For a moment there, it seemed like we’d never leave winter. But finally, here we are – enjoying some milder temperatures and a newfound excitement for the months to come. Whether it’s a breath of fresh air you fancy after months of hibernation, or a night out at one of the city’s most unique experiences – we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Manchester this April.
1. Spot famous faces as part of the Greater Mancunians photography exhibition
There are some pretty recognisable faces hailing from Manchester, and we’re about to see them in a whole new light, along with lesser known but equally important faces, at a brand new exhibition. Photography students from The Manchester College will be showcasing their ‘Greater Mancunians’ project as part of a landmark exhibition at the iconic Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall. This ground-breaking photography project features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people like Noel Gallagher, Maxine Peake and John Cooper Clarke − shot at numerous locations across the city − all of which will be exhibited from April 19.
2. Be enchanted by classical music and gorgeous floral displays at these spring-themed concerts
The arrival of spring is very welcome in Manchester which sees flowers bloom and trees start to bud. In keeping with the season, the Candlelight Spring concert series will be blossoming in the city to offer a new perspective on the music you know and love with the help of talented musicians, thousands of candles and a gorgeous floral display. From string quartets to solo pianists, gifted musicians work their magic on contemporary pop songs from the likes of Coldplay and classical compositions made famous by Ludovico Einaudi at these candlelit tributes that make for the perfect springtime treat for both the eyes and ears.
3. Experience animal cuddles and tractor rides at this wholesome spring festival
Bruntwood SciTech is launching Spring Fest 2024 which will take place on April 27 at Alderley Park, Cheshire, celebrating all that spring in the region has to offer. As well as being a world-leading science and tech campus, Alderley Park’s beautiful 400 acre woodland estate is also home to a working farm which will throw open its gates to the public to host the festival. A chance to celebrate the magic of spring and everything that it means for wildlife, animals and nature, Spring Fest will allow families to immerse themselves in countryside life and new beginnings with activities like tractor rides, animal petting, falconry displays, crafts and more.
4. Watch a hilarious stand-up comedy experience like no other
The sensational British Asian drag comedian, Lady Bushra, has embarked on her edgy UK Tour, Saree About It! and will be performing at The Frog & Bucket in Manchester on April 21. Shortlisted for a BBC New Comedy Award, this internationally renowned drag queen, played by the talented Amir Dean, has taken the comedy scene by storm. With over 20 million global online views and sold-out live performances across Europe and the USA, Lady Bushra is a true sensation and bound to have you chuckling and giggling away.
5. Visit Manchester’s newest and the UK’s largest arena Co-op Live
The opening of the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester is hugely anticipated, to say the least, with plenty of star names set to grace the stage, including Olivia Rodrigo, Take That and Barry Manilow. Plus, the very first act to take to the stage of the brand new Co-op Live Arena, the largest in the UK, will be none other than Bolton‘s own comedian, Peter Kay. Opening on April 23, the unique bowl design of the Co-op Live Arena promises a fittingly intimate environment, bringing fans closer to performers than at other arenas of equivalent size.
6. Dance the night away as the bold and beautiful Bresh party returns to Manchester
If you’re into reggaeton music and nights out abroad, chances are you’ve heard of Bresh. The brand has held successful club nights in over 90 cities around the world, such as Buenos Aires, New York, and Ibiza, and, of course, Manchester. Now, they’re back for seconds, with an epic party set to light up the dancefloor on April 12. You can expect all the hallmarks of a classic Bresh event – bold decorations, special dancefloor treats, raucous on-stage performances, and celebrity appearances – there’ll be no holding back here.
7. Watch Ellie Leach in the brand new comedy murder mystery Cluedo 2
Ellie Leach – reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing – will make her stage acting debut as Miss Scarlett in the world premiere UK tour of Cluedo 2. Following the huge success of the critically acclaimed original play, Cluedo is back on stage with a brand new, original comedy mystery, set in the swinging 60’s. As the bodies pile up, our colourful characters – The Honourable Mrs Emerald Peacock, Colonel Eugene Mustard, ‘Professor’ Alex Plum, Miss Annabel Scarlett, ‘The Reverend’ Hal Green and the housekeeper Mrs White – move from room to room trying to escape the murderer and survive the night. Cluedo 2, will keep audiences guessing right up to the final moments, and budding detectives of all ages, from 8 to 80 and beyond, can watch for the clues and unravel the secrets, as they try to work out whodunnit… with what… and where!
