness Week this week by hosting a series of free fitness classes underneath Europe’s largest digital ceiling.

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As part of a collaboration with Nuffield Health, the city centre venue is set to transform the local community’s lunch break with, and it’s promising a “midday fitness fiesta like no other”

Classes will be running from Monday 13 – Friday 17 May, and you can find out more here.

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Tales of Manchester 2.0

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Monday 13 May – onwards

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Tales of Manchester 2.0 / Credit: Supplied

A brand-new art exhibition curated by visual artist Emma Evans in partnership with six other creators is now open in Manchester, and it’s completely free to visit.

Tales of Manchester 2.0 down at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a collection of multi-platform art celebrating our brilliant city, and it’s showcasing six spoken word pieces by established Manchester based poets – Griot Gabriel, Ilaria Passeri, Lisa O’Hare, Mark Jackson aka Keith’s Brother, Matt Concannon aka The Thirsty Poet, and Sarah Attwell.

The spoken word is paired with visual pieces painted by self-taught artist Emma Evans, where the words have served as inspiration for the art.

Find out more here.

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The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition

Manchester Central Library

Monday 13 May – onwards

The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition / Credit: Supplied

Photography students from The Manchester College are now showcasing their ‘Greater Mancunians’ project as part of a landmark exhibition at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall.

150 students have participated in the groundbreaking photography project, and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.

More than 100 contributors are featured in the project, including musicians Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr, athletes Diane Modahl and Ricky Hatton, local politicians Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Bev Craig, actors Maxine Peake and Bill Roache, artists Stan Chow and AKSE P-19, and other local figures like Jonathan Warburton, Simon Martin, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE.

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Find out more here.

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Did you see that Chester Zoo has been named the best zoo in the UK for 2024?

Everyone in and around Greater Manchester and the North West is already familiar with just how brilliant the UK’s biggest charity zoo is and all the work it contributes towards conservation and protecting endangered species all across the world.

But now, it’s got itself a respectable new title to prove it, and it’s all thanks to tens of thousands of positive TripAdvisor reviews.

The world’s biggest travel guidance platform has named Chester Zoo as the best-rated zoo to visit in the UK this year, with more than 11,000 ‘Excellent’ ratings.

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Read more here.

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Manchester Green Spaces Trail

Manchester & Salford

Monday 13 May – onwards

Manchester Green Spaces Trail / Credit: Carl Sukonik | Annapurna Mellor

Workers and visitors are being invited to discover some stunning outdoor spaces across Manchester city centre and beyond this summer.

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Keen to get out and about on foot? Manchester has launched Manchester Green Spaces Trail – a brand-new walking trail celebrating the best green, blue, and outdoor areas the cities of Manchester and Salford have to offer.

Created in collaboration with Manchester tour guide, Jonathan Schofield, the walking trail is free to do and accessible via a downloadable map, and it features 16 garden and water spaces.

Find out more here.

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NEW OPENING – Malibu Beach Club

Great Northern Square

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Thursday 16 May – onwards

NEW OPENING – Malibu Beach Club / Credit: Malibu Drinks

Malibu Drinks is opening a pop-up outdoor lounge with a relaxed beach bar theme, bright decor, and an extensive summer cocktail list in Manchester this week.

The only official Malibu bar outside of London, and aptly-named ‘Malibu Beach Club’, the colourful pop-up will open right in the heart of Manchester city centre on Great Northern Square, and we’re already being told to expect cute and colourful aesthetics, an unbeatable beachy charm, quirky lanterns, and palm trees.

There’ll also be plenty of seating both in the beaming sunshine (… or when it arrives) or undercover and heated for when it inevitably rains.

Find out more here.

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World Bee Day Afternoon Tea

The Lowry Hotel

Thursday 16 May – onwards

World Bee Day Afternoon Tea / Credit: The Lowry

In celebration of World Bee Day, the award-winning River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel has launched a ‘Bee Afternoon Tea’.

For just £30 per person, the indulgent afternoon tea comes complete with a themed sandwiches and savouries, a traditional cream tea, a selection of pastries and sweet treats, and the chance to try an accompanying cocktail menu, all inspired by Manchester’s beloved bee symbol.

