11 mega May Bank Holiday events and offers for you to enjoy in Manchester
- By Emily Oldfield
- Updated 6 years ago
Bank holidays are like buses. You wait ages for one then two turn up at the same time.
Following swiftly on the heels of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend is the slightly shorter yet no less welcome Early May Bank Holiday weekend (not to be confused with Spring Bank Holiday at the end of the month).
So without further ado, here’s our pick of things to do over the long weekend, from festivals to family-friendly events. And as it’s bank holiday weekend, don’t forget your brolly.
Manchester May Day Festival
The Manchester Trades Union Council are hosting their annual May Day celebrations starting with an 11am meet at All Saints Park, a midday rally at Sackville Gardens with family activities plus plenty of trades union and campaigning stalls at The Mechanics Institute until 5.30pm. Real Junk Food Manchester will be on hand at Sackville Gardens from 12noon serving food that would otherwise have gone to waste on a pay-as-you-feel basis.
www.facebook.com/events/263113620800739
The Lowry Outlet Makers Market
Over 100 outstanding artisans will be at The Lowry Outlet Makers Market May Bank Holiday extravaganza, so get ready to be impressed. Whether it’s some fit fodder, a cheeky tipple, award winning food produce, art, craft, design or vintage that rocks your boat, they have it all. Open until 7pm on Saturday, 5pm on Sunday and 6pm Monday, this is a weekend special with something for all the family from gifts to great food and drink. First time stallholders include Greekalicious, Signature Scones, The Fancy Shortbread Co and Venezuelan House.
Party in The Park
A big celebration will be taking place in and around the Gay Village and Sackville Gardens on Sunday 30th April for The Village Weekend Party in The Park. There will be a range of live music from performers on The Village Stage including Michelle McManus, Eva Iglesias and Danny Beard, plus special guests, a village bar, food stalls and community stands. Suggested donation £5, with all proceeds to the AXM Foundation.
www.facebook.com/events/1395994990520807
Sounds From The Other City
Salford’s signature music and culture festival will be coming to various venues along and close to Chapel Street on Sunday April 30 from 3pm with sets from Horsebeach, OTOMO X and Lovely Eggs. And there’s a whole load of revelry with The Kings Arms being turned into a fantastical theatre by Austin Collings, a pizza party and pop-up performers from Young Identity poets.
www.soundsfromtheothercity.com
Cirque Takeover at The Milton Club
On Bank Holiday Sunday 30th April, circus-themed nightclub Cirque Le Soir comes to Manchester for the very first time at The Milton Club with live entertainment and party vibes from start to finish. The dazzling clubbing experience that first launched in London in 2009 has evolved into one of the most successful clubs in the world. Expect a thrilling assault on your senses as this extraordinary clubbing experience.
Voodoo Bank Holiday at The Birdcage
Get down to The Birdcage on Bank Holiday Sunday for one of the biggest parties in town. This cabaret-inspired venue and club opposite The Printworks is set to be packed, with festival-atmosphere partying and drinks deals until 4am. Five hours of absolute party music is on the bill with some of the best DJ talent spinning the tunes into the early hours.
Tickets here.
The Green Walk Open House Arts and Crafts Weekend
This will be the 11th year of The Green Walk Open House Arts and Crafts Weekend, where a group of residents in the Green Walk area of Whalley Range open their houses to artists and designers to use as exhibition space to showcase and sell their work. Taking place on Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April, 12-6pm, this will include paintings, ceramics, glass, photography, jewellery and more. There will be cream teas available on the green as well as food by Tibetan Kitchen, Manchester Tarts, I Knead Pizza and Ginger Emporium. And hopefully some music too.
Jimmy Switch Presents Part 1
Taking the former Cuba Cafe establishment back to its former glory, Stage & Radio is the new hot spot for dance events and late nights in the heart of Manchester city centre. This new venue is set over three floors, including a new basement dancing destination, ready for Jimmy Switch Presents Part 1, a line-up of four stand-out DJs to keep you grooving all night on Bank Holiday Sunday. Featuring not only Jimmy Switch himself, but Cassell, Jay Hodges and Dan Partington, it’s for a good cause as all proceeds will go towards #TheAbodeProject with the aim of building a school and orphanage in Uganda. Stage&Radio, 43 Port Street.
www.facebook.com/events/1746029682378248
Dirt Factory Presents: Urban Action Weekend
The ultimate day out for daredevils, fitness fanatics, families and foodies alike, Dirt Factory presents: Urban Action Weekend at Great Northern Warehouse is coming to Great Northern Warehouse on Bank Holiday Saturday and Sunday. Hone your bike skills on the indoor pump track and air bag, try out Swifty Scooters or Test Your Steel and compete for the title of Manchester’s industrial strength and endurance champion. And fear not – the events will be accompanied by great Manchester music, with delicious food and drink to boot.
Heavyweight Championship of the World LIVE at The Green
Watch one of the biggest boxing matches of the year –Joshua v Klitschko for the Heavyweight Champion of the World – screened live from Wembley Stadium at Manchester’s premier sports bar The Green on Saturday 29 April. Book yourself a VIP booth with a 12ft screen and enjoy the action like never before.
Cocktails a fiver at Thaikhun
Come along to Spinningfields’ vibrant Thai restaurant Thaikhun for £5 cocktail deals on Sunday 30 April and Monday 1 May. This deal applies to ALL cocktails. Enjoy your drink with some great Thai food. You won’t be disappointed.
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