8. Tuck into fried chicken from Popeyes’ first drive-thru in Greater Manchester
Popeyes arrived at Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens last autumn and since then the Louisiana fried chicken restaurant has become a hit with locals, so much so that another spot is opening in the region. Popeyes UK has announced that it will be opening the doors to its new Manchester drive-thru restaurant this April, meaning you can get a taste of the Deep South from the comfort of your car. The all new American fried chicken restaurant will be located on Bury New Road near Higher Broughton and will mark the brand’s 12th opening in 2024.
9. Head to a blooming wonderful flower show at Depot Mayfield
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is set to hold a new Urban Show in Central Manchester this month. From April 18-21, the RHS will transform Manchester’s historic former railway station, Depot Mayfield, into an urban grower’s paradise full of small space gardening inspiration to encourage and inspire city dwellers to grow plants for both their indoor and outside spaces. The RHS Urban Show will be very different to the RHS’s current roster of Flower Shows, with an industrial, indoor, city centre location and immersive experience designed for those who live in cities with limited or no outdoor growing space.
10. See former footballer Eric Cantona perform at Manchester Palace Theatre
Former Manchester United footballing legend Eric Cantona is bringing his Cantona Sings Eric tour to Manchester Palace Theatre and other UK venues this month. The Marseille-born footballer has swapped balls for ballads and will be making a stop in the city where he played for Manchester United Football Club between 1992 and 1997, as part of his tour. Cantona’s previous performances saw the actor, singer and former footballer take to the stage solo with just himself and a modest piano and a cello, “stamping his mark on new artistic heights and musical endeavours”.
11. Put your blasting skills to the test at NERF Action Xperience
The epic indoor attraction NERF Action Xperience at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo is great for kids and grown-ups too and involves putting your NERF blasting skills to the test. The experience features four fun-packed zones including battlefields, a training ground and a variety of energetic sports games that are sure to get your heart pounding and brain in the game. Tap into your inner Bond, plot your battlefield tactics, identify your enemy’s weaknesses and unleash foam-firing hell, which can finish with a tasty meal at Archie’s to fuel the day or soften the blow of defeat.
12. Celebrate artists, festivals, venues and industry figures at the Northern Music Awards
As an absolute mecca for incredible music, it’s hard to believe that Manchester has never actually hosted its own awards for the very best contributions to the music industry in the North of England before. But now, the inaugural Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards show is set to take place in Manchester this April, honouring artists, festivals, venues and industry figures from across the North of England. The first music awards show to recognise and celebrate the breadth of talent across the North of England will take place on April 23 at Manchester’s iconic Albert Hall featuring Liam Fray and Lisa Stansfield.
13. Witness a celebration of Spanish dance and music at this flamenco show
A vibrant celebration of Spanish culture is coming this spring through dance and music thanks to the sensational “We Call It Flamenco” show in Manchester. After touring some of the world’s biggest cities, talented bailaores are set to enchant audiences at Stoller Hall with moving music and impressive footwork on a tablao filled with red roses. It’s an ode to the emotionally-charged art form that transcends language barriers.
14. Jump around at this huge inflatable bounce park
Inflatable park Open Air Bounce in Over Hulton, Bolton is back for the Easter holidays and is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. Packed full of bouncy castles, slides, obstacle and assault courses, the park has 15 different inflatables, aiming to provide kids of all ages with lots of opportunities to play, bounce and burn off some energy. The park is open to all ages but provides the option of a separate area for under fours as well as offering ‘Sen Sessions‘, and welcomes adults to join in on the fun alongside their kids.
15. See international drag legend Ru Paul at Manchester Opera House
RuPaul’s Drag Race fans in the UK can mark their calendars for April 6 to catch a glimpse of the legendary drag queen as they take to the Manchester stage. RuPaul will pay a visit to Manchester Opera House to promote brand new memoir The House of Hidden Meanings, bringing their charisma, uniqueness and nerve as part of a huge book tour. In the fast-paced world of drag and celebrity culture, RuPaul’s book tour promises an intimate and revealing look into the life of one of the most influential figures in the LGBTQ+ community.
