May Day Bank Holiday
All Weekend
It’s another Bank Holiday! Fuck yeah! I’m going to go get leathered at Sophia Dellapina’s house party, hit up The Refuge Electric Weekender, have a Lord of the Rings Marathon while eating cured meats, dance like a buffoon at Glitterbox and spend a full day drinking Bloody Marys. How about you? If you’re stuck for options, check out this round up I just did and see what’s happening. There’s loads.
Star Wars Day
Friday 4th May
It’s every geek’s favourite day of the year after Doctor Who Wednesday and Babylon 5 Eve, Star Wars Day is upon us once again and there’s loads of ‘themed’ shit going on around the city to keep your lightsaber all nice and perky. Obviously Fab Cafe are putting on a party to rival something you’d find in the depths of Mos Eisley complete with fancy dress, Darth Maul, games, cocktails and free shots. Ruby Lounge also have a Wars themed kicker, complete with a cinema room showing the original trilogy as well as transforming the whole gaff into ‘Jabba’s Palace’ which is fitting because I’ve seen my fair share of Jabba-esque people in there in the past. Finally, Sandbar are having a collaboration with Mad Hatter Brewing Company who have made a Star Wars themed beer – Rooi Bos Kenobi – which is a red bush tea sour beer. If none of this pulls your plonker, just stay in and watch The Last Jedi while furiously complaining on Reddit.
Mary and the Witch’s Flower at HOME
From Friday 4th May
Now that Studio Ghibli has pretty much disappeared, it’s time for Studio Ponoc to take over the mantle of ‘proper animation films’ from that Japan place. Ghibli movies are some of my favourites and I’m not arsed if you think I’m a weird little nerd for liking them. The moment Ponyo destroyed the world because she loved a little lad is bloody brilliant and so I’m hoping for more of the same from Mary and the Witch’s Flower. It’s about witches and flowers and a girl called Mary apparently and you can watch the trailer here. It’s on at HOME for about 3 days so get in there quick.
Urmston Artisan Market
Saturday 5th May
I’ve just moved into the cusp of Stretford and Urmston, and I’ve managed to do a little bit of exploring of both. I’m still yet to visit the Stretford Sip Club but have smashed some lovely beers in the Steamhouse. One place I’ve not checked out yet is the Urmston Artisan Market which features around 100 local traders selling artwork, handicrafts, home-cooked treats and fresh food. There will also be plenty of beer knocking about, which considering I’ve just heard that the weather will be mint this weekend – will make it even better. It’s Prairie Schooner who will be providing the beers so expect a proper good selection.
Titanic at Lowry Theatre
From Monday 7th to Saturday 12th May
As if watching Leo DiCaprio sink to the bottom of the icy Atlantic once isn’t enough, you’re going to have to watch it all again – but on stage. Nah to be fair I don’t think this five-time Tony award-winning musical is anything like the 12 Oscar winning film by James Cameron but the ending will be the same – the ship sinks. The main bit it obviously what happens beforehand, and this musical focuses on the actual real-life people aboard the ship and what they got up to. There will probably be a few tears, so take some Kleenex, and perhaps a little packet of Maltesers. Mostly because they are absolutely delicious and perfect for this kind of event. If anyone who works at Maltesers would like to send me some free bags, please see my address below.
The Manchester Pizza Crawl
Tuesday 8th May
This bad boy is exactly what you’d think it is. Exactly like Robocop. Unlike Robocop though, you won’t be scoffing baby food while some gangsters attempt to blow your limbs off, no – you’ll be walking around the NQ scoffing pizza in various establishments while chatting to other like-minded pizza lovers. I’m not sure why I even mentioned Robocop then – it’s got nothing to do with anything. I should have used a more appropriate reference like the Mutant Turtles or even the bit in Home Alone when he gets a nice cheese pizza delivered. Ah well. Here’s more information on the Pizza Crawl if you haven’t given up reading this already.
Hop vs Grape – Battle of the Vines
Wednesday 9th May
So if you had to have a Street Fighter kinda battle with hops and grapes – grapes are definitely going to win. Not only do they have the pip advantage, but they also have the sexiness – something that Shaun Michaels will tell you is massively important. Hops might have a bit of a chance, but everyone knows that grapes are going to batter anything else. You should enjoy Hop v Grape then – a special event hosted by Sandinista. They’re pitting the fizzy stuff against the wine-y stuff with some meat and some cheese. You had me at cheese.
