Your FREE guide to Manchester www.unlockmanchester.com
SPRING/SUMMER EVENTS 2016
Welcome to Manchester
An introduction to our guide and the city of Manchester
Afternoon Tea, Coffee & Snacks We help you find this hidden gems and delicacies
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Quarters Guide
We take a look at Spinningfields and the Northern Quarter
Forthcoming Events
Spring and Summer highlights coming to Greater Manchester
Free Buses and the Trams
Get about the city with these great hop-on hop-off services
UNLOCKMANCHESTER.com Your Guide to the City
Unlock Publishing
www.unlock-publishing.com : info@unlock-publishing.co.uk
WELCOME We love Manchester and think everyone should too. We are sure that you will find this first edition, of what we are calling the Unlock Manchester Pocket Guide, a very useful booklet to keep to hand. Feel free to follow us on twitter @unlockmcr for more useful stuff.
Manchester is a city that has seen enormous growth since the turn of the last century. It is now the countries second metropolis and its visitors and residents all benefit from strong cultural activities’ and can enjoy the amazing culinary delights available on almost every corner. The good news is that all these excellent opportunities, and more, have been recognised internationally and Manchester is a destination of choice.
Cover Art - Manchester in Yellow Courtesy of S.L Scott @slscottartist www.slscott.co.uk
Sport is a major contributor the city with the National Cycling Centre, major football teams and international Cricket tournaments, to mention just a few. Improvements to the city’s transport networks have made getting about easier and make the city centre very accessible from the region. The coming HS2, and hopefully HS3, combined with new routes at Manchester Airport will help to drive the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ continuing to establish Manchester as a place to do business and have fun. Talking of fun, in this issue you will find a comprehensive guide to the Northern Quarter and we look forward to many of Greater Manchester’s spring and summer highlight events. We think the future is looking rosy for Manchester and we want to help you to enjoy it. Thank you for reading our guide and look out for more to come! Nick Coulthurst Editor
@unlockmcr www.unlockmanchester.com Edition No. 1 - May 2016 Copyright 2016 unlockmanchester.com
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AFTERNOON TEAS, COFFEE & DELIGHTS What makes a great coffee shop, when so many seem to pop-up everyday? We think it’s about great coffee and that added flair for specialism, so missing from the chains. Manchester, like many other cities, has seen a dearth of new coffee houses. So maybe trying to pick, from one of these, to get your fix might prove difficult. However, here to help you relax and enjoy some treats with your brew is our selection of some of the city’s best independent coffee cafes. Fancy an Afternoon Tea Experience? It is thought that the ‘Afternoon Tea’ ritual was started by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. Living in the early 19th Century meals amounted to two a day, an early breakfast and a late dinner. Anna was irritated by hunger pangs each day and she decided to schedule a snack each afternoon.
Today it has become the staple of a good day out and Manchester’s hotels, restaurants and tea rooms welcome guests to enjoy this truly British indulgence. We have rounded up some of favorite places to enjoy this quaint tradition; all serve excellent food and many offer location experiences including views across the city or are in buildings important to Manchester’s history.
— 01 Gingers’ Emporium Afflecks (cc) Eating and drinking club
COFFEE & TEA CAFÉS
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Koffee Pot
North Tea Power
This café has now entered into legend on the streets of Manchester. Moving, in 2015, to its new home on Oldham Street it took the ‘trademark’ garish orange decor with it, as well as that ‘classy’ red leather diner seating. The best news is that there’s more space at the new location – it’s twice as big in fact. The menu still boasts all the old favourites, including the incredibly tasty haggis, spinach, eggs and potato cakes, as well as their legendary ‘classic’ and ‘Irish’ breakfasts. You haven’t had breakfast in Manchester until you’ve eaten here.
The clue is in the name and this laid-back, atmospheric cafe. It is better known for its wide range of loose-leaf artesian teas, but the coffee isn’t half bad either. Tucked up off Tib Street, in the Northern Quarter, under the covered arcade, NTP is run by a couple of guys who know their tea and coffee. Inside you will discover an eclectic mix of furniture, stripped wood paired with industrial light fittings. Its shelves are adorned with well-thumbed Penguin books and often fresh flowers. This could be the perfect place to take a breather and enjoy an espresso with a slice of cake.
www.thekoffeepot.co.uk @thekoffeepot
www.northteapower.co.uk @northteapower
84 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE
36 Tibb St, Manchester M4 1LA
Grindsmith
Takk
6 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF
Takk brings a little bit of Nordic charm into the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, but in a Mancunian way, if you can picture that. Meaning ‘thanks’ in Icelandic, Takk combines its odd wooden furniture with walls hung with art from its home country, but still is just as hip as its NQ neighbours. A key element of this tea room/coffee house is to cater for those who wish to conduct their business outside of a normal office, whether that is for a meeting or simply a space in which to work. In this cosy den you’ll find the finest imported coffee and chocolate bars sitting comfortably alongside cakes baked by a lady who lives down the road.
Grindsmith is a specialty Coffee House, on Deansgate and its ‘Pod’ on Greengate Square Here you can enjoy high quality coffee and tea with plenty of space to work or just to take time out. Your beverage, and if you like accompanying sandwich, meal or cake, is hand delivered on a wooden board that reflects the café’s clean and simple décor. The Deansgate cafe carries a range of craft ales, wines, cocktails, coffee and tea brewing equipment and take-aaway 250g bags of coffee beans. This bright and airy café, with its easy approach, is where great value awaits the thirsty visitor. grindsmith.com grindsmith @grindsmiths Address Cafe: 233 Deansgate, M3 4EN Monday - Saturday: 8am - 8pm Sunday: 9am - 6pm Pod: Greengate Sq, M3 5AS Monday - Saturday: 8am - 6pm Sunday: 9am - 5pm
www.takkmcr.com @takkmcr unlockmanchester.com
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AFTERNOON TEA & DELIGHTS
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Australasia (Grand Pacific Bar)
Cloud 23
Served in the Australasia’s swanky sister bar, Grand Pacific, this afternoon tea is unlike anything else you’ll find in the city. It is something of a secret and far from what you may expect… Served in two waves; first being a savory delight of sushi, spring rolls and Asian seafood accompanied by glorious spicy side salads. The second wave, unlike its traditional rivals, delivers off beat treats with punch and exotic twists. The selections include: a decadent Panna Cotta, Chocolate & Coconut Roll and Sweet Spring Rolls. High Tea at Grand Pacific is delivered in style and is unique in the city. Itshould be on your list of things to do when in town.
It was something of coup that when the Beetham Tower opened that they had the great idea of opening a stylish bar on the 23 floor. Thus Cloud 23 was born, with its wide and uninterrupted views across Manchester and much of the surrounding counties. To compliment this view you can enjoy a beautifully presented afternoon tea, complete with that essential glass of fizz. Nicely presented cut sandwiches, scones with sticky thick jam are accompanied by deliciously sweet treats. If you stay a little longer it is worth trying the cocktails… You could say that this is literarily high tea as you gaze out of the floor to ceiling windows; even in the rain Manchester presents a great view.
1 The Avenue, Spinningfields M3 3AP
www.australasia.uk.com @AustralasiaMcr
Beetham Tower, 303 Deansgate, M3 4LQ
www.cloud23bar.com @cloud23
Cloud 23 (cc) WolfintheCity
Gingers Comfort Emporium
Radisson Blu
It may not be quiet an afternoon tea, but at Gingers’ you certainly do get tasty delights created to help quell that nagging sweet tooth feeling. Housed in the fabulous Afflecks, Ginger’s take ice cream flavours to another level with Chai Spices, Gin and Plum, Apple Pie Sorbet or the rum laced Dark N’ Stormy. The restaurant takes up a huge corner of the 1st floor and has large windows illuminating these fancies turning them into amazing treats for your eyes and taste buds. This is ice cream for the grown ups, an after dark treat to enjoy on your day in the city shopping or before going out ‘on the town’; that’s if you make it out without trying just one more flavour. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Manchester’s iconinc Free Trade Hall, is part of the history book of Britain. Built to commemorate the Peterloo Massacre, a major protest against the later repealed Corn Laws, it opened in 1856. In later centuries it became renown for famous gigs from the likes of the Sex Pistols and Joy Division. Today it is the home of the 4 star hotel Radisson Blu and they really want to deliver you an experience when it comes to ‘Afternoon Tea’. You should certainly try the interesting Gentleman’s afternoon tea which has a cheese scone, rustic sandwiches, mini burgers, beef filled mini Yorkshire puddings, mini fish and chips and of course a selection of cakes; all washed down with a pint, if that’s your tipple.
