Chances are, it will piss it down from start to finish next year, so be sure to make the most of the last British summer you’ll probably ever see. And guess what, Manchester has not disappointed with its events and activities next month!
You’re going to be very busy and are going to spend a lot of money- just a heads up…
GOTHIKA: A Gothic Vogue and Drag Club Night
Friday 3rd August
For one night only, Manchester’s very own drag night is trading in vibrant colours for the seductive lure if dark corners. Join the shockingly scary, yet fabulous, Cheddar Gorgeous, a terrifying party monster, and extra tasty drag vampire, Liquorice Black. You may have thought drag shows were already eccentric, but you’ve seen nothing till now.
Gin and Rum Festival
Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th August
Fancy getting your hands on over 60 different gins and rums? I mean, it’s a recipe for disaster, no good story ever started with a Diet Coke. The event is taking place at Manchester Cathedral and will be open to visitors on the 3rd August, 6.30-11pm, the 4th August, 12.30-5 and then 6.30-11pm. Tickets are only £10, but you can pay a little extra for Super-Fast Check in where you will receive a free satchel bag, a Gin and Rum Festival Copa glass and Gin and Rum Bible. You will also be able to enjoy talks and master classes from the best Gin and Rum producers, but will also gain access to 7 themed bars, live entertainment and delicious food.
Power Up! at Museum of Science & Industry
Friday 3rd – Sunday 19th August
Get to grips with all the classic games from your childhood including Pac-Man, Mario, Sonic and every other weird little character that’s been in a game since the 70’s. Power Up has a ton of classic consoles right from that one that played Pong up to a load of PS4s with all of the VR bells and whistles. It’s open from the 3rd August and there’s a couple of adult only evenings where you can sink a few beers and smash your mates at GoldenEye.
FriendsFest
From Friday 3rd August
No one told you life was gonna be this way. Your jobs a joke, you’re broke and your love life is DOA. Don’t worry though because FriendsFest is back at Heaton Park this August and there’s a few days still left where you can buy some tickets. Visit the sets of one of the biggest TV shows of all time including Central Perk, Monica & Rachel’s apartment and new for this year – Ross’ apartment!
Cotton Clouds Festival 2018
Friday 17th & Saturday 18th August
Situated in the lovely Saddleworth area, Cotton Clouds Festival is in its 2nd year and has been so successful that they’ve been forced to add another day. Now taking place on Friday and Saturday, the line-up for Cotton Clouds includes Lightning Seeds, Badly Drawn Boy, Sister Sledge and loads, loads more.
The Great Gatsby – 1920s Party and Murder Mystery
Saturday 4th & Saturday 11th August
Take part in an evening of glamour, debauchery and murder at the Manchester’s Theatres iconic, Great Gatsby Murder Mystery party. The event, which is £49.95, takes place from 7.30pm till late, includes a freshly made two course meal, a welcome drink, and an interactive game of Murder Mystery. Whether you’re a massive Gatsby fan or just fancy doing something different, you shouldn’t miss out!
Manchester Caribbean Carnival
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August
A few years back, my friends and I were bored one weekend and searched online for something free to do. Luckily for us, the annual Caribbean Carnival, hosted at Alexandra Park was taking place, so we thought we would head on over. Unbeknown to us, it ended up being one of the most memorable day’s we had ever had. There’s food, floats, a parade, live Dj’s and mind-blowing costumes- what more could you want?
Bolton Food and Drink Festival
Friday 24th – Monday 27th August
Yes, there’s another food and drink festival- but are you really complaining? Course you aren’t! Food is life. The Bolton and Drink Festival was voted the best Food Market by the National Association of British Market Authorities, back in 2016, meaning they seriously know how to please a hungry crowd! For a day of food, drink, live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities and the chance to meet some beer and cider traders, you know where to go…
Manchester Pride Big Weekend
Friday 24th – Monday 27th August
Its big, its bright, its vibrant and its iconic and its most definitely not one to be missed- ladies and gents, it’s our favourite weekend of the year… Manchester Pride Big Weekend! I could bore you senseless and go into detail about what’s in store, but if you have ever lived in, or visited Manchester during a Pride weekend, you know what it’s all about. Its pure happiness; and you’d be a fool to go anywhere other than Canal Street, that weekend.
Spice Girls Exhibition at Manchester Central
Starts Friday 24th August
Girls, gather your Gerry’s, Baby’s, Sporty’s, Posh’s and Scary’s together, because you’re about to Spice Up Your Life at the best Spice Girls’ exhibition… ever! There’s memorabilia, there’s hundreds of iconic costumes, music, history talks; basically all the best of the 90’s. But please, just Say You’ll Be There!
