The busyness of August, and the hustle and bustle of the bank holiday weekend has been and gone… and a new month is now here.
But while the summer may have passed us by the blink of an eye, and the kids have officially gone back to school for a new year, that doesn’t mean the fun’s stopped, as there’s still loads of events happening in Greater Manchester to get stuck right into.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to choose, 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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Operation Ouch!
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 4 September – onwards
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Operation Ouch! / Credit: Science Museum Group
A brand-new exhibition is currently having its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and it’s giving families the chance to “dive headfirst into the digestive system” and “travel like a poo”.
The new blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch!, is based on and will see the award-winning CBBC children’s TV series brought to life.
Visitors can expect interactive experiences, amazing objects from the Science Museum Group’s collection, and appearances from world-renowned doctors who will be on hand to guide audiences through this “lively, interactive, and playful adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies”.
In what is undeniably the stuff of dreams for cheese lovers, you can now take part in a cheese and wine crawl around Manchester city centre.
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The Manchester Cheese Crawl will take you around some of the cheesiest spots the city has to offer for two hours of non-stop cheese-related fun – including everything from blue cheese tasting, to cheese quizzes, competitions, and more.
Tickets cost just £25 each, and include cheese samples, optional bread and crackers, and some red wine to complement.
Manchester’s newest comedy festival is making a return to the city later this week, and there’s some massive names on the lineup set to bring the laughs.
After what was a smash-hit success in its inaugural year back in 2022, Laughterama is back in Manchester for more, and will once again be taking over the iconic Castlefield Bowl in the heart of the city centre – with multi award-winning comedians Adam Buxton, Ed Gamble, Sara Pascoe, and Alan Davies being just some of the famous names on this year’s jam-packed lineup.
Festivalgoers are in for an “explosive series of shows” from some of the hottest names on the comedy circuit.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie / Credit: ATG Tickets
The highly-anticipated 2023 UK tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is finally arriving here Greater Manchester this week.
Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, sold-out UK & Ireland Tour, and an Amazon studios award-winning film, the smash-hit and critically-acclaimed musical is finally set to return to The Lowry stage this week.
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The musical tells the story of Jamie New – a 16-year-old living on a council estate in Sheffield who doesn’t quite ‘fit in’ and is terrified about the future, but is determined to be a star.
Fancy trying something new? Time to conquer your fears? SEA LIFE Manchester’s snorkel cage experience lets people get closer than ever have before to more than 1,000 creatures of the deep at the Trafford Centre-based marine life aquarium.
Snorkel with Sharks is a one-hour surface snorkelling adventure.
Suitable for swimmers age 10+, the session includes a full briefing, introduction to the incredible creatures you can expect to see, and 20 minutes snorkelling in the purpose-built shark cage.
Didsbury’s very-own cookery school, Food Sorcery, is hosting another one of its popular cookery workshops dedicated to all things pasta this Thursday.
During this three-hour class, you can learn everything about how to make Italy’s staple food by hand, from how to mix and knead pasta dough, to various different rolling techniques, filling, and shaping, all before the chef will demonstrate some sauces to go with it.
So roll your sleeves up and get ready to mix, knead, bash, squash, and shape the dough into spaghetti, farfalle, ravioli, and so much more.
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You can find out more information, and book your place here.
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The Manc Audio – DJ Set
Night & Day Cafe
Friday 8 September
The Manc Audio – DJ Set / Credit: The Manc Group | Pixnio
Not only has it been an absolutely belting year for music and gigs in Greater Manchester already, but it’s about to get even better.
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The Manc Audio will be heading back to Night and Day Cafe for our second DJ takeover.
Following the success of our first night standing behind the decks at the legendary Night and Day, we’ve kindly been invited back to do it all over again – with Mr. Audio, DJ Dean himself, set to return to the stage for his sophomore show this Friday.
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this week.
Taking place this Friday 8 September, 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.
The Manc has teamed up with KAMPUS, and we’re bringing you a massive silent disco in Manchester city centre this weekend.
