Where did that good weather go? Well, we had a good run. An amazing run, to be fair.
Don’t let the return of the rain put you off though, as there’s still loads to do around town – especially if you’re entertaining the kids this half term.
This week, we’ve got alt-hip hop royalty in the form of the iconic Tyler, The Creator, the brilliant Swinton Sounds festival, the opening of the the Underbank’s latest watering hole in Stockport and house legend MK bringing the open-air vibes at Progress.
Here’s your plan for the week…
The Vernon Spring at Track Taproom
Track welcome Sam Beste (aka The Vernon Spring) to their taproom for his first Manchester show. Catch him perform live at the city centre venue on Monday 26 May.
Tyler, the Creator at Co-op Live
Rapper and record producer Tyler, the Creator has announced he will embark on a huge world tour in 2025. In support of his new album CHROMAKOPIA, the hip hop artist will perform at Co-op Live in Manchester on Tuesday 27 May 2025. Support will come from special guests Lil Yachty and Paris Texas. The tour’s announcement comes on the heels of Tyler sharing Noid, the first full single and music video from CHROMAKOPIA.
May Half-Term Family Drop-Ins at Aviva Studios
If you’re after half term entertainment, look no further than Factory International as families are invited to drop in to the city centre venue for free creative sessions. Hosted at The Social, get crafty and crate a dancing stick man from hama beads with Toubie Jack, take part in a collage workshop with Amanda Logan or craft your own zine with Honor Rowlands.
Sky Gardening Challenge Workshop: Edible Growing at Artifex, Salford
Artifex host a practical workshop for those wanting to grow food in small places, as part of the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge. The book-in session is ideal for all those who would like guidance on edibles that grow well in containers, advice on what to grow in your space, guidance on seasonality and what to plant this month. Participants can sow seeds or plant up a container to take away with them too.
The Unseen Room at The Fitzgerald – May 2025
Enter The Unseen Room, Manchester’s most immersive evening of magic and vintage charm. Taking to the stage at The Fitzgerald, discreetly tucked in the heart of the Northern Quarter, the monthly show blends old-age jazz with contemporary magic. Guests can expect a rotating programme of sleight of hand, comedy and theatrical wonder.
The Little Sri Lankan Monthly Supper Club at Miru Mill – May 2025
Head over to Miru Mill for a supper club with The Little Sri Lankan. Experience the heart and soul of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at the Stockport venue, with a four-course menu and welcome cocktail. Taking place on the last Thursday of every month, the intimate experience invites guests to share delicious food with new friends and engage in lively conversations.
Wine & Pintxo Tasting Experience at El Kabron
Join the team at El Kabron for a special pintxo and wine tasting event at their city centre restaurant. On Thursday 29 May, guests can enjoy seven courses of traditional pintxos and wines, on a tasting journey inspired by the bustling taverns in northern Spain. The expertly curated menu, lead by head chef Rubén Del Villar, will be served up alongside a selection of Spanish wines, chosen by the El Kabron sommelier.
Legends of Soul at Edgeley Park
Head down to the home of Stockport County for a summer night of soul and nostalgia this May. Sing, dance and relive classic tunes, with a line-up of stars from Tina the Musical, Sister Act and Motown the Musical. Enjoy two powerhouse sets packed with hits from icons including Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and more. Between sets, guests are invited to indulge in mouthwatering street food and a great selection of drinks, or go VIP with stadium view, drinks on arrival, tapas-style sharing plates, sweet treats, and unlimited bar access.
Launch Parties at The Underbank
Celebrate the launch of brand-new bar The Underbank with a weekend of launch parties at the highly anticipated Stockport venue. Dance along to a stellar line-up of DJs at the beer hall and sound system, with the likes of YEMi, Joey T, Sticky Heat, Metrodome and loads more selecting.
Swinton Sounds 2025
Get ready for Swinton Sounds, a free three-day festival of live music, performance, food and drink for all the family. Returning for its third year, the festival takes over some of Swinton’s favourite venues and locations from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June. Throughout the weekend, spaces including The Swinton Hop House, The Wobbly Stool, Swinton Square and the beautiful Victoria Park will be full of the sounds of a line-up of Greater Manchester’s best musicians and DJs, in a programme curated by From the Other in collaboration with Salford City Council. Artists on the line-up include genre-spanning collective Untold Orchestra, folk singer Alf Whitby, DJ and producer Jenna G, indie rockers Stealing Sheep, and R&B star Yemi Bolatiwa, as well as loads more.
Perfume Making Workshop with Kushbu Perfumery
Ever wondered what it would be like to create your own signature fragrance? Kushbu Perfumery invite budding perfumers to their workshop in Ancoats for a session where art meets science and senses lead the way. Learn the basics and explore the intricate chemistry behind fragrance creation, guided by principles of the olfactory system. Lead by experts, attendees will use the Kushbu method, experimenting with raw, high quality perfumery materials to make their own bespoke fragrance.
