Chorlton Arts Festival kicks off this weekend. There’s absolutely loads to see, from comedy like Barbara Nice (see our preview) to vegan fairs, art shows, gigs and more. Here are just three events to whet your appetite.

1. Manchester Vegan Fair
Vegan fairs in Manchester are a no brainer. There have been several at Sachas Hotel in the city centre which have seen hungry meat-free-ers queuing around the block to get in, so get down to Chorlton Irish Club early this Saturday if you want in on the tofu.
Sat 17 May, Chorlton Irish Club, 11-5pm, £1, then afterparty. www.chorltonartsfestival.com

2. Southern Cemetery Arts Guided Tour 
Emma Fox of Manchester Guided Tours guides you on a tour of Manchester’s famous creatives. Here you will find the final resting places of LS Lowry,  Royal Exchange founder Michael Elliot, the Hacienda’s Rob Gretton and Tony Wilson whose headstone was designed by Peter Saville and Ben Kelly. There’s also the chance to explore this municipal space founded in 1879 – the second largest of its kind in Europe.
Sun 18 May, Southern Cemetery, 2-4pm, £6/£7, www.chorltonartsfestival.com

3. A Day on the Green
Chorlton Green is a lovely space, surrounded by historic houses, trees (there’s the huge Chorlton Water Park just next door) and the Horse and Jockey pub. There will be a family, picnic style event with guest African drummers, food and gift stalls and more.
Sun 25 May, Chorlton Green, noon-4pm, FREE, www.chorltonartsfestival.com

We also like the sound of The Smallest Sculpture Park in the World. It’s open Sat 17, Sun 18, Tue 20, Thu 22 and Sat 24 May from 1-5pm, and is located at 4 Corkland Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 8UT.

Sat 17 May - Sun 25 May
Words:
Ruth Allan
Published on:
Sat 17 May 2014