Kicking off from 3pm, with some brilliant DJs on the lineup set to be spinning the tunes and battling it out to get you on the dance floor, The Big Kampus Disco is an all-day FREE event – with non-stop bangers, the biggest silent disco the city’s ever seen, and so much more.
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Think DJ sets, amazing live music, dancers, performers, and all the glitter.
Silent Disco tickets are £5 plus a £10 refundable deposit for the hire of the headphones, but the rest of the event free, so find out more and grab tickets here.
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ShinDigger x Reform Radio – A Decade in the Game
Cheetham Hill
Saturday 9 September
ShinDigger x Reform Radio – A Decade in the Game / Credit: Supplied
ShinDigger and Reform Radio are coming together to celebrate their joint 10th birthday with “a day festival like no other” this Saturday.
After starting their ventures together in the same co-working space back in 2013, the two businesses have co-produced numerous events over the years, but this weekend’s aptly-named ‘A Decade in the Game’ is by far their most ambitious collaboration at The Yard in Cheetham Hill.
You can expect plenty of live music, and exclusive back-to-back DJ sets curated especially for this event, as well as food vendors, market stalls, kids’ activities, and so much more.
Doki Doki – The Manchester Japanese Festival / Credit: Doki Doki
Doki Doki – The Manchester Japanese Festival is back once again for 2023.
Taking place from 11am onwards on Saturday 9 & Sunday 10th September at Sugden Sports Centre, Doki Doki celebrates both traditional and modern Japanese culture – with a wide range of panels, talks, demonstrations, themed events, and more taking place across the weekend, as well as plenty of food and retail traders on site too.
Tickets for the festival are available to buy at the door on the day, and you can find out more here.
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Green Island Festival
Hulme Community Garden Centre
Saturday 9 September
Green Island Festival / Credit: Green Island
This year’s third and final volume of the Green Island Festival returns this weekend.
With a lineup of underground, underrepresented, and emerging artists from all across the UK, and placing global sounds at the forefront, Green Island is a grassroots festival stripped back to its most authentic form with community at its core that’s made a name for itself thanks to “bringing an enriching music and cultural escapade for all ages”.
Taking place on Saturday 9 September from 1pm-9pm, the 500-capacity festival will once again transform Hulme Community Garden Centre’s flora paradise into an “arts mecca”.
Icelandic vodka brand Reyka will be creating the ‘Fire and Ice Oasis’ at The Oast House in Spinningfields this weekend, where you can plunge into an ice bath, sit back and relax, drink cocktails, and get a good scran in too.
Taking place from midday right through to 1am on both Saturday and Sunday, with ice baths open until roughly 7pm each day, ice dippers will be given a goodie bag and a free cocktail, and anyone brave enough to take the plunge will be in with a chance of winning a trip to Iceland itself.
In the evening, there’ll also be a fire pit to cosy round as you sip on your vodka that was made with glacier water in a distillery powered by geo-thermal energy from volcanoes.
Featured Image – Laughterama | ShinDigger x Reform Radio | Green Island
What's On
Full list of locations announced for Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 – including NEW places
Emily Sergeant
The full list of locations for Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 has been announced.
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bringing thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the headline-grabbing partial return at last year’s event, with the big wheel also set to make a comeback.
There’s also set to be some new locations too for 2026, with Lincoln Square joining in on the action. And there will also be big changes to St Ann’s Square, according to the Council, with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre.
And the Council has now revealed the full list of locations where you’ll find stalls this year, including giving a teaser on what types of stalls will be in each location.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 locations have been confirmed / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr
Albert Square
Albert Square is gearing up to be a must-visit Christmas Market location this year, hosting a packed programme of festive experiences, including:
A 50-metre ferris wheel and a vintage helter-skelter.
A festive pop-up pub with live entertainment (which is new for 2026)
Food, drink, and craft stalls from local and international traders
A glittering Christmas tree with its life-size sleigh
Manchester’s very-own giant Santa sitting high above the markets in front of the Town Hall
The markets will be open here daily from Friday 6 November to Sunday 3 January 2027, except for Christmas Day.
