Below you'll find fifteen great things to do in Manchester this month, including the return of Manchester's prodigal son, Morrissey, and this year's Pride Big Weekender. You can also find our monthly Top 10 gigs and concerts, theatre and comedy shows and art events and exhibitions here.
READY PLAYER ONE - HISTORY OF VIDEO GAMES | Future Artists Studios | 3 July - 11 September
If you missed out MSIM’s Play It, it’s not game over yet. Future Artists’ pop up retro arcade boasts over 50 vintage machines (no coins required) charting over 30 years of gaming: from classics like Space Invaders and Pac Man to rare Star Wars versions and nineties hit Street Fighter. Expect all the major entertainment systems - Sega, Nintendo, Atari - and even a 1950's inspired pinball arcade. Can you make it to the 'Ready Player One' scoreboard?
Future Artists Studios, 81 Chapel Street, Salford, M35BZ (various times, over 18s after 6pm; tickets from £6 from fatsoma.com).
LOITERING WITH INTENT: THE ART AND POLITICS OF WALKING | People’s History Museum | 23 July - 14 October
The art of wandering is a special art indeed, counting Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkein amongst its fans. That’s why the PHM is marking the tenth anniversary of the Loiterers Resistance Movement (yes, there is such a thing) with a celebratory events programme of walking tours, films, drawings, sound installations, paintings, DIY maps, photographs and games centred on exploration. Full programme here.
People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, M3 3ER (various times; free).
ROALD DAHL CENTENARY | The Garden | 2-4 August
Manchester families are set for a phizz-whizzing treat as Spinningfields Garden’s silent cinema celebrates the tenth anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth with a splendiferous series of outdoor screenings. Spectators can enjoy film adaptations of some of the author’s best-loved books, alongside family-friendly workshops spanning pancake flipping to sausage making. Our advice? Check it out, then head to Tatton Park for more squiffling surprises.
The Garden, Irwell Square, Spinningfields (various times; free, £5 deposit for headphones).
RIO OLYMPICS | MediaCity | 5-21 August
It’s a marathon 6000-mile journey to catch the Olympics in Rio, but fortunately you can catch all the action closer to home, as MediaCityUK is one of this year’s GB Fanzones. The piazza TV will be screening live coverage throughout, and there’ll also be opportunities to learn how you can take part in some of the Olympic sports on show this summer.
The Piazza. MediaCity, M50 2EQ (various times; free).
SOUNDTRACK | HOME | 5-31 August
HOME presents a film season with a difference this month, as acclaimed composer Barry Adamson selects iconic films based on their soundtracks. Music has the power to move us all, and permeates popular culture - yet we rarely pay much attention to it when watching movies. Listen carefully, however, and you’ll find it plays a bigger role than you think; as evidenced here in classics such as Lost Highway and Anatomy of a Murder.
HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN (various times; tickets from £7 at homemcr.org).
ADRENALINE RUSH | Heaton Park | Saturday 6 August
Feel-good fun for a great cause; it’s little wonder charity obstacle courses are enjoying huge popularity. If you missed last month’s Pretty Muddy, now’s your chance to tackle cancer - by tackling a 5km or 10km urban assault course. Take the leap of faith, run the gauntlet on the super ramp and perhaps enjoy a few rounds of dodgeball. If you’re not quite up to army standard, worry not: while challenging, it’s suitable for all fitness abilities.
Heaton Park, Middleton Rd, Higher Blackley M25 2SW (various times; tickets from £35 at endurancecui.active.com).
MANCHESTER LOVES COCKTAILS | Citywide | 8-14 August
We’ve had days, even weekends, but August sees the launch of Manchester’s first week-long cocktail fest. Yes, Manchester mixologists are gearing up for seven days of mixing, shaking, creating, drinking, tasting, clinking, debating and sipping...across venues citywide. From bourbon and blues at The Fitzgerald to tequila-fuelled Gringo Bingo at Black Dog, a ‘spirited’ events programme will accompany limited edition cocktails and plenty of partying. We’ll drink to that. Full programme here.
Various; £10 festival wristbands available at fatsoma.com).
