With lockdown lifting, Manchester’s events scene is blooming once again…
ALL SORTS TO DO | Citywide | Ongoing
Continuing the council’s All Sorts To Do activity programme, this summer sees a bumper programme of activities for children and young people - all socially distant and safe, with most free of charge. From discovering dinosaurs in the city's parks to exploring the wonders of Ancient Egypt, there’s lots to do both citywide and at home. Summer holiday boredom? Banished.
ESCAPE TO FREIGHT ISLAND | Mayfield | From Friday 24th July
Manchester's exiting new outdoor food market and event space, Escape to Freight Island, launches on 24th July with its first phase ‘Platform 15.’ There will be performances and takeovers by both local and internationally renowned artists, collectives and club brands - from Giles Peterson to Homoelectric - as well as festival takeovers from the likes of Manchester Pride. We’re excited about the food too, including taco titans Madre.
VILLAGE SCREEN DRIVE-THRU CINEMA | Middlewood Locks | Until 2nd August
With their usual quirky indoor locations off the cards, Village Screen are swapping the likes of Victoria Baths with a series of ‘drive-thru’ cinema experiences at Middlewood Locks instead. Films include Thelma & Louise, Knives Out, Drive, Joker and Back to the Future.
A WEEKEND IN OUTER SPACE | Online | 24th - 26th July
bluedot may be cancelled this year but you can still enjoy its signature starry fusion of music, science and cosmic culture thanks to this three-day virtual fest; spanning Elbow to Orbital and Brian Cox. It’s free to view but donations are welcome, with all proceeds supporting Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre.
GREAT NORTHERN CONTEMPORARY CRAFT FAIR | Online | 25th - 31st July
Celebrating designer-makers, GNCCF spans fine jewellery to functional homeware, statement accessories to unique prints. While they’ve had to cancel GNCCF this year, organisers will instead be championing would-be exhibitors online and are hosting a virtual fair this month featuring 160 exhibitors.
SOCIAL AVENUE | Trafford Park | From Saturday 25th July
Hosted by event planners JMB in a Trafford Park car park, this six-week series will see music and food-pops take place every weekend. Mason Collective headline the first party; followed by brands and DJs like Darius Syrossian, Moxy Muzik, Haus22, OC & Verde. There will also be street food traders onsite, as well as fully-stocked bars for you and your ‘social bubble’ to enjoy.
THEATRE SUPER AUCTION | Online | Until Sunday 26th July
With live indoor performance still not permitted at normal capacity, most performance venues remain closed as they continue to endure what has been an agonising few months. Raising money for the theatre industry, this star-studded auction spans Joan Collins’ jewellery to Strictly dinner parties and Wicked.
BE RIGHT BACK | Band on the Wall | 31st July - 1st August
With music venues also affected by performance restrictions, Band on the Wall is closing for its planned renovation earlier than originally intended, reopening in September 2021. The Manchester icon is hosting a farewell party (socially distant of course), featuring a line-up of local faves and headlined by Mr Scruff.
