What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 19 – 25 June 2023

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 16th June 2023

We can probably safely say that summer is here now, as the sun has been shining bright over the last few weeks.

Although we might be due some showers this week, nothing can rain on Greater Manchester‘s parade, as once again, the region’s events calendar is absolutely jam-packed full of all sorts to be getting involved with – including festivals, family-friendly activities, foodie feasts, immersive experiences, and so much more.

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

The Coronation Street Experience

ITV Studios

Monday 19 June – onwards

ADVERTISEMENT
The Coronation Street Experience / Credit: ITV

A brand-new Coronation Street Experience has opened, and it’s giving fans access to areas they previously haven’t been able to before.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Find out more and grab tickets here.

___

Armed Forces Week

Manchester City Centre

Monday 19 – Sunday 25 June

Armed Forces Week / Credit: MoD

Manchester is to pay tribute to the outstanding contribution of the nation’s Armed Forces this week.

ADVERTISEMENT

As well as the Armed Forces flag being raised on top of Central Library all week, on actual Armed Forces Day on Saturday, Manchester City Council is hosting a family fun day in St Peter’s Square from 11am, where members of the public to go along for “an afternoon of fun”.

There’ll be a whole host of themed activities to get involved with that all honour the members of the Armed Forces and veterans for their dedication and service. 

Find out more about what Manchester’s doing for Armed Forces Day here.

___

La Clique

Depot Mayfield

ADVERTISEMENT

Monday 19 June – Saturday 29 July

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.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

ADVERTISEMENT

___

Into The Night

Chester Zoo

Monday 19 June – onwards

Into The Night / Credit: Chester Zoo

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

___

Yogathon 2023

Great Northern Warehouse

ADVERTISEMENT

Wednesday 21 June

Yogathon 2023 / Credit: Phil Tragen (via Great Northern)

Yogathan is back in the heart of Manchester to reset the city this week .

As a way of marking the summer solstice and welcoming in the new season, all while suitably-celebrating International Yoga Day at the same time, Manchester‘s famed ‘Yogathon’ is returning to Great Northern Warehouse this week with a whole host of free outdoor yoga sessions, and it’s giving Mancs the chance to “get on the mat and work on the mind”.

Taking over the amphitheatre outside the historic city centre warehouse, you can join in with a full day of yoga classes led by award-winning instructors from The Life Centre from morning through to evening.

Find out more here.

ADVERTISEMENT

___

Space Afrika: Live At The Museum

Science and Industry Museum

Wednesday 21 June

Space Afrika: Live At The Museum / Credit: Science Museum Group

Fancy experiencing the Science and Industry Museum in a whole new light at a unique after-hours adults-only event where you’ll be plunged into the experimental electronic sounds of Space Afrika?

Not only will the critically-acclaimed Manchester duo be performing a special live set of their signature ambient techno inspired by their Northern working class Black British reality, but visitors can also rave to music generated by algorithms and immerse themselves in an electroacoustic environment with artists Alex McLean and Antonio Roberts, and Manchester-based DJ and broadcaster, Lupini.

ADVERTISEMENT

All performances will taking place in the museum’s Revolution Manchester gallery, and tickets are on sale now starting at £13 per person.

Find out more and book tickets here.

___

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.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

You can read our list here.

___

Sushi & Gyoza Making Class

Food Sorcery

Thursday 22 June

ADVERTISEMENT
Sushi & Gyoza Making Class / Credit: Food Sorcery

Didsbury’s very-own cookery school, Food Sorcery, is hosting a dedicated Sushi & Gyoza Making workshop this Thursday.

Japanese cuisine is experiencing more love in the UK now than ever before, and sushi has became one of the world’s most well-known dishes, so, during this three-hour expert class, you will get to learn how to make a whole host of popular types of sushi, such as makizushi, uramaki, California rolls, sashimi, and so much more.

All ingredients will be provided, and you will eat as you cook, as well as get to take home the additional dishes you make.

Find out more and book your spot on the class here.

___

ADVERTISEMENT

KAMPUS Fest

KAMPUS

Friday 23 – Sunday 25 June

KAMPUS Fest / Credit: KAMPUS

A huge free festival is coming to Manchester’s newest canalside neighbourhood this weekend, and it’s set to bring the party vibes to the heart of the city centre.

Running from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 June, you can expect huge outdoor screens broadcasting Glastonbury’s sets live all throughout the weekend, as well as live performances from Manchester’s talented The Untold Orchestra – who will be celebrate 40 years of the festival’s headliners – lots of crafting, family-friendly fun, and so much more.

KAMPUS residents Nell’s will be serving up pizza slices, while a waterside spritz bar, prosecco van, and a cocktail popup from Manchester Gin’s Three Little Words will be among those to provide drinks.

ADVERTISEMENT

Find out more here.

___

GRUBstonbury

GRUB

Friday 23 – Sunday 25 June

GRUBstonbury / Credit: GRUB

Missed out on Glastonbury tickets this year?

Don’t worry – one of the city’s best-loved venues is showing the festival live on big screens all weekend instead, as Manchester’s largest street food fair and social events hub, GRUB, is hosting the aptly-named ‘GRUBstonbury’ – which is essentially the next best thing for people who are still keen to “bask in the festival atmosphere” around dozens of others.

Not only will there be several big screens set up throughout the hugely-popular venue, but ‘festivalgoers’ can also expect a whole weekend of street food, live DJ sets, a glitter bar, tap takeovers, and so much more.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

___

Tipsy Tapas

Habas

Friday 23 & Saturday 24 June

Tipsy Tapas / Credit: The Manc Eats

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.

Find out more here.

___

Góbéfest 2023

Cathedral Gardens

Friday 23 – Sunday 25 June

Góbéfest 2023 / Credit: Supplied

Manchester’s free annual celebration of the music, dance, food, and drink of the legendary Carpathian Basin region of Eastern Europe is back this weekend.

Taking its name from the Hungarian word góbé – which is a friendly word for a ‘crafty Székely’ – Góbéfest’s multiple stages, colourful traders’ stalls, and family activity tents will transform Cathedral Gardens in the heart of the city centre into a riotous melee of swirling skirts, spirited strings and stomping feet.

Find out more here.

___

Great Big Green Week: Take A Detour with a Tree Tour

Castlefield Viaduct

Saturday 24 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 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.

Find out more and book a tour here.

___

We Do Us LIVE

Manchester Arndale

Friday 23 & Saturday 24 June

We Do Us LIVE / Credit: Manchester Arndale

Manchester Arndale is bringing its ‘We Do Us’ campaign to life this weekend, so shoppers can show off their unique style and celebrate their authentic self, all while exploring the summer’s hottest fashion trends from over 20 of the shopping centre’s popular stores.

Taking place in Exchange Court, you can expect to see fashion from the likes of All Saints, Monki, River Island, Tommy Jeans, and more.

Shoppers can also head into the ‘Fashion Dome to view the latest collections and key trends for the season, hear advice and tips on how to style the products from in-store fashion experts, and get inspiration for your summer wardrobe.

There’ll even be a DJ playing out summer sounds while you browse.

Find out more here.

___

Manchester Festival of Nature 2023

Heaton Park

Sunday 25 June

Manchester Festival of Nature 2023 / Credit: mfon

Manchester Festival of Nature is back at Heaton Park this Sunday for a celebration of the wild plants and creatures that inhabit the city and its surroundings.

Organised each year by the Manchester Nature Consortium, there’s everything from pond dipping to litter picks, nature trails, boggling bogs, natural crafts, artists in action, live performances, and more to get involved with throughout the day.

You’ll want to go in your best insect-themed fancy dress to take part in the ‘Pollinator Parade’ too.

Find out more here.

