A new art trail by the Bee in the City team named ’50 Windows of Creativity’ is coming to Manchester this autumn and it’s set to shine a light on the work of local artists and makers.
The new art trail will showcase works through displays in a series of windows, venues, businesses and spaces across the city centre.
The displays will feature multiple art forms, from fine art and photography, to ceramics, crafts, mosaics and murals. They will be curated by both well-known and emerging artists and collectives – all of whom have a connection to Greater Manchester – and also by the city’s cultural venues and festivals which haven’t been able to take place this year.
Global public art producers Wild in Art – whose previous work includes the award-winning Bee in the City art trail, which took over the city in 2018 – will produce the event in partnership with Manchester City Council.
Building on Manchester’s reputation for innovation and the key strategic role that art and culture plays in the social and economic life of the city, the event will help residents to reconnect with places and spaces in the city centre again as part of the Council’s recovery programme.
‘Cathedral Walk’ by Sarah Connell
Artists and makers taking part this year include Wellcome Trust prize winner Benji Reid, Manchester-born mixed media landscape artist Sarah Connell, and contemporary creative studio Lazerian, and all pieces on display will also be available to buy directly from the artist or maker, which will give a much needed boost to the city’s creative community.
Charlie Langhorne – Co-founder and Managing Director of Wild in Art – said: “The team is delighted to be back in Manchester working with the city, its businesses and the creative community to produce this event. It is a slight departure to our traditional sculpture trails and it will be our first ever ‘window’ trail – firmly putting the spotlight on the city’s artists and makers.
“One of Manchester’s unique qualities is its ability to bring people together and we hope 50 Windows of Creativity will enable Mancunians to rediscover the city in a safe and socially distanced way, while enjoying a new type of outdoor event.”
Liam Hopkins
Ben Reed – Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art – added: “We are delighted to be working with some incredibly talented artists and makers and we are excited to see their work and displays develop. This project will transform the city’s windows and spaces into an innovative art gallery taking people on a creative journey around Manchester.”
Councillor Luthfur Rahman – Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure – said: “Bee in the City was a captivating example of the power that the arts and culture can have for the people of Manchester. Culture is the beating heart and soul of this city and as a Council we are proud to champion this sector. This latest offering will allow people to engage with and enjoy culture after months of lockdown where our favourite venues, whether they are galleries, museums, parks or libraries, have been off limits for many.
“A huge amount of work has gone into helping Manchester recover economically [and] what we need to see now is the same level of support to see the city recover culturally – a sector which is intrinsic to the city’s economic recovery.
“This is why it is crucial that we engage with projects like 50 Windows of Creativity.”
“Now more than ever it is so important that we show support for the arts community, and I hope that when this project is ready people will take the time to explore it and appreciate the incredible talent that Manchester has to offer.”
Liam Hopkins
The ’50 Windows of Creativity’ project is supported by Event Partner Autotrader, with other businesses including Hobs Repro, Ocean Outdoor, Jamieson Contracting and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
Christos Tsaprounis – Head of People & Culture at Autotrader – said: “This is an inspiring event to be part of. As a business in the city, we wanted to do all we can to support the city we operate in, local artists and a worthwhile charity [and] we are delighted to be involved in this innovative initiative”.
The project culminates with an auction, which will see a selection of pieces auctioned with proceeds going to their artists and makers, and to The Lord Mayor of Manchester Charity Appeal Trust – We Love MCR – which aims to help improve the lives and life chances of Manchester people.
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There are a number of opportunities for businesses to get involved with ’50 Windows of Creativity’.
Businesses wanting more information about supporting the event though sponsorship should contact Julie Gaskell – Head of Partnerships at Wild in Art – on [email protected], and businesses interested in providing a window space or having an installation in their premises should contact [email protected]
New and established Greater Manchester based artists who have an idea for an installation can also contact [email protected] by 5pm on 9th September 2020.
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 28 July – 3 August 2025
Emily Sergeant
It’s the last week of July, and once August arrives, we don’t want to see anyone denying that summer is here… you just can’t.
Schools across Greater Manchester are now out for the summer holidays, and that means the fun is just getting started, so there’s plenty happening this week to celebrate – from festivals, and themed events, to new foodie openings, family fun, and loads more.
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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Summer of Senses
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 28 July – 31 August
Summer of Senses / Credit: Science Museum Group
The Science and Industry Museum has got a spectacular summer holiday programme packed with all sorts of things to be getting up to, making it one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle with your little ones in the city centre this summer.