Midland Hotel
Sculpture Hall Café
Looking for the ultimate in old school glamour? Then the Midland Hotel with its Victorian gothic stylising is the place to head. Inside this landmark building, slap bang in the heart of Manchester, they have been serving afternoon teas for over a century. Definitely they know their stuff delivering plate full’s of dainty sandwiches, scones, cakes complimented by Vimto Jelly (yes the drink originated just down the road in Salford). All this is presented in beautiful surroundings, ensuring that this is an afternoon tea to remember as you step into the shoes of Manchester’s hoi polloi before you, after all this is where Mr Rolls met Mr Royce.
Immerse yourself in the history of the of the worlds first industrial city. Relax amongst statues of the great and the good including conductor Charles Hallé, anti-corn law league campaigners Richard Cobden and John Bright, and the remarkable Hallé orchestra conductor, Sir John Barbirolli. The Sculpture Hall Café has put a regional twist on the afternoon tea classic to create a real delight. Made up of locally inspired sandwiches, savoury bites and sweet treats including the homemade Vimto Delice and the Manchester Sponge Cake - a sumptuous modernisation of the infamous Manchester tart.
www.qhotels.co.uk
www.manchester.gov.uk
Afflecks, Church St, Manchester M4 1PW
www.gingerscomfortemporium.com @gingerscomfort
16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS
Free Trade Hall, Peter St, M2 5GP
www.radissonblu-edwardian.com
Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square M60 2LA
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THE NORTHERN QUARTER Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a district defined by its location, came into being in the early 1990’s. A group of like minded people felt that the city needed a space where independent ventures could offer shopping experiences, entertainment, food and drink, thus the self styled ‘NQ’ was born. The NQ’s borders fluctuate a little, however it is generally accepted that they are Great Ancoats St, Piccadilly, the Rochdale Canal and Shudehill. Prior to the NQ’s inception it was a maze of disused warehouses and home to the ‘rag trade’, which in recent years has all but moved out to Cheetham Hill. Other trade establishments included the ‘Smithfield Wholesale Fish Market’, on High St, and the ‘Fish and Poultry Market’, both being opened in 1873. Today the Fish Market is a residential space and the Manchester Craft and Design Centre occupies the F&P Market building.
Development of the Northern Quarter has, in the main, been very sympathetic to the areas heritage as an industrial zone. Successful efforts have been made to retain the industrial look and feel of the area. These almost abandoned red brick Victorian buildings proved ideal to be developed into bars, cafes, entertainment and shopping units. Modern fitments incorporate exposed original brickwork, iron columns and girders as part of their design and infrastructure. Interestingly ‘Texture’, on Lever St, uses its brick walls to create some very clever 3D video modelling effects. Today the ‘NQ’ offers visitors a cornucopia of attractions, such as independent retailers on Oldham St and Tib St, ‘Real Beer’ focused bars, afternoon tea shops, restaurants, dedicated music venues, bespoke Arts and Crafts and clubbing.
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The ‘NQ’ streets and buildings attract film makers from Hollywood, Pinewood and TV production companies. Marvels ‘Captain America’ used Dale Street as a New York District and Guy Richie’s ‘Sherlock’ movies found ‘Old London town’ in its alley and pathways. So don’t be surprised if you turn a corner to discover a ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ scene happening. The ‘NQ’ is also a hive of independent retailers and specialist shops. Oldham St alone has tattoo and piercing parlours, retro and vintage clothing stores, record shops and a vegan cafe. Tib St has the excellent ‘Beer Moth’ dedicated to real ales and beers and the bespoke corset maker Kiku. Afflecks, on Tib St, is an eclectic 4 floors with over 70 specialist retailers and indie stall holders.
The Manchester Craft and Design Centre, Oak St, is home to over 30 independent designers’ studios crafting a variety of handmade work including ceramics, textiles and jewellery.
— 01 Bon Bon Chocolate Boutique John St, Northern Quarter M4 1EQ unlockmanchester.com
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EATING & DRINK The Northern Quarter is most famous for its drinking and eating establishments, in fact the choice can be bewildering. Tariff St with a length of a mere 100 meters has 5 venues on one side. This kind of dense packing of bars, restaurants and other venues is the ‘NQ’ norm. Almost every bar offers a selection of cocktails, however we like the choices proffered by Walrus, High St, such as the ‘321 Boom’ or the choices at the American ‘speak-easy’ styled ‘Dusk till Porn’, Stevenson Sq. Real ales and beers are the staple drinks of the ‘NQ’, visit Port St Beer House, on Port St, with its vast selection of bottles and regularly changing hand pulled beers.
At 57 Thomas St, the Marbles’ communal like small pub, drinkers can enjoy beers from one of Manchester breweries with offerings such as the eponymously named ‘Pint’ and the excellent ‘Lagonda’ plus a large selection of Belgium Beers.
Find ‘Beer Moth’ on Tib St and you enter a beer drinker’s heaven. This off licence is small but packed with such an array of imported and specialist ales, beers and ciders you will need a truck to get even a small selection home. It’s not all drink, for the Northern Quarter can quench your thirst and hunger for afternoon tea, cakes, coffee and handmade chocolates. Try the ‘Tea Cup’, Thomas St, for afternoon tea, ‘Takk’, Tariff St, for great coffee and teas and artisan chocolates at ‘Bonbon Chocolate Boutique’, John St, but leave your diet behind... Feeling hungry? Then again the ’NQ’ comes to the rescue. Chicken your thing? Then check out ‘Yard and Coop’, Edge St, its chicken with a ‘secret’ crumb-coating combined with its ‘Chip Shop Chic’ tableware. El Capo, Tariff St, is a Mexicans delight and will re-invigorate even the most tired Bandito with its authentic Tacos, excellent Mexican beers and tequilas. Pizzas maybe ‘a run of the mill’ choice, however Ply, Lever St, create great pizzas cooked in a traditional Italian wood-fired clay oven. Ning is a Thai cuisine restaurant, at the north end of Oldham St. Its menu is a true flavour of Thailand cooking, created by the Forumla 1 and Thai television cooking presenter chef Norman Musa. There is growing enclave of food and drink places just north of the NQ in Cutting Room Square, Ancoats. This burgeoning district is likely to become home to several venues in the coming months, presently we can recommend the simple, Cutting Room Café, for excellent food and Rudys’ for an authentic pizza experience.
CLUBBING & NIGHTCLUBS
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Many of the Northern Quarters bars have DJ’s spinning the decks into the early hours, especially during the Thursday – Sunday weekend
Some of the venues are dedicated clubs and you may need to book tickets to get in. Mint, Oldham St, is a basement nightclub open Fridays and Saturdays until 4am and is home to the ‘Funkademia’ club. Band on Wall, Swan St, once a month hosts the popular Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club. Try to get tickets for the long running success story that is Sankeys, in the northern quarters Beehive Mill on Jersey St. Another popular event is the Warehouse Project, Store St, operating weekly from late September to New Years Eve.
LIVE MUSIC & VENUES 18
Long before the birth of the ’NQ’ live music was being performed to appreciative audiences. Band on the Wall, Swan St, acquired its named because a landlord in 1930’s installed a band performance stage halfway up an inside wall. Today it is home to not-for-profit ‘Inner City Music’ charity. Within its walls you find a full diary of live music and programmes created to help young and aspiring musicians. Dry Bar, Oldham St, originally opened by Tony Wilson’s Factory Records and New Order now houses Dry Bar Live in the basement. Next door the Night and Day Pub hosts a full diary of live music from touring and local bands. Meanwhile back on Tib St, Matt & Phreds is the city’s Jazz venue with saloon like seating, along bar and raised stage where you will see the very best Jazz performers and touring artists.
