Your bumper briefing of news and what to look out for
Look for a Book ahead of Festival of Libraries
Festival of Libraries returns to Greater Manchester’s libraries from 4 June to 8 June, with the likes of Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce and scientist and stargazer Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock taking part.
Ahead of the festival will be the Look for a Book challenge, from Friday 23 May to Sunday 1 June, where 500 copies of Dame Maggie’s book Am I Made of Stardust? will be awaiting discovery in and around Greater Manchester’s 133 libraries, the green spaces of Manchester’s Spinningfields, the galleries of People’s History Museum and across the Bee Network during the half term holidays.
A game of finders keepers, with riddles to solve and clues to follow, some lucky winners will also have the chance to meet Maggie in person during the festival.
Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock says: “Libraries are such amazing places to fuel your rocket and jet off into all the places books can take you, for families to get together, and spend time having fun together. To take part in Look For A Book, follow your local Manchester library on social media to get the clues, then head to get your hands on your copy and get exploring.”
Previous Look for a Book participants have included Lenny Henry, Nadia Hussain and Konnie Huq. This year’s event takes place from Friday 23 May to Sunday 1 June and awaiting discovery are 500 copies of Am I Made of Stardust? together with an activity sheet and certificate. In amongst them will be 25 golden tickets giving the finder the chance to meet Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock. Suitable for ages 5 plus.
La Discotheque at AO Arena
Fire up your feather boas as the AO Arena plays host to La Discotheque on Friday 6 June, including a 22 piece Disco Orchestra and The Former Ladies of The Supremes.
The party event will see the AO Arena transformed into an extravagant disco playground, with a lineup including:
- La Discothèque 22-piece Orchestra ft. Barbara Tucker & Anita Ward
- The Former Ladies of The Supremes
- Norman Jay’s Good Times Band
- House Gospel Choir
- The Feel Good Choir (Donna Summer tribute)
- Disco Voix ft. Jenna G (live PA)
- + Very Special Guest TBA
For more information and to book tickets visit the AO Arena website.
Match of the Day celebrates 60 years with exhibition
Footballing institution Match of the Day celebrates its 60th birthday this year, and has teamed up with The National Football Museum for an exhibition looking back at six decades of the flagship show as well as what the future will hold.
Running from 4 April through to 27 July at the National Football Museum, the exhibition will showcase archival material, explore why and how the show began, and delve into its the early years in black and white.
Visitors can also discover how the game has changed over the years; from slow motion to VAR, it will explore how Match of the Day pioneered new technologies in football analysis.
Tim Desmond, CEO at the National Football Museum, said: “Match of the Day is - and has been for 60 years - an integral part of football broadcasting, and a national institution. We are honoured to be able to host this exhibition, showcasing its brilliance over the past six decades.
"We know that football matters to so many people and brings a sense of community and wellbeing and there are few better examples of football being made accessible than a programme that has been broadcast in our living rooms for so long. This exhibition pays homage to that legacy and will give old and new audiences the opportunity to learn more about this iconic piece of national heritage.”
Admission to Match of the Day @ 60 is included in the price of a museum ticket.
Three Mills set to be destination pub for Wigan
The Three Mills Beer & Ale House will open in Wigan on Friday 9 May, with local pub-goers and breweries finding a new home in the once-industrial Eckersley Mill.
The new 130-seat local will include a 14-line tap wall and three cask ale pumps, proudly stocking an ever-evolving range of beers from Wigan-based breweries, including Wily Fox, Problem Child, and Wigan Brewhouse. There will also be regional names such as Rivington from Chorley, Northern Monkey from Bolton and Beartown from Congleton.
John Heaton, Managing Director of Heaton Group said: “We wanted to create a proper pub for Wigan—one that’s rooted in the town’s history but feels fresh and exciting. We’re proud of what this building means to people, and we’ve kept that front and centre in the design. The Three Mills is about good beer, good food, and a space people can enjoy from morning coffee to last orders.”
“We’ve retained and enhanced original elements of the Grade II-listed Mill throughout all the plans of the pub. During construction, a beautiful Yorkstone floor was uncovered, which will form the heart of the space.
“The new pub is our first major opening as part of our wider Cotton Works masterplan for Wigan and we couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds.”
Stop Making Sense live at Gorilla
Break out your oversized suits this May as Slippery People perform Talking Heads’ iconic concert film Stop Making Sense in its entirety at Gorilla.
