Gig: Keep it Unreal with Mr Scruff, Band on the wall, 6 -7 April
Get down to Band on the Wall for one of the best DJ nights around. Stockport’s own Mr Scruff will be on the decks all night bringing you the finest sounds from jazz, and funk to dubstep and latin.
Advance tickets available online for £11 or £12 on the door from Band on the Wall box office and Teacup on Thomas Street or here.
Beauty: 8th Day, Oxford Road, 6 April
Treat yourself to a spot of natural beauty at 8th Day Vegetarian Co-operative. Give your skin a break from harsh chemicals and try something new including a REN or Dr Hauschka facial or a Spa Ritual manicure, all for a bargain at £5.
Limited places left, please contact 8th Day on 0161 273 4878.
Music: Cole Page, San Carlo, 7 April
Manchester swing singer Cole Page will entertain diners at top celeb eatery San Carlo. Cole will perform swing classics at the restaurant on Sunday 7 April from 7.30pm - the start of his monthly residence.
Cole regularly sings to packed houses across the country and abroad and is often called on to entertain the stars at celebrity events - from Sir Alex Ferguson to Kylie Minogue, Pele, Johnny Wilkinson and even former US President Bill Clinton.
San Carlo Group managing director Marcello Distefano said: “We’ve known Cole for years and think he’s the best in his class – his smooth vocals and interpretation of the swing classics are the perfect fit for a San Carlo Sunday evening.”
To reserve a table and see Cole perform, call 0161 834 6226.
Event: Cake and Bake Show, Manchester Central, 5-7 April
Following on from its sell out show in London, the Cake and Bake Show heads to Manchester this weekend.
Join celebrity faces such as Paul Hollywood, Eric Lanlard, John Whaite and other stars of Great British Bake Off to celebrate all things edible, with competitions, demonstrations, and a host of baking goodies on offer. Why not book into one of their classes and learn the art of cupcakes, get to grips with sugar craft or master sourdough.
Tickets cost £14.50 and are available here. Classes are sold separately and can also be purchased on the website.
Book Launch: Set in Stone by Ian Tilton Book Launch, Gorilla, 7 April 7-12am
See a new side of Manchester’s musical history with the launch of ‘Set in Stone’ by music photographer Ian Tilton and co-written by Claire Caldwell.
The book features never before seen images of The Stone Roses, capturing the beginnings of the band up until the present day. Terry Christian will be in conversation with Ian afterwards, plus a live performance from the up and coming Deadbeat Echoes. Stick around after the event for even more live music.
Tickets cost £8 and are available here.
Film: Frida, Kahlua Coffee House, 4 April 8pm
Join the Northern Quarter's latest pop-up for an evening of film. Frida celebrates the life and work of one of Mexico’s most controversial artists, Frida Kahlo starring Salma Hayek in the title role. Discover the artist's struggle with chronic pain and her tempestuous marriage to Diego Rivers in the comfort of the Kahlua Coffee House. Celebrate all things Mexican with bar snacks and cocktails to accompany the film.
Entry is free, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
If you fancy partaking in more of the Mexican liqueur why not join the Liquorists for a cocktail masterclass on Friday and Saturday, 6.30pm -8.30pm.
Find more information about further film showings and masterclasses here.
Ride: Starflyer, Piccadilly Gardens, 10-10pm
Fresh from its stint at the London Olympics, why not take a ride on Piccadilly Gardens' latest attraction the Starflyer. Enjoy an aerial view of Manchester from a breathtaking 70 metres, taking in the sights from all directions. Passengers must be over 6 years of age to ride the Starflyer.
Tickets cost £6 each or £20 for a family concession ticket (two adults and two children).
Watch a video of Jonathan Schofield’s high flying experience here.
Exhibition: Head to Head - Hayley Newman and Emily Speed, Castlefield Gallery, Running until 7 April
Catch the final week of The Castlefield Galleries' annual Head to Head exhibition, featuring work from Hayley Newman and Emily Speed.
Both artists explore the body and architecture through a variety of different mediums such as writing and sculpture. Newman’s latest work Domestique is included and features embroidery work on over 50 donated used dishcloths adorned with faces using ribbons, sequins, pearls, silks and buttons. Speed similarly explores these themes through her work Build Up, a new sculptural piece which combines both still and moving images developed with acrobats.
Entry is free, with more information available here.
Play: Cannibals, Royal Exchange Theatre, 3-27 April
Lizaveta’s simple life is turned upside down by the the onset of war and progress in Rory Mullarky’s first feature length play. The play looks at the familiar subjects of love, family and identity through the eyes of Lizaveta as she tries to come to terms with these notions in a new light.
Ticket prices range from £10-35, and are available here.
Musical: Cats, The Opera House, 2 April – 20 April
Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s record-breaking, smash-hit musical returns to Manchester for two weeks only. This wonderful blend of fantasy, drama, and romance is set on the night that the Jellicle Cats meet for the Jellicle Ball in a sparkling fusion of music, dance, and verse. With an amazing musical score, spectacular set designs, stunning costumes, and breathtaking choreography, Cats is a magic musical like no other.
Visit manchestertheatres.com for more information
Joanna Ampil, a Cat that has 'Memories'
Event: Walking with Dinosaurs, Manchester Arena, 4-7 April
The prehistoric production returns to Manchester for the first time since 2009. Astound kids and adults alike with the wonders of Walking with Dinosaurs from a 20 foot tyrannosaurus rex to the friendlier herbivores. Featuring renowned designs from the latest technology and scientific knowledge this must see is brought to life in the Manchester Arena. Snap up the last few tickets to this showstopper.
Tickets range from £25-45 and are available here.