It is a key venue for the hugely successful Manchester Jazz Festival, 10 days of live music happening across the city annually during July. The Ruby Lounge, on The High Street, is an intimate live venue and its stage is home to locally grown talent, emerging and wellknown bands on national tours. Kraak gallery, tucked away around a corner on Stevenson Sq, has a calendar of special events and exhibitions worth looking into. — 01 Northern Quarter Tibb Street Tibb Street, Manchester
CIRQUE Expect the unexpected
@cirquemcr CIRQUE Quuens Rd, manchester M9 5FF
BARS & FOOD
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1: The Marble - 57 Thomas St - B2 2: Able Heywood, Turner St - B3 3: Affleck & Brown, Thomas St - C3 4: Allotment, Dale St - C4 5: B&G, Newton St - D4 6: Bakerie, Lever St - D3 7: Black Dog Ballroom, Tib St - B3 8: BLUU, High St - B2 9: Cane & Grain, Thomas St - B2 10: Common, Edge St - B2 11: Crafty Pig, Oldham St - B4 12: Crown & Anchor, Hilton St - D4 13: Dry Bar, Oldham St - C3 14: El Capo, Tariff St - D4 15: Hold Fast, Hilton St - D4 16: Kosmonaut, Tariff St - D4 17: Lammars, Hilton St - E5 18: Odd Bar, Thomas St - B2 19: Pie & Ale, Lever St - D3 20: Ply, Stevenson Sq - D3 21: Q Bar, Newton St - D4 22: Rosy Lee, Stevenson Sq - D3 23: Shack, Hilton St - D4 24: Simple, Tib St - C3 25: Soup Kitchen, Spear St - C3 26: Tariff & Dale, Tariff St - D4 27: Terrace, Thomas St - B2 28: The Bay Horse, Thomas St - B2 29: The Blue Pig, High St - B2 30: The English Lounge, High St - A2 31: The Millstone, Thomas St - C3 32: The Wheatsheaf, Oak St - C2 33: Tib St Tavern, Tib St - C2 34: Trof, Thomas St - A2 35: Walrus, High St - B2 36: Yard & Coop, Edge St - B2
BARS
1: Almost Famous, High St - B2 2: Apotheca, Thomas St - B2 3: Bar21, Thomas St - B2 4: Burton Arms, Swan St - C1 5: Castle Hotel, Oldham St - D3 6: Cord, Dorsey St - C2 7: Crown & Kettle, Oldham Rd - D2 8: Dusk till Porn, Stevenson Sq - C3 9: Fringe Bar, Swan St - D1 10: Gullivers, Oldham St - D2 11: Hula Tikki, Stevenson Sq - D3 12: Keno Moku, High St - B2 13: Lola’s Cocktail Bar, Tariff St - E4 14: Mother Macs, Little Lever St - C4 15: Night & Day, Oldham St - C3
16: NOHO, Stevenson Sq - C3 17: Port St Beer House, Port St - E4 18: Smithfield Market, Swan St - C1 19: Stage & Radio, Port St - E4 20: Texture, Lever St - D3 21: The City Pub, Oldham St - D2 22: The Fitzgerald, Stevenson Sq - D3 23: The Northern, Tib St - C3 24: The Whiskey Jar, Tariff St - E4 25: Tusk, High St - B2 26: Twenty Two, Little Lever St - C4
CAFES
1: Blue Daisy Cafe, Oldham St - C3 2: BonBon Chocolate, John St - B3 3: Chapter One, Lever St - C4 4: Home Sweet Home, Edge St - C2 5: Koffee Pot, Oldham St - D2 6: Leos Fish Bar, Oldham St - B4 7: Nexus Art Cafe, Dale St - C3 8: North Star Piccadilly, Dale St - D5 9: North Tea Power, Tib St - B3 10: Oklahoma, High St - A2 11: Pie Minister, Tib St - C3 12: Sugar Junction, Tib St - C3 13: Superstore, Tib St - C3 14: Takk, Tariff St - D4 15: Teacup, Thomas St - B2 16: The Foudation, Lever St - C4 17: The Mahabra, Back Piccadilly - C4 18: The Pen & Pencil, Tariff St - E4 19: V Revolution, Oldham St - D2 20: Wood, Tib St - C3 21: Ziefblat, Edge St - B2
ENTERTAINMENT
1: Band on the Wall, Swan St - D1 2: Frog & Bucket, Oldham St - B2 3: Matt & Phreds, Tib St - C3 4: Mint, Oldham St - C3 5: Ruby Lounge, High Street, A3
GALLERIES
1: Chinese Crafts, Thomas St - B2 2: Kraak, Stevenson Sq - D3 3: Police Museum, Newton St - D4
RESTAURANTS
1: {63}, High St - B2 2: Bem Brasil, Great Ancoats St - E2 3: Earth, Turner St - A1 4: Evuna, Thomas St - C3 5: Ning, Oldham St - D2 6: Solita, Turner St - B3
7: Sweet Mandarin, High St - B2 8: TNQ Restuarant, High St - B2
SHOPPING
1: Afflecks, Tib St - B3 2: Beatin’ Rhythm, Tib St - B2 3: Beer Moth, Tib St - C3 4: Black Sheep, Dale St - D4 5: Clampdon Records, Paton St - D5 6: Craft & Design Centre, Oak St - C2 7: Fred Aldous, Stevenson Sq - C3 8: Icognito, Stevenson Sq - D3
9: Kiku, Tib St - D2 10: Oxfam Emp., Oldham St - B3 11: Oxfam Originals, Oldham St - C3 12: Piccadilly Recs, Oldham St - C3 13: Real Camera Co., Lever St - C4 14: Richard Goodall, Thomas St - B2 15: REX Costumes, Swan St - C1 16: Spa Satori, High St - C1 17: Travelling Man, Dale St - C4 18: Vinyl Revival, Thomas St - C3 19: Wobble you, Dale St - D5
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SPINNINGFIELDS Spinningfields is just off Manchester’s main drag Deansgate in the southern part of the city. It has become Manchester’s number one destination for fashion followers and socialites alike; with both shoppers and party-goers unwinding in some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, the shopping stores are set amongst dramatic architecture, providing an impressive backdrop for the lash brands and eateries that will entice you in. At its heart is ‘The Avenue’ the height of extravagance and those quality shopping experiences. The Avenue has an impressive lineup of flagship stores to explore including Emporio Armani, Mulberry, Flannels Olivier Sweeney and the artisan jeweller Phillip Stoner. There are boutique shops such as the florist David Wayman and Nicky Clarke’s Saloon.
Looking for those key designer togs? Take a peek in Flannels where Valentino, Alexander Wang and Jimmy Choo sit side by side. Try Oliver Sweeney for near bespoke shoes made by this acclaimed master cobbler. Each of the stores offer personal shopping experts helping you acquire the ‘right look’ for that special occasion or that new style you’ve been wanting to ‘get down’. This is the place to try on those fabulous clothes and accessories; but be warned you may want to treat yourself! Spinningfields with its spectrum-wide innovations including architecture, retail and fine dining offer visitors a truly exciting quarter to discover
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EATING & DRINKING Spinningfields’ is home to an enormous variety of food and drink restaurants suitable for all tastes and budgets. The Avenue is popular with diners where you’ll find the Brazilian restaurant Fazenda and the hustling, bustling Asianinspired Thaikhun. Fancy some tapas? Visit the Michelinstarred chef Nacho Manzano’s authentic restaurant Ibérica, which is the first to open outside of London. Manchester House, Tower 12, is Aiden Byrne’s internationally acclaimed second floor restaurant. Its partner bar The Lounge, on top floor of Tower 12, offers some great views across the city from within its unique and almost private booths. The extravagant cocktails are very good too... Australasia is the flagship from the highly acclaimed Living Venture stable of restaurants.
