It’s hard to believe we’re closing out yet another month in Greater Manchester.
2022 may be passing us by in the blink of an eye, but with summer officially here and schools across the region now out for the six-week holidays, the events calendar is packed with plenty to be getting up to once again, so we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
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.
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Sixes Social Cricket – The Hundred Competition
Corn Exchange
Monday 25 July – 3 September
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Sixes Social Cricket – The Hundred Competition / Credit: Sixes
Manchester‘s social cricket entertainment venue is kicking off the launch of the 2022 The Hundred tournament with an exciting new competition – and you and your mates could bag a share of a £10,000 prize if you come out on top.
To celebrate the start of the tournament, Sixes – the world’s first immersive cricketing experience, where budding batters can show off their skills in the nets – has decided to set up an inclusive sporting competition that will see teams from all across the UK face-off against each other to see who can rack up the most runs nationwide.
Cricket fans who reckon they’ve got what it takes to clinch the win can head on down to Sixes Manchester in the Corn Exchange to take part in the competition before The Hundred returns once again.
Bingo Balls is the newest member of the family at Printworks, and it’s home to the North West’s first ball pit for grown-ups.
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Having officially opened its doors to the Manchester public a few weekends ago, you can expect a wide range of entertainment throughout the summer – with everything from bingo, drag brunches, burlesque shows, and retro food and drink on offer.
DJs will also be blasting out some of the hottest R&B, house, and disco mixes to keep you dancing all night long.
Immersive outdoor theatre production The Lost Words: Told in Gold takes families and theatre fans on a journey like no other, and is set a giant 10-metre dome across a woodland trail and surrounded by nature.
It features some stunning 3D installations and an impressive goldfinch nest auditorium.
Directed by Collette Murray, and adapted from Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris’ book, what makes this different than other theatre productions is that during the show, audience members are actively encouraged to seek, find, and speak the lost words of nature in the picturesque surroundings.
Tickets start from £5 and you can find out more here.
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Amazônia
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 25 July – onwards
A critically-acclaimed photography exhibition is currently in Manchester as part of its international tour.
In what is the first UK exhibition of this scale outside of London for over 20 years from the world-renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, the Science and Industry Museum has will welcomed Amazônia – a major photography exhibition that celebrates the indigenous peoples and breathtaking landscapes of the Brazilian rainforest.
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Salgado worked in the Amazon for seven years with 12 different indigenous communities, and the result is an incredible collection of powerful photographs that present his vision of a forest that is approaching a crucial tipping point in the fight against climate change, the Museum says.
Crossing The Line / Credit: National Football Museum
The National Football Museum and Manchester City Council has launched a new exhibition dedicated to the history of the women’s game.
Coinciding with the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament, the new exhibition, Crossing the Line: The Story of Women’s Football, chronicles the game’s early growth, the effects of the FA’s de facto 1921 ban, its survival and its resurgence in recent decades.
The exhibition is split into two halves, with the first half telling the story of the women’s game up until the ban, from its nineteenth-century origins to the all-conquering Dick, Kerr Ladies, and the second half kicks off later in the summer, focusing on the present state of play within women’s football, from the grassroots up to the professional game.
Afternoon tea fans can once again enjoy scones and finger sandwiches by the waterside as Heaton Park has reopened its lakeside dining domes for the summer.
The newly-refurbished domes are back to help us enjoy a bit of the al fresco experience this summer – no matter what the Manchester weather decides to do with itself.
Set in the midst of beautiful parkland, the refurbished domes will once again serve up a range of afternoon teas alongside a soon-to-be-launched summer evening picnic menu to help you make the most of the lighter evenings.
An all-new water park, funfair, beach, and giant 15sq m outdoor screen showing classic films and some of the summers biggest sporting events have all arrived at the Trafford Centre.
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The UK’s third largest shopping centre has announced that its “most significant outdoor event to date” will offer a full lineup of family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the day and into the night.
Summer Daze will span an impressive 2.5 acres of land, and will be located outside the Great Hall up until 4 September.
One of the new events arriving for 2022 is the Trafford Centre’s summer of sport – which is now live – and it will give sports-lovers the chance to gain free to access to a fan zone to watch some of the summer’s biggest sporting events such as the Tour De France, UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, and the Athletics World Championships, all on a giant outdoor screen.
