Whilst the summer holidays are coming to a halt, the things to see, do and visit in Manchester are not.
We’ve lined up the very best things to do in Manchester this week. From theatre, music, art and more, we have it all.
Monday 14th August
Mothers who Make – HOME
As a peer support group and creative exchange session for mothers who are artists, Mothers who Make is a growing network for mothers working in any discipline and at any stage of their careers. It was started by Matilda Leyser in London in 2012 and has rapidly spread across the country, with groups currently having met in over ten different regions. Every kind of maker and every kind of mother are welcome. Feel free to bring along your children, of any age, whether they are inside you, beside you or running round the room.
HOME, First Street/ https://homemcr.org/event/this-is-human-mind-garden/ Monday 14th August 2017 / 10.30am-12.30pm / Free admission.
We Love Magic Week – Salford Shopping Centre
Keep the little ones entertained and starry eyed this week with the six day magical celebrations in Salford. From 11am – 4pm on Tuesday 15 August, Amazing Stephen will be performing walk-around magic tricks to wow kids and adults alike. Throughout the week there will also be magic themed competitions and activities in centre and online.
Salford Shopping Centre, Hankinson Way/ http://salfordshoppingcentre.com/whats-on/love-magic-week/ Monday 14 – Sunday 20 August 2017/ 9.30am-5.30pm/ Free admission.
This is Human: Mind Garden – HOME
As part of the This is Human exhibition, the Mind Garden is a welcoming space of Zen and clarity where you can begin your journey of events for This is Human. Pioneered by David Fawcett, the Mind Garden is an alternative seating area for visitors where you can sit back, relax and empty your mind before exploring what HOME has to offer.
HOME, First Street/ https://homemcr.org/event/this-is-human-mind-garden/ Tuesday 1 August – Friday 1 September 2017 / 12.30-10.30pm / Free admission.
Beat Street Dance Week – Z Arts Centre, Hulme
Beat Street Dance blends and perfects a mis of street, ballet, contemporary, tap and break dancings to create a new form of choreography. Giving visitors the chance to learn new styles and technique, as well as work towards a professional performance by the new company, the week long activity is a sure hit for any keen and budding dancers. Suitable for ages 11+.
Z Arts Centre, Stratford Road, Hulme/ http://www.z-arts.org/events/beat-street/ Monday 14 August 2017/ 10am-3pm/ Free admission.
Manchester Life Drawing – Z Arts Centre
Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, all are welcome (ages 18+) to Z Art Centre’s life drawing class. Perfect the skill of drawing the human body through different art mediums in 2 hours on a weekly basis.
Z Arts Centre, Stratford Road, Hulme/ http://www.z-arts.org/events/manchester-art-studios-life-drawing/ Monday 14 August 2017/ 6.30-8.30pm/ Prices from £12.75.
Tuesday 15th August
Summer Holiday Craft Club – Rocket & Orange
No need to let boredom ruin the summer holiday break. With Rocket & Orange, children can get creative with fun and enriching activities. Rocket & Orange, the family cafe in Alrincham, has teamed up with the children’s craft company, Paper Towns, to give kids the opportunity to explore their creative side every Tuesday. Children can choose a craft of their choice from a range of kits including a star wand, racing car, flying space rocket, bug hunt binoculars and many more.
Rocket & Orange, Borough Road, Altrincham / http://www.rocketandorange.co.uk/ Tuesday 25 July – Tuesday 22 August 2017/ 1.30-5pm/ Prices from £6.
Room on the Broom – The Lowry
In its second week showing at Salford’s Lowry Theatre, join the Witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Watch the chaos unravel as the Witch and her cat pick up some friendly hitchhikers whilst travelling on their broomstick. A friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a crazy frog may not be the best companions for a broom after all.
The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays / https://www.thelowry.com/events/room-on-the-broom/ Sunday 13 – Sunday 27 August 2017/ 11am or 2pm/ Prices from £13.75.
Spinningfields Summer Screenings: Beauty and the Beast – Spinningfields
Displaying one of this year’s most successful and highly anticipated films, Oast House will be screening Beauty and the Beast as part of their ten week Summer Screening sessions. Due to being a free, non-ticketed event, be sure to arrive early to bag the best seat in town.
