Is anyone suffering from post-jubilee fatigue? No me neither – those four days were the perfect amount of time in which to have a bloody good party but then unwind and recharge those batteries ready for this week.
It must be said that this coming weekend is almost as packed as the last, with PARKLIFE returning, the Kantina Food & Drink Weekender at Freight Island, a Wellness Festival in the city centre and loads more.
Music & Clubs
For all of you students out there, this week marks the sort of end-of-year Freshers, where you’ve finished all of your exams and lectures and there’s nothing to do but chill out and party. It was always a firm favourite of mine back when I was a student and we’d go watch some jousting and spend a couple of groats on some mead.
As per their usual annual tradition, the team over at Hit & Run are hosting a big End of Exams party this weekend so that you can all celebrate before heading off back home for the Summer. The ‘End of Examaganza‘ will be taking place this Wednesday 8th June at Hidden and there’s a massive roster of DJs including Fox, Tyrone, T-Man, Strategy, Biome, Hamdi and LOADS more.
Also happening at the end of the week is of course PARKLIFE, traditionally the cherry on the end of the student academic year, but last year switched to September due to that horrible COVID. It’s back where it belongs now and the city is awash with all manner of ‘Afters’ for when it winds down at 11pm.
OFFIT! Records will be taking over The Deaf Institute, Kaluki will be bringing some surprise guests to Joshua Brooks, and In The Mix will be going to Gorilla for an all nighter on Sunday.
Sunday down in Whalley Range will also see the excellent Carlton Club host a family rave with the help of The Playground Project and Me Gusta. High energy Afro-Latin house and dancehall but for all the family, plus Me Gusta’s resident drummer and dancers Rasta King and Steadman.
Carlton Club Me Gusta Family Rave
Finally, this week the city sees a long list of world-famous acts descend on its various music venues, including Alicia Keys at the AO Arena, Public Image Ltd at The Ritz, Run The Jewels at Victoria Warehouse, and Elvis Costello himself comes to the Opera House.
Art & Culture
From Wednesday 8th – Sunday 12th June, the city plays host to the Manchester Histories Festival 2022, returning for its 8th edition and celebrating the rich histories and heritage of the region through a series of events.
There’s a packed calendar of events throughout the five days, from exhibitions to theatre performances, workshops, talks and loads more. The best thing to do, is head on over to their very informative website and see what takes your fancy…
Manchester Histories Festival 2022
Wednesday also sees the launch of a new city-wide art celebration at KAMPUS – ‘Camp Bread‘. A new NFT project curated by Pat Flynn and supported by KnownOrigin, the month-long exhibition will feature physical media, and photography, alongside digital media, 3D modelling and film.
On Saturday 11th June, local artist and urban sketcher Len Grant will be hosting a special workshop – ‘The Absolute Beginners’ Guide to Urban Sketching (in the Northern Quarter)‘.
He’ll take you on a journey introducing the whole concept of urban sketching before you all get out on the streets to try your hand at it for real. He says that you’ll be hooked – and I’m inclined to agree.
Events
Back in its usual June slot, PARKLIFE returns to Heaton Park again this Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June.
As you’ve come to expect nowadays, the line-up is absolutely packed with all of your favourite performers and DJs, plus the absolute legend that is 50 Cent, who you might even spot ‘down the club’ on Deansgate Locks later on in the night if you’re lucky.
There’s also Tyler, The Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, Lewis Capaldi, Loyle Carner, Bicep, Arlo Parks and tonnes more. There’s still a couple of tickets available – get them here ASAP…
If going out to a park and getting rowdy isn’t your thing, then fear not, because this week sees the exact opposite of that come to the city – Manchester Wellbeing Festival.
Across Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th, Manchester Central will play host to talks, classes and lifestyle brands – all pushing positive health and mental wellbeing, providing guests with help, guidance and support with their health – alongside fun classes and workshops to get involved in.
This Saturday 11th at Salford Quays is ‘Way Above the Houses‘ a celebration of lights, dancers and Cirque Bijou all inspired by the communities of Salford.
Starting outside The Lowry, there’ll be local dancers, a kaleidoscope of illuminated umbrellas, and an extraordinary display of aerial acts, community performances and local voices.
Food & Drink
The biggest event in the food and drink calendar this week is undoubtedly KANTINA Festival held at Escape to Freight Island from Friday 10th until Sunday 12th.
The weekender will showcase the culinary talents of the vendors at Escape to Freight Island, and welcome some of the UK’s most prestigious chefs, restaurants and bars, for next level and remarkable food & drink collaborations.
Tickets are FREE and here’s all of the details…
Finally, opening this week on Bridge Street is Neon Tiger, a new Thai live fire barbeque restaurant and cocktail bar, from Thursday 9th June.
Also opening this week is the formidable Pollen at KAMPUS, a massive step up from their New Islington site, this additional location features a huge pastry kitchen alongside a dedicated menu of breakfast and lunch dishes.
It also looks fantastic and should be on your list of places to visit when it opens on Thursday 9th June.
