The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week
What’s On
We’re into our second week of April, and it’s really starting to feel like Spring has sprung in Greater Manchester now. The new season has breathed some new life right across the region, and with schools still out for another week, and one more Easter bank holiday left to make the most of, the events calendar is absolutely packed with plenty to do – so we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide. As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Here’s our top picks. ___
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Spring Escape
Trafford Centre Monday 9 April – onwards
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Spring Escape / Credit: Trafford Centre
A giant outdoor funfair full of vintage fairground rides and a circus is back at the Trafford Centre.
After several hugely successful runs in both 2021 and 2022, the UK’s third largest shopping centre’s outdoor space has “sprung to life” once again just in time for the school holidays, and is back with a whole host of thrilling rides, a glittering circus, and lots of delicious treats for the whole family to enjoy. Spring Escape has popped up outside the Great Hall, and tickets are now available to buy for the wide range of events on offer.
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Find out more here. ___
Gaming Extravaganza
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 9 – Sunday 16 April
Gaming Extravaganza / Credit: Science Museum Group
A massive “gaming extravaganza” is happening down at the Science and Industry Museum this month.
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Inspired by the museum’s hugely-popular ongoing interactive gaming experience, Power UP, and an ideal way to keep the little ones educated and entertained while schools are out, visitors will be transported inside their favourite games as part of the Actual Reality Arcade – a life-size nostalgic gaming experience that’s promising to “unlock memories” players star in real-life versions of some retro favourite games, including Invaders and Breakout. Young gaming lovers can also explore a special Pac-Man floor maze, and families can level up together with some super-size gaming too. Find out more and grab tickets here.
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The Really Wild Egg Trail
Chester Zoo
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Monday 9 – Sunday 16 April
The Really Wild Egg Trail / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo’s launching an egg hunt with a twist. If you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained and educated at the same time while schools are out this Easter, the UK’s largest charity and conservation zoo’s ‘Really Wild Egg Trail’ will see giant 3D eggs hidden over the 128-acre site. But the catch is, each of the six hidden eggs all belong to animals that you might not expect to hatch from eggs.
Find out more here.
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Read. Swap. Repeat
Corn Exchange
Monday 9 April – onwards
Read. Swap. Repeat / Credit: Corn Exchange
Corn Exchange has installed a book vending machine inside its stunning atrium space.
Whether you’re in need a book for your commute into the city, want to update your bookshelf at home, grab a page-turner for your holiday, or simply have a good read over a coffee or glass of something at Corn Exchange, the new vending machine has you covered.
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Book lovers are invited to head on down with their old books, grab a token for the machine, and Read. Swap. Repeat.
With the aim to help the environment and reduce waste for book lovers, the machine includes a mix of pre-loved books of all genres, and you’ll just need to simply bring in a pre-loved book and swap it for a token with one of the Corn Exchange hosts to access the machine and choose your next read. Find out more here. ___
Fancy catching trying out some new bars, and restaurants that have opened in Greater Manchester this month?
Spring has arrived, and with it, the region has ushered in a whole host of new openings in April.
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From a new pasta concept over on Peter Street from the brains behind Gooey, to whole loaves of sourdough filled with Full English fry ups in Ancoats, plus a stunning new contemporary Chinese restaurant on the edge of the Gay Village, there’s many new places popping up in the city centre and further afield to try this month.
If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite this week, we’ve rounded up some of the best new openings to try.
You can read our list here. ___
The Giant Easter Egg Hunt
RHS Garden Bridgewater
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Monday 9 – Sunday 16 April
The Giant Easter Egg Hunt / Credit: RHS Garden Bridgewater
RHS Garden Bridgewater has got a whole host of family-friendly activities planned throughout the school holidays, but one of the stand-out events has to be the chance to head out on a hunt for giant Easter eggs. Families can first search for giant eggs hidden around the garden to win a chocolate prize, before getting stuck into other activities including craft workshops, interactive performances, and more.
Find out more here. ___
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Castlefield Viaduct
Manchester City Centre Monday 9 April – onwards
Castlefield Viaduct / Credit: National Trust
Families are encouraged to make the most of Manchester’s new ‘sky park’ on Castlefield Viaduct during the school holidays.
