We might all be laying low in the lead up to the Queen’s Jubilee weekend next week – where some of us lucky lot will get a full FOUR days off work – but there’s loads of mint stuff going on in the city this week, so it’ll be hard to stay indoors.
From art installations, to wine tasting and even the legendary George Clinton touching down in Albert Hall on Friday, this week is full of very welcome surprises.
Art & Culture
Kicking things off this week is Tony Husband’s brand-new exhibition debuting at Electrik this Thursday. With a career spanning publications such as The Times and Private Eye, his work mocks modern life, usually taking the form of ironic, satirical cartoons that provide an alternative, humorous perspective. There’ll be DJs and a pop-up shop at the event, where you can also treat yourself to some of Tony’s work.
If spending a sunny Saturday afternoon immersed in art and nature sounds pretty wonderful to you, get 10,000 Steps Around the World at Northern Roots this weekend in your diary. The event has commissioned 10 yet-to-be-revealed artists from around Manchester to host exhibitions and performances on the natural trail that will take you around Oldham’s scenic urban farm and eco-park. Tickets are free and there are four events taking place throughout the day at 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm and 2pm.
10,000 Steps Around the World Tickets
Imaginary Wines in Todmorden is currently hosting an exhibition by visual artist, Lisa Risbec. This Sunday, you’ll be able to try your hand at creating your own collage-based masterpiece, taking inspiration from Lisa’s work. From 12pm – 2pm Lisa will guide you through her creative processes as you craft your own collage, chat with new and old friends and drink some delicious wines supplied by Imaginary Wines.
Another exciting exhibition this week, this time at Antwerp Mansion. Curated by West Art Collective, Psyche is a 50 person art exhibition featuring live music, performance art, a bouncy castle, pop-up stalls and a bonfire. It’s also bring your own booze, so make sure to pop by an off licence to arm yourself with a big bag of cans on your arrival.
Events
Rare Finds Flea Market is back again this weekend! Taking place in the yard of Rare Finds on Middle Hillgate, the event will run from 12pm – 4pm on Saturday 28th, and will see everything from affordable vintage tables and chairs, to nick-nacks costing no more than a quid on offer from the team of vintage hoarders at Rare Finds, Squound and Renew Greater Manchester.
A slightly different event this week, Helen Pankhurst will be in Conversation with Chris Hawkins at Circle Square on Thursday. The leading women’s rights activist will discuss her life, career and the British Suffragette Movement – as she’s the granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst.
Helen Pankhurst at Circle Square Tickets
This Thursday, KERB is combining two of life’s greatest treasures – booze and gorgeous dresses! Established back in 2021, Deidei is a sustainable, female-led fashion brand that works to create circular collections and clothes that last. You’ll be able to shop its latest collection in full, alongside paired wines selected by KERB.
Another big event for the fashion calendar, Drag Festival is taking place at Bowler’s Exhibition Centre this Saturday! Headlined by none other than Pablo Vittar, the event embodies everything great about drag; fashion, art, self-expression and, of course, legendary lip sync battles! Other drag icons including Kylie Sonique Love, Chorizo May, Jujubee, Ella Vaday and Willam will also be in attendance, but be quick as tickets are almost gone for this one!
Food & Drink
Join Harvey Nichols’ resident experts this Saturday at its Best of British Drinks Tasting event. You’ll be guided on a journey of discovery as you sample some of the best British drinks including wine, liqueurs, gin and whisky, alongside light nibbles from the second floor deli. It’s a great event to stock up your drinks cupboard pre-summer, and tickets are £30, with £10 redeemable on its wine shop and spirits at the end of the tasting.
Best of British Drinks Tasting Tickets
GRUB is hosting a plant-based pizza celebration this week, too, featuring a line-up of the city’s best vegan pizza establishments. Starting at 12 noon, the venue will have some of the very best vegan pizza and Italian street food traders in the UK alongside a 100% vegan bar offering wine, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks and beer from friendly local plant-based breweries. You can also expect live music and DJs with both indoor and outdoor seating available making for great vibes whatever the weather.
DISTRICT, Northern Quarter’s alternative Thai dining experience has impressed crowds with its avant-garde dining since opening its doors back in 2021. This Friday and Saturday it will celebrate its first birthday with a one-off menu that combines cross-continent cooking with a Synthwave soundtrack supplied by Manchester’s very own Nite School. Tables are surprisingly still available to book, so grab your space now via the link below.
Finally, Northern Quarter’s nostalgic new Blockbuster Video themed bar will open its doors to the public on Friday! Expect themed cocktails and posters of all the cult classics that emulate your 16-year-old bedroom, alongside throwback food and DJs spinning the very best 90s bangers.
Music & Clubs
On Friday, head honcho, Slowpo will offer up his delectable mix of Dancehall, UK Funky and Rap to get you moving with Ayy Den and Sham Steele bringing the heat with their usual powerhouse of selections alongside future bounce connoisseur Turna. On mic duties, Faro will be hosting the night and showcasing her fusion of Dancehalll and Drill, Brixx will be shelling a performance like no other.
Another celebration taking place this week, Manchester’s Home of Soul, The Blues Kitchen is turning one! Since opening, the venue has become a go-to destination for curated live music, badass barbecue food and an array of cocktails featuring Manchester’s biggest bourbon collection. This week, funk pioneer Roy Ayers and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble will headline its stages, for two evenings of live music that shine a light on the true spirit of the venue.
Check Out The Blues Kitchen’s Events
After almost a decade in the business, So Flute has announced a one-off collaboration with local brewers ShinDigger to present its biggest party yet at Hulme’s historic hideout, NIAMOS this weekend. This epic collaboration will be hosted by iconic Manchester MC Kwasi, who will be joined by Baloo, Bolts, Danuka, Khalid Mwambakale, Yadava and Léna C. Expect a combination of funk, synth pop, experimental and eye-catching visuals designed by the team at ShinDigger.
We’re ending on a high this week, as George Clinton is bringing his Parliament of Funk to Albert Hall for one night only! Joined alongside Ibibo Sound Machine, A.Skillz, DJ Woody, Soul Grenades and Ste Mac, this Friday evening will be a huge party in celebration of the singer’s legendary career, with non-stop disco dancing ALL night.