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Find out more and book your slot here.

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Freight Island’s Spring & Summer Festival Season 2024

Depot Mayfield

Saturday 18 May – onwards

Freight Island’s Spring & Summer Festival Season 2024 / Credit: Freight Island

In case you missed it, Freight Island has announced a huge lineup for its Spring/Summer season, with a free-to-attend festival series.

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The huge urban street food and entertainment destination, located at Depot Mayfield just beyond Manchester Piccadilly, is now back open in full swing, and is promising its most electrifying season yet throughout this spring and summer.

David Rodigan, Greg Wilson, Crazy P (DJ set), and Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip) are just some of the names on the lineup over the next few months.

Find out more and book tickets here.

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Blue Peter Book Club LIVE

Manchester Central Library

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Saturday 18 May

Blue Peter Book Club LIVE / Credit: BBC

Blue Peter is launching a book club for kids right here in Manchester this weekend, and it’s free for everyone to get involved with.

Book-loving mini Mancs are in for a real treat, as the iconic BBC children’s TV series is partnering with Manchester Libraries and The Reading Agency for an exciting new project called ‘Blue Peter Book Club Live’.

Officially kicking off at Manchester Central Library this Saturday, Blue Peter Book Club Live is set to be a “fun-filled event” that’s open to all.

Find out more here.

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All Things Vintage Market

Kargo.MKT

Sunday 19 May

All Things Vintage Market / Credit: Kargo.MKT

MediaCity’s new waterfront street food hub and community events venue, Kargo.MKT is hosting an ‘All Things Vintage’ market this weekend.

Fashion enthusiasts are invited to head on down and browse some of the best vintage traders in Manchester, all while listening to amazing vintage live music and tucking into a wide range of yummy food and drink.

Running from 12pm right through to 4pm, the market is free to attend, and there’s no tickets needed either, so you can just rock up.

Find out more here.

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South Terrace Yoga with FORM MCR

King Street Townhouse

Sunday 19 May

South Terrace Yoga / Credit: FORM MCR | King Street Townhouse

One of Manchester’s most popular hotels is hosting another one of its yoga brunches on the terrace overlooking the city’s skyline this weekend.

As part of a ‘Wellness Series of events geared towards those who are keen to start the day with the best intentions, King Street Townhouse is inviting you to “stretch with the city skyline as your backdrop” at an exclusive yoga and brunch event on its impressive sixth-floor terrace.

The one-hour class is run by FORM, and is suitable for all abilities, and it will be followed by brunch with a smoothie to sip on once you’re done.

You can find out more and book your place here.

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Featured Image – KSTH | Malibu Drinks | Freight Island

What's On

The full list of Greater Manchester Olympians representing Team GB at Paris 2024

Danny Jones Danny Jones

The Paris Olympics are nearly here and this year Greater Manchester happens to have eight athletes competing at the 2024 Summer Games.

It just so happens that eight is also the exact same number of local Olympians who brought home medals from Tokyo 2020, and we’re hoping these lot will help Team GB bring back a record number, with the previous competition seeing them match their all-time record (65) set at London 2012.

Honestly, there are few times in the year that we love as much as when the summer of sport fully kicks in and with the heartbreak of the Euros finally starting to drift, we can fully throw ourselves into the Olympics and get behind our Mancs flying the flag for 0161.

But who exactly is representing Greater Manchester at Paris 2024 and what events are they competing in? Look no further.

Greater Manchester’s 2024 Team GB athletes and their sports

Without further ado, let’s meet our local Olympic heroes:

Keely Hodgkinson – Wigan – Athletics

Starting out over in the home of the Latics, pie barms and The Verve, we have Wigan‘s very own Keely Hodgkinson: a two-time European champion who also recently broke the all-time British record in the 800m at the Diamond League in London on 20 July.

Born in Atherton, the 22-year-old middle-distance runner’s career is already off to a flyer and having already picked up the silver in her event at the last Olympics at just 19, we have every faith she’ll be bringing home the gold this time.

