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We’ve officially reached the final month of summer at lightning speed, meaning we have no other choice but to truly make the most of it. Sorry, bank balance. From epic events to get you on the dance floor to food festivals and a good dose of summery feels, here’s our guide of the best things to do in Manchester this August.
1. Try your hand at padel as the first indoor city centre padel club opens
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The racquet sport padel is really having a moment, however this club from Pure Padel sets itself apart from others by being indoors – perfect for those rainy days in Manchester. Due to open this August in a former goods and distribution warehouse, Pure Padel Manchester will be based at Dutton Street in Cheetham Hill. The venue will offer six panoramic padel courts, a pro-padel shop, a bistro-style café and bar, fully equipped changing rooms with showers, plus a raised mezzanine viewing platform overlooking a show court.
2. Listen to Ed Sheeran’s top hits reimagined at this Candlelight tribute concert
Discover this captivating Candlelight tribute to Ed Sheeran for a memorable evening out in Manchester. The iconic singer is known for his distinctive voice and ability to create music that blends a wide range of music genres, including folk and pop. And now on August 10, fans have the chance to hear his songs reimagined by a skilled string quartet. From “Bad Habits” to “Perfect”, get reacquainted with Ed Sheeran’s famous discography at Manchester Cathedral.
3. Taste your way around 100 stalls at the Halal Food Festival
Celebrating what this city has to offer when it comes to halal dining, is a brand new food festival set to return to Manchester on on August 25. With over 100+ exhibitors, street food vendors, 4 indoor arenas and an outdoor fun fair, festival-goers can expect a tasty weekend. The Halal Food Festival will feature street food vendors representing countries from across the globe, ensuring a wide variety of tastes and ingredients.
4. Grab a spot at the Palace Theatre to watch 101 Dalmations
A new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book 101 Dalmatians will embark on a UK tour, coming to the Palace Theatre Manchester from 30 July 2024 – 10 August 2024. When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups. This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies – yes, real puppies! The production promises drama, action and a little bit of wholesome humour thrown in, on top of so much cuteness, of course.
5. Discover original props, costumes and vehicles from the Batman films at this exhibition
Take a trip to new exhibition Batman Unmasked located inside Manchester’s Depot Mayfield, which treats fans of the iconic DC superhero to a treasure trove of original props, costumes, vehicles, weapons and much more. You’ll be able to indulge in your love of all things Batman as you journey through themed rooms, channel your inner Bruce Wayne in the gaming area and even add to your collection with exclusive merchandise.
6. Be beside the seaside at the Trafford Centre’s giant beach
The Trafford Centre is bringing back its giant beach and splash park this summer along with its popular fairground – plus, it won’t break the bank. Following the success of last year’s Summer Daze event, the fun is making a comeback for the school holidays under the new name Bright Lights, Big Fun and promises “even more excitement”. Open until September 1, Bright Lights, Big Fun will boast a fantastic, family-friendly 600 square metre beach outside The Great Hall and more than 20 thrilling rides.
7. Head to this eco-friendly farm in Stockport for an epic weekend of live music
Moovin is one of the most sustainable music festivals in Manchester, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality. They say: “For the last few years, zero waste from the festival has gone to landfill, it goes to the tip, gets sorted into recycling as much as possible by a machine, and then the rest gets taken to a place where it is incinerated to produce energy and electricity.” Of course, it’s first and foremost a music festival, and the growing list of local and acclaimed artists is pretty impressive for the little farm.
8. Be bowled over by all the action with The Hundred at Emirates Old Trafford
The brand new sports competition The Hundred is heading to Manchester this August, bringing with it four weeks of spectacular entertainment and intense cricket action at the height of the summer. With two matches being held in August, the competition promises high octane men’s and women’s sporting action, live music, and a host of family-friendly entertainment. Emirates Old Trafford will host fixtures on August 6 and 11, with the Manchester Originals men’s and women’s teams taking on the likes of Oval Invincibles and Northern Superchargers.
9. Immerse yourself in yummy Italian grub at Festa Italiana
Big fan of Italian grub? Celebrate the beloved cuisine at this August Bank Holiday’s free Festa Italiana festival, which will see a number of local Italian traders take to Cathedral Gardens, serving up delicious grub, tasty aperitifs and insightful masterclasses. Stay tuned with the latest on the event updates here.
10. Witness a celebration of Spanish dance and music at this dazzling flamenco show
A vibrant celebration of Spanish culture is coming this August through dance, music and light thanks to the sensational “We Call It Flamenco” show in Manchester. World-class dancers breathe new life into this Spanish dance tradition with intricate footwork, mesmerising routines, and dazzling LED dresses. Experience flamenco like never before, as every stomp, tap, and twirl creates a stunning display of light and colour.
11. Celebrate our city’s LGBTQ+ scene at Manchester Pride
Manchester Pride returns again this year from August 23 to 26, with a huge programme of events and activities planned to celebrate. Expect the usual party antics in the village, a stunning Candlelight Vigil, live music from the lieks of Rita Ora, Sugababes, Jessie J and more, and of course the parade to attend. Manchester Pride has revealed quite the line-up for this year’s Gay Village Party and it’s definitely worth getting excited about.
12. Watch Blossoms perform at Wythenshawe Park
Blossoms is returning to the city with a huge gig this August, which will be the biggest headline show of their career. Taking place at an all-day outdoor concert at Wythenshawe Park on August bank holiday weekend, the performance by Blossoms follows the successful debut event headlined by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, held at the park last year. Other acts joining Blossoms at Wythenshawe Park on August 25 include The K’s, Seb Lowe and recent ‘To Do List (After The Breakup) collaborator, Findlay, who will kick things off at Wythenshawe Park with her band TTRRUUCES.
13. Celebrate the bank holiday weekend at this free music festival at The Oast House
Following its success over the past bank holidays, Spinningfields bar The Oast House is bringing its brand-new music festival Manifest back to the city this August bank holiday weekend for its final summer instalment with a jam-packed line-up. Taking place on the large outdoor terrace at The Oast House on August 25, complete with a dedicated stage, Manifest will run from 1pm in the afternoon until late, with a packed roster of musicians lined up including bands, solo artists and duos taking to the stage throughout the day with interludes from resident DJs. Attendees can expect a party atmosphere all night and sounds of rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco and blues.
14. Hit up Heaton Park for a huge food and drink festival
Following mega success back in Leeds, the North Leeds Food Festival is bringing back the Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival to Manchester for another year. Kicking off on August 3 and 4, Mancs will be able to enjoy a gastronomic gathering like no other, with tons of incredible activities and, of course, plenty of grub to get stuck into across the two-day event. The dog-friendly event will combine great food, drink and live music this summer, bringing with it an ocean of deck chairs where friends and family can gather for the occasion – while soaking up the summery atmosphere that will be accompanied by the scent of locally-made street food.