Another weekend of 30º weather, endless amounts of essential ice lollies and jam-packed beer gardens – yes, the heat wave is back in Manchester and we’re already TOO hot.
I’m going to try and stop complaining though, as it’s very rare we’re graced with this much vitamin D so I’ve stocked up on factor 50 and reserved a seat in Stevenson Square for the foreseeable.
If you’re looking for something different to fill your week up with this week, we’ve once again rounded up our top picks in the art, entertainment, food and music sectors and it’s looking like a pretty special few days.
Caroline Dowsett launches a new exhibition at Ducie Street Warehouse on Thursday, there’s a sustainable fashion pop-up at The Goods In and a documentary focused on Maisie Trollette – the UK’s oldest drag artist – is available to watch all week at HOME, with a special Q&A taking place tomorrow with the film’s director and fellow drag performer, Miss Jason.
There’s loads more listed below to guarantee to keep you cool for the next 7 days.
Art For Our Sakes at Seesaw Space
Monday 8th August
This evening, art collective Art For Our Sakes is taking over Seesaw Space on Princess Street with a line-up of the city’s current best creatives. Hosted by friends Maddie and Natasha, the event has cemented itself as a saving grace for budding artists and curators in the midst of Manchester’s unaffordable arts scene. Tonight there’ll be art from a range of creators spanning everything from bold, natural colours to Chinese folklore and psychedelia.
Maisie Documentary Q&A at HOME
Tuesday 9th August
A documentary exploring the life and legacy of 88 year old drag artiste extraordinaire, Maisie Trollette is being shown at HOME this week. The performer is the UK’s oldest drag queen, and the film explores the life of the artist once the curtain is lowered and doors are closed, exposing the intimate life of the fascinatingly hilarious but difficult character. On Tuesday, a Q&A will follow the screening with director, Lee Cooper and fellow drag performer, Miss Jason hosted by Cheddar Gorgeous.
FREE Factory Coffee Affogatos
Tuesday 9th August
Lucky for us, Factory Coffee loves a good freebie, and tomorrow the King Street coffee kiosk is launching its newest summer staple – the affogato. Well-known as a traditional Italian dessert, the coffee shop has collaborated with artisan ice cream makers, Rogue to create a standard and boozy version using its award-winning clotted cream dessert. If you pop down between 1pm and 2pm tomorrow, you can grab an affogato for free to celebrate the launch!
All You Can Eat Dumpling Masterclass at GRUB
Wednesday 10th August
Oi Dumplings, who has just opened its first ever dine-in restaurant in Marsden is back on home turf this weekend to teach a room of dumpling enthusiasts the tricks of the trade. Starting at 6.30pm this Wednesday, you’ll learn how to make classic dim sum from start to finish with the choice of a meat or vegan filling. Before you get crafty, you’ll be greeted with some welcoming dumpling canapes and then once the session is over, you’ll have your very own hand crafted box to take home.
Natural Wine Takeover at Wandering Palate
Wednesday 10th August
This week, Wandering Palate’s Wednesday Wine Club has a specific focus on some of the best natural wines you can currently find on the market. Andrea Asciamprener, one of the bar’s natural wine suppliers, will lead the evening, guiding guests through a range of drinks spanning red, white and orange. A hangover-free evening is (apparently) guaranteed.
One Deck at Electrik with Terry Christian
Wednesday 10th August
As part of Electrik’s monthly One Deck series, Terry Christian is the next guest to showcase his record collection. The Manchester-born broadcaster has had a career that’s seen him take centre stage across some of the UK’s biggest channels, and the free event at Chorlton’s neighbourhood bar will showcase some of his favourite music over some laid-back bevs and food from Four Side Pizza.
Caroline Dowsett at Ducie Street
Thursday 11th August
Hosted by the team at Unitom, Manchester-based artist Caroline Dowsett is showcasing a brand-new collection of paintings this week at Ducie Street Warehouse. Caroline has said that “this body of work is a reflection of the past 365 days for myself, expressing through colour, texture and shapes, stepping outside of the black lines I usually use to translate feelings.” The exhibition will be available to view until 30th September.
Mr Scruff at Band On The Wall
Friday 12th August
Manchester legend Mr Scruff will be heading back to his humble home of Band on the Wall this Friday, with a six-hour session of jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, disco and deep house and techno, as well as a few surprises that might intrigue his diverse roster of fans! The Macclesfield born DJ has been spinning tunes across the city since the early 90s at the height of Manchester’s burgeoning club scene, and continues to grapple with complex genres and dancefloor fillers to this very day.
Paint Pop Art at Seven Bro7hers
Saturday 13th August
Themed around Laura Macdonald’s bold lion painting, Seven Bro7hers is hosting another boozy painting event with the aim to transport guests right back to the 60s. You’ll be supplied with all your painting essentials; brushes, paint, apron and canvas – as well as a themed playlist, a menu of drinks and a masterpiece to take home.
Flamenco Festival at Kampus
Saturday 13th August
Manchester’s garden neighbourhood will be celebrating all things Español on Saturday 13th August in its stunning surroundings of its gardens. The festival will pay homage to the iconic Spanish dance, with an open-mic format that sees students and enthusiasts taking to the dancefloor for their time in the spotlight. The free, one-day-only event kicks off from 2pm until 6.30pm – with the party then continuing into the night. There’ll also be some deliciously authentic Spanish dishes and huge dishes of paeilla from Kampus’ resident tapas bar, Levanter.
Grey Milk Pop Up at The Goods In
Saturday 13th August
Sustainable clothing brand, Grey Milk will be popping up in person this weekend at Prestwich’s The Goods In. Focused on bold colours and in-your-face florals, the brand is usually only available online – so this is an exciting chance to browse the newest collection in person! Gwen, the founder of Grey Milk is also the brains behind Shop Strawberry, a homeware brand embodying everything fun about interiors and you’ll be able to shop this on Saturday, too.
All Day Barbecue at Six Trees
Saturday 13th August
Taking over Six Trees this weekend is a huge community barbecue featuring spoken word poetry, rappers, singers and wordsmiths, as well as some of Manchester’s current best musical talent. The event is a collaboration between Sayin?, Manchester’s regular spoken word event and Propatop Records, an independent label with Manchester-based artists at the forefront.
RAW at Victoria Baths
Saturday 13th August
Making its debut at Victoria Baths, RAW is a new house and tech club night taking over the iconic grade II listed baths. Featuring high quality production and a next level line-up of DJs such as DJOKO, Alex Bowen, Josh Gregg, Ryan Nicholls and Harry Benj – it’s a new night made for the city’s after hours party goers.
Manchester Caribbean Carnival
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th August
Celebrating 50 years of colourful history, Manchester’s Caribbean Carnival returns this weekend for a two-day spectacle featuring music, dancing, food and performance. This year’s special celebration will be a nod to highlighting the city’s diverse, international culture, with a theme of ‘Unity’ at its heart for the momentous 50th year. It’s free to attend and runs from 12pm – 8pm both days.
Bourbon, Tacos & Live Blues at The Whiskey Jar
Sunday 14th August
Northern Quarter’s bourbon den is collaborating with Maker’s Mark for a weekend of free booze, food and music. Kicking off this Sunday, Josh Goddard and the Blues Review Band will take to the stage to perform a specially curated Blues set all night long, plus, guests will receive a complimentary arrival Maker’s Mark cocktail – The Marksman – made with orange juice, honey water, lemon juice, apricot liqueur and topped with IPA. In addition, there’ll also be FREE tacos, stuffed with Makers Mark Pulled Pork, or Smoky Cauliflower – courtesy of El Capo next door.
