Spring has finally sprung, and we’re already a quarter of the way through the year. It seems like only yesterday that we were taking down the Christmas decorations and looking forward to Valentine’s Day, but here we are with April upon us. So, what’s going on in and around the city this coming month?
We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to music in the city this April, with pop legends En Vogue playing Manchester Academy on the 7th, Arcade Fire playing the Arena on the 8th, and that 90s band Ugly Kid Joe at the Academy on the 17th. And how could we forget Harry Styles at the Arena on the 9th? That’s not a bad lineup, but if you’re looking for something a bit crazier, then the Manchester Punk Festival runs from 19th to the 21st and sees a variety of local and international bands playing in locations across the city.
Not too keen on any of those musical acts? Then head out to a show. This month we have Miss Saigon running at the Palace for the entire month, while Hairspray is on at the Opera House until the 7th. Funnyman Michael McIntyre is also back in town, bringing his Big World Tour to the Arena from the 19th to the 21st.
For the biggest event of the month, we’re heading down the M62 to Aintree for the most anticipated race of the year—The Grand National. Yes, we know it’s not in Manchester, but in all fairness, who will miss this race? And with the Grand National, you just never know who will win; but a quick look at notable runners for Aintree shows us that Blaklion is a pretty good bet at 10/1. Get your bets on now, though, as those odds will likely come down as we get closer to race day.
If you’re looking for something suitable for your entire clan, then why not try Fast and Furious Live? It’s a crazy car stunt show based on the movies, and it promises some high-octane fun that people of all ages are sure to love. In fact, some might even say this show is one of a kind, or at least one of a kind for this generation. It’s been a while since we’ve seen any show that involves vehicles other than monster trucks, so this should be a good one. If your friends or loved ones are more interested in trains, then you could also take them on a ride on the 100mph Tornado steam train on the 1st or 2nd of April. Either of these events would certainly give them something to talk about after the Easter break.
The month of April is also a good one for sport, with the obvious main events being the Manchester Derby and the Champions League Quarter Final between City and Liverpool. However, there’s also the Marathon on April 8th and Gung-Ho Manchester the day before. Gung-Ho sees entrants complete a 5k run and take on ten huge inflatable obstacles. Sounds like great fun! On the same day in Ramsbottom, you’ll find the hilarious ComedySportz battle. Two teams compete for laughs and giggles, and it’s suitable for everyone.
As you can see, April is looking like a pretty busy month, and we haven’t even listed half of the events taking place in and around the city. So, if you’re feeling a little low after your chocolate-filled Easter weekend, then worry not. There’s so much going on this April that you’ll soon forget that the bank holiday weekend is over.
Feature image: Flickr, Photo by Robert Pittman / CC BY