SIMIEN MOUNTAIN DISCO | First Chop Brewing Arm | Saturday 13 August
And why Simien Mountains you ask? Because fifteen foodies will be taking a (four-day) hike in the Ethiopian mountain range to raise £100,000 for Action Against Hunger in October - including food critic Ruth Allan and acclaimed chef Mary Ellen-McTague, who are hosting a party this weekend to raise funds. DJs already confirmed include Drunk at Vogue’s Greg Thorpe and Pasta Paul. Revellers can also expect some surprise live acts, restaurant voucher raffle, karaoke - and of course some great grub and ale, with McTague hosting a BBQ alongside meat experts Fazenda. And it’s all for a good cause, how about that?
First Chop Brewing Arm, Trinity Way, Salford, M3 5EN (2pm-late; tickets £13.33 from eventbrite.com).
CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL | Alexandra Park | 13-14 August
Sashaying back to its spiritual home of over forty years, the Caribbean Carnival promises fantastical costumes, authentic cuisine and a vibrant procession through the city centre. Also spicing up proceedings will be live performances and workshops spanning SOCA to Roots & Dub and the all-new Latin Corner. This year’s theme is Bajan, celebrating 50 years of Barbados’ independence from British rule.
Alexandra Park, 180 Russell Street, M16 7JL (various times; free entry).
MORRISSEY | Manchester Arena | Saturday 20 August
The only UK venue in an otherwise international tour, Morrissey will be putting the M in Manchester this month with a headline date at his hometown arena. Since striking out alone, the former Smiths frontman has earned his fair share of stripes as a solo artist, most recently charting at number two with His last album World Peace Is None Of Your Business. He will be joined by special guest Damien Dempsey.
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR (7.30pm; tickets from £41 getmein.co.uk).
VINTAGE | Manchester Cathedral | 26-27 August
Manchester Cathedral will be donning its glad rags this weekend as the popular Vintage fair returns for more fun, frolics and retro fashion. Indulge in some retail therapy with clothes, jewellery and homeware before letting loose your inner Audrey Hepburn with the resident beauticians - or perhaps taking in the Friday fashion show, cocktail in hand. The venue’s not to be sniffed at either: how often do you get to shop in a Gothic cathedral?
Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, M3 1SX (Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-4pm; free).
PRIDE BIG WEEKEND | Citywide | 26-29 August
Gear up for 72 hours of mayhem and music, because the city’s biggest annual party is almost upon us. Drawing thousands of revellers to the Village and surrounds, this year’s Big Weekend line-up includes M People’s Heather Small, X Factor’s Lucy Spraggan and Brit award-winner Will Young. Joining them will be familiar events like the Pride Parade, alongside Corrie-themed events and wild club nights aplenty.
Various; check the website.
BOLTON FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL | Bolton | 26-29 August
As the North West’s largest food festival, Bolton’s will be serving up a jam-packed programme this bank holiday. On this year’s menu will be a five-course Gala Dinner, Sunday brunch and book reading, Slattery afternoon tea picnic, Mad Science children’s zone and over 150 speciality food and drink stalls. A focus on New World Wines also means acclaimed critics Oz Clarke and Kate Goodman will be joining the likes of John Torode and Nadiya Hussain.
Various; check the website.
MANCHESTER SOUL FESTIVAL | Printworks | 28 August
After its debut last year raised over £22,000 for The Christie, this philanthropic fest has soul in more ways than one. Whilst the lineup is still to be confirmed, visitors can expect plenty of Motown magic as bands take to the Frank Byrne Stage, named after the popular DJ and Soul Festival driving force. It’s not the Printworks’ only charitable endeavour this month: the entertainment venue has launched its own quirky £5 calendar, which is available from all 16 resident dining venues. All proceeds go to Forever Manchester.
Pump Yard, Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, M4 2BS (12pm; £5 wristbands available at justgiving.com).
SPINFEST | Oast House | Sunday 28 August
The Oast-ess with the Most-ess is back with another bank holiday bonanza, as Spinfest once again takes to the Budvar Stage. From acoustic classics with local duo One + One to Latin vibes with Peruvian artist Tocha and the golden age of jazz with Dani Sicari & The Easy Rollers, there’s something for every ear. Safari Phil will be there, too, with his menagerie of exotic critters.
The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, M3 3AY (12.45-10pm; free).
For more things to do, check out our monthly Top 10 gigs and concerts, theatre and comedy shows and art exhibitions within our Arts & Entertainment section
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