Our curated list of all the best things happening across Greater Manchester this week...
Another jam-packed week as Manchester welcomes business leaders and creative insiders for a full day of talks at TEDxNorthernQuarter, the likes of Ellie Goulding, Hilary Duff, 1-800 Girls and André Rieu bring their musical talents to the city and Manchester Fashion Week kicks off with a bunch of events open to the public.
Manchester Institution, The Royal Exchange celebrates 50 years with a peak behind the curtain through panels with playwrights, architects, actors and designers and, as always, the food opportunities are flying, breakfast for dinner with Track x Dishoom x Koffee Pot, Wigan Vegan Fest and a Full Moon Market all on offer.
Culture, craft, food and music, it’s all going on.
Here are the best things to do in Manchester this week…
Murder Inc. terrace takeover at Studio IV
Murder Inc., the London cocktail bar which revels in all things sleek, moody and gangster-adjacent, takes over the Studio IV terrace for one night only. They’ll be bringing award-winning bartenders Oscar Perry and Vander Von-Ruinn with them to get the terrace party going. Expect a specially curated menu of some of their darkly conceptual favourites like ‘Death in the Afternoon’ and ‘Rusty Nail in the Coffin’. Who said Monday nights can’t be decadent?
Ellie Goulding
Pop sensation Ellie Goulding is hosting a series of intimate shows to celebrate her new album, including one at Manchester’s New Century. The Starry Eyed singer’s sixth studio album, released this September, will be played live and in full. Tickets to the performance of I Know Too Much are available stand-alone or with a vinyl or CD copy of her new release bolted on, and it’s a rare chance to see Goulding in such an intimate setting.
Rethinking ADHD and Autism
Neurodiversity coach Matthew Menzies from ADHD Remapped is launching a free monthly event for adults with ADHD and autism. The event will bring people together for practical conversations on how the conditions can shape ambition, work, relationships and health. Matthew himself has ADHD and autism and wanted to create a community where people can share their struggles and better understand themselves, using facilitated conversation to explore the pressures that often hide behind competence and responsibility.
The People’s Emergency Briefing Screening with Chris Packham
TV presenter and naturalist, Chris Packham is inviting people to have an “honest local conversation” about the climate crisis with a free public screening of 50 minute documentary, The People’s Emergency Briefing. The screening forms part of a UK-wide programme designed to help ensure both the public and decision-makers are informed on the Climate Crisis. Chris Packham will introduce the screening, which sets out the implications of climate and nature breakdown for food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security as well as evidence-based actions that could reduce these risks. After the screening, there’ll also be a structured discussion to support open conversation on the issues raised and what it means on a local level. Tickets are free, anyone interested is welcome to attend.
Manchester Fashion Week
Usually a week of strict exclusivity and invitation only events, Manchester is flipping Fashion Week on it’s head hosting a number of events open to the public across four days. There’ll be a curated schedule of panels, runway shows, fashion presentations, pop-ups and after parties, all accessible to the general public. Highlights include The Susty Club pop-up shop, giving visitors the chance to shop sustainable brands, The Big Swap, promoting circular fashion by trading in pre-loved items for new treasures and a free exhibition at Castlefield Gallery exploring the fibres, materials, craft and human stories behind what we wear. There’s afterparties across Side Street, Cupra City Garage and The Green St. Johns to take your pick of, so whether you want to engage with fashion in an intellectual way, shop ’til you drop or show your outfit off at an event, it’s all happening.
Wes Banderson
Wes Anderson fans are in for a treat. Enjoy a night celebrating the original scores of the acclaimed director’s films with a live performance by the aptly named Wes Banderson. The five-piece ensemble, take to the stage of YES to play all the most recognisable tunes from Anderson’s celebrated films including Rushmore, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Fantastic Mr Fox and many more. They’ll be accompanied by live visuals and, obviously, dressed in Team Zissou uniforms. Unmissable for any film buffs or Wes Anderson fanatics.
J.O STUDIO Immersive Fashion Week Showcase
With their debut Fashion Week Showcase, J.O STUDIO is taking on music festivals as they present a selection of work created from discarded festival tents. The Manchester-based designer, repurposes abandoned tents found at festivals into apparel and accessories, inviting audiences to imagine a future where fashion is designed from objects that already exist.
Attendees of the showcase will get to see the transformation before their very eyes, as there will be live-making throughout the day, alongside a live performance by Twin Complex and drinks provided by Loco Wines. Prompting important conversations, sparking creativity and celebrating Manchester’s circular fashion community, sustainability lovers and fashionistas alike are in for a treat.
An evening with Elyse Blackshaw: Fashion Illustration Workshop
Norah Store is hosting an evening of live fashion drawing with fashion illustrator Elyse Blackshaw. Using looks from Norah Store’s latest collections, worn by live models and featuring an array of independent designers, you’ll get two hours to sketch and experiment while Elise guides you through mark-making, silhouette and expressive techniques, accessible to all abilities. With your ticket you’ll get all materials and complimentary refreshments. A lovely way to spend a fashion week evening.
André Rieu
World-renowned violinist and conductor André Rieu is joined by his Johann Strauss Orchestra to play a sumptuous night of classical music at Co-op Live. Modernising the genre with his own brand of frivolity and humour, he is a showman in the most elemental sense. This performance should be treat for fans and newcomers to classical music alike.
1-800 Girls
Following a sold-out YES debut earlier this year, 1-800 Girls will be taking over the Pink Room again for another unpredictable journey through UK dance music. Blurring the lines between deep nostalgia, euphoric electronics, and raw club energy, 1-800 Girls has garnered a reputation for his ability to seamlessly mix genres and weave in and out of influences. Expect a boundary-pushing, eclectic set and a crammed dancefloor.
