We’ve waved goodbye to what was a busy April, and it’s now time to welcome in another new month in Manchester.
Starting off the month with a bank holiday, there’s a whole host of exciting activities lined up in the events calendar, and plenty to be getting up to across the region this week, so we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide for the city and beyond.
As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Here’s our top picks.
___
ADVERTISEMENT
Day Out with Thomas
East Lancashire Railway
Monday 2 May
ADVERTISEMENT
Credit: East Lancashire Railway
Iconic heritage railway service East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that the Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back by popular demand this early May bank holiday, and the Day Out With Thomas experience is said to be “a train ride like no other”.
Families will be able to hop on board the replica of the cult-classic blue train character for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.
The journey begins at Bury Train Staion, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, meet Sir Topham Hatt, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station.
A new display has been unveiled at the Science and Industry Museum, which celebrates 100 years of the BBC in Manchester.
ADVERTISEMENT
The hugely popular museum has brought together objects and photographs – including some never-before-seen items – that showcase Manchester as a centre of innovation in broadcasting, and it will take visitors from the early radio experiments of the 1920s right though to the revolutionary ideas of today.
The temporary display of 14 items, along with accompanying stories, shows off the BBC’s time in Manchester.
In what is a first for Manchester city centre, popular Deansgate venue Roxy Ball Room has added ice-free curling lanes to its adults-only playground this month, and it means that revellers can take on games of pool, crazy golf, ping pong, beer pong, shuffleboard, and curling, all in one evening.
The venue has remodelled its top floor to make room for two full-size, ice-free curling lanes.
Players are given four curling stones per team, which they have to carefully slide down the length of the ice-like surface, aiming for a huge target at the other end.
Printworks is launching its first ever brunch club exclusively for mums this week.
The landmark city centre entertainment venue’s new Mums Brunch Club is giving all the amazing Greater Manchester mothers out there an opportunity to meet likeminded people, make some new friends, share parenting tips, and ultimately, treat themselves like they deserve, no matter whether their kids are little, all grown up, or they’re expecting mums-to-be.
ADVERTISEMENT
The day will begin with a brunch at popular TexMex restaurant chain Chiquito, before taking part in a round of mini golf at Treetop Adventure Golf inside the complex.
Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are welcome at the event too, as the club comes complete with soft play toys and childminders, so that mums can enjoy brunch while the kids play.
Manchester’s neighbourhood KAMPUS will play host a solid ten weeks of back-to-back block parties from its canalside garden, with each weekend seeing guest DJs take to the decks to spin tunes from different corners of the world – and this weekend’s event is celebrating the annual Mexican festival, Cinco de Mayo.
Free-flowing beer will come courtesy of Manchester brewery Cloudwater, and food will be provided by Ramsbottom favourites Levanter serving up tapas, giant paella, and charcuterie boards aplenty.
This weekend, you can expect Cinco de Mayo celebrations, with traditional décor and absolute Latin party vibes.
Did you see that one of the Peak District’s most impressive landmarks has been been turned into a pop-up cinema by The Village Screen?
The dramatic Peak Cavern will be kitted out with a full cinema set-up, plus cosy blankets and hot water bottles, for an unmissable film experience. Visitors will be greeted by live music, street food stalls, and pop-up bars before heading through to the cinema area, surrounded on all sides by stunning natural limestone walls.
ADVERTISEMENT
Films on this week’s schedule include Pulp Fiction, The Lost Boys, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Dune.
A brand-new festival filled with all things motorcycle and lifestyle is coming to Manchester city centre this week.
Mancunia Motorcycle Festival is pitching up at popular warehouse venue Depot Mayfield next to Manchester Piccadilly station from Friday 6 – Sunday 8 May 2022, and it looks set to combine the best of new and custom motorcycles, test rides, BBQ, craft beer, and entertainment – and bring it right to the heart of our city.
City centre venue Peaky Blinders Manchester is inviting you to “peak your curiosity” each month with a diverse lineup of performance artists from the world of Burlesque, Circus, Drag, and many more at ‘Peaky’s Speakeasy’.
According to the event description, jazz quintet The Bourbon Street Band will provide the soundtrack to the show to take you into the night and “dance the blues away”, while Don Vinaste – described as being the purveyor of finery and quality goods – will be at the helm, and proudly welcome you to “sample the delights on offer”.
The performance will begin at 9:30pm and run until late, you’re advised to arrive early for the best views.
Manchester Cruises is inviting you to jump aboard Manchester’s number one party boat, the Princess Katherine, this Friday for a night of “totally bangin’ sounds” that all had us hitting the dance floor back in the 90s.
The boat will pick guests up at Salford Quays, where you’ll be greeted with a themed cocktail on arrival setting off for a three-hour 90s extravaganza.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tickets will set you back £25, and you can grab yours here.
___
Bez’s Bingo Brunch
Escape to Freight Island
Saturday 7 May
Credit: Escape to Freight Island
Happy Mondays’ hype man Bez is hosting a bottomless bingo brunch in Manchester this weekend.
