The time has come, once again… we need to wave goodbye to one month, and welcome in another with open arms.
This week is bringing with it the last few days – and even an extra one, for the first time in four years – of February, all before March arrives for the weekend, and there’s absolutely no shortage of exciting events and activities in the Greater Manchester social calendar to be getting involved with.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, not to worry, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
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Pretty Woman – The Musical
Opera House Manchester
Monday 26 February – 17 March
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Pretty Woman The Musical / Credit: Marc Brenner
Pretty Woman The Musical is arriving in Manchester this week.
Taking over the iconic Opera House Manchester stage from Monday 26 February, on an extended run right through to 17 March, the smash-hit musical production is based on the beloved 1990 romantic comedy film of the same name starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
It’s described as being a “a sensational show guaranteed to lift your spirits and light up your heart”, and there’s still a few tickets on sale.
This is your last week to make the most of The Black Friar’s popular ‘Pie Festival’.
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There’s nothing that sounds more inviting on a cold evening than a lovely warming pie, right? So when we heard that The Black Friar’s now-annual Pie Festival was making a 2024 comeback, we have no shame in admitting we did a little dance.
Now in its third edition, the Salford restaurant has brought back the parade of meat and gravy, sweet and savoury, and all things pie and pastry-encrusted – with something for everyone on the menu.
Best of all, not only are there some enticing flavours on offer, but they’re also only £10 each.
Did you know there’s 15,000 free cinema tickets up for grabs in February?
And, of course, there’s only a few days left to claim them.
It’s all part of Escapes – a new project supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) and National Lottery funding that’s giving everyone the opportunity to “enjoy the big screen experience” and “discover independent cinema”.
The thousands of tickets are now available across the UK for completely free of charge, and there’s a handful of Greater Manchester cinemas taking part.
Escapes / Credit: Unsplash | A24
So whether you’re someone who prioritises a trip to the cinema, someone who treasures a visit but only on a special occasion, or someone who’s just keen to discover more, there’s a free ticket to see brand-new wrestling biopic film, The Iron Claw, with your name on it
The Six Nations is back, and in full swing across the UK.
With the international rugby tournament having now officially kicked-off, we thought it would be only right to put together a list of the very best places in Greater Manchester to head on down to and catch a game.
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After all, we don’t want you scrambling around to find places showing the action, we just want you to sit back and enjoy the games.
Read our round-up of the best places to watch the Six Nations here.
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Power UP
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 26 February – onwards
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Power UP / Credit: Science Museum Group
Did you know there’s a huge gaming event currently happening in Manchester?
With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP is back for more in 2024 down at the Science and Industry Museum, and it’s taking ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming every weekend.
There’s everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more to get stuck into, and each ticket includes unlimited play all day.
Hamilton: The Story of Tonight / Credit: Danny Kaan (via Supplied)
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is celebrating Manchester hosting the multi award-winning cultural phenomenon Hamilton for the very first time with a photography exhibition showcasing moments both on and off stage.
Open for free to the general public until the end of February, Hamilton: The Story of Tonight offers a glimpse into the journey of the musical that captured the imaginations of audiences in our city.
20 photographs taken by Hamilton’s production photographer, Danny Kaan, are currently on show – and this is your last week to see them.
Manchester Open Exhibition is back for the third time in our city.
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Taking place every two years down at HOME, the Open Exhibition is the biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent, and sees HOME’s Gallery walls filled with 480 artworks created by the people of our region that have been specially-selected by a panel consisting of art experts and community representatives.
Open to all, the Exhibition brings together artwork including paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, ceramics, digital and mixed media, video, audio, and so much more.
Is your birthday on 29 February? Are you one of the rare ‘Leap Day’ babies?
We can’t imagine many answered ‘yes’ to that question, given that there’s only an estimated 4.1 million people worldwide who were born on this date, but if you just so happen to be one of them AND you live in Manchester, then one popular local bar has a free pint waiting for you.
