DIG the City, Manchester's urban gardening festival, returns from 3-11 August with a cracking line-up of horticultural happenings for families, foodies and city folks.
A series of huge sculptures will span the streets around the festival hub in Exchange Square
The big stars are Monty Don and Peppa Pig (both likely to induce hysteria among certain age-groups). While the most eye-catching features look set to be the show gardens and a 70-tree mature forest in Exchange Square.
We're looking forward to checking out the specially commissioned art installation from US artist Jason Hackenwerth. Titled 'Dance of the Honey Bee' this series of huge sculptures will span the streets around the festival hub in Exchange Square.
Down on ground level, the city centre from King Street to the Cathedral will be a buzz with arts and crafts markets, gardening goodies, pavement cafes, a country fair, a fine food market, beer gardens, a bellini night, DJs and more.
Most of the festival is free, including workshops on keeping hens in your garden, edible flowers and herbs, and gardening for butterflies.
Ticketed events are £5 and include talks and demos from TV gardeners Monty Don, Rachel de Thame and Matt James (The City Gardener).
There's also a series of Dig The City Dinners by Simon Rogan at The French at The Midland. He'll present freshly foraged food in a daily changing-menu, priced from £29 for three courses.
It's nine days of unexpected things to do from beer-tasting to plant-swapping. Go after work, at the weekend, or take the family for a summer holiday day out.
For full listings visit digthecity.co.uk
Keep up to date at @digthecitymcr
