If you’re thinking that a rainy start to the weekend might mean staying at home all day – you’re mistaken.
We’ve lined up the very best things to do in Manchester this weekend. From theatre, music, art and more, we have it all.
Friday 11th August
Bongo’s Bingo — Albert Hall
Bongo’s Bingo is bingo – but not as you know it. Held in the Grade II listed Wesleyan chapel, Bongo’s Bingo strikes again this Friday. Bongo’s Bingo is often described as a raver’s bingo- complete with dance-offs, rave intervals, glow sticks, frivolity and a guaranteed good time.
Bongo’s Bingo/ Albert Hall, Peter Street / https://www.bongosbingo.co.uk/event-date/101/bongos-bingo-manchester-11082017/ Friday 11th August / Doors from 7 pm/ Prices from £7.
Funny Girl — The Palace Theatre
For its final week in Manchester, Funny Girl will continue to run at The Palace Theatre. Starring Olivier Award-winning Sheridan Smith as Fanny Brice and Darius Campbell reprising his role as Nick Arnstein, the critically acclaimed West End production has proven to be a hit amongst critics. Funny Girl brought global fame to Barbra Streisand 50 years ago and boasts some of the most iconic songs in film and theatre history, including ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ and ‘People’.
The Palace Theatre, Oxford Road/ http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/funny-girl/palace-theatre-manchester/#buy-now/ Monday 7 August – Saturday 19 August 2017/ 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm / Prices from £24.90.
Covert Events: Franky Rizardo In The House — Gorilla
As part of Covert’s Summer Series, ‘Franky Ricardo In The House’ will be performing at Gorilla. For ten weeks Covert, the Manchester house and techno night club, will be setting up shop underneath the arches on Whitworth Street West. With a lineup including Just Jorge, Lucas Martin, Mark Johnstone, and Franky RIzardo, it will be a night not to be missed.
Gorilla, Whitworth Street West
Friday 11 August / 11 pm / Prices from £7.50.
Rochdale Feelgood Festival — Rochdale Town Centre
This weekend will mark Rochdale Feelgood Festival’s 10th birthday. To celebrate, the free entertainment event that is held in the town centre will be headlined by indie-rock band Razorlight. As well as live music across indoor and outdoor stages, food stalls, craft markets and family entertainment will be present throughout the two-day festivities.
Rochdale Town Centre / http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/feelgoodfestival / Friday 11 – Saturday 12 August / 11 am – 12.40 pm / Free admission
Caribbean Night Carnival: Summer of Music at Cloud 23 — Cloud 23, Beetham Tower
As part of the Summer of Music at Cloud 23, you can see the panoramic, sky bar transform into the ultimate music and party venue, featuring live music from some of Manchester’s finest artists, DJs and bands. This Friday get the party started and discover the magic of the Caribbean before the real Carnival begins the day after.
Cloud 23, Beetham Tower / https://www.cloud23bar.com/ 0161 870 1670/ Friday 11 August /Prices from £35 per person.
Saturday 12th August
Caribbean Carnival of Manchester — Alexandra Park
For over 40 years, the Manchester Caribbean Carnival has brought Caribbean culture to the forefront of our diverse city. As the largest celebration of Caribbean music and carnival arts, this weekend promises a vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, dance, costume and theatre. With multiple stages and a whole variety of acts scheduled to perform, there is something for everyone and the Manchester Caribbean Carnival.
Caribbean Carnival of Manchester, Alexandra Park / http://themanchestercarnival.com/ Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 August/ Free admission
Omar — Band On The Wall
Omar Lye Fook, better known by his first name is a London-born soul singer, musician and songwriter. Best known for his debut single ‘Mr. Postman’/’You And Me’, he became a hot name on London’s underground just over 20 years ago. Combined with his soulful voice, smooth composition and harmonious melodies – Omar’s presence at Band On The Wall will be one to remember.
Band on the Wall, Swan Street / https://bandonthewall.org / Saturday 12 August/ 7.30 pm/ Prices from £15.50.
Peter Pan — Dunham Massaey, Altrincham
Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French and in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, J.M. Barrie’s timeless classic is brought to life in a brand new adaptation by award-winning writer Laura Turner. With beautifully designed costumes, music and songs, join Peter, Wendy, Michael, John and friends on their adventures far away on the magical island of Neverland.
Dunham Massey, Altrincham
0161 941 1025/ Saturday 12 August/ 6.30-8.30 pm/ Prices from £10.
Guided Rail Ale Trail: Rawtenstall & Ramsbottom — Bury
If drinking at some of the finest establishments to drink locate brewed ale on the route through beautiful valleys and villages sounds like your perfect day out, then look no further than the Guided Rail Ale Trail. With the Rail Ale Trail, you can embark on a journey to explore the fascinating history, heritage and hops that Rawtensall and Ramsbottom have to offer.
East Lancashire Railway, Bolton Street Station, Bury
Saturday 12 August/ 11 am-5 pm / Prices from £34.50.
Pinked Floyd Tribute Show — Eccles
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, the Pinked Floyd Tribute show has been entertaining audiences since 2014 with its tribute performance to Pink Floyd. Playing at the City Airport and Heliport in Eccles this weekend, expect to hear your favourite tunes and more.
Runway 26 Cafe and Bar, City Airport and Heliport, Eccles / https://www.pinked-floyd.co.uk / Saturday 12 August / 7-10.30 pm/ Prices from £10.
Eccles Makers Markets — High Street and Church Street, Eccles
Showcasing the finest food, drink, art, crafts and more is Eccle’s Maker’s Markets. With more than 50 artisan traders setting up shop for one day only, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Live music and local produce – what’s not to love?
Eccles Maker’s Markets, High Street and Church Street, Eccles / http://www.themakersmarket.co.uk / Saturday 12 August/ 10 am-4 pm/ Free admission.
The Wizard of Oz — Stockport Plaza
For its final show, don’t miss Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders’ Heather Trott) as the Wicked Witch of the West. This magical show is sure to put a smile on every face. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and Toto, as they follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Merry Old Land of Oz. This classic family show includes a hilarious script, dazzling costumes and sets, plus a wealth of songs and show-stopping choreography.
Stockport Plaza, Stockport/ http://stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/the-wizard-of-oz/ Monday 7 August – Saturday 12 August 2017 / 1 pm and 5 pm/ Prices from £14.30.
Sunday 13th August
Leigh Community 10K — Leigh Town Hall
For the charity-minded, throw on those running shoes and get down to the Leigh Community 10K run. The entry fees, which are processed online, will raise money for the Wigan and Leigh Hospice. The brand new race will take in three laps of a course through Leigh town centre this Sunday.
Leigh Town Hall, Leigh
Sunday 13 August / 9.30 am-1.30 pm / Prices from £15.
Northern Quarter Maker’s Markets — Stevenson Square
Moving from Eccles to the heart of NQ on the second Sunday of the month, Stevenson Square comes alive with passionate creatives eager to share and inspire visitors with award-winning food and drink and exhibiting awesome art, modern craft and vintage.
Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter / Sunday 13 August/ 11 am-5 pm/ Free admission.
Shirley Baker: Women and Children; and Loitering Men — Manchester Art Gallery
Running until 28 August, ‘Shirley Baker: Women and Children; and Loitering Men’ includes previously unseen colour and black and white photographs of the urban clearance programmes of inner city Manchester and Salford. With a period spanning from 1961-1981, Baker’s exhibition documents the destruction of working-class communities.
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street / http://manchesterartgallery.org/exhibitions-and-events/exhibition/shirley-baker/ 0161 235 888 / Friday 19 May – Monday 28 August/ Free admission.