It is a vast underground restaurant with a large open bar space. Here you partake of a good glass of wine before you sit down for the your main meal. We can recommend the Asian themed afternoon tea on its sister bar Grand Pacific menu. The bar is located on ground level and looks out across The Avenue’s bustle. The Lawn Club on Hardman Square is an English garden bar in the city serving David Gales’ acclaimed menu. Next door, Rust & Stone caters for the health conscious foodie with a range of juices, smoothies and a large salad bar.
— 01 Hardman Square, Spinningfields Hardman Street, Spinngfields M3 3EB — 02 Australisa 1 The Avenue, Spinngfields M3 3AP unlockmanchester.com
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Spinningfields’ Leftbank is home ‘The Kitchens’ that offers a more casual dinning concept in a unique space especially created to house small independent food vendors. The emphasis here is to create something different from the main stream that will appeal to a wide audience; this, I have to say, is done extremely successfully. These start-up street-food and pop up traders have already provided their ability to create food of distinction and they have been duly rewarded with a space in ‘The Kitchens’. Fancy gourmet style ‘Fish ‘n’ Chips’? Then visit the Hip Hop Chip Shop and while you are waiting for your scrumptious fish, you can marvel at their mechanical social media counter. Bangers & Mash, are by far the Sultans of sausages, bacon and potatoes all topped off with a taste tangling gravy. These dishes are truely a sight to behold for the hungry shopper.
Or should you fancy a truly awesome steak sandwich, or scintillating steak and chips, then mosey-on-over to Well Hung. Here you will find locally sourced ingredients and marvellous steak. As the menu explains it was hung for at least 28 days and well rested. Nasi Lemak, is a recent addition to The Kitchens, they have a Malaysian streetfood focus and the Rempah Chicken is a very succulent dishes.
— 01 The Kitchens, Spinningfields Left Bank, Spinngfields M3 3EB
Cocktails at Alchemist Spinnigfields
SPRING/SUMMER EVENTS 2016
Manchester Day Parade 2015 Manchester City Council
Welcome to our guide to some of Manchester’s, and the regions, biggest and best events over the coming months. You will find a wide selection of things to do, events to attend and opportunities to buy exclusive items in markets. With so much to get involved in and explore our selection will help you get through your summer planning. There are certainly highlights in the calendar which draw huge crowds these include Manchester Day; a major celebration of the city, its people and businesses. Visitors are offered a wide range of family focused events across the city and the major attraction is the huge street parade. Manchester Pride, is another calendar staple, held over the August Bank Holiday, the city turns into a rainbow celebrating its diversity, with parties, music festivals and exhibitions. The Saturday parade is a sight to behold winding its way through the main streets of Manchester. Culture and art are extremely strong in the city and you can be enthralled at the theatres, play like a premier league footballer at the Footbal Musuem, or visit the city’s art galleries and enjoy the enormous wealth of paintings, sculpture and artistic creations. Fancy exploring the numerous markets to find unique and specialist things? The weekend will be your playground with independent and local markets to whet your appetite. Discover small producers making culinary delights, craft and design pieces and hordes of ‘Junk Deals’ where you will find ‘who knows what’. As you can see the Manchester events calendar is packed with a diverse selection of festivals, fairs, celebrations, concerts, seasonal and special events held in open air parks, at museums, galleries and many other attractions. Don’t miss out, read this guide and get stuck in! unlockmanchester.com
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CULTURAL FESTIVALS Festival celebrations are often great ways to have fun, share experiences with your friends and family while enjoying specialist events and live entertainment. We have selected a few of the best and diverse cultural festivals, coming this summer, including entertainment, parades, performances and film festivals. In July, the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival presents a month’s worth of new theatre, comedy and much more. Listen to and engage with writers and storytellers at the Literature Festival, in October, or simply marvel at the beauty of the ‘Steam Age’ at the East Lancs Railway, open all summer. So grab your shoes, get those tickets and getting going. — 01 East Lancashire Railway (cc) Aero Pixels
Manchester Histories Festival
Across Greater Manchester 3rd – 12th June The festival takes place over 10 days with events held at a wide range of venues across Greater Manchester and is for everyone. The Celebration Day is a one day event on the last Saturday of the festival that is traditionally held in Manchester Town Hall and includes exhibitions, talks, film screenings, games and lots more. www.manchesterhistories.co.uk @mcrhistfest
Manchester Day
Albert Square and across the city Sunday 19th June It is a day for families, residents and visitors to get together and celebrate all things Mancunian that have made Manchester one of the world’s most iconic cities. And 2016 promises to be even bigger and better than ever with an amazing parade through the heart of the city. City centre squares will feature a dazzling array of performances, decorations and mouth watering food and drink. www.manchesterday.co.uk @ManCityCouncil
Greater Manchester Fringe Festival
Festejar Spanish Festival
www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk @gmfringe
www.spanishfestival.co.uk @SpanishFestival
Summer Diesel Spectacular
Grimm Up North – GRIMMFEST
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk @eastlancsrly
www.grimmfest.com @grimmfest
Manchester Pride
Manchester Literature Festival
https://bigweekend.manchesterpride.com/ @ManchesterPride
http://www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk @McrLitFest
Starbrust Film Festival
Manchester Science Festival
www.starburstfilmfest.com @starburstff
www.manchestersciencefestival.com @McrSciFest
Venues across Greater Manchester 1st - 31st July The fringe festival collective brings together the best of Manchesters alternative scene. Art, dance, theatre, new writing, cabaret, comedy, poetry, music, burlesque, workshops and exhibitions. It has seen some fantastic performances from high profile and well known artists such as Phill Jupitus, however it also celebrates new and emerging talent and encourages anybody to take part, whatever their show or performance may be.
East Lancashire Railway, Bury 8th – 10th July This three day festival will feature an intensive, all diesel timetable running locomotives from the ELR home fleet and special visiting engines from fellow heritage railways. Take a ride on your favourite locomotive, take the perfect photograph, browse stalls chock full of memorabilia or simple relax outside the Trackside bar and watch the engines trundle by.
Canal Street and the Gay Village 26th – 29th August Manchester Pride is an annual festival celebrating Manchester’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture and life. The Big Weekend draws thousands of visitors to the city, with the highlight being the Manchester Pride parade that weaves its way through the city centre on Saturday afternoon.
MMU Student Union 26th – 28th August Screening film and TV cult classics, retro revivals and new releases. Saturday daytime is specially tailored for families, Signings and photo opportunities and Q&As sessions with industry legends, evening entertainment and crazy cosplay fun. A beautifully curated film festival by day and a riotous party by night, this will become the ultimate summer celebration for cult film & TV fans.
Albert Square 1st – 4th September Festejar, celebrating its 3rd year, is the Spanish Market that runs alongside an array of activities at Albert Square including Spanish Dancing lessons to Live Bands. For 4 days the Square is transformed into a “Little Spanish Oasis” in the Heart of the City.
ODEON Printworks, Manchester M4 2BS 6th – 9th October Love brand new and classic horror, cult, extreme fantasy and Sci-fi movies? Then GRIMMFEST is for you and it prides itself on bringing you the very best in new genre film from around the world. Enjoy movie premieres, special film makers, celebrity guests and a selection of genre classics screenings.
Across the city 7th – 23rd October The festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016 and this years it’s an extra special bumper edition. Inviting back many of the favourite writers from the past decade and hand-picking some of the most gifted emerging storytellers. From crime fiction to performance poetry and radical women to the future of the planet there’s something to capture everyone’s imagination.
Venues across Greater Manchester October The Manchester Science Festival 2016 returns for its 9th year. Play, create and experiment with your scientific side as Manchester Science Festival brings together a unique blend of art, make-it workshops, performances and big experiences for all ages. The Festival’s playful and imaginative programme invites visitors to immerse themselves in science, ideas and innovation.
