Monday 28th March – Sunday 3rd April
We’ve had a glorious week of sunshine and beer gardens, but it looks like the traditional Manchester weather has missed us, as snow and rain is set to return this Wednesday.
There’s loads of great events going on in the city to distract you, though, and we’ve outlined some of our absolute faves below!
Music & Clubs
Starting things off, the cracking FAIR PLAY Festival will make its debut across various venues in Northern Quarter this weekend. It prides itself on being a fair playing field, an equal opportunity for all and a communal, collaborative event, featuring a diverse lineup that’s fair and accessible. Some of the acts taking to its stages include; Babii, Global Charming and YAANG, making it a great event for local music and our beloved NQ!
Also taking place this weekend, Salford’s independent music haven, The Eagle Inn is celebrating its 10th birthday by throwing a free all-day party! Local Manchester legends, Sugarstone, Dakota Avenue, The Skive and Tigerside will be playing the intimate venue, alongside DJs and an abundance of stunning beers.
On Thursday, Join the WORLDWIDE FM crew in Manchester as the radio station travels North to broadcast live from the newly reopened venue, Band on the Wall from 12pm until 7pm. Kicking off the afternoon will be the legendary Mr Scruff, who will be closely followed by DJ Paulette, a Band On The Wall takeover and Murmurs.
Food & Drink
Photography by: Matt Eachus
This week, The Alchemist’s OG Spinningfields destination is reopening after an extensive refurbishment. From tomorrow, you’ll be able to take a look at the brand-new destination, which features futuristic, divine influences from astrology and the cosmos, alongside its original interactive drinks.
GRUB’s East and South East Asian Food Fair is back from Friday to Sunday this week, too! Featuring Little Yellow Rice Co, Osaka Local, Oi Dumplings, Korean Grub Club, Amai Desserts and a pop-up bar from Tarsier – it’s free entry and you know you’ll be leaving with a belly full of stunning independent street food.
If you’re up for sheltering from the bad weather in a wine bar this week (let’s face it, who isn’t?!), La Vina is hosting a wine tasting event on Thursday. You’ll taste Red, White and Rosé wines from the most famous Spanish Regions and the two most famous Spanish wine regions will battle it out in order to select a firm favourite.
The final food event for this week is a good’un. As Saturday marks the start of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community, Zouk has announced the return of its month-long Ramadan Buffet. The buffet will take place every evening from 9pm and people are invited to come and break their fast with their families/friends and enjoy a night of celebration and reflection.
Art & Culture
In the art world this week, Northern Lights – New Light begins at Saul Hay Gallery. The exhibition celebrates the artistic development of New Light’s award-winning artists over the last 10 years and features artists such as Nat Quinn, Josie Jenkins, Mandy Payne, Christopher Cook and 2020 winner, Joanna Whittle, with a range of art to see and purchase.
FLUX will take place at Contact Theatre this weekend, too. The production is put on by Manchester Literature Festival’s Young Producers Collective, bringing together a range of multidisciplinary artists to celebrate and explore storytelling. Taking words from the page to the stage, FLUX re-engages people with the form, creating an immersive, dynamic space where artist and audience can connect through words.
Want a say in the future of Manchester’s art and culture scene? Join a panel discussion focused on the private sector’s role in Mancunian culture’s recovery panel at HOME tomorrow. From the Hacienda to HOME, Band on the Wall to Warehouse Project, Lemn Sissay to L.S. Lowry, Manchester is known worldwide for its rich arts and culture scene.
Slater Heelis is collaborating with HOME to showcase a panel discussion exploring the damaging effects of COVID-19 on Manchester’s arts and culture scene, and the ethical and economic imperative for the private sector to step up and support its recovery.
Events
CATCH Pro Wrestling, an independent wrestling business, is bringing CATCH5: New Art Riot to The Bread Shed on Sunday. Expect a glimpse into the life of the Northern Wrestling scene, featuring TIDAL Wrestling hoping to defend their title!
Something for the kiddies, The House with Chicken Legs begins at HOME this week. Based on the best-selling novel by Sophie Anderson, Marinka and her unusual house are brought to life in this brand new production by award-winning theatre company, Les Enfants Terribles.
The House with Chicken Legs Tickets
Finally, from tomorrow at The Lowry, you can catch Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical, ‘LES MISÉRABLES’. You’ll be able to catch the dazzling performance at The Lowry until Saturday 23rd April, with scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the magnificent score includes the songs; “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More“, “Master Of The House” and many more.