The New York-inspired elevated urban park on the giant Grade II-listed 330-metre steel viaduct has been closed since December to allow time for the team of National Trust gardeners, volunteers, and community partners to prune, plant, and create new and exciting areas. On top of the work to add a variety of seasonal planting displays created by, four plots on the viaduct have also been handed over to local community groups and partner organisations to create their own unique gardens for visitors to enjoy.
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Find out more and book tickets here. ___
Return to Wonderland: A City Hunt
Escape Hunt
Monday 9 April – onwards
Return to Wonderland / Credit: Escape Hunt
Escape Hunt has launched a new City Hunt, and it’s giving families the chance to go outdoors, discover our city in a way like never before, and jump down the rabbit hole on this Alice in Wonderland-themed adventure.
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The hunt will start at Escape Hunt at the Corn Exchange, where you’ll be set up with an iPad and picnic hamper filled with everything you should need to complete your adventure. Tickets are now on sale, and children under eight go completely free. Find out more here.
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DNA VR
Manchester City Centre
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Monday 9 April – onwards
DNA VR / Credit: Supplied
Manchester’s gaming scene continues to get bigger and bigger every year, and now one of the UK’s biggest VR arcades has opened in the city centre. Promising some of the best and most immersive ‘alternative’ activities you’ll find anywhere in 0161, DNA VR’s arcade is packed out with an impressive library of games, over 100 virtual arcade challenges and even virtual escape rooms. The new venue is right in the city centre and just a 15-minute walk away from Piccadilly Station.
Find out more here.
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Looking for somewhere to take the kids for a hearty meal this school holidays, but keen to keep the pennies in your pockets?
With the rising cost of living crisis sadly continuing to make its impact felt on many families, plenty of supermarkets, independent and chain restaurants, and pub groups across Greater Manchester and the UK are offering kids the chance to eat a hearty meal out for as little as GBP1. Some are even offering up children’s meals completely free of charge.
So if you’re looking to treat the kids to a meal, but you want to things on the cheaper side and save a few pennies, then thankfully, eating out just got a whole lot easier.
Read our roundup list of Easter school holiday food offers here. ___
Selfridges Spring Kids Craft Workshop
Trafford Centre Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 April
Spring Kids Craft Workshop / Credit: Selfridges
Selfridges at the Trafford Centre is hosting a workshop led by the creative experts at Pop Up & Play this week, and little ones will be guided through an hour-long spring-themed crafting session to make their own creations, which they’ll get to take home to proudly display once they’re done.
The interactive event is suitable for children aged four and above, with tickets setting you back GBP5 each and now available to buy. Find out more here. ___
Sour Sesh
GRUB
Thursday 13 April
Sour Sesh / Credit: GRUB
Manchester’s largest street food fair, GRUB, is hosting its first Sour Sesh of the year to kick off Spring this week and it’s giving beer lovers the chance be introduced to a range of sour beers from a wide range of local breweries. Atom Brewery, Brewery of Saint Mars Of The Desert, Pomona Island Brewery, Rivington Brewing Co, and Squawk Brewing Co are just some of the breweries you can expect to taste beers by. Find out more and grab tickets from GBP7 here.
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The Wizarding Adventure
East Lancashire Railway Thursday 13 April
The Wizarding Adventure / Credit: East Lancashire Railway
One of the East Lancashire Railway’s (ELR) fan-favourite events is back again this week, and it’s giving families the chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’ and ride a Harry Potter-themed train through Greater Manchester. Aspiring witches and wizards can gather at the ELR for a day of sharing spells and magic-themed fun.
This interactive adventure will see visitors, both young and old, enjoy a range of performances from colourful characters and magical creatures, all before boarding the ‘Wizard Express’ for a two-hour round trip journey through the Irwell Valley of wonders. Find out more and grab tickets here. ___
Bobbi Brown Pop-up PRO Artistry Studio
The Trafford Centre
Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 April
Bobbi Brown Pop-up PRO Artistry Studio / Credit: Supplied
One of the world’s most-loved beauty brands will be back in Greater Manchester this week, as Bobbi Brown hosts its pop-up PRO Artistry Studio. The pop-up in the Trafford Centre promises to be ‘bigger and better than ever’, offering make-up lovers a chance to take part in free 20-minute beauty services, masterclasses, and hop in to the selfie station. The full service menu features five make-up looks to choose from, from golden-hour glow to ‘look less tired’ to minimal makeup.
Find out more and book your makeover here. ___
Farm Weekend
Alderley Park Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 April
Farm Weekend / Credit: Jody Hartley
Farm Weekend is back at Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park this weekend.
With families from all across Greater Manchester and the North West set to make their way to Macclesfield, you can expect a weekend full of different outdoor activities, performances, markets, and lots of local food and drink. From tractor rides, falconry flying displays, and lamb cuddles, to bushcraft demonstrations, archery lessons, obstacle courses, interactive animal petting sessions, Easter-themed crafts, and artisan markets, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy at the two-day event. Find out more and grab tickets here.
___ Featured Image – The Manc Eats | Trafford Centre | Jody Hartley
What’s On
All the April Manchester restaurant deals, discounts and offers you need in 2023
Spring has finally sprung, and with it has come dreams of al fresco dining, sunny beer gardens, and maybe even a bit of lazing around in the grass with a picnic in the park (if we’re really lucky). Yes, we know we’ve only had two days of sunshine so far, but that’s enough to get us fantasising about weather so good you can sit out and eat and drink in it without shivering.
As the cost of living continues to drag, more and more of us are continuing to pinch the pennies – meaning dining deals in Manchester have never been so popular as punters look to eat out on reduced a budget. Offering a way to support your favourite independents without breaking the bank, we’ve pulled some of the best April dining offers from across the city – including half-price bottles of wine, ramen and brunch, GBP1 tacos and a 50% off cheese feast – to help you enjoy some wallet-friendly dining this month. Keep reading to discover the best Manchester restaurant deals, discounts and offers to try this spring.
50% off food and drink – Manchester April dining deals
Image: Dokes Pizzeria
Image: El Capo
Dokes Pizzeria
What is it: Prestwich-based pizzeria serving delicious, seasonal pizzas using British ingredients. The offer: 50% off bottles of wine when dining. T&Cs: Available every Wednesday.
El Capo What is it: Mexican and Latin American dishes, plus tequila menu, in casual, bare-brick space with a tiled bar. The offer: GBP1 tacos (usually GBP7.50 for three)
T&Cs: Available Monday – Thursday from 5pm. Lucky Ramen What is it: Stylish sushi and ramen kitchen in Ancoats.
The offer: 50% off ramen bowls. T&Cs: Available every Monday and Tuesday. Walk-ins only.
Pen and Pencil What is it: New York-influenced all day kitchen serving imaginative menus, as well as craft beers & cocktails. The offer: 50% off food.
T&Cs: Available all-day Monday for pre-booked tables. Wood What is it: MasterChef Simon Wood’s high-end restaurant down at First Street, perfect for a pre-theatre treat.
The offer: 50% off cheese and wine at Homage. T&Cs: Available Wednesday to Friday evening.
More Manchester April dining deals
Image: Albert’s Schloss
Image: Edinburgh Castle
Albert’s Schloss What is it: Bavarian-style beer cellar for traditional German food and pilsner beers on tap and in bottles.
The offer: Two courses for GBP22.50 or three courses for GBP27. T&Cs: Available every Sunday 12-9pm. Asha’s
What is it: Contemporary Indian cuisine in a sophisticated, low-lit venue with plush drapes and gold finishings. The offer: Three courses for GBP23.95 and a complimentary glass of Indian lager. T&Cs: Available every Friday between 1-5pm.
Bab What is it: Casual venue with an industrial vibe, prepping meze and kebabs with homemade sauces and marinades. The offer: Two courses for GBP18.95.
T&Cs: Available all day Sunday – Thursday. Block Steak Shop, Canvas What is it: Quality steakhouse from the Parmogeddon team serving well-sourced meat at affordable prices.
The offer: Two mains and red or white house wine for GBP25. T&Cs: Available on Wednesdays. Cibo
What is it: Modern cafe/restaurant and prosecco bar for Italian pizzas, grill dishes and sharing plates. The offer: Two courses for GBP15.99 or three courses for GBP19.99. T&Cs: Every Sunday to Friday between 5 and 7pm.
Cottonopolis What is it: Lively destination for Asian-inspired menus in a warehouse-style venue with a full bar. The offer: Two dishes and a side for GBP13.
T&Cs: Available Monday to Friday, 12-3pm. Edinburgh Castle What is it: Another classic pub reborn – cosy vibes and pies downstairs, fancy small plates upstairs.
The offer: Two-courses for GBP30 or three for GBP35. T&Cs: Available Wednesday – Thursday 5-6.30pm, Friday – Saturday 12-3pm and 5-6.30pm. Exhibition
What is it: Peter Street bar and food hall with three independent kitchens. The offer: 10 express lunch with a drink. Different options from Osma, Onda and Baratxuri.
T&Cs: Available Wednesday – Friday 12-4pm.
Image: Exhibition
Image: Proove
Foundry Project What is it: Easy-going, casual Northern Quarter bar serving small plates. The offer: Three small plates for GBP15 or five for GBP27.
T&Cs: Available every day. Habas What is it: Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and cocktails in a comfy, relaxed space.
The offer: Lunch for GBP15 with a beer, wine or soft drink included. T&Cs: Available Tuesday – Saturday 12-5pm. Hawksmoor
What is it: A premium British steakhouse and cocktail bar chain serving top-notch chargrilled steaks, burgers and more. The offer: Two courses for GBP26 or three courses for GBP29. T&Cs: Available for reservations made Monday-Saturday until 6.30pm and all day Sunday.
La Bandera What is it: Market-fresh, classic Spanish cuisine in an airy, contemporary space with yellow booths and banquettes. The offer: Six tapas dishes and a bottle of house wine for GBP40.
Any paella (excluding rabbit) with wine for GBP38. T&Cs: Available Sunday to Thursday, 4-7pm. Levenshulme Bakery
What is it: Wallet-friendly Turkish bakery serving up kebabs and other light lunches. The offer: GBP4.50 mixed shawarma on samoon bread. T&Cs: N/A
Proove What is it: Award-winning Neapolitan pizzeria and bar with three Greater Manchester locations. The offer: Any Neapolitan pizza, side dish and a drink from the lunch set menu for GBP10.90.
T&Cs: Available Monday to Friday, 12-3pm. Read more: Subway and Cadbury have launched a sub full of melted Creme Eggs… for some reason Roti
What is it: Indian-Scottish fusion restaurant in Sale serving up haggis pakoras and Irn Bru negronis. The offer: Two dishes, one side and one drink for GBP15. GBP10 tiffin lunch.
T&Cs: GBP15 deal available Sunday – Thursday 4-9pm, Friday 4-7pm. GBP10 tiffin available 12-3pm daily. Tibetan Kitchen
What is it: Authentic kitchen serving traditional Tibetan and Tibetan-style Himalayan dishes. The offer: Six momos for GBP5, rice and three veggie curries GBP8, or vegetable fried noodles GBP7.50. T&Cs: Available 11-7pm, Monday – Thursday.
Try Thai What is it: Bright modern restaurant with Thai-style canopy bar and decor as well as an extensive cocktail menu. The offer: Two courses for GBP17.50 or three courses for GBP20.50.
T&Cs: Available Monday to Thursday, 4-6.30pm. Vero Moderna What is it: Rustic Italian dishes with a twist and craft cocktails offered in a hip, minimalist space.
The offer: Pizza, pasta or focaccini with a beer, wine or soft drink for GBP12.95. T&Cs: Available Tuesday to Friday, 12-3pm. Read more: Ancoats boozer The Crown and Kettle has been named among best in the north west
Victors What is it: Chic restaurant with exposed ceiling beams and designer lighting, for modern international cuisine. The offer: Two course set menu for GBP19.95 per person.
T&Cs: Available from 5pm Sunday until 5pm Friday. Zouk What is it: Traditional Indian, Pakistani and grill dishes in a spotlit, contemporary setting with banquettes.
The offer: Lunch tiffin for GBP12.95. T&Cs: Available 12-4pm, Monday to Friday. Featured image – Lucky Ramen / Pen & Pencil / El Capo
What’s On
Leeds International Festival of Ideas announces full festival line-up for ‘biggest year yet’
Journalists, chefs, comedians, writers, members of parliament and TV personality aplenty will be filling Leeds with debate over a huge four day festival.
Leeds International Festival of Ideas is set to host the UK’s ‘biggest celebration of new ideas’, with fireside chats and panel discussions with the likes of Davina McCall, Will Young, Dame Prue Leith and Matt Baker. Just over the Pennines TV barrister and University of Manchester alumni Rob Rinder will be bringing ‘the rule of law’ to life whilst Northern journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy takes on the question: ‘Who does our political system benefit?’ – but that’s just the beginning…
Taking place this September inside new venue Leeds Playhouse, this is set to be LIFI’s biggest year to date, The Hoot reports.
Announcing the full line-up last night, festival organisers have revealed that the likes of Davina McCall, Dame Prue Leith and Will Young, will be taking to the stage alongside huge names from the world of entertainment, politics and business, including Yorkshire’s Michelin starred chef Tommy Banks, Matt Baker MBE, Jay Blades MBE, Gemma Whelan, Amber Rudd, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Rob Rinder, Sir Jon Cuncliffe, and many more.
These exciting names will be joining TV personality Bimini, who will be talking about ‘a world beyond the binary’; author and comedian Ruby Wax OBE will be bringing ‘my journey to mindfulness’ to life with a key note speaker show whilst ‘a new generation of entrepreneurism’ will be covered by Diary of a CEO’s Steven Bartlett.
Working in partnership with LeedsBID, The Hoot Leeds and Weightmans, the idea of the festival is to bring conversations to the surface, using a combination of panels, fireside chats and speeches to inspire, provoke and encourage discussions.
Questions vary from ‘what’s our obsession with true crime?’ to ‘who does our political system benefit?’ and ‘how do we talk about grief?’ – and this year’s line-up certainly won’t be shying away from the hard questions.
Will Young, appearing at LIFI23 says: “I’m excited to be part of a festival exploring many of the things that make us human. It’s so important not only to ask these questions of each other, but to spend time listening when we don’t have all the answers.
What a fantastic line up!”
Wednesday 27 September 2023
Davina McCall will be on the panel for ‘when will women’s health be taken seriously’. / Image: Chapter 81
Panel: When will women’s health be taken seriously? with Davina McCall, Dr Christine Ekechi and Lauren Mahon, plus more names to be announced
Fireside chat: A New Generation Of Entrepreneurism with Steven Bartlett
Tickets are available here.
Thursday 28 September 2023
Bimini will be talking about ‘a world beyond the binary’. / Image: Chapter 81
Panel: Could living The Good Life save the planet? with Matt Baker, Tommy Banks, Jay Blades MBE, Flavia Cacace and Clare Lewis
Fireside chat: Invisible rule of law with Rob Rinder
Fireside chat: A world beyond the binary with Bimini
Tickets are available here.
Friday 28 September 2023
My Journey to Mindfulness with Ruby Wax OBE is Friday’s fireside chat. / Image: Chapter 81
Panel: What is our obsession with true crime? with Louise Shorter, Richard McCann, Coltan Scrivner, Gemma Whelan and Mark Williams-Thomas
Fireside chat: My Journey to Mindfulness with Ruby Wax OBE
Tickets are available here.
Saturday 29 September 2023
Dame Prue Leith will be on the panel for ‘how do we talk about grief’. / Image: Chapter 81
Panel: Who does our political system benefit? with Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Tom Brake, Magid Magid, Amber Rudd and Scarlett Westbrook
Panel: How do we talk about grief? with Dame Prue Leith, Jamilla Hussain, Silvan Luley, Lucy Turner and Will Young
Fireside chat: Other Side Of The Coin with Sir Jon Cunliffe and Tom Duff Gordon
Tickets are available here.
Tickets for all events have now gone on sale on the Leeds International Festival of Ideas website, and given the huge names announced for this year, make sure you get yours sooner rather than later.
Tickets cost from GBP10 – GBP15 each for subsidised tickets, and this year there’s more seats than ever before (moving to the Playhouse has increased seating capacity by 40%).
Tickets can be purchased here.
Read More:
Leeds Playhouse, Artistic Director and CEO James Brining said: “It is so exciting to see the range of artists and speakers attending Leeds International Festival 2023. All are individuals at the top of their game and using their platforms to amplify the voices of others as well as exploring issues of importance and significance for contemporary society.
“At Leeds Playhouse, our aim is to open up our theatre, with its flexible conference spaces and three auditoria, welcoming local, national and international artists to the region, facilitating conversations and sharing stories that reflect the world we live in. We also aim to celebrate Leeds as a culture rich, vibrant city and hosting LIFI in 2023 certainly helps us achieve that goal.”
Feature Image – Chapter 81
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