Summer’s over when we say it’s over, and with that in mind, we’ve decided to team up with Kampus to throw a big summer disco this September and you’re all coming — no excuses.
The Big Kampus Disco is taking place in the city centre’s coolest new canal-side garden neighbourhood, where we and the wonderful team over there will be providing all the big hits and disco classics from the dancefloor, as well as promising dancers, performers and general festivity.
Expect bright lights and a ridiculous amount of glitter.
Taking place on Saturday 9, September, the lineup is looking absolutely ace and we can’t wait.
The Kampus Kampus Disco is going to be one of this summer’s highlights. (Credit: Kampus)
With the party set to get started from 3pm onwards, guests can rock up in what we’re sure will be a sunny afternoon and evening to will enjoy DJ sets, amazing live music, as well as a massive Manchester silent disco.
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Around 400 music lovers are set to come along, so it could genuinely be one of the biggest silent discos the city has ever hosted and even if the weather is being typically Manc, we’re sure you lovely lot will bring plenty of sunshine with you.
Foodies won’t be disappointed either, as there’ll be an endless choice of delicious food and drink from the resident traders like Nell’s, Seven Brothers, Three Little Words and more — all of which will be serving everything al fresco so you don’t miss a single disco beat.
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Who needs a holiday?
Just look at the vibe.
Super talented DJ Pops Roberts will get the glitter ball rolling from with an inferno of a setlist featuring disco, funk, rare groove and all things soulful before the baton is passed on to Manchester’s very own The Untold Orchestra, who’ll be playing amazing live classical renditions of some of the biggest disco hits from legendary artists like Diana Ross and Chic from 5pm.
There’ll be plenty ofglitter make-up artists glamming people up and disco dancers getting you in the mood and, of course, a few of us will be there so come and say hello.
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You’ll have to do it before 7:30 though because that’s when the headphones come out as the huge silent disco gets underway with DJs Hannah O’Gorman, who’ll be continuing with the disco beats, and Kat Brown Sugar (great name), who will be delving into her party hip hop and R&B collection.
Speaking on the exciting collab, Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: “This is one of many amazing live events being hosted at Kampus this year. We’ve had Kampus Fest; a weekend of festival vibes and tunes to coincide with Glastonbury.
“We’ve also had food and drink takeovers from our fantastic indie operators at Kampus and we have a packed line-up planned for the August Bank Holiday raising funds for LGBTQIA+ charities, as the city celebrates Pride. Kampus offers the perfect outdoor venue for The Big Kampus Disco, and we’re excited to be keeping the summer party in full swing as we head into September.”
As for us lot, we’re so excited to be a part of this event; we love a silent disco and we should have recovered from Manchester Pride by then, so can’t wait to boogie the night away (touch wood).
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A disco dress code is encouraged but not mandatory. Tickets for the silent disco are £5 (plus a £10 refundable deposit) in advance but can also be bought on the door. The ticket fee and deposit will secure a set of headphones for the silent disco but all the events prior to the silent disco are completely free.
You can grab yours in advance HERE. Be there or be square.
Council plans 14 weeks of ‘free fun’ for children across Greater Manchester this summer
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is bringing 14 weeks of free activities for children to parks across the city this summer.
Thanks to additional Council funding that was allocated earlier this year, Manchester’s biggest-ever Parktastic programme launches this week – expanding from the summer holidays alone to include after-school sessions before schools break up, activities throughout the holidays, and even sessions continuing into September.
Back by popular demand and aimed at children ages six-12, Parktastic offers sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, drama, nature activities, storytelling and messy play.
Sessions are free, no booking is required, healthy snacks are provided, and children can simply turn up and join in.
Activities will be running in 32 parks across Manchester all summer long.
The programme launches as Manchester celebrates being officially recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City, reinforcing the city and Manchester City Council’s commitment to ensuring every child has the chance to ‘play, thrive, and enjoy’ their local community.
🌳 Parktastic is back!
FREE play sessions are happening daily in @MCRparks_ across Manchester, led by trusted youth partners.
A great way for kids to have fun, make friends & enjoy the outdoors safely 💙
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 19, 2026
Sessions are set to take place rain or shine, so even if the classic rainy Manchester weather returns, children can still have fun.
It is suggested that younger children are accompanied by a parent/carer if they attend any of the organised events.
