Olympics – On the big screen
CATCH the last few days of this year’s London 2012 Olympics in atmospheric fashion in Exchange Square. Calm those medalling nerves at the Hope and Glory Bar in Exchange Square as the track and field stars aim for gold. The red white and blue bar offers food, drink and entertainment and is Manchester’s official London 2012 site. Alternatively the you can cheer on the TeamGB cyclists at the National Cycling Centre. All events are free to view and will take place between 12-4pm.
nationalcyclingcentre.com
National Cycling Centre
Eat - Manchester's Street Feast At Corn Exchange
The newly rebranded Corn Exchange right by the big screen in Excahnge Square is the perfect place to venture for food while you're enjoying the Olympics. Take advantage of the specially designed outdoor piazza and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine from Salvi's Mozzarella Bar while cheering on Team GB. next door, Zinc will be providing ice cream bike cycling around Exchange Square. Visit cornexchangemanchester.co.uk to find out more about the stores, services and eateries available at the centre.
Salvi's Mozzarella Bar
Drink - Caffeine and Co
It may be the only cafe with a bigger canopy than interior, but the smooth coffees, rich and elegant too, are the real deal. Unlike the harsh burnt flavours of the Starbucks of this world, Caffeine and Co coffee is brewed smooth and uses the products of London's Square Mile coffee company. The results are excellent and make a trip to this tiny destination worthwhile.
Caffeine And Co
Museum - Transport Festival at MOSI.
For two weekends (4 -5 and 10 -12 August) the Museum Of Science and Industry will be celebrating all things automotive and even better, it’s free. Displays of classic and iconic cars, lorries, tractors and steam trains will take over MOSI to the delight of all motor enthusiasts. The exhibits and events will take place both inside and outside the museum to enjoy come rain or shine. There will also be a chance to step back in time by climbing aboard a collection of vintage London buses. Find out more here.
Transport Festival
Exhibition - Homes Of Football Exhibition
The recently opened National Football Museum is currently home to Stuart Roy Clarke’s photography exhibition entitled The Homes Of Football. Clarke took his first football photograph at Vicarage Road, Watford, in the mid-1970s smuggling his Instamatic camera through the turnstile. Since then he has taken over 100,000 photos of football grounds and fans over 25 years. This exhibition highlights just some of Clarkes work, capturing the all the facets of supporting your team from the ridiculous to the poignant. The exhibition is soundtracked by British Sea Power and will remain at the museum until 31 December. Find out more here.
Homes Of Football
Kids – Craft Academy at Fred Aldous
Make the most of summer holidays and learn how to make your own handmade nik naks. Fred Aldous arts shop is hosting a series of workshops for 10-16 year olds to learn how to get crafty, sew and screen print. No previous crafting experience is required and participants can turn fledgling ideas into jewellery, bags, T-shirt designs or anything else really. Prices start at £15 for a half day or £25 for a full day. Contact Fred Aldous on 0161 236 4224 for more info.
Craft Academy
Music – Toe Rag at Matt and Phreds
Toe Rag claim to be ‘Manchester’s number one Gypsy jazz band’, whether or not they are the only Gypsy jazz band in the city is neither here nor there. An ensemble of ten members playing everything from the accordion to the clarinet the band formed as a small jamming project in 2009. Inspired by jazz legends Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli Toe Rag are a reaction to the superficiality of modern pop music and the snobbery associated with Jazz. Toe Rag will be taking to the stage at Matt and Phreds on Saturdat 11 August with tickets priced £5 and available here.
Toe Rag
Food - Free Fajitas From Discovery Foods
Mexican food brand, Discovery, is bringing the tastes of Mexico to Piccadilly Gardens this weekend as part of Discovery’s Summer Road Show. Free food, giveaways and magic tricks performed by magician James Anthony, will take place by Victoria Statue in Piccadilly Gardens on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 August. While there, you'll also have the chance to win a selection of prizes. Visit facebook.com/discoveryfoods for more details on the Discovery Summer Road Show.
Free Fajitas in Piccadilly Gardens this weekend
Theatre – Into The Woods At The Lowry
The hit musical featuring many Brothers Grimm fairytale characters including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Rapunzel comes to The Lowry. This fractured fairytale follows a quest to break a spell and is set to music composed by Steven Sondheim. What begins as a lively irreverent fantasy musical becomes a moving take on the stories that every child grows up with. Into The Woods is on at The Lowry for a three night run on 9, 10, 11 August with tickets priced from £8-£15 and available from here.
Into The Woods
Exhibition – Exposure at Royal Exchange Theatre
Taking place until 12 September the Royal Exchange Theatre is featuring the work of young photographers from across Greater Manchester. The Mezzanine Gallery exhibition offers a snapshot of the hopes, dreams and realities of youth today. Part of the ‘Truth About Youth’ festival the exhibition is free seven days a week.
Exposure
Music – Band on The Stand
A family friendly summer festival brought to you by the Band On The Wall crew. The festival takes place at Heaton Park and features live music, participatory workshops and fine food and drink stalls. The workshops involve taster sessions of the courses and classes run by the venue including how to make box guitars and harmonica classes. Music comes from BotW favourites including, Extra Love, Hip Hop Heroines, Get Up, Stand Up and Hot Botz Brass Band. Entry is completely free and all ages are welcome, find out more details here.
Band On The Stand
Art – Unleashed: The Best in the North
An art exhibition entitled “Unleashed: The Best in the North” is being hosted by Mr Thomas’s Chop House and is open until 31 August 2012. The exhibition holds the works of final year illustration art students from around the North and customers can buy the non-shortlisted pieces. The money raised is then split between the students and the North West Air Ambulance. Visit chophouseart.co.uk for more information.
Unleashed 2012