Performing at the Whitworth Street venue on Saturday 31 May, the band of 10 members will play all of the Talking Heads songs featured in the film, from Psycho Killer and Burning Down The House through to the frantic classic Cross-eyed And Painless.
Click here to book tickets.
Foodie heaven for South Manchester returns
The South Manchester Food Festival returns over 17 - 18 May 2025, bringing a Live Cookery Theatre to Wythenshawe Park & Gardens featuring a lineup of culinary stars including MasterChef semi-finalist Yemi Adelekan, Great British Bake Off’s Gill Howard and Italian celebrity chefs the Alberti Twins.
Beyond the kitchen, festival goers can enjoy The Live Music Stage, Artisan Market, Street Food Arena and family-friendly activities, with performances from Queen and Oasis tributeacts adding to the weekend’s entertainment.
Michael Johnston, Festival Director said: “Manchester has a wealth of wonderful local chefs, and we’re very privileged to bring them together for the weekend. Each expert specialises in something different, meaning that every time you step in, it’s going to be a fresh experience.”
With tickets priced at £10.95 for adults, £6.95 for kids and free entry for under-5s, proceeds from the festival also supports mental health initiatives, raising funds in partnership with Manchester Mind.
Gods of Salford set to make world premiere at the Lowry
In celebration of their 25th anniversary The Lowry will present the world premiere of Gods of Salford for two performances only on 29 and 30 April 2025, a reimagining of Greek myths told through the lens of Salford’s working-class youth, featuring 25 local young actors alongside three professionals.
Commissioned by The Lowry and co-created with Not Too Tame, the Warrington-based theatre company known for championing working-class stories, the production blends ancient legend with local experience, alongside behind-the-scenes roles offering hands-on experience to more young people from the city.
Chief Executive of The Lowry Julia Fawcett O.B.E, commented: “This commissioned new work is going to showcase both the wealth of talent Salford’s young people have and Lowry’s role in the development of it.
"We are so pleased to be uniting with Not Too Tame to bring this new work to life and know this exciting partnership will result in a dynamic piece of theatre that is worthy of our 25th year, our diverse and dynamic theatre programme and the young people of Salford.”
Renae opens on Thomas Street
Renae, the long-awaited multi-concept venue on Thomas Street, has now opened its ground-floor bar and shop, blending craft beers and signature cocktails with a curated record and book selection, all anchored by a custom-built DJ booth and Manchester’s only L-Acoustics Syva sound system.
Created by long-time friends Harris Mouridis and Brad Parkins, both notable figures in Manchester’s nightlife scene – particularly in the Northern Quarter - renae pairs its music-first approach with Japanese-inspired interiors and a varied programme of events from label parties to workshops and guest DJ nights.
The venue’s daytime offering includes pop-up book shops from 20k and a dead sheep alongside a stock of new vinyl releases selected by Patrick Ryder of Talking Drums, while later in 2025, renae will expand into its upper floors with dedicated event and creative workspaces, furthering its role as a hub for Manchester’s creative community.
Classic Car Boot Sale returns to MediaCity
MediaCity’s Classic Car Boot Sale is set to return to Salford over 12 – 13 July 2025, bringing a vibrant mix of vintage vehicles, second-hand fashion, artisan homewares, street food and DJs, all set against the backdrop of Salford’s creative waterside hub.
Building on the success of its northern debut in 2024, this year’s event promises even more retro fun including a 1955 Chevrolet Belair, a Best in Show Catwalk celebrating standout vintage style, free dance classes from Jazz Swing Dance’s Anthony Padget covering everything from swing to Northern Soul and a nostalgic ‘90s music focus to coincide with Oasis’ return to Manchester in the same weekend.
The two-day event promises a uniquely curated, family and dog-friendly celebration of all things vintage, collectable and timeless, which sees over 150 vintage vehicles and traders joined by thousands of shoppers, collectors, vinyl lovers and petrol heads.
Caroline Aikman, Director of Marketing and Place at MediaCity, said: “This a fantastic event that adds a unique cultural experience to the area, drawing visitors from across the North to enjoy the best of vintage fashion, classic vehicles, and live music. It brings a fantastic mix of creativity and fun, and it’s events like this that make MediaCity such a dynamic and engaging place to be, and we’re excited to see it continue to grow in popularity.”
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