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.
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The Coronation Street Experience
ITV Studios
Monday 19 June – onwards
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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.
Manchester is to pay tribute to the outstanding contribution of the nation’s Armed Forces this week.
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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.
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La Clique
Depot Mayfield
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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All performances will taking place in the museum’s Revolution Manchester gallery, and tickets are on sale now starting at £13 per person.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Image – Great Northern | The Manc Eats | MoD
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 9 – 15 December 2024
Emily Sergeant
The festive season is properly in full swing across Greater Manchester now, and we’re ABSOLUTELY here for it.
Of course, we have been talking about Christmas here at The Manc for weeks on end now, but the most wonderful time of the year has finally arrived, and that means there’s absolutely loads of events and activities for the whole family to be getting up to across Greater Manchester 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 to help you out.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
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Animal Crackers
Lyme Park
Friday 29 November – Tuesday 24 December
Credit: Chris Doyle
Lyme Park has recieved some new guests for the festive period with the arrival of some fascinating animal sculptures.
There’s an appearance from a turkey, a brown bear, a fox and many more animal companions which you’ll be able to spot and hunt down throughout the property.
The Lyme Park based event is interactive, suitable for all ages and is also a fun way to see some amazing artworks while spending time together as a family.
Find out everything you need to know about Lyme Park here.
Paul McCartney
Co-op Live
Saturday 14 December – Sunday 15 December
The living legend himself, Sir Paul McCartney is ready to play out to the crowds of Manchester not once but twice in the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live.
This will mark the icon’s first concert at Manchester’s newest live music venue with his last show in our lovely city all the way back in 2011.
With the phenomenal songwriter visiting during the Christmas month, he might make fans Christmas wishes come true by playing his yuletide classic ‘Wonderful Christmastime’.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away). Credit: Justin Sutcliffe
One of the most influential British artists of the 21st century, David Hockney, is taking you on a personal journey through 60 years of his art in the revolutionary Aviva Studios.
This will be a real sensory encompassing experience, from the grand and vibrant projections on the walls to the sound system which will be playing throughout the exhibition
Hockney opened this installation in London and this is the first time these pieces of art have left the country’s capital to be viewed by even more spectators.
Wicked at the Palace Theatre, Manchester – the musical EVERYONE is talking aboutWicked The Musical / Credit: Jennifer DiNoia / Limited Engagement
Wicked The Musical has landed in Manchester and has taken over the iconic Palace Theatre stage for the festive season.
Sure, there may be a major motion picture adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande currently on in the cinema right now, but if you’re keen to see the beloved musical production on stage in the way it was originally intended, then you can head on down to the Palace Theatre to see the story of Elphaba and Galinda live.
Of course, this has been one of the hottest tickets in town for quite a while now, but there’ll still some last-minute seats left to get your hands on, so keep your eyes peeled.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with hundreds of stalls across several sites all lining the streets of our city centre.
Visitors are able to tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 here.
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Bar Hütte
Kampus & Great Northern
Monday 9 December – onwards
Bar Hütte / Credit: Supplied
Bar Hütte’s legendary karaoke cabins are back in Manchester once again.
Bringing Alpine vibes, cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks to two city centre locations from this Thursday onwards, dozens of cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under twinkling lights are now open down at both Kampus and Great Northern Square.
There’s also a handful of other events on the lineup throughout the festive season, including live music and DJs, wreath making workshops, and movie nights.
Skate Manchester 2024 / Credit: Matt Eachus (via Supplied)
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2024, Skate Manchester is festive staple, and this year, skaters can glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
Families, friends, and festive fun seekers will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The Grotto at the Trafford Centre / Credit: Supplied
The main man is making our northern city his new home at one of Greater Manchester’s biggest shopping centres this winter time.
Running all the way up until Christmas Eve, Santa is swapping the cold air of the North Pole for the cloudy skies of Manchester, as he starts his annual journey around the world by making a visit to our region.
Not only is Santa travelling with his grotto, he’s also giving visitors the chance to experience the world of the North Pole as he brings the chilly destination to the Trafford Centre.
East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials’ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
The magnificent grounds of Tatton Park have been transformed into a ‘glittering winter adventure’ for the festive season.
Families will be whisked away into a world of folklore, enchantment, and enthralling performances as they enter the gardens of the stunning Tatton Park in Cheshire for an immersive, festival-like experience known as Yuletide.
Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a “truly magical experience” where folklore stories come to life through storytelling and live music.
Spectrum: A World of Illumination / Credit: Supplied
A brand-new Christmas attraction to get us all in the festive spirit has now opened.
Just outside of Manchester, titled ‘Spectrum: A World of Illumination’, this spectacular never-seen-before trail is lighting up Cheshire with a month-long residency in Knutsford, and will be running every day in December besides Christmas Day, plus a few extra dates in November.
The immersive maze features moving giant candy canes, overhead Christmas-inspired installations like a laser show, and tunnels of light.
Not enough light trails on this list for your liking?
As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, light trails are pretty much a given every time the festive season rolls around, and luckily, there’s plenty of them dotted across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and across the North West this year.
If deciding which immersive experience to head on down to over these next couple of weeks is a tricky task for you though,
A brand-new festive hub has arrived in Spinningfields, and you’ll be able to visit a new ice rink, drink cocktails in a snow globe-like rooftop dome, and get merry in a yurt.
Winter Assembly at Courts Club is home to the city’s newest, fully-independent ice rink, On Ice, as well as lots of different food traders serving up winter gyros from Lucky Gyros, festive grilled cheeses, boozy hot chocolate, German BBQ specials, and so much more.
Christmas Screenings at King Street Townhouse / Credit: KSTH
Elf, Love Actually, and Home Alone are just some of the classic Christmas films hitting the big screen at a hidden cinema in Manchester.