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Principal sponsor
MANCHESTER MARKETS
(cc) Eddy Milford
Altringham Market
Bury Market
www.altringhammarket.co.uk @altringhammkt
www.burymarket.com @BuryMarket
Bolton Artisan Market
Heaton Moor Producers’ Market & Arts
www.heatonfold.co.uk @BoltonArtisan
www.heatonmoormarket.com @HMoorMarket
Greenwood Street, WA14 1SA Tuesday - Saturday weekly Featuring traditional favourites. Quality food traders from fresh fish to fruit & veg, from regional cheese to prime meat cuts, from crafters to jewellers, from makers to vintage retailers and beyond. Weekend markets showcase the talent, skill, passion and creativity of the finest traders in the North West and some amazing food.
Heaton Fold Garden Centre, Overdale Dr, BL1 5BU 3rd Sunday monthly (February - December) Visitors will find an exciting range of high quality and locally sourced food, drink and crafts from specialist producers and suppliers. There is free parking on site as well as a gift shop and selfservice café. The market is held under cover in bad weather.
The Fish Market, Murray Rd, Bury BL9 0BJ Monday - Saturday Bury’s World Famous Market is a multi award winning market and was voted Best Market Attraction in 2015. It’s one of the most popular shopping destinations in the north of England attracting thousands of visitors each week with over 370 stalls drawing in the crowds. Market Hall: Monday-Saturday - Fish & Meat: Monday-Saturday (closed Tuesday PM) - Open Market: Wednesday-Saturday
Shaw Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport SK4 4N 1st & 2nd Saturday monthly The Heaton Moor Market returns in 2016 with an addition of a new Art Market. It focuses on bringing local, independent producers’ and artists together offering a wide range of products, including fresh produce, gift items and crafts. Producers’ Market: 1st Saturday monthly Art Market: 2nd Saturday monthly
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Levenshulme Market
The Makers Market
www.levymarket.com @levymarket
www.themakersmarket.co.uk @_makersmarket
Piccadilly Gardens Street Food & Crafts
The Vintage Village Fair
www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200066/markets
www.thevintagevillage.co.uk @Vintage_Village
Stockport Rd, Levenshulme (behind the Station) Every Saturday (March-December) Since its March 2013 launch Levenshumle Markets delivers a diverse range of high quality traders and at every market you can expect an ever changing roster of 50 artisan traders selling produce, street food, plants, gifts, vintage clothing and homeware. 2016 will see the additional dates in the University of Manchester Campus. Check website for full details
Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester City Centre Thursday - Saturday weekly The Street Food Market features over 15 stall selling delicious food from around the globe. With dishes ranging from Middle Eastern wraps, dim sum and to chow mien noodles to Italian pasta, ostrich burgers and African cuisine. The Street Crafts Market which sells a variety of beautifully crafted items, from jewellery to homewares is open on Fridays and Saturdays
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Radcliffe Saturday Fine Food Market Radcliffe Market Hall, Blackburn Street, M26 9WQ Saturday weekly 9am-3pm Every Saturday, Radcliffe Market Hall becomes a foodie heaven, with a plethora of artisan producers bringing you the very best local produce available. Offering the finest - and often award-winning food and drink from across the region, you can sample their produce, and fill your baskets with passionately made, and downright tasty fine food.
Cheadle, Knutsford, Northern Quarter, Spinningfields, Didsbury (Saturday & Sunday) The monthly Makers Market brings together the finest and often award-winning food, drink, art & crafts producers in the area. The market is well known for presenting the very best of seasonal local farm produce, artisan breads, delicatessen and hand crafted cheeses, produced and sourced by people who are passionate about what they do. Check the website for full details.
Stockport Market Hall, Market Place, SK1 1EU 2nd Sunday monthly (March-December) Held in Stockports’ ‘Glass Umbrella’ and aims to deliver things might be rare or unique, beautiful, special, amusing, useful, bizarre or remarkable in some way. They are all intensely covetable - in the Markets considered opinion - and most of them are cracking bargains too. And once you are done browsing you can sample the great food and drink offerings.
Treacle Market
Market Place, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 6BA Last Sunday of the month (March-Aug) The market started in 2010 and each month sees the handsome cobbled Marketplace, Old Butter Market, St Michael’s churchyard and surrounding streets throng with visitors and over 150 stalls of unique crafts, exceptional lovingly produced food, drink and several vintage finds. When the sun shines, why not grab a rug and picnic on the church lawns?
www.radcliffefinefoodmarket.co.uk @radcliffemarket
www.treaclemarket.co.uk @treaclemarket
Saddleworth Handmade Markets
Wilmslow Artisan Market
www.creativenetwork-saddleworth.co.uk @SaddleCreativeN
www.themarketco.co.uk @_TheMarketCo
Uppermill, Saddleworth – various locations April - November Much more than just a craft market, the Saddleworth events include a selection of stalls with local creative and craft products, workshops and free demonstrations by creative people and businesses from the local area with entertainment and seasonal competitions for the children. Check the website for full details.
Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 1PB 3rd Saturday monthly (10am-4pm) The market consists of over 120 of the very finest artisan market traders and is the flagship of The Market Co’s events. In its alleyways you will find high-quality range of authentic goods with an emphasis on all that is local, ethical and original from traders who are all super-talented.
Love great food, art, design, music and street food? Then join us at one of our monthly weekend markets in Manchester. Northern Quarter Makers Market: 2nd Sundays - Stevenson Square, Mcr Spinningfields Makers Market: 3rd weekend, Spinningfields Sq, Mcr West Didsbury Makers Market: Last Sunday, Nell Lane/Barton Road, Mcr
themakersmarket.co.uk - @_makersmarket
ART & CULTURE EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS
copyright LS Lowry Collection, Salford
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LS Lowry: The Art & The Artist
The Imitation Game
www.thelowry.com/ls-lowry @the_lowry
www.manchesterartgallery.org @mcrartgallery
Behind Closed Doors: by Verity Howard
Hidden Voices from Empire and War
www.craftanddesign.com @ManchesterCraft
www.phm.org.uk @phmmcr
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ Permanent Exhibition, open daily There are over 400 works in the collection, 57 of which are oil paintings. Alongside the works of art is an archive containing thousands of items ranging from photographs to press cuttings and exhibition catalogues. Both the collection and archive were formed by Salford Museum & Art Gallery and transferred to The Lowry in 2000.
MC&DC, 17 Oak Street, M4 5JD Until 29th May Verity Howard’s slab-built ceramic forms are inspired by her fascination with people’s everyday lives and activities. Each piece features a monoprinted or stamped glimpse through a window, and conveys a sense of stillness, absence of presence, and the eerie sensation of being an outsider looking in.
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, M2 3JL Until 5th June This exhibition, by eight international contemporary artists, explores the theme of machines and the imitation of life. The exhibition includes work by artists Ed Atkins, James Capper, Paul Granjon, Tove Kjellmark, Lynn Hershman Leeson, David Link, Mari Velonaki and Yu-Chen Wang. The title is inspired by Alan Turing’s Turing Test, devised to test a computer’s ability to imitate human thought.
People’s History Museum, Left Bank, M3 3ER Until 17th July When we think about World War I, what comes to mind? Trenches, poppies, war poets, millions of lives lost or wounded on the bloody battles of the Western Front. This exhibition attempts to shed some light on the untold and unfamiliar facts and the stories of colonised people of the time – that are an integral and important part of hidden history.
Grafters: Industrial Society
People’s History Museum, Left Bank, M3 3ER Until 14th August Nothing compared to photography when it came to capturing the Industrial Revolution. As Britain’s society changed, techniques in photography developed, enabling workers to capture their own lives for the first time. Visitors will witness how the working classes went from objects in photos, to heroic representations of industry and finally to photographers themselves. Curated by leading documentary photographer Ian Beesley. www.phm.org.uk @phmmcr
Dunham’s Lost Years
Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4SJ Until 30th October Immerse yourself in Victorian grandeur as chandeliers, grand paintings and luxurious silk see the House transformed to tell a tale of love and loss. Eighteen year old George Harry became the 7th Earl in 1845 when he inherited Dunham Massey to become the wealthiest and most titled young man of the time. He rebelled against the expectations of polite Victorian society to marry skilled circus performer Catharine Cox. Did they make the right decision? www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Cravings: Does your food control you?
