What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 3 – 9 October 2022

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 30th September 2022

Everything is starting to look that little bit more autumnal across Greater Manchester.

Now that October is here, and the spooky season is creeping up on us, with another new month comes an events calendar that’s filled with lots of different things to be getting up to, 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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Scare City Experience

Camelot

Monday 3 October – onwards

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Scare City Experience / Credit: Park N Party

Scare City Experience is back for 2022.

The hugely-popular outdoor immersive horror experience is taking on a new life just in time for Halloween, and this time round, it’s set to take over the derelict site of one of the North West’s most iconic theme parks.

Events company Park N Party has announced that its sell-out success Scare City is coming to Camelot with a new walkthrough scare attraction, and it’s already being described as a “blood-soaked ordeal”.

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For those who’ve got the guts to enter this year, a trek through “nightmarish zones” awaits.

Find out more and book tickets here.

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Mayfield Park

Castlefield

Monday 3 October – onwards

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Manchester‘s first new park in the heart of the city centre for more than 100 years has officially opened to the public.

It’s been a long journey to get here, but Mayfield Park has become a reality.

Over the last 18 months, the vast and mostly-derelict former industrial site next to Piccadilly Station has been transformed into what project developers are calling a “stunning, accessible, and varied” green space for everyone who visits the city centre to enjoy.

Find out more here.

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Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail 

Chester Zoo

Monday 3 October – onwards

Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail / Credit: Chester Zoo

Tarantulas, komodo dragons, and poisonous dart frogs are just some of the creatures you can meet on Chester Zoo‘s newest interactive trail next month.

With the spooky season right around the corner, Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail is set to take over the UK’s biggest charity zoo for the whole of next month from Saturday 1 – Monday 31 October, and it looks set to be an ideal day out for families during the half term.

The trail is free with the price of admission, and aims to raise awareness of all the “creepy but crucial creatures” at the zoo that are venomous and poisonous.

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Find out more here.

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Coronation Street Stars Tour

MediaCityUK

Monday 3 October – onwards

Coronation Street Stars Tour / Credit: Coronation Street: The Tour

Coronation Street’s famous ‘Stars Tours’ have returned, and it means you can meet “mystery” cast members on the legendary cobbles.

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Just as the name suggests, the Stars Tours not only include the standard 90-minute guided tour of the external Coronation Street set in MediaCityUK, but they also give you the opportunity to meet the a surprise cast member from the show.

While bosses of the official guided tours are keeping names of the mystery cast members who are set to make appearances close to their chest, they have assured fans that they’ll pop out to say hello, and pose for pictures, as well as letting you in on a few filming secrets or a story during the special events too.

Find out more and book tickets here.

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Student Free Fried Chicken

Yard & Coop

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Wednesday 5 October

Yard & Coop Student Free Fried Chicken / Credit: The Manc Group

Yard & Coop is giving away free fried chicken to help students this week.

From 12pm until close on Wednesday 5 October, students of Manchester and Salford can get their hands on some of the Northern Quarter restaurant’s famous buttermilk fried chicken thighs and fries at no cost at all.

You’ve got the option to pay a fiver to upgrade to a full portion if the hangovers are really getting the better of you.

Find out more here.

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GRIMMFEST 2022

Great Northern

Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 October

GRIMMFEST 2022 / Credit: GRIMMFEST

GRIMMFEST is back for its 10th anniversary special in our city this weekend.

A truly-independent genre film festival, GRIMMFEST is committed and dedicated to sharing great movies from both new and established filmmakers in the world of cinema in the horror, cult, extreme fantasy, and sci-fi genres.

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Some of the northern premieres film fans can expect this year include Better Watch Out, Replace, Game of Death, Killing Ground, Still/Born, 68 Kill, Ruin Me, Double Date, Freehold (2 Pigeons), Leatherface, and Attack of the Adult Babies.

Find out more about GRIMMFEST 2022 here.

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The Night Market

Victoria Baths

Friday 7 October

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The Night Market UK / Credit: The Night Market

The Night Market is coming to Manchester.

For one night only on 7 October, the iconic Victoria Baths will be transformed into what is being described as the ultimate shopping experience.

From artisans, artists, and jewellers, to designers, bakers, and candlestick makers, The Night Market showcases the finest local small business talent with over 100 independent stalls, plus there’ll be street food to feast on, multiple bars to whet your whistle, alongside a Vintage Pool Party filled with the finest vintage treasures.

There’ll also be a DJ, some live music performances from Manchester based singer/songwriters, and so much more.

Find out more here.

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PowerUP

Science and Industry Museum

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 October

PowerUP / Credit: Science Museum Group

A huge gaming event has returned to Manchester.

With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP is back at the Science and Industry Museum for the first time in three years, taking ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming, with everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more.

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Power UP is taking place every weekend and school holiday all the way through to December 2023, and every ticket includes unlimited play all day.

You can find more information here.

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Self Space x Feel Good Club Free Therapy Sessions

Northern Quarter

Monday 10 October

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Self Space x Feel Good Club Free Therapy Sessions / Credit: Self Space

To help mark this year’s World Mental Health Awareness Day, mental health services provider Self Space is teaming up with Manchester’s very-own Feel Good Club to offer 30-minute therapy session slots at its cafe hub in the heart of the Northern Quarter for completely free of charge.