Aimee Pratt – Stockport – Athletics

Over to Stockport (don’t start with that Cheshire nonsense today, just be proud she’s from around here) and our 3000m steeplechase specialist, who already broke the national record twice in 2022 and produced the UK’s best-ever finish (7th) in the women’s event at the World Athletics Championships.

A long-standing member of Sale Harriers running club and a University of Manchester graduate, Aimee Pratt, 26, has got so much local backing behind her and has quickly gone from rising star to very much looking like she’s going to live up to the expectations of becoming ‘world-class’ as coaches predicted.

Hannah Kelly – Bury – Athletics

The third and final Manc representing us in athletics events is Bury-born and bred Hannah Kelly, 23, who is also a member of nearby Bolton United Harriers.

She was part of the crack team at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow that helped Great Britain reach a women’s 4x400m national record, picking up the bronze medal and will no doubt be looking to go on further in her Olympic debut.

Patrick Brown – Sale – Boxing

Now into the world of combat sport and the incredible story of Trafford boxer Pat Brown’s journey to Paris 2024 who beat Poland’s Mateusz Bereznicki in a qualifier back in March and now finds himself heading to his first-ever appearance at the Olympics.

Coming through the ranks at his local clubs Moss Side Fire Station and Sale West ABC, the 24-year-old has gone through his fair share of challenges of late, losing his best friend and cousin shortly after sealing his place at the Games but now has more spirit and motivation behind him than ever.

Manchester boxer Patrick Brown qualifies for Paris 2024 Olympics
Read more HERE.

Charlotte Worthington – Chorlton – Freestyle BMX

Moving over to the world of cycling and there’s just one local name taking part in two-wheeled events this year: 28-year-old sensation, Charlotte Worthington, from just down the road in Chorlton.

One of the select few Team GB athletes who managed to pick up an Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, the BMX star is not only ready to defend her title – becoming the first women’s champion freestyle park champion in history – but is looking to come back stronger than ever after some time out.

Insane stuff.

Anthony Harding – Ashton-under-Lyne – Diving

On to those wading through Paris waters in the name of Manchester, the first of two aquatic athletes competing at this year’s tournament is Antony Harding from Ashton-under-Lyne in Tameside.

Joining forces will Britain’s first-ever Olympic diving champion, Jack Laugher (who won the gold at Rio 2016), the duo have already brought home Commonwealth and European gold in the 3m synchro, as well as a pair of World Championship silver medals in the last two years. Is 2024 set for more gold?

James Guy – Bury – Swimming

And completing the water-bound Team GB athletes hailing from 0161 is multiple-gold medal-winner James Guy who, to use a phrase the kids are using, really is ‘that guy‘.

Another Bury native, the 27-year-old swimmer already has a big collection of gold medals in both the 200m and 4x200m freestyle at the Worlds, as well as silvers across multiple events over the past few years. With five Olympic medals in total to date, we’re desperate for him to add a gold to that list.

Georgia Taylor-Brown – Droyslden – Triathlon

Last but certainly not least is Droyslden’s Georgia Taylor-Brown, who was born to be an Olympian after her mum and Dad swam and ran, respectively, but continues to chase her own story of greatness, having picked up silver on her Olympics debut at Tokyo 2020 – even whilst nursing an injury.

With two golds at the 2019 World Triathlon Mixed Relay Series and AJ Bell World Triathlon in Leeds as well, we already know the colour looks good on her. You can listen to her full interview about going for gold yet again on BBC Sounds HERE but, for now, we’ll admit that her talking about coping with missing her dog come race time has made us love her even more:

Read more:

Fingers crossed out Greater Manchester Olympians will absolutely smash it at Paris 2024 and regardless of how many medals they come home with, we already know they’ll give it their all.

No matter what, they’ll be welcomed back with a lovely homecoming party over at the AO Arena and we already have a great place to watch the events too.

Best of luck to our Mancs and all of Team GB – now go and do us proud!