Revolutionary Textiles 1910-1939
www.msimanchester.org.uk @msimanchester
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk @WhitworthArt
Nico Vascellari
Hats Amazing
MOSI, Liverpool Road, M3 4FP Until September 2016 What drives your desires for the foods you love? Is it the colour of your spoon, the food your mum ate while pregnant, the trillions of bacteria that dine with you, or the little known ‘second brain’ in your gut? From the flavours you learned to love in the womb, to the very next bite you take, your appetite has been shaped by food. Explore how food affects your body, brain and eating habits.
The Whitworth, Oxford Road, M15 6ER Until 18th September As winter draws to a close and greenery once again takes hold, Italian artist Nico Vascellari occupies the Whitworth’s Landscape Gallery. Visitors are invited to explore the haunting installation Bus de la Lum which draws on the arcane powers of the forest and suggests the deep secrets within it. Bus de la Lum (meaning ‘hole of light’) is a natural cavity located in woodland of the Cansiglio plateau. www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk @WhitworthArt
The Whitworth, Oxford Road, M15 6ER Until 29 Jan 2017 In the early decades of the 20th century textile design took off in new directions throughout the Western world. Invigorated by experimental techniques, art styles such as Fauvism, man-made fibres, and the Ballets Russes, this outburst of creativity took place against a backdrop of political ferment. Among the works it features are fabric lengths, garments and samples.
Hat Works Museum, Stockport SK3 0EU Until 19 March 2017 Hats Amazing brings to light artefacts from the hatting collection that have not been exhibited before. The museum staff and partners have explored our collection and chosen their favourite objects, including an eclectic mix of previously unseen hatting gems. A wide range of interests can be found within the hatting collection; from machinery and tools to advertising and design. www.stockport.gov.uk/museums @StockportMBC
Behind the Sun
Keep the Home Fires Burning
www.homemcr.org/exhibitions @home_mcr
www.stockport.gov.uk/museums @StockportMBC
HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN 23 July – 25 September 2016 A group exhibition made up of the five winners of the Prêmio Marcantônio Vilaça CNI Sesi Senai, the largest contemporary art prize in Brazil. The exhibition is a snapshot of new work from across the country and it features film, performance, sculpture, photography and original performance, Behind the Sun challenges our preconceptions of a country that’s often reduced to frivolous, carnivalesque stereotypes.
Stockport Museum, Stockport SK1 1ES Unitl 13th November This exhibition explores the impact of World War I on Stockport and the remarkable stories of courage bravery and sacrifice. Every family in Stockport was touched by the war in some way. Diaries, letters and personal objects collected specifically for this exhibition and displayed for the first time reveal remarkable stories of courage bravery and sacrifice.
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FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVALS Manchester certainly loves its food and drink, you can tell just by looking at the number top chefs that have opened restaurants here during the last 10 years. The growth of the Manchester real ale industry is second only to London (and not by much). Manchester has its own microcosm of foodies and quaffers who demand only the best when it comes to eating and drinking. To supplement all this demand there are many great food and drink festivals for you get your fill of and address that thirst for the new, exotic and specialist produce. Of course it’s not all serious stuff, get to Albert Square in June or October and you can enjoy German Bier and live entertainment at the Bierfest or Oktoberfest. September sees the Internationally renowned Manchester Food & Drink Festival where the city becomes a huge outdoor kitchen and many restaurants create special menus for you to sample.
Looking for something that appeals to the whole family? Then check out the Tatton Park Foodies Festival in July. This major event is organised by the Daily Mail and will feature celebrity chefs and children focused events such as Cake baking, fun for everyone, except maybe whoever does the clothes washing… So get ready, tighten your belt, grab those drinking boots and dive in for great food and drink experiences to remember.
— 01 Manchester Food & Drink Festival (cc) MFDF
“A b s o l u t e l y Stunning” Time Out Manchester
Now Open PierEightRestaurant.com
LU N C H DINNER P R E -T H E A T R E The very best seasonal contemporary British food
Castlefield Food Festival
Bolton Food & Drink Festival
www.castlefieldfoodfestival.co.uk @castlefieldFood
www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com @boltonfoodfest
German Bierfest
Ardley Hall Food Festival
www.manchester.bierfest.co.uk
www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com @GBfoodfestival
Lowry Food Festival
Manchester Food & Drink Festival
www.lowryoutlet.co.uk/events @lowryoutlet
www.foodanddrinkfestival.com @MFDF16
Foodies Festival
Manchester Oktoberfest
www.foodiesfestival.com @foodiefestival
www.manchester-oktoberfest.co.uk @mcroktoberfest
Castlefield Bowl, Castlefield 12th - 15th May The Castlefield Food Festival is a real celebration of flavour with celebrity chefs, passionate producers, live music and, above all, great food. Happening over four days 2016 sees a special new night market from 4pm until 10pm on Thursday 12 May. This is a chance to be one of the first to explore all the great food and drink at the festival.
Albert Square, Manchester 1st – 5th June Albert Square is transformed in a German Village with wooden huts selling everything including Bratwurst and other authentic German Products. The Bavarian FestTent has German live music, waiters in Lederhosen and Dirndl. Gardens to sip handmade beers, the classic German Sekt wine and a ‘funZone’ where your kids can have a great time enjoying traditional German fun activities.
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Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford, M50 2AH 24th - 26th June This event boasts live entertainment, plus a bustling Artisan market offering a whole range of irresistible food and drink. The Food Festival is going to be an unforgettable al fresco dining experience. So make sure you bring a big appetite when you stroll round the artisan market with foods from over 120 speciality producers!
Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN 15th - 17th July Meet Great British Menu Chef Aiden Byrne cooking his signature recipes. Featuring Celebrity Chefs Ed Baines and Aldo Zilli, and MasterChef Winners Simon Wood and Ping Coombes. Feast in the Street Food Avenue; learn to bake in the Cake and Bake Theatre; enjoy afternoon tea in the Vintage Tea Tent; taste wine, champagne and craft beer in the Drinks Theatre; buy from local producers in the Artisan Market.
Victoria Square, Bolton 26th - 29th August Now in its 11th year the Bolton Food & Drink Festival is the highlight of Bolton’s annual events calendar. As one of the North West’s biggest and well attended food festivals, held over the August bank holiday weekend, it will see over 150 stalls, across the city, with an exciting mix of fine food, celebrities and entertainment for all the family.
Ardley Hall, Cheshire CW9 6NA 24th – 25th September A recipe for the weekend... with over 80 top local and artisan producers, a big serving of stunning hot food, add a dash of real ale and wine bars, kids cookery lessons and lots of children’s activities, top chef demonstrations, stir in a cake competition, a BBQing stage and the popular Men V’s Food, with lashings of excellent live music and mix together... you get a fun foodie day out for the whole family!
Albert Square and across the city 29th September - 10th October The UK’s largest urban food and drink festival returns to the city centre every year. The festival takes place over much of the city centre and surrounding districts of Greater Manchester as possible. MFDF presents a huge programme of events taking place, both indoor and outdoor. Check the website for full details.
Albert Square 19th - 23rd October Manchester Oktoberfest takes over the central located Albert Square. Over a long weekend, of five days, join in the traditional celebrations in the festival tent with long tables, space for 2,000 people, and the giant beer steins. Enjoy the amazing Oktoberfest atmosphere with German beer, food, music, sing-along’s all making this party go with a swing.
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MUSIC FESTIVALS & EVENTS Manchester has a very strong music scene that has produced some of the countries, if not worlds, biggest bands. Thinking back it is easy to name just a few such as The Smiths, New Order or Oasis. This trend continues today with many Manchester based, or inspired, emerging bands and musicians playing live gigs in some of the city’s best-known music venues. Look at the long standing Night and Day Bar on Oldham Street, Matt & Phreds for Jazz in the Northern Quarter, Manchester Academy, a haunt for students and international artists alike, or the Manchester Arena one of the biggest music venues in Europe. Classical music is not forgotten, Manchester is home to the world-class RNCM music teaching college, The Bridgewater Hall and even Manchester Cathedral are both staples venues for classical and orchestral music.
