The next bank holiday is almost here, and you’d honestly think we’d been hibernating for years with how excited we are. Whether you plan to hit up the town or fancy something a little more wholesome, here’s our guide to the best things to do this May bank holiday right here in Manchester.
1. Taste your way around the city with the Manchester Cheese Crawl
Cheese fans rejoice, because there’s an entire tour dedicated to the good stuff – right here in Manchester. Mapping out the most brie-lliant cheese spots across the city, the Manchester Cheese Crawl is set to combine some of the tastiest cheeses, wines and glorious sights of Manchester – with two hours of hopping from venue to venue discovering the finest Wensleydales, Cheddars and more. We Camembert to miss out!
2. Head to YES for a night of eclectic house, acid and techno music
On May 3, Manchester-based collective Mixing Mates presents Offline, an evening of eclectic house, acid and techno at the legendary venue YES. Herr Krank will be headlining the event with both a live and DJ set. A master of contemporary electronic performance, expect a distinctive blend of jazzy piano melodies, funky basslines, dynamic percussion, and acid undertones. Manchester icon Jase Jeffery will be warming up with a showcase of the best house, breaks, acid, and progressive records.
3. Celebrate Candlelight Jazz Week with a glowing jazz concert
Why not get moovin’ and groovin’ to the soulful sounds of Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin at a spectacular Candlelight Jazz tribute concert to kickstart the May bank holiday? As International Jazz Day (April 30) is just around the corner, the highly popular Candlelight series is extending the celebrations for Candlelight Jazz Week, and legendary jazz and soul queens Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin take the spotlight at these spectacular tribute concerts in Manchester. Watch Manchester Cathedral light up under the glow of thousands of twinkling candles as this talented four-piece jazz band jam it out to iconic hits.
4. Get on board the East Lancashire Railway for a day out with Thomas
Arguably the most famous train of all is set to thunder through Greater Manchester, as Thomas the Tank Engine drops by for Day Out With Thomas. The steam team’s number one blue engine – Thomas himself – will be on the East Lancashire Railway (ELR), ready for one great big adventure. Starting on May Bank Holiday weekend (May 4-6), you’ll meet Sir Topham Hatt at the station, say hello to Thomas on the platform and then climb aboard a carriage. Thomas will pull your train through the amazing countryside of Summerseat, Burrs Country and Nuttall Parks, on a fun-filled journey to the quaint local town of Ramsbottom.
5. Embark on a guided wine tour around the city
Manchester Wine Tours offer visitors a guided tour around the city centre, where they’ll visit some of the best places to drink and buy wine in Manchester along the way. You will be guided in small groups on a leisurely three-hour jaunt where they’ll be able to sample a few glasses en route, as well top notch nibbles. This is a great opportunity to try something new, learn the characteristics of different varieties and even discover a new favourite.
6. Visit Salford for Sounds from the Other City festival
Salford‘s Sounds from the Other City, now in its 18th year, will be held across six venues on the University of Salford campus. This year, live music will be returning to its hallowed venue Maxwell Hall. Welsh artist Gruff Rhys will headline a set at the venue, joining past legendary musicians including Paul McCartney, U2, The Smiths and Blondie who have performed on the stage, which will also host the festival’s joyous afterparty in the evening, featuring A Guy Called Gerald.
7. Sing your heart out and boogie the night away at a silent disco
Who wouldn’t want to start the long weekend with a silent disco? Join the Silent Adventures Team for a musical journey through Manchester’s streets with funky moves and pop star voices on display. Experience a flash mob, silent disco and rhythmic riot through town with hi-tech headsets filling your body with beats. Get ready to dance and sing on this walking tour! Plus, if you’re concerned about being embarrassed you needn’t worry as you’ll be part of fab group people all after a great time.
8. Hear tunes from soundsystem trailblazers at The Blues Kitchen
On May 5, the soundsystem trailblazers Mungo’s Hifi will take over the Concert Hall stage at The Blues Kitchen for a truly special performance. Expect a showcase of tons of new and classic productions as well as an ever-growing box of exclusive dubplates. Top-tier soundman, producer, and recording artist Solo Banton, renowned for his vintage deejay style and thought-provoking lyrical content, will also be bringing the vibes. The Manchester venue will also be serving up Southern-inspired barbeque, bourbon and cocktail menus.
9. See the city from a different perspective on a river cruise tour
Set sail from Salford Quays for an epic 60-minute journey down Manchester’s iconic Ship Canal and River Irwell on a specially-designed Dutch sightseeing boat, starting from the heart of Manchester. Witness the industrial heartland and historic monuments, including Stephenson’s railway bridge. You can also marvel at Manchester United’s stadium of Old Trafford and Imperial War Museum North from the water.
10. Listen to live music at The Oast House with street food and summery cocktails
The Oast House has brought back their spring and summer festival, Mani-Fest, with two dates taking place this May. The free-to-attend music festival will take The Oast House’s terrace on May 5, with a packed roster of musicians lined up for the occasion. Guests can enjoy genres such as rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco and blues, as well as delicious street food and flowing drinks.
11. Follow the yellow brick road to Manchester’s Palace Theatre
A new take on the classic show The Wizard of Oz tours the UK and Ireland throughout 2024, following a celebrated run at the world-famous London Palladium. It will be heading to the Palace Theatre where it plays until May 5, with local and TV legend Jason Manford set to reprise his celebrated role as The Cowardly Lion. Being performed at the Manchester Palace Theatre for two weeks only, Jason Manford will be joined by Allan Stewart as The Wizard.
12. Tuck into tapas on the terrace (and hopefully in the sunshine)
Local Ancoats restaurant Canto is offering ‘Tapas on the Terrace’, running from 12pm – 5pm on Sunday 5th May. Whether you bask in the sun on the outdoor terrace, or seek shelter indoors in the cosy restaurant – enjoy the flavours of delectable tapas while celebrating the bank holiday in style, whatever the weather! Tuck into three tapas dishes including the likes of crispy baby squid, patatas bravas or spicy chorizo and unlimited mix-and-match drinks for 90-minutes at £40 per person.
13. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Salford food hall Kargo.Mkt
Kargo.Mkt is now home to a monthly celebration (first Saturday of the month) with themes from around the globe – in line with the food hall’s diverse mix of flavours. Open to everyone with free entry, May’s Sounds of Kargo will celebrate Mexican culture – in the lead up to Cinco de Mayo. Guests are invited to join the full day bash with live music from 1pm to 6pm, with a special dance performance by Colibri Mexican Folk dance at 3pm. Those looking to continue into the night can do so with tunes from the DJ from 6pm til late.
14. Potter around one of these lovely villages near Manchester
If you fancy a bit of a leg stretch this May bank holiday weekend, look no further than the North West itself. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy some more picturesque sights outside of the city, with a number of beautiful villages just a tram or train ride away. From canal walks in beautiful Worsley to the quiet and quaint Marple Bridge, there are plenty of the pretty villages near Manchester to explore.