Manchester to host FREE official Olympics fanzone with big screen this summer

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Erik van Leeuwen/Team GB/Pat Brown (via IG)/YouTube (via screenshot)

What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 29 July – 4 August 2024

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

It feels like we’ve been saying this for weeks on end… but summer might actually be here now.

Although the weather’s been quite hit or miss as of late, now that little Mancs across our region have broken up for the school holidays, and August is arriving this week too, it’s hard to deny that the sunshine season is here.

Greater Manchester‘s social calendar is packed full of festivals, cultural celebrations, and wholesome family-friendly events especially for the summer too, but if you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do, don’t worry, as we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.

Here’s some of our recommendations.

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Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID-19 vaccine

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 29 July – onwards

Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID-19 vaccine / Credit: Science Museum Group

More than 100 objects and stories collected during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic are now on display as part of a new exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum.

The groundbreaking new exhibition, titled Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID-19 vaccine, explores the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed, while uncovering the inspiring stories of scientists and innovators around the globe who collaborated to tackle the worldwide COVID-19 challenge along the way.

The best bit? It’s absolutely FREE to attend, and advanced tickets are available to book on the Museum’s website now.

Find out more and book tickets here.

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Dinosaurs in the Park

Heaton Park

Monday 29 July – Sunday 4 August

Dinosaurs in the Park
Dinosaurs in the Park
Dinosaurs in the Park / Credit: Supplied

Manchester has been transformed into “a palaeontologist’s playground”.

Back by popular demand, dozens of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs have descended on the grounds of Heaton Park for the summer, and this means our region has become the closest thing to Jurassic Park in real life.

Dino fans of all ages have the chance to get up close and personal with around 40 of the big beasts over the next couple of weeks.

Find out more and get yourself some tickets here.

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Batman Unmasked

Depot Mayfield

Monday 29 July – 26 August

Batman’s Tumbler Batmobile, made famous by The Dark Knight, arrives in Trafalgar Square ahead of Batman Day and launch of Batman Unmasked, an immersive pop-up opening tomorrow for three days
Batman Unmasked / Credit: DC (via Supplied)

Did you see that a huge Batman experience has now swooped into Manchester?

Having taken over Depot Mayfield in the city centre, and offering fans a chance to see real jaw-dropping props and costumes from the actual Warner Bros. archives, this exclusive event brings the cinematic world of Batman to life.

Through a series of themed rooms, exhibitions, and a comic book and gaming area, Batman Unmasked is packed full of items from this iconic character’s film history.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

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Bright Lights, Big Fun!

Trafford Centre

Monday 29 July – 1 September

Bright Lights, Big Fun! / Credit: Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre’s massively-popular summer celebration is back, and tickets are only £2.50 each.

Back by popular demand for plenty of family fun, only this time with a new name, Bright Lights, Big Fun has seen a retro fairground and a massive 600sqm beach perfect for sunbathing and sandcastles pop up outside the Greater Manchester shopping centre, alongside a splash park with loads of water jets, and so much more.

There’s also a yummy selection of food and drink traders on site to take your pick from if you’re feeling peckish after getting stuck into some fun and games.

Find out more and get yourself some £2.50 tickets here.

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Wild

Manchester Museum

Monday 29 July – 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.

Find out more and grab your FREE tickets here.

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Did you see that John Rylands Library has been named one of the best free UK attractions families should visit this summer?

The historic Grade-I listed building on Deansgate in the heart of the city centre has claimed a coveted fourth spot on a new top 10 list, according to a new analysis of TripAdvisor ratings of free UK attractions.

With the summer break right around the corner now, plenty of parents, carers, and guardians across Greater Manchester will likely be looking for a ways to keep the kids entertained and educated while schools are out for six full weeks – especially ways that are Manchester weather-proof and don’t break the bank too much too.

In fact, internet searches for ‘free tourist attractions near me’ are said to have risen by +5000% over the past 30 days.

John Rylands houses one of the UK’s most unique collections of books and manuscripts, and was found to have an average five-star TripAdvisor rating of 75.2%, according to the study – with visitors describing it as “definitely worth the visit”.

Find out why it’s featured in the top 10 here.