Looking for the full on intimate live experience? Then try The Ruby Lounge, on the High Street, presenting a breadth of rock and AOR bands. Manchester’s famous Band on the Wall is another excellent space and is very popular with major artists prior to going onto larger venue national tours. Day and weekend festivals have sprung up in recent years and attract major world talent. Parklife and the newer Irlam Live are both great festivals, whereas Oldham’s Carnival & Rootz Festival offers a more family inclusive event. Therefore, it is easy to say that Manchester is still at the for-front of music creation and production. This is a great time to dive in and get to hear bands and musicians where they are at their best. — 01 Parklife, Heaton Park (cc) Catrin Austin
mancunia 94-96 Grosvenor St,Manchester,M17HL
Manchester's newest live music and club night destination! The Live Room is Manchesters newest stop for international touring bands, artists and DJs with regular club nights and The Live Room is open concerts from legends of the throughout the summer & past and stars of the future beyond from
12pm-2am - Weekdays
Plus full 12pm-4am Weekends coverage of every match of Euro 2016 To Hire The Live Room Contact gigs@theliveroommcr.co.uk
www.theliveroommcr.co.uk
Whit Friday Brass Band Contests
RNCM Big Band and Singers
www.whitfriday.brassbands.saddleworth.org
www.rncm.ac.uk @rncmvoice
Dot to Dot Festival
Wigan International Jazz Festival
www.dottodotfestival.co.uk @D2DFest
www.wiganjazzclub.co.uk
Irlam Live
Oldham Carnival & Rootz Festival
www.irlamlive.co.uk @irlamlive
www.oldhamcarnival.org.uk @Oldham_Carnival
Parklife Festival
Let the Good Times Roll
www.parklife.uk.com @Parklifefest
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk @eastlancsrly
Saddleworth and local villages Friday 20th May From the earliest recorded contest in 1884, the event has grown in popularity. In 2015 well over a hundred brass bands participated in some twenty different contests at venues scattered around the moorland villages and towns on the western edge of the Pennines. All of the contests are openair, many in delightful surroundings. Check the website for full details.
Various venues in Manchester Friday 27th May Dot To Dot Festival is established as the UK’s Premier Festival for unearthing the hottest new talent around, alongside established acts from across the globe. 2016 marks the Festival’s 11th edition and will see it returning to Manchester on the 27th May. Dot to Dot’s ever eclectic line-up is set to make this year one of the biggest and best in the festival’s history. Check the website for full details.
Princes Park, Liverpool Rd, Irlam 3rd- 5th June A two and half day outdoor music festival with an awesome line up for your favourite bands and singers from back in the day, such as Tony Hadley. Supported with a fantastic festival village with award-winning street food vendors and wellstocked bars selling a variety of beers, ciders, wines and spirits.
Heaton Park, Middleton Rd M25 2SW 11th - 12th June Parklife Festival is a Mancunian institution of urban, electro, indie and pop music. In five short years it has built up a near-legendary reputation that pulls in a unique and diverse lineup year after year. In 2015 it swung from the bass-heavy EDM of Oliver Heldens all the way to the soothing acoustic tones of Ben Howard – passing by pretty much everything else you can think of along the way.
RNCM, 124 Oxford Road, M13 9RD 24th – 25th June For two nights the RNCM is going to transport you back in time to the halcyon days of the Big Band era, taking in classic standards such as Too Darn Hot, On the Street Where You Live and What is This Thing Called Love. A journey through the music of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, guided by Mike Hall and the RNCM Big Band to bring these stunning songs to life.
Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre, Wigan WN5 0UL 7th – 10th July Four days packed with world-class artists, featuring an eclectic range of jazz genres and styles. This year is another big year for Wigan Jazz. It’s the 31st Festival and it’s the 40th Anniversary of the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Alexandra Park, Kings Road, Oldham OL8 2BH 10th July Enjoy the fun of the fair rides and fairground or some of our family freebie activities throughout the day in the Freebie Zone. The Parade in the Park looks set to be the biggest since the event was moved from the roads in 2011. The park offers the opportunity to express colour dance and costume. The event is supported by charity stalls, food stalls, craft stalls.
East Lancashire Railway, Bury BL9 0EY 15th – 17th July Hosted by The Trackside and featuring quirky live music performances and the very best in local ales, it is one of the best times you can have on a railway platform. Raise money and have a few laughs at this annual fundraising bash.
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Beer & Blues Weekend
Festwich
www.bandonthewall.org @bandonthewall
www.festwich.com @festwichfest
Blackthorn Music Festival
The Manchester Caribbean Carnival
www.blackthornmusicfestival.co.uk @BlackthornFest
www.themanchestercarnival.com @CCoManchester
Bluedot
Wigan Live Festival
Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, M4 5JZ 22nd – 23rd July A full weekend of Beer ’n’ Blues. Band on the Wall presents the finest artists the UK’s blues scene has to offer together with a 20 pump bar featuring brews from local breweries.Tickets are available for individual events plus weekend tickets and Saturday only. CAMRA and members discount applies.
Etherow Country Park, George St, SK6 5JD 22nd – 24th July This is a music festival for everyone regardless of age, situated through Etherow Country Park in the beautiful setting of Whitebottom farm, providing a safe and friendly atmosphere to listen to music, socialise and camp, yet only 30 minutes from Manchester centre. Indulge your three senses with great music, mouth-watering food and stunning surroundings.
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Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9DL 22nd – 24th July Bluedot is a brand new festival of discovery at Jodrell Bank, the iconic observatory and heart of our quest for knowledge of the cosmos. Bluedot invites you to camp out under the stars, and to explore a stellar programme of music, science, arts, technology, culture, food and film.
www.discoverthebluedot.com @bluedotfestival
St Mary’s Park, Prestwich, Manchester 30th - 31st July The UK’s Biggest Free Rock Tribute Festival, it’s the tribute act festival that brings you blistering sets from the best rock and indie bands in the universe. Some of the biggest tribute acts in Europe on two stages, over two days of crowd-surfing, choruschanting, festival fun. Plus bars, food stands, a market, a children’s area, and thrill rides! And it’s all family friendly.
Alexandra Park, 180 Russell St, M16 7JL 13th - 14th August Manchester carnival has brought Caribbean culture to the forefront annually for over 40 years and is the north-west’s largest celebration of Caribbean music and carnival arts. The carnival is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, dance, theatre and costume.
Multiple venues in Wigan Town Centre 19th - 20th August Showcasing some of the best unsigned bands and soloists from the local area and further afield, Wigan Live Festival returns for a fourth year in 2016. This free 2 day live music festival is a real celebration of local live music, from rock to blues to folk and beyond. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. www.wiganlivefestival.co.uk @wiganlivefestival
Manchester Jazz Festival
Ramsbottom Festival
www.manchesterjazz.com @ManJazzFest
www.ramsbottomfestival.com @rammyfestival
Albert Square and across the City 22nd – 31st July MJF is the UK’s leading showcase for contemporary jazz. It is a Signature Event in Manchester’s cultural programme animating the city centre and reinforcing its image as a great place to live and work. Fostering the regional scene and presenting as wide a range of musicians as possible, MJF encourages young, female and multi-cultural musicians.
Ramsbottom Cricket Club, Acre Bottom, BL0 0BS 16th – 18th September Ramsbottom Festival is an award winning weekend featuring over fifty amazing artists and musicians including international acts, emerging UK talent and local heroes. Produced by the team behind the Met, at Bury, the festival is a celebration of music, theatre, participatory workshops and artists.
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SPORTING EVENTS Manchester has two world-class football teams who draw huge crowds to spectate and watch the games in the city’s pubs, but enough about them. The summer is packed with other sporting events aimed at getting people involved or simply cheering your team on. You can join one of the many marathons, like the Great Manchester 10K Run or raise monies for a good cause at the Race for Life. Adrenaline Rush, Heaton Park, looks like a blast or simply relax and take a few days to enjoy watching England vs Pakistan Test Match, at Old Trafford. In May watch the spectacular Great City Games with internationally renowned athletes in competition on Deansgate, when it is turned into an athletic park. The Manchester Velodrome, part of the 2002 Commonwealth Games legacy, is the centre for UK Cycling and it hosts several events and competitions throughout the year.