Looking for some new restaurants and bars to try out that have just opened in Manchester city centre this month?
Another month, another set of new openings to shout about – and boy are there some crackers that have arrived in Manchester this July.
From a spanking new late-night music venue, late-night bar and restaurant over on Oxford Road, to a teeny-tiny Japanese street food stall, there’s loads to look forward to this month.
You can read our round-up to find out where to put on your list this month here.
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UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Manchester Fan Party
Piccadilly Gardens
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Monday 25 – Sunday 31 July
UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Manchester Fan Party / Credit: UEFA
UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 has announced a huge festival of football this summer.
In Manchester, all the action will happen in Piccadilly Gardens from 11am – 4pm each day right through until it ends this Sunday 31 July, and thousands of fans from across Europe are expected to descend on the city centre.
Fans will be able to watch all the matches on a big screen, as well as enjoy food and drink which will be available throughout the tournament.
Latin American Street Food Fair / Credit: GRUB MCR | Cubanitos
Manchester’s largest street food fair GRUB – which is currently based at the Red Bank Project just outside of the city centre in Cheetham Hill – is back with its annual celebration of Latin American street food, desserts, and drinks returns this extended weekend from 12pm, and everyone is welcome.
You’ll be able to get your hands on tasty grub from Bread & Butter BBQ, Crunched Tacos, Cubanitos, El Contador, and Marzipan, alongside a popup Latin American-inspired cocktail bar from Manchester’s very-own Witch Kings Rum.
One of the most popular city centre venues is back with another edition of its free music festival this weekend.
The Oast House has launched a brand-new music festival, and it kicked-off for the first time over the extended Easter bank holiday weekend, with a full day of tunes provided by local musicians throughout the one-day event – and now, it’s back once again on Saturday 30 July to see the month out.
The festival, which is named ManiFest, takes over The Oast House’s large outdoor terrace area, with a dedicated stage set up, street food, and free-flowing drinks.
Pop-Up Market at ABC Roofdeck & Dome / Credit: ABC Buildings
The ABC Roofdeck & Dome will host pop-up fashion, lifestyle, and creative markets this Saturday.
Following the success of the ABC Weekender back in June, the the popular Manchester city centre rooftop venue returns with another day of fashion, music, food and drinks and host an exclusive lineup of local fashion, lifestyle, and vintage vendors from 11am – 3pm.
Defendergarmz, JP Vintage, and Sunflower Vintage will all be at the event, alongside boutique florists, Bud and Pot, and more vendors to be announced.
The event will also include a DJ provided by Reform Radio, street food from Charlie Mac’s corndog and fried chicken truck – with incredible vegan options too – and drinks will also be available from the roofdeck Airstream bar.
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Castlefield Viaduct
Castlefield
Saturday 30 July
Castlefield Viaduct / Credit: National Trust
Manchester‘s New York-inspired ‘sky park’ at Castlefield Viaduct is finally opening to the public for the first time ever on Saturday.
After the National Trust announced its ambitious vision to create an urban green space in the heart of the city centre by tackling the challenge of “greening” the Grade II-listed Castlefield Viaduct and celebrate the history of this well-known landmark over half a year ago, visitors will now be able to enjoy the park in all its glory.
Thousands of plants, shrubs, trees, and more have been planted to transform the giant 330-metre steel viaduct into an elevated park.
100 people a day will be able to visit the Castlefield Viaduct from Saturday 30 July, and entry onto the structure will be free, but a booking system will be in place to help manage numbers.
Featured Image – Howard Bristol (via National Trust) | Oast House
What's On
The best deals, offers and freebies you can get for Father’s Day 2026 in Manchester
Danny Jones
Father’s Day has come back around for 2026, and with dads set to be celebrated this Sunday, 21 June, we’re sure NO ONE in Greater Manchester has forgotten, right?…
In all seriousness, we all know these dates can creep up on you and slip your mind from time to time, so for anyone who may or may not yet have sorted something for their pops, we’ve got you.
Whether your dad likes the annual bit of fuss or is quite happy sitting with a pint and watching the footy, there’s something to suit all parents on the list.
Let’s not waste any more time: here’s a round-up of some of the best Father’s Day deals, offers and even flat-out freebies in and around Manchester city centre.