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Not only that, but one of the city’s legendary burger joints also has free burgers ready and waiting for you too, so it really is your lucky day.
All Leap Day babies can head on down to Society, and one of two Almost Famous restaurants, all in Manchester city centre this Thursday, prove its their birthday with a valid ID, and sip on a pint of house Vocation Pure Pilsner to celebrate, or tuck into one of the heartiest burgers there is.
Find out how to claim your complimentary cold one here, and your free burger here.
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Red Rose Diner
East Lancashire Railway
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Friday 1 March – onwards
Red Rose Diners / Credit: ELR
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this week.
Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 March right through to November this year, East Lancashire Railway’s Red Rose Diners are described as being “the ultimate first class foodie experience”, as they start with a glass of fizz and stretch over an almost three-hour steam train journey through the Irwell Valley.
The experience includes a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.
Manchester’s massively popular East and South East Asian street food fair is returning to the city centre this weekend.
Taking over street food and social hub, GRUB, the three-day event is set to treat festivalgoers to food from five different vendors, who’ll all be serving delights directly from the East and South East of Asia.
You can get your hands on Malaysian dishes from Little Yellow Rice Co, South Korean wonders from the aptly-named Korean Grub Club, and Japanese savoury pancakes from Osaka Local, as well as deep-fried delights from All Fried Up too.
Manchester Song Festival 2024 / Credit: The Stoller Hall
Manchester Song Festival is back for another year this weekend.
Taking place down at The Stoller Hall, with an exciting weekend of live performances from some of the region’s finest musical talent, as chosen by Artistic Director Marcus Farnsworth, the annual three-day Festival includes a packed programme of concerts so song lovers can come together to be inspired, learn, and take part.
The music and composers selected for this year’s Festival have drawn inspiration from ‘Sounds of Nature’ – which is The Stoller Hall’s year-long theme inspired by the natural world.
Find out more about everything happening at the 2024 Manchester Song Festival here.
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00s Brunch
Brickhouse Social
Saturday 2 March
00s Brunch / Credit: Brickhouse Social
Brickhouse Social has announced that it 00s-themed brunch is back by popular demand.
The Manchester social hub is inviting music lovers down to enjoy 90-minutes of bottomless pizza slices, fizz, bottled beers, and select cocktails on its ooftop terrace every Saturday over the nexr couple of months – with a resident DJ playing all the best tunes from the 2000’s.
Tickets will set you back £33pp, and there’s two Brunch sittings available, so you can opt for 1-3pm, or 3:30-5:30pm.
Did you hear that six cult Manchester restaurants have recently scooped coveted Deliveroo awards?
The results of the 2024 Deliveroo Restaurant Awards are in, and six of our city’s most-popular and best-loved eateries have been announced as claiming coveted prizes, after the food delivery service’s loyal customers voted with their hearts – and stomachs – for their favourite local establishments.
Slap & Pickle, Double Zero Pizzeria, and Mughli are among the local restaurants in Manchester that fought off competitors across the North and Midlands to take a title.
Six cult Manchester restaurants have scooped prestigious Deliveroo awards / Credit: The Manc Group
Then, a further five restaurants were recognised in the region’s best cuisine awards – with winners including Burgerism for ‘Best Burger & American’, and Unagi Street Food & Sushi for ‘Best Japanese’.
A total of 60 honours were up for grabs in this year’s Awards.
So, if you’re wondering where to order a takeaway from this weekend, then find out which locals won big in the 2024 Deliveroo Restaurant Awards here.
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Rochdale Town Hall – Grand Reopening
Rochdale
Sunday 3 March
Rochdale Town Hall – Grand Reopening / Credit: The Manc Group
The grand reopening of Rochdale Town Hall is happening this Sunday.
The stunning Grade I-listed building in the Greater Manchester town recently underwent a major restoration, and it’s been a long time coming, but this weekend, residents and visitors will finally be able to see the results for themselves when the building throws open its doors to the public on Sunday.