Free sessions will take place on Monday 10 October.

All you have to do is register, walk in, and have a good conversation with a qualified person.

Find out more here.

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The Wizarding Adventure

East Lancashire Railway

Sunday 9 October

Credit: East Lancashire Railway

One of the standout experiences on the 2022 East Lancashire Railway (ELR) events lineup has to be the chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’ and ride a Harry Potter-themed train through Greater Manchester.

Aspiring witches and wizards can gather at the ELR for a day of sharing spells and magic-themed fun.

This interactive adventure will see visitors, both young and old, enjoy a range of performances from colourful characters and magical creatures – provided by performance company Funcast – all before boarding the ‘Wizard Express’ for a two-hour round trip journey through the Irwell Valley of wonders.

You can find out more and grab tickets here.

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Featured Image – Science Museum Group | ELR

What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 22 – 28 April 2024

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Can you believe we’re already into our last full week of April, and May is right around the corner?

So far, April has been full of foodie festivals, cultural celebrations, wholesome spring-themed events, and so much more – and thankfully, there’s more where that came from as there’s loads more in the Greater Manchester social calendar for everyone of all ages to be getting involved with throughout this week too.

If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do, 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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Bloomtown Blossom Trail

Manchester City Centre

Monday 22 April – onwards

Stunning pink blossom at Parsonage Gardens
Bloomtown Blossom Trail / Credit: The Manc Group

Manchester never looks better than it does when all the blossom trees burst back to life, right? Well now there’s a walking trail through town that shows off the best bits.

From the iconic purple blooms outside the Central Library, to the surprising sprays that pop up in the middle of Ancoats, there are pretty colours appearing all over, so the National Trust is once again shining a spotlight on Manchester and bringing back its new-and-improved Bloomtown Map.

There are 39 spots all over the city centre (and slightly beyond) included along the route, each one showcasing one of the city’s most picturesque locations.

Find out more about 2024’s trail here.

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Tales of Manchester 2.0

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Monday 22 April – onwards

Tales of Manchester 2.0 / Credit: Supplied

A brand-new art exhibition curated by visual artist Emma Evans in partnership with six other creators is now open in Manchester, and it’s completely free to visit.

Tales of Manchester 2.0 down at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a collection of multi-platform art celebrating our brilliant city, and it’s showcasing six spoken word pieces by established Manchester based poets – Griot Gabriel, Ilaria Passeri, Lisa O’Hare, Mark Jackson aka Keith’s Brother, Matt Concannon aka The Thirsty Poet, and Sarah Attwell.

The spoken word is paired with visual pieces painted by self-taught artist Emma Evans, where the words have served as inspiration for the art.

Find out more here.

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The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition

Manchester Central Library

Monday 22 April – onwards

The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition / Credit: Supplied

Photography students from The Manchester College will be showcasing their ‘Greater Mancunians’ project as part of a landmark exhibition at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall from this week.

150 students have participated in the groundbreaking photography project, and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.

More than 100 contributors are featured in the project, including musicians Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr, athletes Diane Modahl and Ricky Hatton, local politicians Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Bev Craig, actors Maxine Peake and Bill Roache, artists Stan Chow and AKSE P-19, and other local figures like Jonathan Warburton, Simon Martin, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE.

Find out more here.

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Did you see that one of the biggest charity shops has recently opened here in Greater Manchester?

The independently-run Regenerage superstore is the newest resident at the massively-popular Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton.

Inside the huge 10,958 sq ft store, shoppers can find everything from ladies and menswear, to homeware, furniture, and children’s clothing too, plus books, and new white goods – including washing machines, fridge freezers, and more.

There’s also a specially-created bridal and occasional wear department too.

And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, there’s even the chance to get your hands on designer brands like Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, and Armani, all without the hefty price tag.

Find out more here.

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Power UP

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 22 April – onwards

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.

Find out more about the exhibition here.

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Pieminister’s Bottomless Brunch

Pieminister

Monday 22 April – onwards

Pieminister’s Bottomless Brunch / Credit: The Manc Group

Pieminister’s legendary pie bottomless brunch with free-flowing drinks has finally made a comeback.

The popular pie restaurant chain – which has two sites here in Manchester city centre on Church Street in the Northern Quarter, and on Deansgate – is known and loved all across the UK for its thick and chunky pies, but its bottomless brunch offering is something else.

Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie, vegan, flexitarian, or gluten free, there’s something to suit everyone on the menu.

Find out more and book your bottomless brunch slot here.

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The Wizard of Oz

Palace Theatre Manchester

Wednesday 24 April – Sunday 5 May

The Wizard of Oz / Credit: ATG Tickets

A sensational new take on of one of the world’s most beloved musicals, The Wizard of Oz, is arriving here in Manchester this week.

Taking to the iconic Palace Theatre stage, starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion, JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, this new production is set to be truly magical for all the family.

Find out more and grab last-minute tickets here.