Film fans looking for some wholesome festive fun are being invited to get themselves down to one of Manchester’s most popular hotels, King Street Townhouse, in the run-up to the big day itself, as it’s very-own exclusive cinema will be screening a jam-packed lineup of fan-favourite festive films over the next couple of weeks.
Cheshire Oaks’ beloved grotto is back for 2024, and the big man in red and his trusty elves are taking to the skies once again this year.
Running on the Designer Outlet’s Big Wheel every Thursday to Sunday throughout December, the ‘Santa in the Sky’ experience is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas as a family this winter, and make memories to last a lifetime.
Looking for something else to do at Cheshire Oaks this month? There’s plenty of other festive events happening in the run-up to Christmas.
With alpine lodges, festive drinks, Yorkshire pudding wraps, and of course, a helter skelter, The Winter Village is now open at Cheshire Oaks.
Christmas films like Home Alone, The Grinch, and The Polar Express will also be screened in the lodge, and plus, did you know that Cheshire Oaks is home to the UK’s largest Christmas tree, that you can actually go inside?
Find out more and grab tickets to any events here.
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Featured image: Justin Sutcliffe
What's On
Bicep present Chroma AV DJ set at The Warehouse Project 2024 – tickets, lineup and more
Danny Jones
Another big night at The Warehouse Project is just around the corner as Bicep return to Depot Mayfield for what is set to be an incredible night with a whole host of top guests in tow.
The Bicep presents Chroma AV (audiovisual) DJ set is arguably one of the biggest dates on the entire WHP 2024 calendar, with the Belfast duo sitting comfortably at the top of the current electronic scene.
It may have been more than three whole years since their sensational sophomore record, Isles, but as part of the ‘CHROMA’ project launched back in January, the new label, event series and hybrid live-DJ show has given us our first taste of new music from the pair along with producing partner, Hammer.
So, if you’re heading to Warehouse for Bicep and co. instead of Sam Fender this Friday – hopefully, you’ve got tickets for the latter on Saturday – here’s everything you need to know.
Bicep at The Warehouse Project gig guide
Bicep smashing Repercussion 2023 (Credit: Supplied via Graham Joy)
Are there tickets left for Bicep at WHP?
If you’re still looking to have a night jam-packed with tunes and some of the best light shows you’ll find anywhere in Machester, there are still tickets left to catch Bicep at Warehouse Project.
Early entry tickets (before 9pm) start from £29.50 + booking and handling fees, with standard full-price tickets clocking in at £43.35 with all service charges included.
There are also VIP passes available if you fancy being bougie. Whatever your preferred option, you can grab yours HERE.
The CHROMA lineup for WHP 2024
For their return to the Warehouse, Bicep have attracted a fantastic collection of names to see throughout the night before they headline the whole shebang.
With Aussie favourite Mall Grab, aforementioned collaborator Hammer, as well as British DJ icon SHERELLE (Sherelle Camille Thomas), to name but a few taking part, it’s going to be a brilliant night.
You can see the full lineup down below:
Bicep Present Chroma AV DJ Set
Mall Grab
Daphni
Helena Hauff
Bubble Love (Ross From Friends)
SHERELLE
Elkka – Live
Moxie
Effy
LCY
Hammer
Denham Audio
Machine Woman
Space Afrika
Giulia Tess
Cameo Blush
Swoose
Bakey
Bicep WHP stage splits
As for where you can find these dance and electronic pioneers playing, WHP will once again be split up across the main Depot room, the equally popular Concourse stage and the Archive room.
With an overall capacity of roughly 10,000, the place is sure to be packed out but you just need to figure out which area suits you best.
Stage times for Bicep presents Chroma – Manchester
As for when you get to catch each of these incredible acts, we’ve broken down Bicep’s WHP set times in a handy little table for you.
That being said, you can access all of these times easily on the night by downloading the WHP24 app.
DEPOT
CONCOURSE
ARCHIVE
Hammer b2b Swoose – 8-10pm
Giulia Tess – 8:30-9:30pm
Cameo Blush – 8:30-9:30pm
Moxie – 10-11pm
Effy – 21:30-22:45pm
Space Afrika – 9:30-10:45pm
Elkka – Live – 11:05pm-12:05am
Mall Grab – 22:45pm-12am
Machine Woman – 22:45pm-12am
Bubble Love (Ross From Friends) – 12:05-1:05am
SHERELLE – 12-1:15am
LCY – 12-1:15am
Daphni – 1:05-2:15am
Helena Hauff – 1:15-2:30am
Denham Audio b2b Bakey – 1:15-2:30am
Bicep – 2:15-4am
n/a
n/a
Transport and how to get to The Warehouse Project
Just an eight-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly or a 20-minute walk from Manchester Victoria Station, it’s super easy to get to Warehouse Project on foot or via public transport.
You can catch a train or multiple tram lines from Victoria and various other points around the city centre which will drop you off at Manchester Piccadilly; better still, a tram journey will only set you back £1.90 and not much more for the train.
Taxis are also widely available across Manchester city centre starting from £5 upwards from Manchester Victoria to Depot Mayfield or £4 and above for a ride to the venue from Piccadilly.
Final things to remember
Credit: Graham Joy
There are multiple free drinking points inside as well as free cups of water behind the bar. Stay properly hydrated and you’ll be able to rave well into the early hours.
Please also note that multiple amnesty bins can be found on your way into the building. We urge everyone to stay safe and look after one another.
Lastly, anyone wearing a football shirt will not be accepted into the venue but other than that, have an absolutely incredible time.
You can find the rest of the WHP24 programme below:
Emily Sergeant -
16th June 2023 