Lincoln Square
A brand-new Christmas market location for 2026, just a step away from Albert Square.
Here you can enjoy festive refreshments, seasonal treats, and warming drinks from local and international traders – with jerk chicken, homestyle lasagne and pasta, Korean corn dogs, and so much more.
The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.
King Street
On King Street, you can browse soaps, decorations, local spirits, and truckle cheeses, or visit the Italian deli for gourmet meats, cheeses, and Mediterranean produce. Before heading off, make sure to visit mouth-watering food stalls for chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, Hong Kong-style French toast, Greek gyros, and so much more.
The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.
Manchester Christmas Markets are known for bringing thousands of people into the city centre / Credit: Manchester City Council
St Ann’s Square
The original home of Manchester Christmas Markets has been given a makeover and will have an exciting new layout for 2026. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy the twinkling lights of a giant Christmas tree, while sipping on a Guinness, a glühwein, or festive cocktail.
The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.
Corn Exchange
Browse the stalls in front of the Corn Exchange for unique gifts of all kinds from crafters, take home tasty festive treats like pork pies, handmade truffles, and artisan cheeses, or shop for clothing, jewellery, fabulous accessories and more.
The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.
Exchange Street & Exchange Square
Exchange Street and Square is back with many of the favourites you know and love.
Treat your taste buds to loaded hash browns, Yorkshire pudding wraps, traditional bratwurst, decadent hot chocolate, frosty affogatos, and Dubai-inspired chocolate-covered strawberries, before exploring the stalls selling a range of crafts and gifts against a backdrop of twinkling festive lights.
The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.
There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre / Credit: Manchester City Council
New Cathedral Street
New Cathedral Street is a must-visit destination for Christmas shopping. But don’t miss the traditional German bratwurst and beers, or a chance to indulge yourself in delicious steak frites with hot raclette cheese poured over the fries.
The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.
Market Street
Market Street is back and bigger than ever, with even more craft and gift stalls to explore. And then when you’re ready for a break from shopping, test your skills with carnival-style games including darts and hook-a-duck.
The markets will be open here until 22 December from 10am to 9pm every day, except 22 December when they will close at 6pm.
Cathedral Gardens
Expect plenty of activities for all ages at Cathedral Gardens, particularly for younger visitors, like Skate Manchester’s huge covered ice rink, mini fairground games, free live entertainment, and loads of food and drink stalls.
The markets will be open here daily from Friday 6 November to Sunday 3 January 2027, except for Christmas Day.
Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 here.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
What's On
Pussycat Dolls at Co-op Live – tickets, times and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
American girl group Pussycat Dolls have reunited for a UK tour, stopping off at Co-op Live in Manchester with their powerhouse pop anthems.
Releasing their first LP in 2005, this pop girl group have a variety of radio hits to their name like ‘Don’t Cha’, ‘When I Grow Up’ and ‘Buttons’.
Over the years, the Pussycat Dolls lineup has gone through significant changes with this latest reunion comprised of Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberley Wyatt and Ashley Roberts.
The trio even released some brand-new material to coincide with the announcement of their UK and EU tour titled ‘Club Song’.
Now the girls are about to put their Doll Domination to the test as they bring their PCD Forever Tour in arenas across the nation.
Gig guide – Pussycat Dolls at Co-op Live, Manchester
Doors for Pussycat Dolls at Co-op Live open from 6pm with a start time listed of 7pm with Lil’ Kim and rising girl group Deja Vu kicking things off.
Co-op Live has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning you can get home and loosen your ‘Buttons’, hopefully before the clock strikes twelve.
How to get to Co-op Live
Tram
For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus, which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live.
Getting there by car and parking
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue, but this must be pre-booked ahead of time, and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU, and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide on event day, though estimates will obviously vary:
Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live, but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly, and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes on the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
Emily Sergeant -
1st September 2023 