Teams of specialists and more than 500 volunteers have spent four years transforming the space and restoring it to its former glory.
Spaces previously been hidden from view are also now accessible for the first time ever.
Find out more, and catch a glimpse of the new Town Hall here.
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Seconds Sunday Roast Carvery
Freight Island
Sunday 3 March – onwards
Seconds Sunday Roast Carvery / Credit: Freight Island
Freight Island’s most famous Sunday feast, Seconds Carvery, is back to bring the good people of Manchester some proper winter-warming comfort food.
Diners can now dive into this modern take on a classic carvery every Sunday.
Running between 12pm and 6pm, you book yourself a half-hour slot to see the carvery chef on the terrace, where you choose a main from roast topside of Highland beef, marmalade glazed gammon joint, roast turkey crown, or roast squash and wild mushroom wellington.
But the stand-out feature of Seconds has to be the bottomless trimmings – including proper Yorkshire puddings, garlic and rosemary roast potatoes, buttered mash, broccoli, glazed carrots, petit pois, and 48-hour gravy.
Featured Image – ELR | The Manc Group | Marc Brenner
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 18 – 24 May 2026
Emily Sergeant
May will soon be drawing to a close… but not before another bank holiday weekend first, of course.
That’s right – we’ve got yet another bank holiday coming up this weekend, and half term starts too, so that means there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester – with everything from flower festivals, to vintage fairs, and loads more on the lineup.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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National Trust Blossom and Bloomtown 2026
Greater Manchester
Monday 18 – Sunday 31 May
Blossom and Bloomtown 2026 / Credit: The Manc Group
The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme full of trails and events is back once again so you can appreciate them in all their glory.
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white, and you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season either, as there’s plenty of blossom to discover right on our doorstep in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re walking through the city centre on your way to work, enjoying a spot of lunch in the park, or going on a little local adventure with your family, Bloomtown has something for everyone.
Find out more about all the events happening here.
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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 18 May – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special.
Visitors are invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
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NEW OPENING – Gooey
Oxford Road
NEW OPENING – Gooey / Credit: The Manc Group
Stop the press, there’s a new Gooey cafe in Manchester… and this one does meal deals.
That’s right – this is a local business that just goes from strength to strength, as the city’s legendary bakery and cafe has branched out with a new location on Oxford Road, and it’s their biggest site yet for brunches, bakes, and to-go lunches.
There’s just no stopping that damn purple berry from the Amazon, as another açai bowl spot has opened up in Manchester city centre.
This is Plant Blends – your one-stop-shop for everything superfood that’ll make you feel super good.
But it’s not just bowls they’re serving. Here you can also grab smoothies, fresh juices, avocado on toast, matcha and coffee. Basically, everything you’re craving after your morning yoga class or after one too many the night before.
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NEW OPENING – Marleo Little Sicily
Northern Quarter
NEW OPENING – Marleo Little Sicily / Credit: The Manc Group
A tiny Italian cafe that started life in a shipping container has opened its very own cafe and deli in the Northern Quarter.
It was already up there with some the most authentic Italian food in Manchester, but now with the new Marleo Little Sicily site, owners Maria and Leo are bringing the tastiest arancini, pizzette, and fresh focaccia sandwiches right to the heart of the city.
Manchester Flower Festival 2026 / Credit: Supplied
Manchester’s annual Flower Festival is returning this bank holiday weekend, filling the city centre with fresh blooms.
Now in its ninth year, and always billed as being one of the most colourful and ‘Instagrammable’ events in the annual calendar, Manchester Flower Festival is a fabulous floral spectacle and it’s expected that it will attract thousands of visitors into Manchester city centre.
This is your chance to celebrate the start of summer, as the city comes alive with stunning floral displays, green installations, and dozens of free events, all alongside outdoor dining and entertainment.
Deansgate Mews Festival and Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year there’s some new fringe events too as part of Mews Fest Fringe.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this May bank holiday weekend, and more than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Thrill seekers, this one’s for you, as Zip World Manchester is launching its new Forest Tubing experience this week, and it’s bringing the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide is coming to Heaton Park.