The Emirates Old Trafford is home to the Lancashire Cricket Club and this summer it will see test matches and 20/20 championships. Salford City Reds, Rugby League team, and the Sale Sharks, Rugby Union team, are both highly successful national teams each attracting massive match day crowds and a grwoing international following. So whether you are donning trainers or preparing to watch someone else work-out there is plenty to keep you occupied.
— 01 Great Manchester 10K Run (cc) Stuart Grout
Great City Games
The Horwich Festival of Racing
www.greatcitygames.org
www.horwichfestivalofracing.co.uk @HorwichRaces
Morrisons Great Manchester 10K Run
Race for Life Manchester
www.greatrun.org/great-manchester-run @great_run
http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org @raceforlife
U20 Rugby World Cup
England v Pakistan – Test Match
www.worldrugby.org/u20 @worldrugby
www.lccc.co.uk @EmiratesOT
Indoor Netball Weekend
Adrenaline Rush Manchester
www.centrecourtnetball.co.uk
www.theadrenalinerush.com @GetYourRushAR
Deansgate and Albert Square Friday 20th May The Great CityGames Manchester provides a unique opportunity to see top athletes from across the globe compete in an urban environment. The event takes place on the Great CityGames track on Deansgate in the heart of the city, and at the purpose built athletics arena in Albert Square.
Starts on Portland Street Sunday 22nd May The 10k running event, broadcast live on BBC, will return to the heart of the city next year and is an event not to be missed! Since 2003 more than a quarter of a million people have taken part and this year we will be welcoming our 300,000th runner across the finish line.
AJ Bell Stadium and City Academy Stadium 07 June - 25 June The World Rugby U20 Championship 2016 will take place in Manchester with 12 competing teams: defending champions New Zealand, hosts England, Argentina, Australia, France, debutants Georgia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Scotland, South Africa and Wales. Hosted by the RFU, the Championship 2016 tournament is held at AJ Bell Stadium and Manchester City’s Academy Stadium.
Manchester Velodrome, M11 4DQ 11th - 12th June Now in its third year this, Centre Court organised, two day indoor tournament is happening at Manchesters’ Velodrome. It will see teams from across the UK pitted against each other in a highly competitive but friendly two days of Netball.
Multiple venues in Horwich, Lancashire 14th June and 19th June The Festival has over the past 15 years has grown to become one of the most popular sporting events in the North of England. It attracts competitors from the local areas, across the country and from abroad. It has staged the British Cycling Elite Mens and Womens Circuit Championships, British Para-cycling Circuit Championships, British Masters 5K national championships for running and walking.
Heaton Park, Prestwich, Manchester M25 0BW Sunday 17th July Race for Life events aren’t competitive, so you can go as fast or as slow as you want. You could stick together as a group and encourage each other around or increase your fundraising by seeing who can go round in the wackiest (and probably slowest) way possible. Help raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Emirates Old Trafford, Talbot Road, M16 0PX 22nd – 26th July This will be the first time Pakistan have toured England since 2010. With England travelling to the UAE this winter, both teams will have an early sight of each other ahead of the test match at Old Trafford, so you can be sure to expect some thrilling scenes! Enjoy some of Old Trafford’s finest hospitality, its atmospheric stadium and worldclass cricket.
Heaton Park, Middleton Rd, M25 2SW Saturday 6th August Heaton Part is turned into an urban assault course incorporating thrilling obstacles and daring challenges. Want to jump from a height on to a stuntsman’s airbag? Take on the Leap of Faith? Run the gauntlet and make it to the top of our super ramp? All supported by a large event village with great music, good food & drink.
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SUMMER THEATRICAL HIGHLIGHTS
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Manchester’s theatre scene is a thriving exploration of drama, documentary, musicals, opera, independent productions and comedy, just to mention a few. The city centre has four theatres Home, The Opera House, The Palace Theatre, The Royal Exchange plus the Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays. All of these excellent venues have a very diverse offering of shows and productions. The independent scene is very strong, just look at the Contact Theatre, the Dance House or even the intimate 3MT in Afflecks. These and the main stream theatres deliver a breadth of performance and productions second only to London. We have rounded up some of the best events coming this summer. With a whole host of shows for you to discover by visiting the theatres websites.
The Ladykillers
Oldham Coliseum, Fairbottom Street, OL1 3SW 10 June - 2 July 2016 Written by Graham Linehan (of Father Ted fame), The Ladykillers is a dark comedy about a dear little old lady pitted against a ruthless gang of criminals, inspired by the classic Ealing film. Posing as amateur musicians in a string quartet, Professor Marcus and his gang rent rooms in the topsyturvy house of unsuspecting landlady Mrs Louisa Alexandra Wilberforce. www.coliseum.org.uk @OldhamColiseum
The Ring Cycle
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ 13 June - 18 June An extraordinary journey comes full circle in 2016, as Opera North presents highly anticipated full performances of The Ring Cycle: Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen. The Leeds-based national opera company will perform a series of six full cycles of the operas which make up Wagner’s marathon four-part masterpiece: Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung. www.thelowry.com @the_lowry
King Lear
The Mighty Walzer
www.atgtickets.com @ATGTICKETS
www.royalexchange.co.uk @rxtheatre
Singing in the Rain
Comedysportz & Kids Workshops
www.octagonbolton.co.uk @octagontheatre
www.watersideartscentre.co.uk @OldhamColiseum
The Opera House, 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP 31st May – 4th June An ageing tyrant’s whimsical decision to divide his kingdom tears his family apart, sparks catastrophic civil war and destroys all that he has. Two-time Olivier Award nominee Michael Pennington leads a cast of fourteen distinguished actors in Max Webster’s epic new interpretation of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy.
Bolton Octagon, Howell Croft South, Bl1 1SB 3rd – 25th June Silent movie stars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are riding high on success, loved by audiences and studio execs alike - but not each other! Linked romantically to heighten their popularity, the couple could not be more different. The introduction of a new era of ‘talkies’ is about to set them even more at odds - spelling disaster for Lina, whose vocal range leaves a lot to be desired.
Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, M2 7DH 30th June – 30th July Oliver Walzer is shy, bookish, Jewish. He doesn’t know how to talk to girls. But he can slice, flick and spin a ping pong ball better than any teenager in Manchester. When Sheeny Waxman takes him under his wing on the Akiva Social Club Table Tennis team, Oliver channels his frustrated adolescent lust into the game he loves.
Waterside Arts Centre, Sale M33 7ZF April - August monthly This improvised show sees two teams battle it out for laughs as players create quick-witted sketches, scenes and songs from whatever suggestions are thrown at them by the audience. It’s a show that’s fast, feel good and always unpredictably funny. There’s a referee on hand to steer the entertainment, call any fouls and help the audience decide the winner. There are 2 hour workshops for kids in July. Check website for full details.
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METROSHUTTLE - FREE BUS ROUTES The Metroshuttle bus is a free service and makes travelling about the city easy and quick; just stick out your arm and hail ones these modern buses. With it 4 routes, the shuttle buses cover most of the city and have good interconnection with each another. The routes are circular so even if you miss your stop just stay on and it will come round again. You could even use them as way to sight see the city‌ The buses are clearly marked and you can use the map to find the stops and route information. The Metroshuttle is funded as a working partnership between Manchester City Council, NCP and Allied London. Thanks guys! The Manchester Trams, in their fun bright yellow livery, trundle across the city transporting commuters and visitors alike. These routes connect the main line stations of Piccadilly and Victoria Stations directly to the wider region and provide an excellent service to Manchester Airport.
If you are off to The Lowry Theatre and Outlet Mall, in Salford Quays, the tram will whisk you there in about 10 minutes from Piccadilly Gardens. Bury, with its attractions such as the East Lancashire Railway, its award wining Market and The Met are only 30 minutes away. These services coupled with the commercial buses routes and the national railway connections make reaching and getting about the city fairly simple. Just remember to buy a ticket!
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