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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Image – KSTH | Malibu Drinks | Freight Island
What's On
Major Manchester theatre show issues casting call for a DOG to star on stage
Thomas Melia
One of the world’s most famous theatre shows is coming back to Manchester, and they’ve opened a casting call in search of the ‘canine equivalent of Brad Pitt’.
The unusual casting call is seeking a ‘dog with star quality’ to star in La Bohème when it returns to the Manchester Opera House on 21 February.
Dorothy has Toto, Annie’s got Sandy and now another show is in search of a four legged companion who wouldn’t mind being in the spotlight.
La Bohème is coming to Manchester at the end of this month and as well as bringing in theatregoers to fill up all the seats, they’re also looking for one prized pooch to take centre stage.
This Italian opera, which translates to ‘The Bohemian’, tells the tale of a poor seamstress and her artist friends with all the events taking place in the city of love, Paris.
As with most casting calls there are a few regulations however the trickiest requirement may be the owner’s involvement in the production.
Your four legged friend could be the next doggy diva gracing the Manchester Opera House stage.Your pooch could be on set day-dreaming of Hollywood… or doggy treats? Credit: Supplied
Dogs are asked to be small to medium sized and very well behaved, while owners have to go on stage in costume as part of the background ensemble – get those jazz hands ready!
Award-winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent said: “People say never work with children or animals but I love to do both.
“The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit. Since then, we’ve had horses, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage.
“When we last did La Bohème in 2023 we asked local people to volunteer their pets – it was a huge success. We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners!
“We’re a nation of animal lovers after all. I’m sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there.”
She’s also helped source a water garden in Madam Butterfly, a horse for Carmen and a pair of Afghan Hounds which featured in Rigoletto.
So there’s no better fit for this current casting call which entails finding a drama-loving doggy for La Bohème than Ellen Kent.
La Bohème is looking for an all-star pooch for their upcoming February production.La Bohème is coming to Manchester at the end of this month at Manchester Opera House.Credit: Supplied
Anyone who thinks their pup is the perfect fit for this upcoming production of La Bohème are requested to email [email protected] with photographs of your dog, including your contact number and address as well as the breed, height, weight, age and name of your dog. The show will contact you if you are successful.
La Bohème is making its grand return to Manchester Opera House on 21 February 2025 with tickets for the show available HERE.
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.