Taking place on Saturday 7 May, and includes an hour of bottomless drinks alongside a street food dish of your choice from any of Escape’s traders, which means you’ll be able to get stuck into some of the food hall’s brand new offerings – including new arrivals Gooey, Batard, Carnival and Lucky Foot.
Joined by a host of comedians, dancers, singers and DJs, Manchester’s best-loved party hero will lead the day’s festivities.
Tickets are priced at £45 per head, and you can find out more here.
___
French Patisserie & Desserts
Food Sorcery
Saturday 6 May
Credit: Food Sorcery
Didsbury’s very-own cookery school, Food Sorcery, is hosting a dedicated French Patisserie & Desserts workshop this weekend.
As the French and fine dining are undeniably linked, it’s true that elegant desserts with quality ingredients make French cuisine great for occasions where you want to impress, but there are also some simple classics that can showcase your skills with minimal fuss – and this workshop will guide through how to make them all.
Traditional French Apple Tart, Profiteroles, and Citron Curd Tartare just some of the dishes you could learn how to prepare during this five-hour class.
Find out more and book your spot on the class here.
___
Featured Image – ELR | The Village Screen
What's On
Manchester Christmas Parade 2023 returns this weekend – road closures and travel advice
Daisy Jackson
One of the city’s newer festive events will return to the city centre this weekend when the Manchester Christmas Parade hits the streets.
On Sunday 3 December, hundreds of snow queens, candy cane stilt walkers, dancing snowmen, giant Nutrackers, reindeer, owls, festive dinosaurs and even dancing sprouts will parade through town.
The festive event debuted last year and is now promising a bigger and better parade for 2023.
The Manchester Christmas Parade is due to set off at 1pm from Manchester Cathedral, following a route down Deansgate, onto St Ann’s Street, then along Cross Street and Corporation Street as far as the National Football Museum, where it will turn onto Fennel Street for the finish.
Father Christmas will be popping along to join in the festivities, along with the life-size Bengal tiger puppet of Richard Parker from The Life Of Pi, which is at The Lowry between 5 December and 7 January.
The Manchester Christmas Parade will be soundtracked by live music from the Global Grooves Nutcracker Bloco Band playing Santa’s favourite Christmas songs, joined by troupes of dancers dressed in their sparkly best Christmas kit.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s Christmas spokesperson said: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back again for another fabulous Manchester Christmas Parade.
“Last year’s first ever parade was an absolute delight, the heart-warming event of the season, with Manchester at its magical Merry Christmas best.
“Bigger and even better this year it’s going to be brilliant so wrap up warm, grab a Christmas hat and some tinsel and come and join us!”
To facilitate the Manchester Christmas Parade, road closures and changes to public transport will be necessary.
The Manchester Christmas Parade 2023 route mapThe Manchester Christmas Parade 2022
Road closures for the Manchester Christmas Parade 2023
Road closures from 8am until 5pm:
Victoria Street
Road closures from 11am until 2.30pm:
Cateaton Street (Deansgate to End)
St Mary Gate (Cross Street to Deansgate)
Deansgate ( Victoria Street to John Dalton)
St Ann’s Street (St Mary’s Street to Cross Street)
Cross Street (Albert Square to Market Street)
Corporation Street (Market Street to Fennel Street)
Fennel Street (Corporation Street to Cathedral Street)
Cathedral Street (Fennel Street to Exchange Square)
Access to the Marks and Spencer car-park will be managed as much as possible via Victoria Bridge Street, but there will be two periods of approximately 20 minutes when we’ll have to pause this.
Changes on on-street parking and Metrolink
As well as a Metrolink tram suspension of the Second City Crossing route (St Peter’s Square, Princess Street, Albert Square, Cross Street and Corporation Street) between 12 noon and 2.30pm on Sunday, there will be on-street parking suspension on the following streets:
From 6pm on Friday 1 December until 6pm on Sunday 3 December:
Victoria Street (Deansgate to Cathedral Approach)
From 6pm on Saturday 2 December until 6pm on Sunday 3 December:
Market Street and St Mary Gate (Cross Street to Deansgate)
Deansgate ( Victoria Street to John Dalton)
St Ann’s Street (St Mary’s Street to Cross Street)
Cross Street (Albert Square to Market Street)
Corporation Street (Cross Street to Ring Road)
Cateaton Street (All)
Cathedral Street (Fennel Street to Exchange Square)
Fennel Street (Corporation Street to Cathedral Street)
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 4 – 10 December 2023
Emily Sergeant
December is well and truly underway now, and so are all the festivities.
We know we’ve been talking about it for weeks at this point, but there’s no denying ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ is upon us now, is there? And so it’s absolutely no surprise that the Greater Manchester events calendar is absolutely jam-packed with all sorts of festive celebrations and activities to get stuck into as Christmas nears closer.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, luckily, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
___
Manchester Christmas Markets 2023
Manchester City Centre
Monday 4 – Thursday 21 December
Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 / Credit: Manchester City Council | The Manc Group
It’s that time of year once again… Manchester Christmas Markets are officially open for 2023.