20 of the best Father’s Day deals and offers in central Manchester
1. Yard and Coop – Northern Quarter
What is it:NQ favourite chicken shop co-founded by Manc dad Carl Morris, doing great offers all-year-round, including free meals for kids, affordable lunch bites and more – always good portions, too.
The offer: They’re bringing back the ‘Father’s Day Feast’ for £25, as well as their cult-favourite take on a Sunday roast. You can book HERE.
What is it: Castlfield’s iconic canalside country-style and family-friendly pub, featuring a large outdoor terrace, multiple cosy rooms across two floors, and even an outdoor cocktail hut.
The offer: Complimentary pint of Budvar for dad with Father’s Day bookings. Simple as.
What is it: A beloved Manc boozer recently reborn under the Greene King umbrella a few years back, now complete with multiple floors, a rooftop terrace, live music, as well as great food and drink.
The offer: Book a table for at least two over Father’s Day weekend to enter into a prize draw worth £500 of Glenfiddich whisky.
Credit: The Manc Group
4. Founder’s Hall – Albert Square
What is it: The old Duttons site, now operating as an ancestral home and taphouse for J. W. Lees, serving real ale like the revived ‘Cream of Manchester’, Boddingtons, as well as a solid food menu.
The offer: Grab an entire beer flight for FREE, with up to 12 different kinds of ale for dads to choose from. To claim the mini beer tasting of three thirds, quote ‘BEER4DAD’ in the Special Requests box when booking HERE.
5. Dirty O’Sullivans – Albert Square
What is: One of the city centre’s latest Irish bars, specialising in great Guinness, traditional breakfasts, live music and more.
The offer: Dads eat completely free when booking a table of four or more, and they get a pint on the house, too. Reserve your table now.
What is it: A quaint tea room located on Sackville Street just on the edge of the Gay Village; a great option for a gift voucher/surprise for a special occasion, too.
The offer: Turn the usual Boston Tea Party afternoon/cream tea package into a day of dad bites, with sausage/bacon sarnies, brews, cheese scones with smoky jam and/or Marmite. You do have to book ahead, and a deposit may be required to secure your seat.
What is it: A beautiful city centre hotel with luxury hospitality and dining services, too, operated by Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.
The offer: Free glass of Macallan whisky and Sunday roasts reservations at their stylish and award-winning in-house restaurant, tender.
Credit: Stock Exchange Hotel (supplied)
8. Manchester Gin – Online
What is it: Homegrown distillery and spirit brand, famous not only for their gin but also for rum, with a stunning brick-and-mortar Spirit of Manchester space in town over on Watson Street.
What is it: Similar to the above, these local booze-makers founded over in Salford still have their on-site taproom and flagship Ancoats venue, but they still sell plenty online and on shelves across the country.
The offer: 10% discounts on 7 Bros brewery tours, as well as their usual Father’s Day bundle of 24 beers for half price; you can order one from £49.95, or just grab a gift card if he’d rather pick for himself.
10. Sexy Fish – Spinningfields
What is it: Dad’s eat free as part of their extensive sushi and more brunch offering, as well as the return of the ‘Roll The Dice’ game, where even more prizes can be won.
The offer: Dad’s eat totally free as part of their extensive sushi and more brunch offering, as well as the return of the ‘Roll The Dice’ game, where even more prizes can be won. You can book HERE.
What is it: One of Manchester city centre’s most historic buildings, which now serves as the stunning red-brick Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Refuge, serving up banging breakfasts and stunning contemporary dishes and drinks from noon until night.
The offer: Exclusive guided whiskey tasting sessions from the dining room, with premium gifts and Sunday roasts also on offer. Tickets are priced at £33.25 – secure his spot while you can.
What is it: One of the best pubs turned bistros you’ll find anywhere on the outskirts of town, certainly in Salford, known for the pies, top range of pints, Sunday roasts, and so much more.
The offer: Free refills of Boddingtons when your dad buys a pint of our famous ‘Boddies’ to go with his meal. Simple as that – reserve online whilst using code “FATHER’S DAY”
What is it: Manchester’s famous Bavarian beer hall and party venue that never disappoints – just remember to dance on the benches and NOT the tables…
The offer: A stein of Krombacher on the house for dad – you can even press the ‘push for papa’ button for table service, because he deserves the proper posh treatment at least once a year. You can even treat him to some stripy socks. Book HERE.
What is it: Another great Irish pub in the heart of the city centre, located on a main Manc thoroughfare and a handy distance from our main train station and Piccadilly Gardens.