16. Try an assortment of gins, vodkas, rums and tequilas at the Craft Spirit Show
Take a ‘spirited’ adventure with the UK’s Best Craft Gin, Rum & Vodka Festival coming to Manchester Cathedral on April 26 and 27. At this event, you can witness hundreds of different craft gins, spirits and distillers united under one roof to create what can only be described as one epic celebration. Sample new gins, rums, tequilas and vodkas you may not have discovered before plus there are extensively stocked bars with hundreds of different craft spirits to tantalise you with. Festival goers can also experience great live music and entertainment guaranteed to lift your spirits.
17. Head to Freight Island as it reopens for the spring and summer seasons
Manchester’s Freight Island will be back in full swing on Easter weekend, re-opening fully on March 29. Introducing Spring/Summer, running throughout the season from April to September, Freight Island has invited world-renowned DJs and the city’s finest talents to perform including David Rodigan, Greg Wilson, Norman Jay, Luke Una and his special É Soul Cultura, Crazy P (DJ Set), Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, and more. Continuing to champion independent traders from the North West, Liverpool institution and famous chicken shop Pattersons is set to open their stall at Freight Island on Good Friday. Guests can expect all of Freight Island’s amazing traders to be back open too like Burgerism, Voodoo Ray’s, Lazy Tony’s Lasagnaria and Payal, to name a few.
18. Watch the new Northern Soul theatre show Do I Love You?
As a huge player in the Northern Soul scene of the 1960s and 1970s, Manchester always welcomes nostalgia of the time in any form, and now brand new theatre show Do I Love You? is coming to the Manchester stage in style. Named after one of the most famous songs to come out of Northern Soul, the John Godber Company’s new play Do I Love You? is a hilarious, dance-fueled comedy, coming to HOME in Manchester from 10−13 April after sold-out shows across the UK. Why not join twenty-somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle as they develop a love for, and the people involved with, Northern Soul?
19. Sip on top beers at Manchester’s Craft Brew Festival
After a successful debut and sell-out sessions in 2023, Manchester Craft Brew Festival is returning to Victoria Warehouse from Friday 12th – Saturday 13th April. Attendees can expect more breweries, an even bigger range of craft beer, improved street food offerings, live acoustic music and giveaways. Craft Brew Festival will offer Manchester revellers the opportunity to explore and discover exciting breweries, including the likes of Cloudwater Brew Co, Tiny Rebel, Beavertown, Hideaway Brewing Co, Blackjack and more. Plus there will be no more tokens, with all beer now included in the ticket price.
20. Laugh out loud at this drag comedy cabaret with Lady Bushra
Get ready to laugh your socks off with the iconic BBC New Comedy Award shortlisted drag comedian Lady Bushra. With her viral digital content and hilarious one-liners, she brings a unique and side-splitting comedy night like no other. Experience life from a British South Asian perspective with heavy doses of humour in a cabaret-style setting.
21. Explore all the cherry blossom spots in the city
There are a number of things we love about the spring. Warmer weather, the smell of dew in the morning… But our favourite part of all? The sight of gorgeous, pink cherry blossom. Adding a huge dose of beauty to any landscape, the trees pop with blossom for a very limited time, with stunning pastel pink flowers that flow in the wind. So get outdoors and catch the cherry blossom before it’s gone for another year and why not follow the Bloomtown trail to discover all the blossoming hotspots?
22. Paint the town fluorescent at this glow in the dark painting experience
Head to AATMA in Manchester if you’re after one of the most unique ways to spend your free time: a fun-fuelled art masterclass in the dark. Intrigued? Paint In The Dark invites friends to flex their art skills, creating unique works with glow-in-the-dark paint. You’ll be guided by a talented art facilitator, and there’ll be beer, wine, and soft drinks on hand to really get the creative juices flowing. And for those a little unsure, don’t worry: the room isn’t pitch black, it is low-lit with fluorescent colours.
23. Watch the world’s longest running play The Mousetrap at The Lowry
The 70th Anniversary tour of The Mousetrap, the longest running play in the world, continues to enthral audiences and is coming to The Lowry, Salford from April 8 to 13. The cast of the iconic Agatha Christie murder-mystery on tour will include Todd Carty who plays Major Metcalf and Gwyneth Strong (known for playing Cassandra in Only Fools and Horses) as Mrs. Boyle. They will be joined by Neerja Naik as Mollie Ralston, Barnaby Jago as Giles Ralston, Shaun McCourt as Christopher Wren, Amy Spinks as Miss Casewell, Steven Elliot as Mr. Paravicini, and Michael Ayiotis as Detective Sgt. Trotter.