From 'piss pot pottery' to a leather jacket sample sale - 10 fashion and lifestyle events to attend this August

Unless you're privy to round-the-clock air-con, then you'll no doubt have noticed that England is in the midst of a history-making heatwave. So, whilst previous years have seen Brits flock to foreign climes to get a slice of summer sun, this year we've had more than our usual share crammed into May, June and July. And with so much sun on your doorstep - and even more set for August - plus a host of engaging lifestyle events of offer this month, why go anywhere else? 

From creative workshops to fitness events, these fashion and lifestyle events will sort your summer diary.  

Piss Pots pottery | PLANT NOMA, 2 August

If your artistic talents need a little help to flourish, then try Piss Pots Pottery sessions – the classes offer the chance to get behind the pottery wheel with the helping hand of booze. Participants can expect hand-make anything from sculptures to tablewear at the Plant NOMA pop-up.

Tickets £20 – get them here 

Plant NOMA, Redfern, Dantzic Street, Manchester, M60 0AE

Boda skins sample sale | Royal Exchange Theatre, 3 & 4 August

If the sweltering summer heat is making you pine for your winter wardrobe, then Boda Skins is here with the mother of all sample sales. The premium leather jacket brand is offering up to 80% off its stylish jackets – which usually retail at £500 - for two days only at a pop-up store in the Royal Exchange. This is one sample sale you don’t want to miss.

Tickets free – more information here
Royal Exchange Theatre, St Anns Square, Manchester M2 7DH

Battle cancer fitness charity event | Victoria Warehouse, 4 August

Looking to get more out of your fitness workout? Then try Battle Cancer this August. The fitness-meets-charity event aims to bring participants an adrenaline-fuelled series of workouts, all in the aid of cancer charities. As well as a heart-racing schedule of workout routines, the evenue will also be packed full of interactive trade stands, charity stalls, food venues including KettleBell Kitchen and a live DJ set throughout the day.

Tickets £10 – book them here
Victoria Warehouse, Trafford Wharf Rd, Stretford, Manchester M17 1AB

An introduction to floristry | Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 4 August

You can’t swipe through Instagram these days without spotting a blogger with a bouquet. So, if you want to recreate those signature Instagram selfies, or if you just fancy your hand at floristry, this floral-filled workshop promises to get you in good stead. Learn how to select flowers and hand-tie bouquets, before you create your own to take home.

Tickets £45 – book them here
Manchester Craft & Design Centre, Manchester, M4 1LY

Pop-up Painting | Common, 7 August

If your usual night-out ends with you wailing Little Mix at your local chippy, the pop-up painting is back this month to add some creative class to your acholic encounters. Let your creative juices flow whilst you sip – slowly now – on your favourite tipple and have a stab at painting the iconic Manchester bee.  

Tickets £19 – buy them here, 7.30pm – 10pm
Common bar, Edge Street, Manchester, M4 1HW 

The power of positivity | Leaf, Portland Street, 8 August

Mindfulness, wellness, positivity. We’ve all heard about the season’s wellness trends, but how do you actually implement them into your lifestyle? Cue lifestyle coach Carol-Ann, a positivity practitioner from Macclesfield. This month Carol-Ann is hosting a workshop to teach mind set hacks to maximise your well-being and performance in and out of the work place, as well as explaining how and why mental fitness should be practiced regularly.

Tickets £5 – buy them here
Doors: 6.30pm / Talk starts: 7.00pm
Leaf, Portland Street, Manchester

The North Face free climbing session | Rock Over Climbing, 18 August  

This month, outdoors brand The North Face have made the ambitious pledge to get 100,000 people climbing on one day with the launch of free climbing sessions across the UK. The Manchester part of the initiative will be taking place in Rock Over Climbing, inviting Mancunians to join the climbing community and scale the centre’s many walls to test their strength and agility.

Tickets free – more information here, 2pm – 7pm
Rock Over Climbing, Clarence Hatworks, 45 Julia Street, M3 1LN 

Meet Monat Manchester - Healthy Hair Happy Hour | Tribeca, 12 August

Experts in naturally-based haircare Monat are descending upon Manchester this month to introduce the city to their healthy haircare revolution. Meet with brand ambassadors, learn about natural ingredients and sample products from the new collection.

Tickets free – register here, 5.30pm - 8pm
Tribeca, 50 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3WF

Feed Your Head – Fat Girl Singing with Girl Gang | LGBT Centre, 16 August

Too fat, too thin. Too sexy, too sensible. Too womanly, not girly enough. If you’re sick off all the labels that are slung at your body and your lifestyle, then it’s time to shake off all the shaming at Girl Gang’s latest venture. The community group’s resident musician Emma Geraghty is hosting a discussion-meets-singalong, full of music-based activities and chats, focused around body image, self-care, and celebrating every body. If you’ve got something to say and you want to shout, scream or sing it from the rooftops, then come on down.

Tickets free – register here, 7pm - 9pm 
LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney Street, Manchester, M1 7HB

'Rediscover You' Workshop by The Vibrancy Hub | Pot Kettle Black, 22 August

Do you ever feel like you're living in a world with so much and yet you feel like you have less? Do you sometimes feel un-content with the cards you've been dealt? In this 1-hour conversation hosted by The Vibrancy Hub, learn how to reconnect with your true self with inspiring tips and reflection tools designed to create a stronger you. Sometimes we are so influenced by society’s version of success that we can lose sight of who we are - this workshop strives to ensure you don't forget what makes you you. 

Tickets £5 - buy them here (includes soft drink and snack), 6.00pm - 7.30pm 
Pot Kettle Black, 14, Barton Arcade, Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BW

Talking Shop supper club | PORTER + cole, 31 August

In the build-up to Manchester's first wellness festival taking place this September, Float festival organisers are kicking off proceedings this month by hosting a supper club with a difference. No texting or tweeting, just eating and meeting as participants are invited to enjoy three courses supported by three conversations around the wellness ratio. We all know that wellness is important for a maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but how do we implement this into our busy lives? Join the talking shop to find out.

Tickets £45 – get them here, 6.30pm – 10pm
PORTER + cole, 124 High Street, Manchester, M4 5JY

UK Vapers Lifestyle Expo 2018 | BEC Arena Manchester, 31 August – 1 September

If you’ve embraced the vaping lifestyle, then this is one not to miss. Discover the world’s best vaping brands all under one roof, alongside popular brands that celebrate 'the vaping lifestyle'. Visitors can expect BMX displays, graffiti wars, magicians, break dancing and cloud competitions, as well as showcases from a host of lifestyle, food and drinks brands. From beard oils to beauty brands, the expo promises to showcase everything and anything that could possibly be linked to vaping.

Tickets £15 – buy them here, 10am – 7pm
Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Longbridge Road, Trafford Park, M17 1SN