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Olympics 2024 – Official Team GB Fanzone

Spinningfields

Monday 29 July – Sunday 11 August

Olympics 2024 – Official Team GB Fanzone / Credit: Team GB

Manchester is one of a handful on UK cities chosen by Team GB itself to host an official Olympics fanzone with a big screen this summer, and the best part of it all is, it’s absolutely free for everyone to enter and make the most of.

A big screen playing all the major sporting action and coverage highlights has been set up at The Lawn Club in Spinningfields.

This means that, for the next couple of weeks, sports lovers in the city centre are able to tuck into an all-day food and drinks lineup, all while they watch the Games surrounded by other equally-enthusiastic fans.

Find out more here.

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The Great Summer Social

Cheshire Oaks

Monday 29 July – onwards

The Great Summer Social / Credit: Cheshire Oaks

Cheshire Oaks has brought its popular The Great Summer Social event back for another year, and there’s currently loads to get involved with while schools are out.

Not only is there a bunch of retail offers and promotions to make the most of, as well as free family-friendly interactive activities to get involved with too, but there’s also a big wheel, a mini golf course, a big screen showing sporting events, DJs blasting out tunes, and a wide variety of street food and drink vendors across the Designer Outlet.

Find out more here.

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Kargo on the Docks

MediaCity

Tuesday 30 July – onwards

Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied

One of Greater Manchester’s best-loved outdoor dining concepts has returned for 2024, and there’s a proper tasty lineup of traders.

‘Kargo on the Docks’ – which is MediaCity‘s al fresco dining pop-up, in place of the former Box On The Docks – has had itself a bit of a “glow up” and has taken over the waterfront and gardens 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.

Find out more and see who’s pitched up here.

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NEW OPENING – Rudy’s Altrincham

Did you see that legendary pizzeria Rudy’s has opened its seventh Greater Manchester site over in Altrincham this past week?

Rudy's in Altrincham is serving up classic Neapolitan pizzas. Credit: The Manc Group
Antipasti platters at the new Rudy's Altrincham. Credit: The Manc Group
NEW OPENING – Rudy’s Altrincham / Credit: The Manc Group

The wildly popular Manchester-born brand has taken over the former OneCentral food court in the heart of the town, and the new site’s been kitted out in classic Rudy’s style, filled with hanging plants, exposed brick, chalkboard menus, and colourful wooden tables.

And of course, the menu shows off classic Neapolitan pizzas.

Favourites include classics like Marinara, Margherita and Calabrese, plus more modern combos like triple pepperoni with burrata and hot honey, as well as rotating specials.

Find out more here.

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Jurassic World: The Exhibition

Trafford Centre

Friday 2 August – onwards

Jurassic World: The Exhibition / Credit: Supplied

Greater Manchester just can’t get enough of dinosaurs, apparently, as A major Jurassic World exhibition that’s been mesmerising visitors all over the world is arriving here in Manchester for the summer from this Friday.

Based on the beloved blockbuster film franchise, this official award-winning experience is one of the fastest-selling exhibitions in history.

Manc visitors will be able to walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates, explore some richly-themed environments, and encounter a life-sized Brachiosaurus, Velociraptors, and the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Find out more and grab ticket here.

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Little HOME Festival

HOME

Friday 2 – Sunday 4 August

Little HOME Festival / Credit: HOME MCR

A free festival with a lineup packed full of activities, workshops, live music, and more is coming to HOME this weekend.

The independent arts venue in the heart of Manchester city centre is inviting familie to the first of its two weekend-long festivals this Saturday and Sunday to get stuck into everything from interactive theatre and circus skills workshops, to dance, hands-on crafts, and so much more.

Find out more here.

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Day Out With Thomas

East Lancashire Railway

Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 August

Day Out With Thomas / Credit: ELR

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine has once again made a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester for the summer.

The beloved Day Out With Thomas experience is said to be “a train ride like no other”.

Families will have the chance to hop onboard the East Lancashire Railway’s replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns this weekend for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.

Find out more and grab last-minute tickets here.

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Featured Image – Jurassic World: The Experience | The Manc Group | HOME MCR

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