From Bongo’s Bingo to Book of Mormon and food festival debuts galore, it’s looking a lively month
Looking for more great things to do this August? Then check out our essential festival calendar - this month ft. Manchester Pride, Flixton Festival and more...
MADE LOCAL POP-UP SHOP | Paperchase | Until 11 August
Presented by Curated Makers - an organisation that champions Northern makers, artists and small creative businesses - this Paperchase pop-up includes over 50 local creatives spanning artwork, jewellery, homewares, candles, stationery and more. The perfect opportunity to grab someone (or indeed yourself) a unique prezzie.
Top floor, Paperchase, Bank House, 12-14 St Mary's Gate, Manchester M1 1PX (9am-7pm Mon-Sat, 11am-5pm Sun; free entry)
REFUGE TERRACE PARTIES | Refuge | Until 17 August
The Refuge’s alfresco-style, vinyl-only weekends will welcome some of Manchester’s most renowned disc jockeys and club gatherings; with appearances from the likes of Me Gusta, Lord Chester and Roots Before Branches to name a few. Ideal for some summer supping on Manchester’s ‘hidden terrace’…our fickle weather permitting.
The Refuge, Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA (5-8pm Fri, 4-8pm Sat; free entry)
GLORIOUS PHANTOMS | Quarry Bank | 13 July - 29 September
Exploring the legacy of the Peterloo Massacre 200 years on as part of Peterloo 1819, this new film has been created by artist family Grace Surman and Gary Winters, and their two children Hope and Merrick. Created with the help of National Trust volunteers and MMU historian Michala Hulme, it delves into local stories of Peterloo and how they link to protest and freedom today.
Quarry Bank, Styal Rd, Styal, Wilmslow SK9 4LA (10.30am-5pm; free with entry)
THE BOOK OF MORMON | Palace Theatre | Until 24 August
Not seen Book of Mormon yet? You’re in luck, as the show’s run has been extended. Following the misadventures of mismatched pair of Mormons trying to convert an African village, this outrageous musical comedy from the creators of South Park has tickled audiences across the world with its tongue-in-cheek humour. See what our Joan Davies thought here.
Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT (2.30pm & 7.30pm; tickets from £13 at atgtickets.com)
POWER UP | Museum of Science & Industry | 20 July - 1 September
Power UP is back by popular demand for 2019, with hundreds of consoles. Get your game face on and play some of the most popular games from the past 40 years, Pong and Pac-Man to Minecraft and Mario. Whether you’re a family dropping in for a 90-minute session, a hardcore gamer at a half day session or a night owl visiting our adult-only evening sessions, there’s a ticket for all. Also at the museum this month is a major new exhibition on the sun.
Museum of Science & Industry, Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP (various times; tickets from £7 at scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk)
NORTHERNERS | Wex Photo Video | 1 August - 31 October
Renowned portraitist Rory Lewis spent over a decade capturing many of the North’s most famous faces; from sports personalities to actors and politicians. The result is Northerners, a compelling exhibition that will return to Manchester this year following its 2014 debut. Over twenty people are included, spanning Sir Ian McKellen to Beth Tweddle and Craig Charles.
Wex Photo Video, Downing Street Industrial Estate, Charlton Pl, Manchester M12 6HH (9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, Sat 9am-4pm; free)
999 DAY |intu Trafford Centre | Thursday 1 August
Need something a little different to keep the family entertained this summer? This could be the ticket - and might even inspire a future generation of heroes…The North West’s biggest celebration of emergency services, 999 Day will feature up to 100 vehicles from fire engines to vintage appliances, alongside demos spanning first aid to chip pan fires.
intu Trafford Centre, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AA (10am-4pm; free entry)
ALT MILK VEGAN FESTIVAL | The Pilcrow | Saturday 3 August
ALT MILK kicks off August in NOMA with booze, food, music and crafts - ‘all in eco-friendly, animal-loving fashion.’ Highlights include a vegan tap takeover from some of the best names in beer, Sicilian treats from Little Orange Co., Mexican food with Northern soul from Twisted Meal, and vegan sweetness from Drizzle City Bakes. There’ll also be artists and makers, and live DJ sets on the terrace. The Pilcrow will also be taking part in Sadler’s Yard Summer Jam the following weekend.