With events running up until 31 August, whether it’s disco dancing around a giant brain, unveiling the science behind optical illusions, or journeying through a giant ear canal, there’s something for everyone during the museum’s ‘sense-sational’ summer.
Loads To Do / Credit: Artem Kniaz | Yan Krukau (via Unsplash & Pexels)
Thousands of free activities have been planned by Manchester City Council ready for local families to take part in this summer.
A many parents, carers, and guardians will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained for six whole weeks before the new term starts, the Councilhas relaunched its popular Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) to help keep little Mancs active during the summer break.
From arts and crafts, to sporting events and plenty other physical activities, there is a whole host of entertaining things for everyone to get involved with, no matter your budget, making sure no one gets bored over the holidays.
There’s everything from a pop-up bar in Piccadilly Gardens with surprise live acts doing sets, and markets in St Peter’s Square selling vinyl and vintage goods, to block parties in the Northern Quarter, and the already-announced Music for the Senses art trail dotted around all the well-known city centre sights.
Music for the Senses / Credit: David Oates Photography
An all-new multi-sensory art exhibition has taken over the streets of the city centre this summer.
The new exhibition, which is titled Music for the Senses: an art arrangement for a musical city, is a collaboration between global art producer Wild in Art – the creators of the famous Bee in the City project – and Manchester City Council.
A free open-air cinema has arrived Manchester city centre for the summer.
With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square the go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences can recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views, and watch everything from classic and family films, to music, sporting events, and so much more.
It’s launched down at New Jackson – Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
Stories – Brought To Life / Credit: The Manc Group
A major new National Portrait Gallery exhibition has arrived in Salford.
The ground-breaking new experience by FRAMELESS Creative has opened at MediaCity, bringing some of the world’s most famous portraits to life like never before.
Stories – Brought to Life will explore the fascinating lives of these figures, who have shaped the UK’s history and culture all the way since the Tudor period, and will combine the highest quality digital projection, Hollywood-style visual effects, and the latest audio technology, along with specially created musical scores and creative narratives to shine a new light on each individual.
Visitors will be able to step inside iconic portraits including Grayson Perry, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Emmeline Pankhurst, Queen Elizabeth I, and William Shakespeare.
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years / Credit: Supplied
You can step into the fantastical imaginary world of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years this summer.
This world-premiere exhibition, created in collaboration with robotics studio Air Giants, invites you to experience a playful blend of education, theatre, and dreamscape – and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen at Manchester Museum before.
Once you’ve met the 10-meter long sleepy cat, you’ll then find a series of fun, free, cat-inspired activities at the Museum throughout the summer, including an augmented reality trail.
A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun has returned to the Trafford Centre for the summer.
After proving to be massively-popular over the past couple of years, with thousands of families travelling from across Greater Manchester and beyond to bask in the sunshine and make the most of all the fun and games, the Trafford Centre has welcomed back its Summer Fair for 2025.
And this year, the beloved event has got itself a new family activity zone, and it sounds set to be bigger and better than ever.
The best bit? Tickets will only set you back just £3 each.
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Stockport has transformed into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail has taken over the town.
Visitors should get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail is making its North West debut and taking over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
The trail is created by trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld.
The legendary illustrator behind Roald Dahl’s most iconic characters has landed in Salford, and this magical exhibition is completely free.
Quentin Blake and Me has taken over The Lowry for the summer, with more than 100 of his instantly-recognisable illustrations, alongside a life-sized sailing boat, a monster portrait gallery, puzzles, trails, dressing up, and even a selfie stop with the Enormous Crocodile.
Cheshire Oaks has brought its popular The Great Summer Social event back for another year, and there’s currently loads to get involved with while schools are out.
Not only is there a bunch of retail offers and promotions to make the most of, as well as free family-friendly interactive activities to get involved with too, but there’s also a big wheel, a mini golf course, a big screen showing entertainment events, DJs blasting out tunes, and a wide variety of street food and drink vendors across the Designer Outlet.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Kargo on the Docks is back for the summer.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
Chester Zoo’s much-loved Afterglow event is back this summer, and organisers say it’ll be ‘bigger and better’ than ever.
