What's On

New immersive exhibition unveiled as Pankhurst Centre reopens for first time since March 2020

A brand new permanent exhibition explores the lives of the Pankhurst family in a participatory and immersive way.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 13th July 2021

A new permanent exhibition is being unveiled at the Pankhurst Centre when the venue finally reopens in just a few weeks’ time.

Having been temporarily closed since the first lockdown was announced all the way back in March 2020, the museum and birthplace of the Suffragette movement will begin to welcome the Greater Manchester public back through its doors from Thursday 29 July for “a brand new visitor experience”.

Local community groups will be given a four-week preview of the new exhibition before it opens to the wider public.

At Home with the Pankhurst Family will explore the lives of the Pankhurst family in a participatory and immersive way, which includes the chance to visit the parlour where Emmeline Pankhurst called the first meeting of what would come to be known as the suffragette movement.

Funded by AIM Biffa Award History Makers as part of the Landfill Communities Fund, the new exhibition will completely transform the small Nelson Street-based museum.

The family’s experiences will be set within the context of historical events and viewpoints, exploring how the campaign to achieve ‘Votes for Women’ reached its pinnacle.

Since 1987, The Pankhurst Centre has acted as the hub for what would become one of history’s most iconic political movements / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

It is hoped that the re-imagination of the museum for this new permanent exhibition will be the start of a journey that will ultimately lead to the restoration of 60 and 62 Nelson Street – the location that has acted as the hub for what would become one of history’s most iconic political movements since it opened 1987.

Speaking ahead of the museum’s opening, Gail Heath – CEO of the Pankhurst Trust – said: “The new permanent exhibition is visceral, powerful and moving and we are so looking forward to welcoming you all back into the museum to share the achievements of our suffragette sisters, past and present”.

Ruth Colton – Heritage Manager at the Pankhurst Centre – adds: “The Pankhurst Centre’s reopening begins with us giving back to grassroots community groups who play such an important role in people’s lives, and have particularly provided immense support over the last 12 months.

“We want these groups to be able to enjoy a relaxed and rewarding experience with us during our first few weeks of opening.

“Then, from 29 August we’ll be open to all visitors, who we are excited to see discover the story of the Pankhurst family and the legacy of these change makers.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQtM3gCB2Se/

Public bookings for the Pankhurst Centre will open on Thursday 29 July 2021 for slots from Sunday 29 August.

Entry will be free, with a suggested donation of £5.

Featured Image – Pankhurst Trust

What's On

Manchester to mark Armed Forces Day 2025 with ‘poignant’ military parade this weekend

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Armed Forces Day

Plans to mark Armed Forces Day 2025 with a ‘poignant’ military parade in Manchester this weekend have been revealed.

As the country prepares to honour Armed Forces Day – which is taking place this year on Saturday 28 June – and show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community across the country, Manchester has revealed how our city will mark the annual event this weekend.

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’.

Manchester has revealed its plans to mark Armed Forces Day with a ‘poignant’ military parade / Credit: LCC | MoD

This year’s Armed Forces Day is particularly-special because it marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day) which happened on 8 May, and the upcoming Victory over Japan (VJ Day) on 15 August.

Mancunians are expected to line the streets as a parade made up of armed forces personnel, veterans, and cadets will begin a procession that will proudly march together through the centre of Manchester – with the Lancashire Army Artillery Band officially signalling the event opening at 11am, followed by the vibrant parade starting in St Peter’s Square at 11:30am. 

The free public event takes place in St Peter’s Square this Saturday 28 June / Credit: Mark Owens (via MoD on Flickr)

Lord Mayor Carmine Grimshaw will then lead an inspection with dignitaries, with other ‘esteemed guests’ set to be in attendance including the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

The Deputy Lieutenant will give a speech at 11:50am, before the honorary celebrations then continue with an afternoon of live performances, again by the lively Lancashire Army Artillery Band, alongside music hosted by BBC Radio DJ, Michelle Dignan until 4pm. 

Historic military displays, and stalls from organisations including the NHS, Royal British Legion, and Manchester City Council’s own Armed Forces Covenant, will also be in attendance on the day to give visitors the opportunity to further support the armed forces community beyond just Saturday itself.