The new family‑friendly outdoor adventure gives visitors the chance to soar along two slides, winding through woodland at one of the largest parks in the North West.
Suitable for children aged four and above, visitors can book an hour-long session – with unlimited rides during that time slot – and either ride solo, or share the experience with fellow adventurers.
Wildlife conservationist and TV presenter Steve Backshall is hosting a new stage show at Chester Zoo this half term.
The new show will take visitors on a ‘fascinating’ journey into the lives and ancient origins of sharks, which are by far one of the planet’s most extraordinary and misunderstood predators.
Featuring real shark teeth and jaws, lifelike replicas, and historic footage, during each 30-minute live show, audiences will get the chance to travel back in time and discover the earliest sharks that once swam our shorelines, how they have evolved over millions of years, and what makes them such remarkable animals today.
National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails
North West
Saturday 23 May – onwards
National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails / Credit: James Dobson | Annapurna Mellor
National Trust and Pokémon have teamed up for an exclusive trading card game and immersive trail this half term.
The partnership is set to bring together the places the National Trust cares for and Pokémon’s spirit of play and discovery.
Exclusively designed for the National Trust, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are going to be running throughout May half term at 14 National Trust places nationwide, combining ‘imaginative play’ with ‘gentle physical activity’ inspired by Mega Evolution Pokémon.
Find out where to get involved and book tickets here.
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The Future Is Ours 2026
Manchester City Centre
Sunday 24 May – 19 June
The Future Is Ours 2026 / Credit: Supplied
The annual Future is Ours festival is back at the end of this week, and it’s set to be a celebration of youth creativity centred around the importance of creativity as a transformative tool for supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Delivered by mental health charity, 42nd Street through their dedicated creative space The Horsfall, The Future Is Ours is a unique arts festival amplifying and celebrating young people’s creativity, voice, actions, and ideas.
Putting young artists at the forefront of the work, allowing them to say and create what they want in the way they want.
Did you know there’s an adorable open farm in Bolton where you can meet and hold baby bunnies, lambs, chicks, AND more?
This is Smithills Open Farm, and it’s one of the most wholesome family days out you’ll find this spring.
Here on this picturesque family-run farm nestled within 70-acres of countryside, you can feed the sheep and llamas, ride a tractor to visit the donkeys, or even head into the barn to see the cows, horses, and piglets.
Plus, they host ‘Pets Corner’ sessions throughout the day too, where you can meet and hold many different baby animals (including the softest little goats and chicks we ever did see.)
They even have a farm shop and ice creamery where you can buy local honey and other goods to take home with you.
Find out more about the farm and plan your trip here.
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Or what about that Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for the third year in a row?
Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for 2026 / Credit: Chester Zoo
That’s right – the UK’s biggest charity zoo has officially been named the best zoo in the country by TripAdvisor reviews, with the zoo having claimed a record 11,666 ‘excellent’ ratings for the first time too, making it even more of a cause for celebration.
Not only has the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences made it the best in our country, but this has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite.
Chester Zoo’s CEO, Jamie Christon, says he is ‘over the moon’ with the zoo’s new title.
How about that Printworks is currently hosting a UK-wide art competition for students?
Do you know an aspiring artist? Students aged 16 and over are invited to bring the ocean to life in a brand-new creative arts competition launched by one of the UK’s leading entertainment destinations, Manchester’s Printworks.
The venue has now opened entries for UK students from sixth forms, colleges, universities, and art colleges across the country to take part in an exciting new art competition.
The winning design is set to be showcased on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Fancy saving up to 50% off at some of Manchester’s top restaurants?
A bit of a daft question really, we know.
Well thankfully, EatClub – the free app that’s easy to download, and you can start using right away – has now arrived in Manchester, and there are discounts such as up to 35% off Habbibi, Lina Stores, and Salvi’s to take advantage of, plus many more to explore.
Simply download the app, book your walk-in slot, and enjoy. You don’t have to tell the restaurant either – just pay using your EatClub card, and it’ll sort the discount for you.
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in April, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in May, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too.
Featured Image – Manchester BID | The Manc Group | Supplied
What's On
A Kellogg’s exhibition celebrating all things cereal has opened in Greater Manchester
Lydia Mastrolonardo
A brand new exhibition honouring Kellogg’s 90-year legacy has opened this week, ahead of the cereal brand’s Trafford Park site closure.
Head on over to Sale’s very own Trafford Local Studies and Archive Centre, just over the road from the tram stop, to catch a glimpse into the past 90 years of local history of the iconic Kellogg’s Trafford Park manufacturing site.
This new exhibition is in place to celebrate the products, history and cultural significance of Kellogg’s Trafford Park factory, as well as to commemorate all of the exceptionally hard working individuals in Stretford who have been involved from the very beginning.
For this reason, the exhibition was developed in partnership with colleagues from the factory and is purposely set up in a space where the local community can access and appreciate it, as without them Kellogg’s wouldn’t be what it is today.
In January 2023, even King Charles III paid a visit to the factory, to celebrate the 100 years of Kellogg’s ‘Bringing Breakfast to Britain.’
Despite narrowly missing being hit during the Blitz, this particular site has managed to maintain its status of being the biggest cereal plant in Europe and at full capacity it is able to produce a million boxes of cereal a day – pretty impressive if you ask us.
Since 1938, when the factory first opened here in Stretford, lots has changed but fear not Kelloggs aren’t closing down – they are simply moving from the Trafford facility to Wrexham to facilitate more modern manufacturing.
You can expect to learn all of the history of our nation’s favourite cereal company as you walk around the Kellogg’s exhibition. The story is expertly told through a number of displays presenting more than 100 artefacts, rare collectibles, the contents of a time capsule, photographs and archival footage.
Old Kellogg’s packagingMore relics from the past
We found it particularly interesting seeing how the imagery and branding merchandise has evolved over almost a century, with the iconic characters that we know and love, looking rather different back in the day.
Whether you have a favourite character out of Tony the Tiger, Cornelius the Cockerel, or Coco the Monkey, go on down and see how Kellogg’s instantly recognisable cereal box mascots have changed over the years – it would seem at some point Tony started heading to the gym?!
There are even examples of Tony the Tiger and Coco the Monkey supporting Movember with their very own moustaches, or Tony-inspired face masks worn by staff throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The exhibition successfully evokes a strong sense of childhood nostalgia, with Kellogg’s forever being a cornerstone to Greater Manchester’s community life, many of us will be able to recall collecting the toys as a child, sending off for the collectibles, getting a multipack of the mixed small cereal boxes for a camping trip or even visiting the Kelloggs factory as a child with school and savouring that sweet smell.
You can learn about the history of Kellogg’sPure nostalgia
So, whether you’re an avid Crunchy Nut conflakes fan or you’ve recently found out about the nutritional benefits of Rice crispy bars as a pre-workout snack via Tiktok, go on down to learn more about this cracking bit of local history.
Tim McKnight, Plant Director at the Kellogg’s Trafford Park factory, said: “The Trafford Park factory means a great deal to us and the community, and we hope this exhibition helps celebrate that pride and the lasting contribution our colleagues have made to Greater Manchester.”
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: ” For nearly 90 years the plant has been a major local employer and a source of pride for generations of families, and this exhibition is a fitting tribute to the people behind the brand and the role they’ve played in shaping breakfast tables around the world.
“While we are saddened by the closure of the plant, it has been important for us to work with Kellogg’s to preserve and showcase these remarkable archives.”
Admission at Trafford Local Studies and Archives Centre is free, open six days a week with the exhibition on the ground floor of Sale Waterside running until early August 2026.
For further information to support the physical exhibition, head HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd February 2024 