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The Botanist LIVE

Greater Manchester

Friday 26 & Saturday 27 April – onwards

The Botanist LIVE / Credit: Supplied

The Botanist has brought back The Botanist LIVE to “help everyone celebrate summer” with free live music every weekend.

Set to “supply the soundtrack to your weekend” every Friday and Saturday night, The Botanist’s talented artists are set to play live from 8pm until late, and guests can expect a vibrant party atmosphere with sounds of rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco, and blues.  

The events are not ticketed and are free to attend, so all you need to do is turn up and wait for its house band get the party started. 

Find out more here.

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Red Rose Diner

East Lancashire Railway

Friday 26 April – 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.

Find out more and book here.

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Fancy heading out a walk somewhere in Greater Manchester and beyond this week?

The weather is FINALLY warming up a little, and it’s beginning to feel like we might finally have made it through winter.

So that means it’s time for a walk, right?

Some of the green spaces that wrap around Greater Manchester are in their prime right now with blossoms, bluebells, and more – and that’s saying something, as they’re pretty spectacular all year round – so it couldn’t be a more perfect time to go for a walk to appreciate their beauty.

Read our round-up of stunning spots for a spring walk here.

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Spring Fest

Alderley Park

Saturday 27 April

Farm Weekend / Credit: Jody Hartley

Spring Fest is taking over Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park this Saturday.

With families from all across Greater Manchester and the North West set to make their way to Macclesfield, Spring Fest is a chance to celebrate the magic of spring and everything that it means for wildlife, animals, and nature.

You can expect a jam-packed day full of different outdoor family-friendly activities, performances, markets, and lots of local food and drink.

Find out more here.

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Ex-Paw Extravaganza

Angel Meadow Park

Saturday 27 April

Ex-Paw Extravaganza / Credit: Ex-Paw MCR

A festival especially for dogs is all set to take over a popular Manchester city centre park for some “paw-tastic fun” this weekend.

And the best bit about it? It’s absolutely FREE to head on down to.

Back by popular demand, the Ex-Paw Extravaganza festival is returning to Angel Meadow Park near Manchester‘s Green Quarter this Saturday for a jam-packed day of “pawsome activity”.

Kicking off from 11am and running right through until 4pm, this year’s dog-themed festivities include a selection of different stalls to shop from, dog agility courses, puppy play areas, hands-on pet first aid courses, and so much more.

Find out more here.

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Looking for somewhere to go for a hearty roast dinner in and around Greater Manchester this weekend?

From the moment we start to feel the weekend rolling in, we can’t help but turn our thoughts to Sunday roasts, steaming jugs of gravy, and big glasses sploshing over with red wine.

It’s just the best feeling, and there’s plenty of it to be found here in our region.

We’re used to it being wet and miserable most of the year, and while we do love Sunday lunch on a sun-soaked afternoon in the beer garden when we get the chance, nothing warms the cockles more on those darker days than a giant plate piled high with roasted meats, vegetables, and gravy.

Read our round-up of some of the best Greater Manchester roast dinners here.

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Featured Image – Ex-Paw MCR | The Manc Group | Bruntwood

What's On

Win VIP tickets to see Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in Stockholm – plus flights, accommodation, a bar tab AND an annual pass for The Mezz

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Win tickets to see Taylor Swift in Stockholm with The Manc, the AO Arena and The Mezz. Credit: Flickr, Paolo Villanueva

We’ve got a treat for you – a rare chance to try and get yourself tickets to see Taylor Swift live in concert, on the European leg of The Eras Tour.

The enormous tour is already the highest-grossing the world has ever seen, worth more than $1 billion.

Taylor Swift’s mammoth three-and-a-quarter hour live show has driven so much demand for tickets, ticketing platforms had to change their usual models so their websites didn’t crash.

These tickets are gold dust – but now we’ve got a couple of VIP ones up for grabs, completely free.

The Manc has teamed up with the AO Arena and its brand-new members-only restaurant and bar The Mezz for huge giveaway.

The grand prize is an all-expenses paid trip to see Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in Stockholm.

It includes two VIP tickets to the show itself on Saturday 18 May, plus two return flights to to Stockholm from Manchester, and accommodation for two at the Quality Friends Hotel in Stockholm.

While you’re at the show at the Friends Arena, you’ll have a £250 bar tab to enjoy.

And when you return home to Manchester, your new VIP lifestyle will continue, with two annual passes to The Mezz for the rest of the year.

That gets you access to The Mezz’s incredible restaurant space – where the menu is designed by Michelin chefs Simon Rogan and Tom Barnes – and huge exclusive bar area.

And then you can enter the AO Arena itself through The Mezz’s designated doors to watch any show you fancy from the best seats in the house.

All you need to do to win is head to our Instagram page here or click on the post at the end of this article.

Make sure you’re following the AO Arena, The Mezz, The Manc, and The Hoot Leeds on Instagram.

Tag who you’d take with you on this once-in-a-lifetime trip in the comments, then share to your story for an extra chance to win (don’t forget to tag us!).

The competition for Taylor Swift tickets ends on Monday 22 April at 23.59.

Good luck swifties!

Read more

Featured image: Flickr, Paolo Villanueva

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