Oast House, Spinningfields/ https://www.spinningfieldsonline.com/events/summerscreenings/ Tuesday 15 August 2017/ 7pm/ Free admission.
David Broad Duo – Matt and Phreds
From swing, blues, gospel, ragtime and sometimes country, The David Broad Duo play all kinds of traditional American music. After playing in pubs, clubs, weddings and sometimes even funerals, the duo will be playing Matt and Phreds this week. Their influences are said to range from Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Blind Blake and Robert Johnson.
Matt and Phreds, Tibb Street / http://www.mattandphreds.com/ Thursday 17 August 2017/ 9pm (doors from 6pm)/ Free admission.
Wednesday 16th August
Victorian Photo Booth – Elizabeth Gaskell House
Elizabeth Gaskell’s house, located on Plymouth Grove, was once home to four children who played in the gardens and wondered throughout the house. With drop in drama activities in each of the Period Rooms, you can discover what it was like to live in the Gaskell Household. This Wednesday, play dress up in the Victorian Photo Booth and create your own Victorian silhouette.
Elizabeth Gaskell House, 84 Plymouth Grove/ http://elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk/events/family-friendly-victorian-photo-booth-plus-meet-mrs-gaskell/ Wednesday 16 August 2017/ Prices range from £1-£5.
Blink Monk Trio – Matt and Phreds
Blink Monk Trio comprises of Bob Whitaker, Hugo Harrison and Johnny Hunter. Together they put a fresh, modern spin on the classic sax/bass/drums trio format. With influences from the whole history of the genre (Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, FLY, Avishai Cohen and J.D Allen), they are a fusion of dark cinematic grooves and eastern folk.
Matt and Phreds, Tibb Street / http://www.mattandphreds.com/ Thursday 17 August 2017/ 9pm (doors from 6pm)/ Free admission.
Thursday 17th August
The Princess Adventure at East Lancashire Railway – Bury
On a mission to find the magical gems of a Storybook Land, your favourite character will join forces with the East Lancashire Railway to stop evil villains and defeat their plans to end everyone’s happy endings. Join the Fairytale Express and sing along with the hero as they use magic and mayhem to win the day.
East Lancashire Railway, Bury Bolton Street Station/ http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/2016/8/the-princess-adventure.aspx/ Thursday 17 August 2017/ 10am and 12.40pm/ Prices from £7.30.
The Smartest Giant in Town – Ordsall Hall
This Thursday in the picturesque gardens of Ordsall Hall, visitors will see The Folksy Theatre present the much loved Julia Donaldson favourite, The Smartest Giant in Town. Filled with puppetry, colourful characters and songs that will make you want to clap and sing along, the production will be one for the entire family. Bring along your picnics, blankets, folding chairs and friends and family to enjoy this wonderful open-air production.
Ordsall Hall, Ordsall Lane/ http://www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/culture/whats-on/giant/ Thursday 17 August 2017/ 10am and 2pm/ Prices from £8.
Playback Exhibition – HOME
HOME’s exhibition is showcasing over 200 short films made by young artist film makers aged 16-24/ The award-winning short films are made by emerging talent and seek to capture today’s world: from underground zine cultures, to urban communities and digital lives. With interactive touchscreen, you can choose what to watch and curate your own selection on screen.
HOME, First Street/ https://homemcr.org/exhibition/playback/ Tuesday 1 August – Friday 1 September 2017 / 12.30-10.30pm / Free admission
Thursday Night Live – Frog and Bucket
MC Jamie Sutherland hosts this week’s Frog and Bucket’s Thursday Night Live. With a lineup including the likes of Phillip Simon, Tom Glover, Phil Chapman and Alex Boardman, its set to be a night like no other.
Frog and Bucket, Oldham Street/ https://frogandbucket.ticketsolve.com/shows/873567262/ Thursday 17 August 2017/ 7pm / Princes from £10.
Neil C.Young Quartet – Matt and Phreds
Described as being “full of soul and energy” which “touches your heart and sets your hair on fire”. The Neil C. Young Quartet have gained a long list of Grammy nominations over recent years. With multiple albums in the bag, Thursday will see the very latest release of original material.
Matt and Phreds, Tibb Street / http://www.mattandphreds.com/ Thursday 17 August 2017/ 9pm (doors from 6pm)/ Free admission.