Sprechen presents Sea Fever and The Thief of Time at The Yard
Manchester super-group Sea Fever have some sturdy pedigree among them. We’re talking frontman Iwan Gronow (Haven, Johnny Marr) on vocals and guitars, alongside singer Beth Cassidy (Factory Records’ Section 25), Tom Chapman and Phil Cunningham from New Order, along with Elliot Barlow. They hit The Yard on 30 May to herald the release of second album Surface Sound, touching on synth-wave and post-punk vibes, with a few power dance-pop moments thrown in too. Support comes from Sprechen’s The Thief of Time featuring Lady Lady & Mike Grubert.
Kids’ Mini Plant Pot Painting Workshop at Kargo MKT
Get ready for a colourful and creative morning at Kargo MKT. They’re inviting children to take part in their mini plant pot painting workshop, where they can decorate their own pot using bright paints and fun patterns. Each child will take home their uniquely designed pot, ready to be filled with a little plant. Seeds are provided.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor at O2 Apollo
Sophie Ellis-Bextor has announced her biggest ever UK headline tour in May and June 2025, including a headline show in Manchester. With an impressive musical career spanning over 25 years, Sophie has landed five top 10 albums and eight top 10 singles, including the reinvigorated party anthem Murder On The Dancefloor.
Jasmine.4.t at The Deaf Institute
Jasmine.4.t (Jasmine Cruickshank) sings about the tangled joy, heartache, camaraderie and isolation of transfeminine life. Based in Manchester, she is the first UK signee to Phoebe Bridgers’ label Saddest Factory Records and her debut single Skin on Skin was produced by Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. Backed by an all-trans-woman band and a label full of friends and supporters, her vivid and intimate stories will reach new listeners, conveying the reality of her lived experience. She combines performance with activism and uses her platform to advocate for trans rights and marginalised groups. “Being signed by Phoebe Bridgers is immediately going to open me up to a wider audience,” she says. “I take it seriously, just to be a visible trans woman role model in music, because there aren’t that many, and there should be more.”
MK at Progress
Now the fiery ball in the sky has returned, so have the outdoor raves at the sprawling Progress in Ardwick. Among a sterling line-up of gigs heading into the summer (including shows from the likes of Maceo Plex and Chaos In The CBD) is this headline set from Marc Kinchen – the one and only MK. Let loose at this all-day party from one of the vey best to do it.
Vintage Folk Open Warehouse – June 2025
Vintage Folk open up their city centre warehouse inviting fashion fans to browse over 40 rails of vintage garments and secondhand delights. The ultimate sustainable shopping experience, dive into t-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, denim and more on Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June. It’s an ideal opportunity to find pre-loved streetwear and classic designer brands at the Piccadilly Trading Estate, all priced between £3 and £20, so there is something for every budget. Stock is refreshed on Sunday, so there’s always something new to find. Cash, Card, Apple Pay, PayPal, and contactless are all accepted, and entry is free on the day.
REC. 4th Birthday: Raresh & Louie G at Niamos
Manchester collective REC. celebrate their fourth birthday with a night of immersive audio and visual at the Niamos Centre. Taking place at the Grade II-listed Hulme venue, they will be displaying an impressive projection-mapped canvas onto the main auditorium, alongside an expertly tuned Funktion-One soundsystem. Romanian heavyweight Raresh will headline with a three-hour DJ set, joined by Manchester favourite and Persona resident Louie G. This will be a special party.
Sparkz & Pitch 92 at Stage & Radio
Cult Manchester rapper Sparkz (formerly of the Levelz and Mouse Outfit parishes) and celebrated producer Pitch 92 headline this first collaboration between KRUD & Still MCR. Taking place at Stage & Radio, catch Ceej on the decks as well as Cypher, with an open invite to local MCs to head down too.
Bunny’s do breakfast at Bunny Jacksons
Bunny’s invite you to head down for breakfast – yes, breakfast! – as they trial a new morning offering. They’re swapping wings for pancakes as they open up in the AM, where you can choose from the Bunny’s Big Breakfast for 2, the Piggyback Stack, the American Pancakes, Fried Chicken & Bacon Pancakes and sides. We’re very much here for it.
Root To Flower Vegan Supper Club at The Wizard Tearoom
Join Root To Flower for an evening of carefully-curated small plates, wines and cocktails nestled in the Alderley Edge woodlands. Taking place at The Wizard Tearoom, built in the 16th century, the evening will consist of eight courses – all homemade, seasonally led and served in a sharing style.
The menu changes frequently to follow the seasons and use the best produce on offer at the time, so it’s likely you wont have the same menu twice. To keep mystery around the supper clubs, the menu will not be revealed until the night itself.
Earl’s X Micky’s
Two powerhouses of the Greater Manchester sandwich scene team up for a very special collaboration. The gang at Earl’s welcome original city centre sarnie slingers Micky’s to the fold for an exclusive one day only event. A sarnie-off. A battle of the barms. Try five sandwiches, including two from each vendors, as well as a limited edition buttie that will bring the house down. Expect DJ sets, booze and a warm welcome.
