Whether you sank a few too many pints of Guinness yesterday, or are waking up refreshed from a chilled weekend, we salute you. This week there’s loads to get involved with or grab tickets for – including foodie markets, jewellery pop-ups, an audience with world famous chefs, a brewing festival and a celebration of culture in Stockport.
Manchester’s Top 10 UK Cocktail Bar Blinker X Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye
Spring Gardens cocktail destination Blinker landed itself in the top 10 bars in the whole of the UK earlier this year – a huge achievement for this exceptional bar given it’s barely been open two years. And now its top tier bartenders have partnered with Jack Daniels to create a stunning bespoke cocktail to launch the iconic Tennessee distillery’s new Bonded Rye Whiskey, the latest addition to its Bonded Series. The ‘Royal Rumble’ cocktail – Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye, bergamot, manzanilla sherry and lemon with a dash of Blinker’s own house-made rhubarb soda – is only available at Blinker for three weeks. Grab one while you can, and pair it with one of the bar’s superb toasties.
A6 Stories at Arts Let Loose
Len Grant presents A6 Stories, a small art exhibition at Arts Let Loose in Swinton. Part of the Not Quite Light festival, the exhibition includes Len’s drawings of businesses along the A6 Chorley Road. The artwork is accompanied by the stories he heard whilst chatting with them.
An Evening with Rick Stein at The Lowry
Multi award-winning chef, restauranteur, writer and presenter Rick Stein delves into his livelong love affair with cooking on a brand-new UK tour. Stopping off at The Lowry in Salford, discover how this self-taught chef, with no prior experience, went on to establish a thriving restaurant business that’s become a national institution.
Red Bull Raise The Bar
Following the success of its London debut, Red Bull’s Raise The Bar competition is heading to Manchester on Thursday 21 March. Taking place at Gorilla, the new rap cypher sees eight up-and-coming local MCs battle in front of a live audience, challenging them to showcase their skills across genres – including rap, grime and drill. The talent will then need to win over the live-voting crowd to progress to the final and prove they can ‘raise the bar’. The Manchester showcase will be hosted by creative personality Faro alongside special guest DJs.
International Brewing and Cider Festival
The International Brewing & Cider Festival arrives at Depot Mayfield this week. The festival promises the largest collection of beers and ciders in the UK and festival-goers will be able to sample world-class beers and award-winning ciders, as well as as try drinks entered into the International Brewing & Cider Awards.
Ne-Yo at the AO Arena
Shaffer Chimere Smith, aka Ne-Yo, will be bringing R&B smoothness, club bangers and a wild stage show to the AO – with his Champagne and Roses tour. The Closer, So Sick and Because Of You star (and multiple Grammy-winner) will be hitting Manchester with special guest support from Mario.
The Goods Out Summer Fridge Launch
The fabulous Goods In in Prestwich host The Goods Out, a night of free beer (yes, free beer), music and food to launch their summer takeout fridge. Help them pick bottles for the fridge by popping down for a sampling session. Delightful.
After Hours: Forward-Thinking Fashion
Take a journey through the past, present and future of fashion at the adults-only Forward Thinking Fashion event. Experience the thunderous sounds of historic machinery in action and follow the textiles story, from life in industrial Manchester to innovations in design, printing and finishing, in the Textiles Gallery. Guests can also browse a pop-up market curated by Beg Steal & Borrow, selling a range of planet-friendly garments and slow fashion favourites.
Bottomless Fridays at The Smithfield Social
Introducing Bottomless Fridays at Thomas Street fave The Smithfield Social. From 4pm every Friday, enjoy two courses and a choice of either frozen Aperol, frozen fargs, Prosecco, wine and social pils. The perfect way to start the weekend.
DJ Shadow at New Century
The legend that is DJ Shadow will be bringing his pioneering cut & paste hip hop styles to New Century this week. From his debut on Mo Wax (with the truly genre-defining Endtroducing…), Shadow will play a dizzying live show spanning tracks from nearly three decades in the game, right up to last year’s Action Adventure album.
Suppher Club Night II
An inclusive party, powered by women with an all-woman line-up of DJs, heads to Cuckoo in Prestwich for a month-long celebration of International Women’s Day. Catch Just Jane (Take Me To Church, Prestwich), Pangölin (Mixing Mates Mcr and komrad.net) and DJ Jus’T (Decks On Legs & Prestwich Pride) at the venue on 23 March.
Stretch and Sketch at Platt Fields Market Garden
Join Emma of Thorlby Yoga and artist Caroline Dowsett on Saturday for a very special collaboration. Taking place at the beautiful community space that is the Platt Fields Market Garden, take part in a series of mindful moments from movement, creativity, mindfulness and nature, the perfect way to say hello to Spring.
Stockport Town of Culture weekender
Taking place on 23 and 24 March, the Town of Culture weekender will be the culmination of Stockport’s tenure at Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture, with a host of amazing events taking place over 25 venues. The whole town will find itself transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, with all kinds of interactive activities going on. You can discover the secrets of the legendary Strawberry Studios with expert Dr Peter Wadsworth at the Stockport Museum, the place where the likes of 10cc, Paul McCartney, The Smiths and the Stone Roses all recorded. In Viaduct Park, there will be giant puppets and carnival acts, while local music collective OmniMusic will be holding remix classes in, of all places, the lifts at the Merseyway. There’ll be a street art walk, taking in over 40 murals around town, as well as a street art taster from People With Grit, for those who have always fancied picking up a spray can and trying it out. All the events are free to attend (though some you’ll need to book) and you can find out more here…
Ghetts at New Century
British grime artist, rapper and songwriter Ghetts comes back to Manchester on Saturday. Celebrating the release of new album On Purpose, With Purpose, he will play a headline gig at New Century. From his early years as part of East London’s NASTY crew, Ghetts went solo with a series of EPs and mixtapes before releasing debut studio album Rebel With A Cause in 2014. He’s has since gone on to work alongside the likes of Kano, Wretch 32, Stormzy and Little Simz.
Shy Seagull Pop-Up at Ducie Street Warehouse
Ducie Street Warehouse will host Manchester jewellery brand Shy Seagull for a very special pop-up. Offering functional jewellery crafted by talented women artisans across the UK, Shy Seagull is a treasure trove of unique hand-picked pieces.
Cult Mart at GRUB
Cult Mart is a new market and fair celebrating all things pop culture – from cult films and TV to games, comics and more. Guests are invited to dive intro a treasure trove of DVDs, Blu-rays, posters, merchandise and memorabilia from your favourite cult films and pop culture.
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