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 more than 225 stalls across nine sites now lining the streets of our city this year.
Visitors can 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 2023 here.
___
Skate Manchester
Cathedral Gardens
Monday 4 – Sunday 31 December
Skate Manchester 2023 / Credit: Skate Manchester
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2023 with twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread, and Christmas songs playing on repeat, Skate Manchester’s stunning outdoor ice rink is in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens right up until the new year.
With the covered rink’s convenient roof allowing everyone to enjoy the ice, whatever the weather, visitors of all ages are invited to glide over the ice and admire the glorious Christmas tree right in the centre.
This brand-new immersive experience is made up of several spectacular light displays, unique lantern installations, and a captivation sound-scape dotted around the pristine new park – with each circuit estimated to take around half an hour.
The Twilight Trail is now open, and running right through until the new year, and you can find out more and grab tickets here.
___
Santa Specials
East Lancashire Railway
Monday 4 – Sunday 24 December
Santa Specials / Credit: ELR
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.
Have you heard that Sides, the already-viral chicken shop launched by YouTubers The Sidemen, has now opened its doors here in Manchester?
Having joined the collection of food and drink outlets in Halle Place at Manchester Arndale, Sides has a menu centred around double-coated Nashville tenders, which are tossed 120 times (no more, no less), and if you’re into your wings their seven signature sauces are the perfect addition.
There’s also crispy chicken wings, burgers, chicken and waffles, and a whole host of other side dishes like waffle fries, mac n cheese bites, BBQ beans, chilli poppers, and halloumi sticks.
Bar Hütte’s legendary karaoke cabins are back, and they’re bringing Alpine vibes, cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks.
And this year, there’s not one, but two locations in Manchester city centre.
While Bar Hütte at Great Northern Square is heading back to Deansgate, with 15 cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under a heated stretch tent and twinkling lights, Bar Hütte at Kampus will also see a new outdoor terrace, comprising of eight snug, wooden karaoke hüttes nestled beneath the trees, and an ‘Aprés Ski Bungalow’ serving as an indoor alpine bar.
Cheshire Oaks’ beloved grotto looks a little different to usual in 2023.
That’s because the big man in red and his trusty elves are taking to the skies once again this year, and are inviting you on a fantastical festive adventure on the outlet’s ‘Big Wheel’.
Open every weekend and on selected weekday dates 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.
A brand-new breathtaking light trail has officially opened at Heaton Park this Christmas.
Transforming the popular Manchester park into a twinkling winter wonderland, visitors will get to walk through fields of colour-changing orbs of light, venture among larger-than-life glowing flowers, and even wander through a giant twinkling tunnel as part of the all-new seasonal light display.
Neon strings will reach high into the sky and a laser garden will light up its space with thousands of tiny beams of light.
Have you heard there’s a brand-new winter menu at The Botanist?
The Botanist may have already been known for its imaginative food and drink creations for quite some time now, but its new winter menu for 2023 is something else – with everything from indulgent sharing boards, oozy Camembert bread loaves, and mouthwatering twists on Christmas classics on the lineup to choose from.
Some of the other stand-out dishes have to be the classic turkey hanging kebabs, pies topped with pigs in blankets, and s’mores cookie dough skillets.
Land of Lights has transformed Gulliver’s World in Warrington into an immersive winter wonderland with 12 “vivid dreamworlds” full of dozens of gigantic lanterns that are inspired by animals, mega monuments, and wonders of the natural world.
As the sun goes down and the nights draw in, visitors to the North West attraction can explore an amazing array of light installations as they walk all around the park.
Christmas Screenings / Credit: King Street Townhouse
A whole host of classic Christmas films are hitting the big screen at the little cinema tucked away inside King Street Townhouse this month.
With a marathon of three films set to be screened on each day of the event, the Christmas screenings schedule kicks off this Saturday with the absolute cult-classic that is Elf – which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its release this year – all before you can sit down to watch Love Actually, and Home Alone on the same day.
Other festive favourites on the lineup across other weekends include It’s a Wonderful Life, The Holiday, The Muppet Christmas Carol, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Bad Santa.
Manchester’s ‘Festive Sundays’ have made a comeback this Christmas after thousands flocked to see the enchanting events last year.
After proving to be a smash-hit success during the inaugural year in 2022, the city centre’s main shopping streets will be filled with “captivating” parades and performances that are set to “surprise visitors of all ages”.
Organised by Manchester BID, the free event series sees roaming performers and illuminated acts take to the streets across St Ann’s Square, King Street, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, and Manchester Arndale every Sunday until 17 December.
Find out more about on the ‘Festive Sundays’ lineup here.
___
Featured Image – Chester Zoo | The Botanist | CityCo
Emily Sergeant -
29th April 2022 