“We’re really lucky in Manchester to have lots of beautiful parks and open spaces and want our children to be able to get outside and enjoy them,” commented Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council.
“Our expanded Parktastic programme this year is even bigger and better.
“[This] means even more opportunities for youngsters in the city to go along to their local park, maybe try something new, have fun, meet friends and even make new ones.”
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 22 – 28 June 2026
Emily Sergeant
Can you believe it’s our final full week of June? Summer is already slipping away from us.
Honestly, where has this year so far gone? But luckily, time flies when you’re having fun, and that’s exactly what we’ve all been doing Greater Manchester these past couple of weeks. This week is no different, but if you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do, no worries, as 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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Forest Tubing
Zip World Manchester
Monday 22 June – onwards
Forest Tubing / Credit: Supplied
Thrill seekers, this one’s for you – as Zip World Manchester has launched its new Forest Tubing experience, 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.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: BBC | Science Museum Group (Drew Forsyth)
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.
Looking for somewhere to watch the World Cup in Greater Manchester?
We couldn’t really start this list off with anything else, could we?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off, but if didn’t grab tickets to catch a game in person over in North America or Mexico, and you don’t fancy sitting at home watching on your own, then thankfully, our region is filled with places where you can catch all the action surrounded by hundreds of other football fans.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 / Credit: Road to Victory
You’re absolutely spoiled for choice this year, as there’s plenty of places in Manchester city centre and beyond screening all the games.
Will England bring football home though? Only time will tell.
Check out our round-up list of all the best places to watch the World Cup in Greater Manchester here👇
World Cup Playground / Credit: Sophia J Carey (Supplied)
A massive World Cup ‘playground’ has now opened in Greater Manchester.
MediaCity has announced its biggest programme of events to date to celebrate, from a baller league-style football pitch, to big name creator takeovers, and much more – but at the heart of all the action is the new World Cup ‘playground’, where football fans will be able to play five-a-side on a bespoke pitch, while watching matches on giant screens.
As the home of the BBC’s World Cup coverage, MediaCity says it’s ‘going big’ this summer, and that includes bringing some of the UK’s biggest Gen Z creators down for full takeovers and tournaments, and even getting the BBC pundits involved in the action too.
Salford is celebrating 100 years of being its own city this year, and a raft of exciting new events have been announced to mark the occasion, featuring everything from art commissions to community events from the likes of Walk the Plank and From The Other – with many free to attend.
Salford City Council has put together the cultural programme across Salford’s eight neighbourhoods, supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
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Everything has been created to explore the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future of Salford.
Find out everything happening for this special centenary year here.
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National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails
North West
Monday 22 June – onwards
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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.
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 summer 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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GRUB On The Docks
MediaCity
Tuesday 23 June – onwards
GRUB On The Docks / Credit: Supplied
GRUB On The Docks has returned for the summer.
MediaCity’s waterfront site has been transformed into a vibrant open-air destination built for warm weather and big moments across the season, as GRUB On The Docks returns later this week.
Running across the summer months, you can expect some of Greater Manchester’s best street food traders to be serving up global flavours and summer-ready drinks, alongside live music, DJs, and just an all round laid-back atmosphere turning daytime hangouts into evening sessions.
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is currently hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this summer.
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Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the 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.
Armed Forces Day 2026 / Credit: Manchester City Council
Armed Forces Day sees Brits commemorate and celebrate those who are currently serving troops, their families, serving reservists, veterans, and cadets.
Manchester will also be paying tribute to the hundreds who have ‘fearlessly served’.
The day will begin in St Peter’s Square with a short ceremonial moment of reflection, led by Armed Forces personnel, offering those in attendance a chance to pause, remember service and sacrifice, and honour those who protect our freedoms.
Did you know 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.
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.
It’s strawberry season, and Kenyon Hall Farm has officially opened up its strawberry fields (plus plenty of other pick-your-own produce) for the season for you to frolic amongst, with loads of summer treats in its cafe and award-winning farm shop too.
Strawberries have been growing at Kenyon Hall Farm for nearly 50 years now, and it’s proven as popular ever since.
Fancy saving up to 50% off at some of Manchester’s top restaurants?
A bit of a daft question really, we know… of course you do.
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 May, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in June, 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.
Danny Jones -
18th August 2023 