TEDxNorthernQuarter
TEDxNorthernQuarter returns to the city for it’s second year to spotlight Manchester’s innovators and cultural voices. Stoller Hall will host a whole day of TEDx Talks including from Scott Thomas, TV personality and CEO of The Social PR, Aisa Sharid, multi-award winning software engineer and David Scott, Author of Mancunians & Caroline Aherne: Rebel in Disguise. With 15 speakers on a diverse range of topics, there’s something for everyone and each speaker has been coached by an experienced previous TEDx speaker meaning every minute is sure to be engaging.
Don’t F*ck with Disco
The nation-wide disco event that everyone’s talking about comes to Manchester for an open-air special. Embodying the hedonistic euphoria of disco, expect eight hours of disco grooves and dance tracks. Grab a ticket, and make sure you’ve got some headgear ready to go because you’ll be refused entry without a hat; the fun and funkier the better.
Hilary Duff
After rising to fame as one of the OG Disney child stars, Hilary Duff helped to forge the now well-trodden path to becoming a world-renowned pop star. Her debut album Metamorphosis went 4X platinum when it came out in 2003, now she’s entering a new chapter, having released her first single since 2015, Mature. One of only four UK shows, make sure to catch it.
Exchanging Stories: The Royal Exchange’s 50 Year Celebration
A Manchester institution, The Royal Exchange has been bringing bold ideas, new talent and outstanding theatre to the city for the last fifty years. As they celebrate their golden jubilee they’re putting on a weekend of events where you’ll get the chance to join leading theatre-makers, actors, playwrights, designers and architects for a series of live talks and a peak behind the curtain at how they put on their renowned productions. Tickets for each panel discussion is just £10 or it’s £30 for a weekend pass to attend every panel, plus 10% off food and drink throughout.
Guided Stockport Stroll
As part of Stockroom’s Heritage Open Day, in collaboration with Stockport War Memorial Gallery and the Hat Works, they’re offering two guided walks or ‘Stockport Strolls’ lead by Steve Marland. Starting at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery, the hour-long walk will stop at several of the town’s architectural features including Stopford House, Alan Boyson’s Merseyway car park screen and the Hat Works. Experience the industrial town in a way you’ve never seen it before, and it’s completely free and open to all.
Manchester Emo Festival
If it was never just a phase for you, Manchester Emo Festival will surely be marked in your calendar. A tribute to all things emo, there’ll be a live band and DJs playing all your favourite angsty teenage anthems. Expect music from the likes of Green Day, Blink-182, My Chemical Romance, Paramore and more. Get that eyeliner out, whack the straighteners on and make sure you’ve got enough hairspray to seize up the engine of a small truck – you’re gonna be dancing all night.
Ceramic Tankard Making Workshop
Cider Season is here and if autumn means getting cosy and crafty for you, this is the perfect event. Celebrating apple harvest season, Merseyway Workshop are hosting a Tankard Making Workshop where you’ll get to make your own cider tankard using coils of clay. You’ll be introduced to the technique of coiling to make and assemble the components of a traditional ceramic cider tankard, it’ll then be glazed and fired and ready to collect just in time to really get into hibernation season.
Areesha X Stockroom Ring Making Workshop
Manchester-based jeweller Areesha leads a ring making workshop at Stockport’s Stockroom, she’ll provide demonstrations, techniques and all the tools you need to make your very own wax mould which will later be cast in silver. The event is part of Stockrooms series celebrating Alan Boyson, the marvel from Marple, one of Britain’s most distinctive post‑war public artists, known for his striking murals, mosaics and ceramics. After the event your mould will get sent away to be cast in solid recycled silver and posted directly back to you.
Wigan Vegan Festival
Whether you’re plant-based, veggie, flexi or a meat-eater who’s not afraid of missing it for a meal or two, Wigan Vegan Festival will have something for you. With vegan world-foods or locally sourced goodies to sample, alongside sustainable lifestyle brands, cruelty-free beauty products and ethical fashion, there’s plenty to explore.
Amongst the 50 stalls you’ll find local sellers including, Rochdale’s Adela’s Vegan Deli and their multi award-winning artisan vegan cheese, The Teapot Bakery infusing an Asian twist into beloved deserts and all-natural, hand prepared Indian food from Stockport’s Nourish. With entry from just a fiver or up to fifteen pounds if you fancy discounts and freebees, why not enjoy a meat-free Sunday.
So Hong Kong Full Moon Market
More than 70 stalls of pre-packed and hot food, crafts and gifts will takeover the streets of Sale this September. Full Moon Festival is one of the most significant celebrations across East and Southeast Asia, traditionally associated with the full moon, lanterns, reunion and mooncakes (a dense, sweet pastry that’s baked or steamed and said to bring good luck), the spirit of the festival comes to Sale with this market. There’ll be a mix of local and East Asian traders at the market which will be on all day, so there’s plenty to go at for a Sunday mooch.
Late Night Breakfast: Track x Dishoom x Koffee Pot
Dishoom and Track Brewing Co are teaming up for a one night takeover of Manchester institution The Koffee Pot. It’s everyone’s favourite: breakfast for dinner, as the team bring Dishoom’s breakfast naan rolls into the evening. Usually only available on their morning menu, they’ve decided late risers and office workers deserve to get in with a chance to try them too. Track x Koffee Pot will be providing the drinks, with pints of Track’s Sonoma and other beers as well as cocktails on the menu for a touch of evening elegance. Food-wise there’s a choice of bacon, sausage, egg, all three or veg sausage Naan Rolls, all with a side of their sensational Masala Beans. Tickets are expected to sell out, these are dishes that everyone wants to try but not everyone wants to get up for, so secure your ticket fast if that sounds like you.