___

Featured Image – Great Northern | The Manc Eats | MoD

What's On

Blossoms’ ‘Five Nights in Manchester’ residency – everything you need to know

Danny Jones Danny Jones Blossoms Manchester gigs support acts

The Blossoms boys are ramping up for their ‘Five Nights in Manchester’ residency to round off their UK tour of Gary, the fantastic fifth studio album which released earlier this year to critical acclaim.

Set to play not just one or two but five certifiably fantastic-looking gigs at five different Manc music institutions, each with a special place in our hearts and theirs, the incredible run of nights kicks off this Tuesday, 18 November and will see them play tracks from the album along with their biggest hits.

If you managed to grab yourself a ticket to at least one of these sell-out shows, you’re likely already trying to get things organised in your head to stop yourself from simply tail-spinning into an excited frenzy, so we thought we’d help you out where we can.

From the support acts to stage times, setlists and more, here’s everything you need to know ahead of Blossoms‘ ‘Five Nights in Manchester’.

Blossoms Manchester residency – all the important info

The venues and when they’re playing them

First up on the list is Manchester Academy on Oxford Road, where Blossoms will be starting their Manchester marathon of shows on Tuesday, 19 November – it will be the first time they’ve played the 2,600-capacity room since 2016.

Next up is the O2 Ritz on Wednesday (20 Nov), which many of the band members have said is their favourite venue of the lot given the number of acts they themselves have seen there and arguably their breakthrough hometown gig back in 2015, returning multiple times since then.

In at number three is the historic Albert Hall, where they’ve also taken the stage on a number of occasions, but this time their gig on Thursday, 21 November will see them perform their most polished and sprawling set yet.

The penultimate place hosting Blossoms’ Man residency is the O2 Victoria Warehouse over in Stretford, which will see them start the weekend in style this Friday (22 Nov). A big gig space made for big bands, so they’re a perfect fit.

And lastly, the Stockport boys round out the ‘Five Nights in Manchester’ mini-tour at one of the city’s very best venues full stop: the O2 Apollo. That sloping sprung floor, the stocks and the angle from the top tier – if you don’t know why this place is so special, we just can’t help you…

Who is supporting Blossoms in Manchester?

Perhaps the best part about this entire section of the tour, in our opinion, is that you’re getting a TONNE of different support acts across the five nights.

Not only are you getting different names every night but each Manchester gig will have not one but two warm-up acts, meaning you’ll fans will be treated to a total of 10 up-and-coming artists – and most of them are local too.

From Oldham’s very own Seb Lowe and Earlestown’s The K’s, who both supported them at Wythenshawe Park, to Scots Neon Waltz, local lads Delights; Manc rockers The Guest List; the ‘female Sam Fender’, a.k.a. Siobhan Winifred, London indie pop group Soft Launch, Brummy boys overpass, Leigh’s very-own Lottery Winners AND Liam Gallagher’s son’s exciting new band, Villanelle.

Phew. Let us catch our breath for a second. Sounds like an unreal few nights of nothing but non-stop indie and good times, right?

You can see whose playing where down below:

Set times

With doors opening from 7pm on all five nights in Manchester, you can expect a good half-hour or so for each support act, as well as two intervals to grab yourself a drink, nip to the loo or take a breather from your ape suit (trust us, we’ve seen plenty of people doing it) before the main event.

Blossoms are scheduled to take the stage for their highly-anticipated headline performances at 9pm throughout the residency, so you can plan accordingly depending on how far long it takes you to get to each venue from your location.

Luckily, they’re all in the city centre, so it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle to get to any of them; maybe just give yourself an extra bit of leeway to head to the likes of a busy Oxford Rd and to queue of course.

The concerts so far on this tour have lasted around two hours, meaning you’ll be heading home by 11pm, which should be just enough time to get the earworm that is ‘Gary’ out of your head.

Setlist for Blossoms’ Gary tour

Now, it won’t surprise anyone to learn that most of their current setlist is made up of tunes from the new album, but we’ll warn you now that they won’t be playing Gary in full.