Returning to the UK’s biggest charity zoo by popular demand, Afterglow is already known and loved for offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore the zoo and its 37,000 animals after hours… and this time around, there will be ‘even more’ surprises to discover.
Animal lovers will get the unique chance to encounter some of the world’s most endangered species during golden hour – which, for many animals, is one of their most active periods.
Find out more and see if there’s last-minute tickets here.
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Day Out With Thomas
East Lancashire Railway
Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 August
Day Out With Thomas / Credit: ELR
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine has once again made a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester for the summer.
The beloved Day Out With Thomas experience is said to be ‘a train ride like no other’.
Families will have the chance to hop onboard the East Lancashire Railway’s replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns this weekend for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.
A free festival with a lineup packed full of activities, workshops, live music, and more is coming to HOME this weekend.
The independent arts venue in the heart of Manchester city centre is inviting familie to the first of its two weekend-long festivals this Saturday and Sunday to get stuck into everything from interactive theatre and circus skills workshops, to dance, hands-on crafts, and so much more.
Full list of road closures set to be in place as Manchester Day 2025 takes over the city
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Day is back for 2025 this weekend, and the full list of road closures set to be in place has been confirmed.
Now that schools are officially out across Greater Manchester, and the summer holidays are well and truly here, the hugely-popular Manchester Day is making a return once again this Saturday 26 July, and as always, it’s set to be ‘the day summer officially starts’ in the city centre – with a massive celebration of ‘all things Mancunian’ on the cards.
The theme of this year’s annual event is music, and it’s inspired by Manchester’s spectacular summer of sound, spearheaded by Oasis Live ’25 that recently concluded at Heaton Park.
The day will be packed full of free events and activities to get involved with.
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed free fun / Credit: Manchester City Council
As always, activities will be taking place right across the city centre – from St Ann’s Square to Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in between.
Organisers say there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors, both young and old, to get stuck in, try their hand at making music and maybe even uncover a hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.
But of course, in order for the all the fun to go ahead as safely as possible, and as tends to be the case for events like these, Manchester City Council says it will need to make some temporary road closures to facilitate it.
The full list of road closures has now been confirmed by the Council, and there’s some major city centre thoroughfares set to be out of action.
Here’s everything you need to know.
A number of road closures and parking suspensions will be in place / Credit: Manchester City Council
Manchester Day 2025 – Road Closures
Saturday 26 July
From 6am to 10pm, Manchester City Council has confirmed that the following roads will be closed:
Deansgate (Victoria Street to John Dalton Street)
St Ann Street (Deansgate to Cross Street)
Cross Street (Corporation Street to New Market Street)
St Mary’s Gate (Exchange Street to Deansgate)
Market Street (Cross Street to Exchange Street)
Exchange Street (St Mary’s Gate to St Ann’s Square)
Cateaton Street (Deansgate to Exchange Square)
Victoria Street (Deansgate to Cathedral Approach)
Fennel Street (Corporation Street to Cathedral Street)
Cathedral Street (Fennel Street to Exchange Square)
All accessible bays, bus lanes, and taxi ranks within the closed areas will also be suspended during from 9pm on Friday 25 July to 9pm on Saturday 26 July.
The parking suspensions set to be in place are:
Deansgate (Victoria Street to St John Street)
Peter Street (St James Street to Deansgate)
Mount Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)
Central Street (Southmill Street to Mount Street)
Southmill Street (Windmill Street to Jackson’s Row)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
George Street (Princess Street to Dickinson Street)
Victoria Street (Deansgate to Cathedral Approach)
St Ann Street (Deansgate to Cross Street)
Cross Street (Corporation Street to New Market Street)
Cateaton Street (Deansgate to Exchange Square)
Market Street (Cross Street to St Mary’s Gate)
St Mary’s Gate (Market Street to Deansgate)
John Dalton Street (Cross Street to Deansgate)
King Street (Cross Street to Spring Gardens)
St James’s Square (King Street to South King Street)
St Mary’s Street (Southgate to Deansgate)
Cathedral Street (Fennel Street to Exchange Square)
Fennel Street (Corporation Street to Cathedral Street)
Southgate (King Street West to St Mary’s Street)
On the day, full traffic diversion signage will be in place across all areas affected by road closures, and the Council says it will do its best to ‘minimise’ their duration.
Manchester Day 2025 is taking over the city centre on Saturday 26 July, and will be kicking off at midday right through to 5pm.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd September 2020 