The offer: Win a year’s worth of free Guinness by entering the competition on their social media; dads can also have their face printed on the pints with their special selfie machine.
What is it: Italian bar and restaurant operated by the Individual Restaurants group, known for its great al fresco terrace on the edge of Exchange Square.
The offer: ‘Festa Del Papa’ package, featuring two courses for £22.95 and Italian Sunday roasts on offer, not to mention a free shot of limoncello to all those dining on the day.
Credit: Riva Blu (supplied)
16. Black Cat Club – Central
What is it: Activity bar and hangout near the classy King Street area, offering high-tech shuffleboard, darts, DJ sets, plenty of live sport on the box, as well as great sharing food by the same team behind El Gato Negro tapas.
The offer: Free pizza and a pint when you make a booking for a game of shuffleboard or darts; you do so right HERE.
Credit: The Manc
17. Electric Shuffle
What is it: A shuffleboard bar along the main Deansgate strip, also offering a great bottomless brunch package, as well as great pizzas, cocktails and more.
The offer: Free bottle of Madri beer for Dad this Sunday, 21 June only. Nice and easy.
18. Hello Oriental
What is it: An underground pan-Asian food paradise, serving everything from authentic Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese to Japanese and Malaysian, just to name a few.
The offer: The brand-new all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet, which is starting this Father’s Day. Priced at £26 per adult and £14 for U16S; kids under four eat free, and so does dad on Sunday, 21 June 2026
What is it:Malmaison‘s newest and most luxurious hotel branch, located not far from Albert and St. Peter’s Square, as well as Deansgate down the road. Also features two restaurants, including its stunning rooftop space, Sora.
The offer: Free pint of Cruzcampo when ordering their Father’s Day special called ‘The Stack’, which costs just £15. Burger and a beer, no fear.
Credit: The Manc
20. Gameface – Printworks
What is it: One of the newest interactive gaming and activity bars in Manchester city centre, bringing old-school house party vibes to life with both co-op and competitive games.
The offer: Dads go free with the code ‘FATHER26’, just make sure you don’t let them win – you don’t want this special day to go all the way to their heads, after all. You can book HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Publicity pictures (supplied)
What's On
Blossoms announce new album and HUGE Manchester arena gig on UK tour
Emily Sergeant
Blossoms are back with a new album and UK arena tour later this year.
Tom, Joe, Josh, Charlie, and Myles – also known as Stockport’s finest, Blossoms – have today announced their sixth studio album, Songs From The Wedding Cake, alongside an upcoming UK arena tour this autumn to celebrate.
The new album and tour comes fresh off-the-back of the success of their previous studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot fiberglass gorilla.
Songs From The Wedding Cake takes its title from a Stockport nickname for the town’s iconic Victorian town hall, which is where Tom got married. It’s an apt frame for a record built around one guiding idea – taking the ordinary moments of life and putting them through an extraordinary lens.
The result is said to be Blossoms at their ‘most expansive’ and ‘most personal’, providing an irresistible cocktail of 80s-flecked funk, heart-on-your-sleeve anthems, and dance-floor indie bangers.
Blossoms have announced a new album and a huge Manchester arena gig on UK tour / Credit: Supplied
In their own words, as taken directly from their Instagram announcement this morning, Songs From The Wedding Cake is: “What an absolute joy this record was to make. Written and recorded over the last year, it’s a collection of songs about what might seem like ordinary moments, viewed through an extraordinary lens.
“Joking about divorce, hire cars, crying at the Kardashians, Wikipedia rabbit holes, trips to The Range, falling asleep in a taxi, your arm going numb because someone’s asleep on it, the 192, being an additional driver on your wife’s insurance and losing her 20 years’ no-claims bonus (ffs), dancing in the kitchen to Grease, crying at videos of dogs on Instagram, picking up parquet flooring, saying the wrong thing, growing older together… you get the idea.”
Alongside the album, the indie rockers have also announced an accompanying UK arena tour for the autumn, and of course they’ll be stopping off in Manchester.
The lads will be taking to the Co-op Live stage on Saturday 28 November.
They’ll also be playing in other major UK cities London, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Birmingham along the way, with tickets for the tour set to go on presale next Wednesday (24 June) at 9:30am, before general sale commences on Friday, also at 9:30am.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd July 2022 