On the ground, history will come to life through a special pop-up Military Museum tent.

Attendees can explore an engaging display of military vehicles, uniforms, artefacts, and personal stories that span the rich legacy of the British armed forces. 

The Council hopes this immersive experience will offer a rare opportunity to connect with the past, understand the evolution of military service, and honour those who have shaped the nation’s history through their courage and commitment. 

Read more:

Armed Forces Day 2025 takes place on Saturday 28 June, with commemorations to begin in Manchester city centre from 11am.

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

What's On

Diana Ross at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

It’s true, the Queen of Motown Records, Diana Ross, is coming to Manchester, and she’s bringing The Hallé Orchestra with her too.

Diana Ross and her band are making their way to Manchester for a night of glitz and glam, but they’re also making room for the much-loved Manc-based music collective

Much like collaborator and friend, Lionel Richie, who also paid a visit to Co-op Live earlier this month, Ross likes a bit of ‘Dancing On the Ceiling’ with her flipped-dance hit ‘Upside Down’.

You can expect this Pop and disco diva to perform lots of other timeless classics such as ‘I’m Coming Out’, ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, ‘Chain Reaction’, she really is ‘The Boss’.

Diana Ross gig guide – everything you need to know

Diana Ross, her band and The Hallé Orchestra are coming to Co-op Live Manchester on 26 June.
Diana Ross, her band and The Hallé Orchestra are coming to Co-op Live Manchester on 26 June.
Credit: Crisco 1492 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Diana Ross UK tour dates

  • Sun 22 June – Birmingham, UK – bp pulse Live
  • Mon 23 June – Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena
  • Wed 25 June – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
  • Thu 26 June – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
  • Sat 28 June – Leeds, UK – first direct arena
  • Mon 30 June – Liverpool, UK – M&S Bank Arena
  • Wed 2 July – London, UK – The O2

Diana Ross tickets for Co-op Live gig

This living legend is a bucket list gig for many, but we’re sure if you’re fast enough, you’ll be able to secure a ticket for yourself and your ‘Baby Love’.

Any available tickets can be found HERE.

Diana Ross has racked up 58 Top 10 hits and we're sure she'll play a hefty amount of these at Co-op Live.
Diana Ross has racked up 58 top 10 hits and we’re sure she’ll play a hefty amount of these at Co-op Live.
Credit: DVROSS (via Flickr)

Diana Ross setlist

  • I’m Coming Out
  • More Today Than Yesterday
  • Baby Love
  • You Can’t Hurry Love
  • Come See About Me
  • Stop! In the Name of Love
  • Touch Me in the Morning
  • I’m Still Waiting
  • Chain Reaction
  • He Lives in You
  • Good Morning Heartache
  • Love Hangover
  • Ease on Down the Road
  • Home
  • The Boss
  • Endless Love
  • Reach Out and Touch
  • Upside Down
  • Tomorrow
  • Count on Me
  • Just in Case
  • If the World Just Danced
  • Why Do Fools Fall in Love
  • Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)
  • Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
  • Amazing Grace
  • I Will Survive
  • Thank You

What are the stage times for Diana Ross in Manchester?

The supreme space that is Co-op Live has a strict curfew of 11pm, so you’ll be able to dance your socks off without having to ‘Stop! In the Name of Love’, while still making it back to bed before the early hours.

Anyone attending can expect the doors to open at 6:30pm with a kick-off time of 7:30pm and no official announcement regarding a support act.

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. You also get free Bee Network travel with any valid event ticket.

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 come 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 Moss (Ashton line) – 183 spaces and 12 disabled spaces
  • 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.

This will be Diana's first time performing at Co-op Live in Manchester.
This will be Diana’s first time performing at Co-op Live in Manchester.
Credit: Crisco 1492 (via WikiCommons)

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Publicity Picture (supplied)/Wikimedia Commons/Flickr

More What's On

Extra Oasis reunion tickets are being released

Audio

A limited number of additional Oasis tickets to be released in three UK cities on Live ’25 reunion tour

Art & Culture

Full lineup for Manchester’s city-wide summer art trail Music for the Senses announced

Art & Culture

Review | Dua Lipa had Anfield levitating on her first night in Liverpool

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches