23 Aug Top Things to do this Bank Holiday Weekend

Summer is nearly over but we still have one more bank holiday weekend to enjoy! While we can cross our fingers and hope for decent weather, it is hard to guarantee in Manchester. However, no matter how much it is raining, there are plenty of great things to do in and around Manchester. Here are some of our top picks.

Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend

Get colourful and celebrate all things LGBT with Manchester’s Pride festival. Every year Canal Street and the Gay Village come alive with music and dancing – this year you can see Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Will Young, Tulisa, Heather Small, Katy B an Fleur East on stage.

Tickets for the Big Weekend are on sale for £25 but the Pride Parade on Saturday is free to all. It starts at Liverpool Road and makes its way through the city to Whitworth Street.

There are also events being held at the old Cornerhouse building on Oxford Road.

Grub Food Fair

Foodies get excited – Grub food fair is back for a bank holiday special at Runaway Brewery. On Saturday 27 August you can eat fantastic food from pop-up vendors and try craft ales from local brewers. There’ll be music and the best thing is that it’s free to enter!

Open 12noon – 10pm at Runaway Brewery, M4 4JW.

Lowry Outlet Makers Market

Grab a crafty bargain or sample a delicious treat at the Makers Market outside the Lowry Outlet shopping centre. There will be stalls selling crafts, art works, food and produce, as well as live music, cookery demonstrations and entertainment for the kids.

While you’re there, why not check out the Lowry cultural centre, the Imperial War Museum or go celebrity spotting around the BBC in Media City.

Stockport Old Town Fringe Festival

Starting on Friday night with the monthly Foodie Friday, you can explore the historic market hall while eating tasty street food. On Saturday and Sunday there will be live music, street performance and circus workshops. You can even try your hand at playing the ukulele with the Stockport Ukulele Players. This is a great option for all the family!

Chorlton Neighbourhood Jam

Head out of the city centre to Chorlton on Sunday 28 August for the Neighbourhood Jam. Manchester Road will be taken over by local bars, restaurants and cafes for beer, bakery treats and good times. Participating venues include The Beagle, Font, Marble Beerhouse, Tea Hive, Proof, Mary and Archie and Pi. Things kick off from 10am and go through to 1am.

Head HOME

So it’s raining… HOME is a great place to come in the case of endless downpours this bank holiday. Check out a film, see some theatre, explore the exhibitions or have some lunch at the lovely upstairs café.