The Pilcrow, Hanover St, Manchester M60 0AB (12-8pm; free entry)
FULL FAT | Fairfield Social Club | Saturday 3 August
Enjoying the cream of Manchester's food, booze and creative community while simultaneously raising dosh for a great cause? Sounds like our kind of event. With all proceeds to Keep Our NHS Public and Headway, Full Fat also boasts workshops with the likes of Heart & Parcel and live DJ sets. Also raising money for charity, the same weekend sees Great Northern Street Festival makes its debut.
Fairfield Social Club, 6 Archway, Temperance St, Manchester, M12 6HR (11am-12pm; free entry)
BONGO’S BINGO FT KELIS | Manchester Central | 2-3 August
It’s been sweeping the nation and beyond for four years, and ‘crazy rave bingo night’ Bongo’s Bingo is back in Manchester this August with a special guest in the form of Kelis. Making milkshake popular even before recent election shenanigans, the US singer is here for two nights only. Saturday night is now sold out but there is still a handful left for Friday…if you hurry.
Manchester Central, Windmill St, Manchester M2 3GX (6pm, last entry 7.30pm; tickets £26 at bongosbingo.co.uk)
SINA SPARROW: POPPYCOCK | The Weavers Factory |3 August - 1 September
It’s not often you see an 18+ exhibition, but The Weavers Factory isn’t your usual gallery. This retrospective of artist and London DJ Sina Sparrow includes vivid illustrations of music and movie icons, autobiographical hand-drawn comics and zines and, er, large-format portraits of dead male adult film stars. A must for pop-art fans, it’s also a great opportunity to explore the Saddleworth’s gorgeous new ‘art house.’
13 New Street, Uppermill, Saddleworth, OL3 6AU (10am-4pm Thurs-Sun; free entry)
PRIVATE LIVES | Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens | 15-16 August
Heartbreak Productions’ outdoor adaptation of Noel Coward’s celebrated comedy promises an evening of sparkling entertainment, nostalgic music and delicious one liners as two honeymooning couples find themselves at loggerheads. Pack the canapés, chill the champagne and don’t forget something to sit on. Fair weather is debatable, but cold expressions and heated arguments are most definitely guaranteed.
Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, 18 Stenner Ln, Manchester M20 2RQ (7.30pm; tickets from £16.50 at heartbreakproductions.co.uk)
2 MANY DJs | Gorilla | Friday 23 August
In what has become an annual tradition, 2manyDJs will return to Gorilla in Manchester for a special show this August following sold out events in 2017 and 2018. The Belgian brothers pair have long been tearing up the dance music rule book, promising an electrifying set that spans dance to rock, rave to techno and back again.
Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth St, Manchester M1 5WW (11pm-4am; tickets £18 at residentadvisor.net)
UPRISING MURAL FESTIVAL | Rochdale | 23-26 August
Miss Cities of Hope? Fear not because Greater Manchester has a new street art festival, again bringing in some of the genre’s leading artists for a dazzling mural takeover. Designed to breathe life into the unloved and neglected parts of Rochdale, Uprising (conceived by famed artist due Nomad Clan) will boast twelve gargantuan murals throughout the town centre - alongside artist talks and interactive experiences.
Various locations; free
SOPHIE TEA: HOME | Manchester Hall | Friday 23 August
From making millions on Instagram to launching a ‘Tinder for Art’ app, Sophie Tea Art has bucked art world pretensions and now has three studios, five members of full-time staff and a relentless demand for her animal and abstract artworks. Based in London, the native Mancunian will be back in her hometown for a special evening at Manchester Hall; complete with art aplenty, a fully-stocked bar and some nifty entrepreneurial advice.
Manchester Hall, 36 Bridge St, Manchester, M3 3BT (5-10pm; free entry, register on eventbrite)
