Ten things to do in Greater Manchester this Bank Holiday weekend, from fantastic flowers to City celebrations
There is loads to do across all boroughs this long weekend, with a flower festival, a trophy parade, a legendary club night, free pints and a Champions League final to watch.
The Bank Holiday weekend is here and Greater Manchester has plenty going on. Here are ten things to do across the region from Friday to Monday.
Walk The Plank pop-up festival, Salford
Arts creative Walk The Plank is hosting a free travelling festival across Salford all weekend. It starts at Seedley Pavilion, Buile Hill Park on Saturday (5pm to 9pm) with music, ukuleles and badge-making. On Sunday, it moves to Albert Park in Broughton (2pm to 6pm) with litter workshops, street food and hands-on activities. On Monday, it heads to Ordsall Park (1pm to 5pm) with a parade, and music from Jane and Mike Band, Salford Strummers and the Ski Band. No booking needed.
Stockroom's first birthday, Stockport
Stockroom celebrates its first year with a weekend of events running May 21 to 24. Saturday features a birthday cake extravaganza (11am to 12.30pm), a massive game of Musical Statues at Merseyway at 2pm, and a Guilty Pleasure Disco (5.30pm to 9.30pm, £3). Sunday includes story time, live music, party puppets led by Caroline Coates, and a Qi Gong taster session.
Sankey's Redlight, Manchester
Legendary Manchester nightclub Sankey's brings back its iconic Redlight event on Sunday night (9.30pm to 3am). Chicago house pioneer Felix da Housecat headlines, with Krysko, Bucky and Resonate v Tempo also performing.
Kids bento at Maki & Ramen, Northern Quarter
Maki & Ramen on High Street is serving a new build-your-own kids bento box for £10. Mains include Chicken Katsu Curry, Miso Ramen, Vegetable Yakisoba or sushi rolls, with sides like Crispy Veggie Gyoza or Pumpkin Croquette. Each box also comes with edamame and broccoli.
Half-term family activities
If you are looking for things to do with the little ones, there is plenty across the region. Highlights include forest tubing at Heaton Park, a hunt for Pokemon at Quarry Bank, and a hoedown throwdown at a Tameside farm.
Albert's Schloss becomes The Grand Albert Hotel
Albert's Schloss on Peter Street is temporarily transforming into The Grand Albert Hotel for the weekend, with lobby-style glamour, live entertainment from "guests," and a themed room service menu featuring a Lemon Meringue Pie Grey Goose Martini with a torched marshmallow. On Friday and Saturday evenings, a hidden button in the booths summons a chauffeur bearing a room key and the chance to win prizes, including a trip to Paris.
Champions League final screenings
Saturday night brings the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal, and venues across Manchester will be showing it. BOX Deansgate has 35 HD screens, Walkabout in the Printworks will have music and DJs around the game, and Yates is screening it alongside an Aperol Spritz weekend.
Man City open-top bus parade
Manchester City celebrate the achievements of their men's, women's and academy teams with an open-top bus parade on Monday (May 25). It starts in the Northern Quarter from 4pm, heads through Ashton New Road and finishes at the Colin Bell Stand at the Etihad. A ticketed After Party at Co-op Live follows with live music, player interviews and special guests (tickets from £12). You can also visit the pop-up Stones and Silva pub (the Star and Garter by Piccadilly Station) until Sunday for a Blues-themed experience.
Manchester Flower Festival
The Manchester Flower Festival returns from May 23 to 25, taking over Exchange Street, St Ann's Square and King Street. This year's free event has a Green Manchester theme, with professional displays referencing Castlefield Viaduct and Piccadilly Gardens. There are also horticultural trails, family activities, live entertainment and street food.
The Oast House relaunch, Spinningfields
The Oast House in Spinningfields unveils its revamped beer garden with a huge Bank Holiday House Party on Saturday and Sunday. Mike Joyce of The Smiths and Woody from Bastille are the special house guests. There are free pints for the first 450 guests on Saturday, live music from midday to midnight, DJ sets, merch giveaways and t-shirt cannons.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where is the Manchester City parade?
- The open-top bus parade takes place on Monday, May 25, starting in the Northern Quarter at 4pm and finishing at the Etihad Stadium.
- Is the Manchester Flower Festival free to attend?
- Yes, the Manchester Flower Festival is a free event located across Exchange Street, St Ann’s Square, and King Street in the city centre.
- What family activities are available in Salford this weekend?
- Walk The Plank is hosting a free pop-up festival with music and workshops at Buile Hill Park on Saturday, Albert Park on Sunday, and Ordsall Park on Monday.