They’ve sprinkled hits from previous albums into the running order and, according to the Leeds show recorded on the ever trusty Setlist.fm, they have the split down as five songs from their debut, four from Foolish Loving Spaces, two tracks from Cool Like You and just one from Ribbon Around the Bomb.

Meanwhile, there’ll be seven songs off Gary. You can see the most recent show from start to finish down below, but you can always expect some surprises from these guys:

  1. Your Girlfriend
  2. Perfect Me
  3. Oh No (I Think I’m in Love)
  4. What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?
  5. I Can’t Stand It
  6. Getaway
  7. If You Think This Is Real Life
  8. Big Star
  9. Slow Down
  10. The Keeper
  11. Care For
  12. Honey Sweet
  13. Gary
  14. I Like Your Look
  15. At Most a Kiss
  16. My Favourite Room

Encore:

  1. Nightclub
  2. There’s a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)
  3. Charlemagne – obviously…
A glimpse at what the Blossoms stage will look like for the ‘Five Nights in Manchester’ shows.

Read more:

And that should be just about everything you need to know ahead of Blossoms’ ‘Five Nights in Manchester’: a once-in-a-lifetime event that’s going to go down in history and Manc music heritage.

They’ve described this as a “lover letter” to the places that helped put them on the map, not to mention a trip down memory lane now more than a decade into their career.

If you were looking for a secret ticket link from us, we hate to break it to you but this thing sold out in a flash. You can of course keep your eye out on resellers like Twickets and SeeTickets but, as always with these things, be careful and due your due diligence.

Get ready to say hello to an eight-foot-tall gorilla and have what we already know is going to be an amazing week.

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

Featured Images — Ewan Ogden (supplied)/The Manc Group

What's On

Greater Manchester cinemas are screening loads of classic Christmas films throughout December

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Cinemas across the UK will be screening loads of classic festive films in the run-up to Christmas, and you can already book tickets.

With the nights drawing in, the temperatures dropping by the day, and the most wonderful time of the year now firmly in our sights, film fans looking for some wholesome festive fun in the run-up to the big day itself will soon be able to head on down to their nearest Greater Manchester cinema to catch a classic on the big screen.

Vue, Odeon, and The Light are among the cinema chains set to screen a handful of beloved Christmas films throughout December.

Although there may already be a TV channel showing Christmas films 24/7 now on air in the UK, if you fancy seeing the festivities in full screen instead, then you can watch showings of fan-favourites like Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, and more over the next few weeks.

Greater Manchester cinemas are screening loads of classic Christmas films throughout December / Credit: 20th Century Studios | Universal Pictures

You can also see seasonal screenings of live ballet, theatre, and concert performances too.

Undoubtably one of the highlights on the lineup this year, however, has to be The Polar Express, with several cinema chains scheduled to screen the 2004 animated Christmas gem to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release.

Starring Tom Hanks alongside a talented supporting cast of voice actors, The Polar Express is based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg and tells the story of a young boy who boards a powerful magical train to visit Santa Claus’ home on Christmas Eve, learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas along the way.

Elf, Home Alone, and Love Actually are among the films on the lineup / Credit: Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)

Looking for a more intimate festive film experience this Christmas?

Well you can also get yourself down to one of Manchester’s most popular hotels, King Street Townhouse, where a jam-packed lineup of classics will be screened in its very-own exclusive cinema over the next two months.

Here you can also complete your seasonal experience with festive-themed cocktails, popcorn, pick n mix, and a whole host of other treats too.

Read more:

Head to your local cinema’s website to check when your favourite festive flicks are being screened.

Featured Image – Warner Bros.

More What's On

Audio

Katy Perry announces massive gig in Manchester next year

Peter Kay adds MORE Manchester dates to record-breaking arena tour

Art & Culture

Peter Kay adds MORE Manchester dates to record-breaking arena tour

Art & Culture

Forget pub crawls – you can now go on a guided cheese crawl around Manchester

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches