12 reasons to head to Manchester’s latest pop-up destination this May

Manchester’s latest drink and shopping pop-up, Hatch, is hosting a programme of exciting events and new traders in May, including an evening of live art battles, a pop-up music performance, an open-air dance event and a family fun day.

Here’s 12 reasons why you should head down to the pop-up under the Mancunian Way on Oxford Road next month.

Get inspired at Manchester Art Jam

Manchester-based mural artist Paint Sayers is hosting a live art battle on Friday 4 May, 7pm – 10.30pm. Top local artists will take part in a head to head challenge surrounded by awesome street food, drinks, art stalls and music. They’ll have just 40 minutes to paint, draw and create amazing live artwork before the voting starts.

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A pop-up performance by Mica Millar

Manchester singer-songwriter Mica Millar will perform a free, intimate one-off gig in the courtyard, Manchester weather permitting, on Wednesday 16 May from 7.30pm. The  acclaimed vocalist will sing her new single The Defender along with other spine-tingling tracks. Described as ‘one of the best vocalists in the UK’ by BBC Introducing, this will be a one-off, powerful performance not to be missed.

The world is your oyster

The courtyard will be welcoming three new legendary Manchester street foodsters from Monday 23 April. First up is the ever-changing unique seafood snacks from the team at Holy Crab. The freshest oysters, signature crab balls, beer battered smoked haddock fish butties and proper square cut chips with salt ‘n’ sauce and an abundance of other tasty treats await you. They’ll even be adding a bit of theatre to their stall by shucking oysters in front of customers.

Cheeky Monki

Say hello to Scandi-cool clothing brand Monki on Thursday 3 May, 11am – 3.30pm for a pop-up event in the courtyard to celebrate the opening of their store in Manchester Arndale the following day.

Keep on Dancing with Red Bull

On Saturday 5 May, enjoy free drinks at a warm-up party in the courtyard to celebrate the homecoming premiere of Manchester Keeps On Dancing. A host of local DJ’s will take to the stage of the Red Bull DJ Truck from 2 – 6pm and wristbands will be given out for the free after-party at Gorilla for the film’s premiere at HOME on Saturday 26 May.

Manchester’s ultimate kebab

Yadda Yadda will be dishing up their flavourful freshly made Persian flatbreads from Wednesday 2 May with fillings including 12 hour slow-cooked Mount Grace farm North Yorkshire lamb shoulder shawarma and chickpea daal with coconut milk, smoked almonds, apricots and dates plus many more tantalising delights.

Funday Sunday

On Bank Holiday Sunday 6 May, the focus will be on family fun from 12 – 6pm when the courtyard will play host to guests including a face painter and Thai ice cream roll cart.

Copenhagen Brew and Beer Festival

On Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 May, Nordic-inspired artisan coffee house Takk and nano brewery Öl are hosting a Copenhagen takeover weekend featuring guest beers from some of the best breweries in the world including Warpigs, Mikeller, ToÖl  and coffees from the world renowned Coffee Collective.

Style it up with Dead Legacy

Manchester-made menswear line Dead Legacy has opened its first outlet in the city at Hatch. Pop by to see the urban clothing brand’s new summer collection inspired by sports and modern life. Expect wacky, bold summer prints, leisure wear and statement pieces. Until 17 May.

Fire up your tastebuds

From Thursday 3 May, specialist chicken stall Firebird Hope, a favourite on Manchester’s supper club scene, will be joining the line-up. They will be serving up two remarkable sandwiches; the free-range fried chicken Level-Up and the vegan fried Triple 6, both served on sourdough buns with unique condiments and a top secret seasoning.

Kombucha Day

Kombucha is a a fermented drink made from sweetened tea and a culture known as a scabby which many claim has lots of health benefits. Booch & Brine, the only northern company to produce their own kombucha, will be in the courtyard on Tuesday 22 May giving away free samples of the brew that’s fast becoming the latest health craze.

Well Hung

For discerning carnivores, the Well Hung kitchen will remain in the courtyard offering an ever expanding menu of affordable and quality lunches and dinner options, including classic steak and dripping chips with a chimichurri sauce, or eat-on-the-go tasty steak sandwiches.