Free festivals, a haunted Tudor hall, and a bizarre bazaar at Diecast - here's our pick of this month's happenings and events

FESTIVAL season has well and truly landed in Manchester. There's the neon-clad mass party that is Parklife, a huge family-friendly weekender at Salford Quays, and a big 200th birthday bash up at Manchester University. Add to that a haunted Tudor hall, the Solstice celebrations at Gorton Monastery, and a four-day running event in Tameside and you've got a very eclectic and action-packed month ahead. Pace yourselves - the summer is just getting started. 


2024 05 31 Carnival At The Whitworth
Head to Carnival at The Whitworth part of the Universally Manchester Festival Image: Universally Manchester Festival

Universally Manchester

Oxford Road Campus

6-9 June

Celebrate 200 years of the University of Manchester with over 150 free events including art installations, performances, talks, workshops and markets. Find out more.


2024 05 31 The Old Hall At Tatton Park
The Old Hall at Tatton Park Image: Tatton Park

Tudor Old Hall Open Days

Tatton Park

7-8 and 14-15 June

Explore the allegedly haunted rooms and soak up the atmosphere of this 500-year-old building. It's open to the public for the first time in ten years. Find out more


2024 05 31 Parklife Tyler The Creator
Tyler the Creator at Parklife 2022 Image: Parklife

Parklife

Heaton Park

8-9 June

Two days of big name artists from the worlds of electronic, dance, rap and pop. This year's headliners include Doja Cat, Disclosure, Becky Hill, Peggy Gou, Four Tet, CamelPhat and many more. Get tickets.


2024 05 31 Artwork By Loki Peach Manchester Alternative Bazaar
Artwork by Loki Peach, one of the stalls at Manchester Alternative Bazaar Image: Loki Peach

Manchester Alternative Bazaar

Diecast

9 June

A night market where you can shop for freaky things too strange for the high street. Think chains, skulls, art, jewellery, taxidermy and the like. Not suitable for kids. Find out more.


2024 06 07 Oasis At Salford Lads Club
Oasis fans will be flocking to Salford Lads Club for this three-day exhibition Image: Bittersweet Home

Together We'll Fly: The Oasis Experience

Salford Lads Club

14-16 June

See ten of Noel Gallagher's iconic guitars alongside awards, memorabilia and rarities spanning from their 1991 pre-Noel demo tape up till the current day. Find out more.


2024 05 31 We Invented The Weekend
Head to Salford Quays for loads of free activities and events at We Invented the Weekend Image: We Invented the Weekend

We Invented the Weekend

Salford Quays

15 and 16 June

A free, two-day festival that celebrates of all the cool stuff people do in their free time. The eclectic line-up includes everything BMX freestyling to CBeebies Bluey to themed boat cruises. Find out more.


2024 05 31 Green Island Festival
Green Island Festival is a family-friendly, community-based celebration in Hulme Image: Green Island Festival

Green Island Festival

Hulme Community Garden Centre

15 June, 27 July, 7 September

This series of three festivals in the urban oasis of Hulme garden centre brings together emerging artists, street food and stalls. The June festival is sadly sold out but there's still tickets available for July and September. Find out more.


2023 05 31 The Tour 2024
Runners at The Tour of Tameside Image: The Tour 2024

The Tour 2024

Various locations

13-16 June

Formerly known as The Tour of Tameside, this popular festival of running features four varied races across four consecutive days. Choose the distance that suits you - or take on the challenge of running them all. Find out more.

2024 05 31 Gorton Monastery
Gorton Monastery in springtime Image: Gorton Monastery

Illumination: Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Gorton Monastery

23 June

Celebrate the summer solstice with this event led by The Way of the Buzzard. Expect drumming, singing, connection, empowerment and self-reflection, all within the beautiful setting of Gorton Monastery. Find out more.

2024 05 31 Journalfest Unsplash
Join fellow journal-lovers at Journalfest at Manchester Central Image: lilartsy on Unsplash

Journalfest

Manchester Central

29 June

A day dedicated to the art of journalling with workshops, speakers, swap tables, stalls, and time to connect with fellow journal-lovers. Find out more.


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