Don’t let lockdown postpone summer in the city.
As summer in Manchester commences, we’re all looking for creative ways to make the most of the Mediterranean weather we’ve been so blessed with recently. And if you’re struggling to see past your back garden, then you’re in luck, because we’ve developed the ultimate guide to what to do in Manchester this month – and they’re all perfect for sticking to social distancing rules.
1. Grab a socially-distant takeaway pint
Support your locals and get a taste of normality this month, as a number of Manchester bars re-open to provide socially-distanced drinks that you can take away. Customers are not able to enjoy their pint on the premises, however, you can take in a container and ask them to fill it with draft beer for you to enjoy a fresh-out-the-tap pint at home. Check out Secret Manchester’s guide to the top spots in the city to grab takeaway drinks.
2. Drink delicious wines with an online wine tasting event
If you need a good opportunity to ‘wine down’, this is it. Delivering a variety of wines from all over Europe, the ‘Wine In’ experience is the perfect way to improve on your wine knowledge, with three full-sized bottles from Italy, Spain and Romania to try out. The event takes place June 20, with tickets starting at just £30.50 (including the wine delivery!). Pick up tickets here.
3. Get your money’s worth out of your Netflix account
If lockdown can’t help us catch up on our favourite shows, I don’t know what can. Over two months in, we can officially say that we’ve pretty much covered a whole range of genres during our time at home – but we haven’t run out just yet. Upping their game massively since the pandemic began, Netflix has gifted us with a whole host of hits to enjoy during June – including Will Ferrell’s newest movie Eurovision, a new season of The Sinner and a brand new show from the creator of The Stranger. Get bingeing, Mancs.
4. Limber up with a Disco Yoga class
Taking their fun event online during the pandemic, Disco Yoga combines great music with Yoga and cocktails – and glittering up is highly encouraged. Head to Boogie Wonderland with their uber-refreshing Yoga class, before kicking back and relaxing to more hit disco classics with a beverage of your choice. Who said working out can’t be fun, eh? Tickets are just £5, and can be purchased here.
5. Figure out ‘who dunnit?’ in a compelling online murder mystery
Zoom starting to go dry? Try something new with an online murder mystery – featuring talented actors leading a number of fun themes during the pandemic. This month, transport yourself to a murderous 21st birthday party, where the host is about to inherit millions from her recently deceased aunt. Meet with mysterious characters who all have something to hide and decipher the clues before the investigation’s over. Tickets for ‘Murder & The Millionairess’ are available now.
6. Pay The Ice Cream Farm’s ice cream drive-thru a visit
Make the most of the sunshine and enjoy socially distanced ice cream at The Ice Cream Farm’s genius new drive-thru, where you can choose from 30 ice cream flavours – including Jaffa Cake, Jammie Dodger and all the classics, too. The new service could be sticking around all summer, so you’ll be able to pop to the farm for your dairy fix between 12-4pm daily. Ice creams are served by the scoop, or in takeaway tubs so you can pop it in the freezer at home.
7. Visit one of the North West’s prettiest water spots
Fortunate enough to be able to drive? Expand your horizons and discover all of the beauty that the North West has to offer, outside of our city centre. There’s a variety of beautiful lakes and reservoirs to explore, all providing the perfect backdrop for budding photographers. We do, of course, advise that you check out any updates by the National Trust and other responsible bodies before you visit any of the local beauty spots, to ensure you’re not further adding to large groups of people visiting during the pandemic.
8. Take a trip across the globe and meet virtually with incredible animals
Take a day trip without leaving your home, all the way around the globe to Staten Island Zoo. Led by the zoo’s education department, the exclusive live stream showcases some of their wonderful animals, with over 1,100 calling the zoo home. Six animal guests will be gracing your screens as the hosts introduce you to some of their furry friends, with both Q&As and educational chats about what they do. Get your tickets here.
9. Broaden your mind at a fascinating live Fever Talk
Having been a big success pre-lockdown, Fever has taken their enlightening range of talks online, offering expert insights into a variety of thought-provoking subjects. Here’s what’s on offer throughout June!
June 2 – The Neuroscience of Creativity
June 2 – The Science of Parallel Universes
June 10 – The Power of Positivity
June 11 – Can Magic Mushrooms Heal Depression?
June 15 – How The Mind Heals The Body
June 18 – The Psychology of Attraction
Don’t forget, you can see and book even more fabulous Fever Talks here!
10. Treat yourself to a Sunday roast, delivered right to your door
If you’re fed up of cooking while our favourite restaurants are closed, kick back, relax, and enjoy a roast you didn’t personally slave over the stove for. A number of Manchester’s best establishments for the holy Sunday roast have now reopened for delivery and collection orders, with the likes of Sam’s Chop House and Elnecot serving the city with their much-loved dinners. Check out Secret Manchester’s guide to who’s delivering here.
11. Play a game of Isolation Bingo with Ru Paul’s Drag Race star Charlie Hides
Hold on to your wigs for this one, because internationally-loved Queen Charlie Hides, best-known for taking part in Ru Paul’s Drag Race, is hosting her very own series of Isolation Bingo events – and if you haven’t taken part already, you’re missing out. Get your housemates together, fire up Zoom, and enjoy bingo like never before, with grand prizes up for grabs on the night. The event takes place each Sunday and tickets cost just £5.
12. Search for the truth in this virtual trial experience
Not to add any more issues to your plate, but a man’s life is in your hands in this virtual trial, in which you’ll need to weigh the evidence and witness statements to decide whether the suspect is guilty of murder. Find your tickets here.
13. Take up cycling with some of Greater Manchester’s scenic cycle routes
Use your time in lockdown for the good of your body and take up a brand new hobby: cycling. There’s a number of brilliant routes across the region that provide spectacular sights of Manchester and the nearby Peak District, with varying difficulties for all abilities. Next time the sun’s out, dig your bike out of the garage and head for a ride across one of our six top-rated routes.
14. Take part in a game of bingo with a disco twist
Experience disco with a difference in this fun, twice-weekly game of bingo, which swaps out the numbers for music, with classic bangers lined up to help you get your groove on for the night. Sing and dance along, or kick back and enjoy performances from live dancers alongside the game. Not only that, but each event donates 10% of profits to a charity, with previous events raising funds for the NHS, Choose Love and Refuge. Tickets can be purchased here.
15. Make Aperol Spritz at home with these epic DIY kits
Arguably the greatest summer tipple of all time, the Italian classic is now available to purchase via Deliveroo thanks to The Oast House. Each kit includes a bottle of Aperol, a bottle of prosecco, two branded cocktail glasses and soda, so all you need is the sunshine and some ice.
16. Sing along to some of the greatest musical soundtracks of all time
Bust out your best Grease Lightning moves and let loose with The Virtual Musical Singalong. Taking place this June 27, the unique online experience will celebrate some of the greatest musical hits of all time, including those from Grease, The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia! and so much more. The event will be hosted by a professional cast who’ll be singing along, with top prizes given out on the night for the best dressed. Get your tickets here.
17. Celebrate Pride month with a virtual festival
With Pride events across the world cancelled as a result of the pandemic, the Gloria! Digital Pride Festival is stepping in to provide an incredible weekend of antics, with performances from Drag Race stars such as Cheryl Hole & Divina De Campo and the Queens behind Bougie Drag Brunch, as well as a number of DJ sets taking place throughout the weekend. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards supporting all of the talent taking part, helping to keep LGBTQ+ creators going during the COVID-19 crisis – which has hugely affected the entertainment industry. Tickets can be picked up here.