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05.11.2017.

Book now: Tennyson at Deaf Institute.

12.09.2017.

Now open: Kielys Irish Bar at 1 Watson Street Manchester.

13.10.2017 - 15.10.2017.

Weekend fun: Lakes International Comic Art Festival in Kendal.

A colourful celebration of comic art will draw artists from across the world to the Lake District. The Lakes International Comic Art Festival features live draws, pictorial trails and plenty of free family fun. Scores of sharp-penned producers will feature, including a masterclass from MAD Magazine artist Tom Richmond, a revealing chat with Spider-Gwen artist Jason LaTour, a premier of new work from Mal Earl and Kermit ‘Black Grape’ Leveridge, and a very special visit from 2000AD and Justice League Dark writer Peter Milligan. Creative kids can enjoy the free Family Zone's workshops and shows for all ages, and there'll be fun distractions in the Brewery’s Cartoon Café and the Comics Clock Tower market. Fans of superheroes, satire or simply the Moomins will find plenty to see and do throughout the weekend – if you want a taster, pop to Friday’s Gala Opening Night where US cartooning superstars have frantic fun with Sergio Aragonés, a man considered the fastest comic artist on the planet. Fri 13 – Sun 15 Oct, various Kendal venues. Tel: 01539 725133 or check website for programme, day passes £19–£22, weekend pass £35, opening gala £8, www.comicartfestival.com

25.10.2017 - 29.10.2017.

New family show: Why The Whales Came at The Lowry.

Author Michael Morpurgo will set sail with award-winning storyteller Danyah Miller for a new nautical show at The Lowry. ‘Why The Whales Came’ is a one-woman storytelling show about being lost at sea, based on a simple wooden set that hides some adventurous surprises. Writer Morpurgo is best known for ‘War Horse’, his acclaimed novel which took to the stage at The Lowry, the West End and Broadway. This new Morpurgo adaptation comes from Danyah Miller’s Olivier award-nominated Wizard Presents, whose ‘I Believe in Unicorns’ enchanted audiences across the UK. Choose from ten daytime one-hour shows over five days, suitable for ages seven-plus. Wed 25 – Sun 29 Oct, The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ. Tel: 0843 208 6000, 11am & 2pm (Wed 2pm & 4pm), £16 (family ticket £54), www.thelowry.com

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29.09.2017 - 10.06.2018.

City-wide South Asian art exhibition: North and South at Manchester Art Gallery & more.

To mark the 70^th anniversary of Partition, Manchester is drawing on its rich history of South Asian culture and artistry with an ambitious exhibition stretching across various museums and galleries across the city. The Whitworth showcases South Asian Modernists (1953-1963) featuring artists such as Avinash Chandra, Ram Kumar and Laxman Pai, and the featured painting by Anwar Jalal Shemza, while Manchester Art Gallery hosts solo shows by five artists and a performance lecture from Tentative Collective. Reena Saini Kallat’s solo exhibition Earth Familites will be at Manchester Museum and performance artist Nikhil Chopra will be at the Museum of Science and Industry creating a one-off 48 hour performance based around a steam locomotive. Alongside all of this there is an independent Indian cinema showcase at HOME (read our preview) and Band on the Wall are programming a series of contemporary South Asian music events. Fri 29 Sep, various galleries and museums across Manchester. For more info visit: www.newnorthandsouth.org

12.10.2017 - 15.10.2017.

Book tickets: Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2017 at Upper Campfield Market.

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair celebrates 10 years of creativity when it moves to a new site - Upper Campfield Market - this October. Over 150 of the UK’s sharpest designer-makers will centre on the city with three days of textiles, jewellery, furniture, print-making and much more. Since ‘B of the Bang’ designer Thomas Heatherwick launched the first Fair in 2008, the event has sold £2.5million in contemporary crafts. This year, visitors can enjoy more insight than ever into the fabric of the creative industry, with workshops, pop-up studios and talks by leading designers. There are also curated showcases from specially-chosen ‘Great Northern Graduates’ and the Craft Council’s Hothouse emerging talent scheme. With the Fair running from Friday to Sunday, there will be plenty of time for inspirational browsing in the Grade II listed Upper Campfield Market – however, if you fancy something more networky, then don’t miss the preview evening on Thursday 12 October from 6pm. There are huge numbers of exhibitors: here are some that caught Manchester Wire's eye. 1. The ceramics of Chris Turrell-Watts are moulded through modern eyes: his creations are influenced by Japanese anime. His playful productions, including moon-gazing birds and lions, also take their cue from children’s television. The Liverpool creative has worked with clay for over 25 years and was consultant to Turner Prize winners Assemble. 2. Nottingham artist Rosie Deegan brought a design eye to DIY with her ‘Impotent Tools’, turning saws into delicate mosaics. She’s inspired by the William Morris motto of only owning things that are useful or beautiful. Deegan was a Crafts magazine ‘Talent Spot’ and is part of the Crafts Council's 2017 Hothouse programme. 3. Lucy Gell’s humorous hand-made prints were featured in the Royal Exchange earlier this year. After exhibiting everywhere from Devon to Derbyshire, her comical menagerie now returns to the Craft Fair for 2017. Her dogs, cats and 3D birds are made with a variety of techniques, from acid plate etching to Gocco screen-printing. 4. Laser-cut lampshades add a whole new look to home design, as seen in the works from former dancer Neb Abbott. Keen shoppers will have seen Ned exhibiting at Altrincham market. He looks to nature for mathematical forms – the dramatic shapes cast by his sculptural lighting have to be seen to be believed. 5. Great Northern Graduates are degree show rising stars especially picked to appear at the Fair. One of those stars is Sarah Tommins, who spins a fascinating yarn with experimental knitwear. Her minimal designs go beyond traditional winter and summer clothing, instead looking to urban spaces, function within architecture, and council estate street style. Thu 12 – Sun 15 Oct, Upper Campfield Market Hall, Campfield Arcade, Manchester M3 4FN. Thu 6pm–9.30pm, Fri–Sun 10am–6pm, Thu £10, Fri–Sun £7.50 (£5.50 adv), weekend pass £12, www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk

09.09.2017 - 22.10.2017.

Top 4: Family shows at Waterside Arts ft. King Arthur & Body of Light.

Waterside Arts Centre has plenty of family entertainment to keep young minds inspired. We’ve picked four highlights from their new season, including the drama of ancient Greece, the heroism of King Arthur, an eye-catching light show and a day of free family fun. From table-top puppetry to energetic dance sessions, there’s something for every age at the Waterside. Cbeebies star show: There & Back Again – An Odyssey ft Patrick Lynch CBeebies star Patrick Lynch brings a one-man show that takes us back to the thrilling world of ancient Greece. Using table-top puppetry magnified in eye-popping splendour, There & Back Again (Sat 9 Sep, 2.30pm, £9, www.watersideartscentre.co.uk - pictured) revives famous battles, magical islands and the one-eyed giants that once ruled all. This one-hour performance is brought to life with the help of designer Marcello Chiarenza, and is best suited to children aged 6 to 11. Free fun: Waterside’s Big Family Open Day Watch the Waterside come alive with a grand Family Open Day (Sat 16 Sep, 11am–4pm, FREE, www.watersideartscentre.co.uk) just two weeks into term – a great way to beat the new class blues. There’ll be dance and drama taster sessions, circus skills, balloon modelling – and face painting to turn your little tykes into tigers. Expect fast-paced improvisation games for toddlers from ComedySportz too. The full line-up for the day will be announced soon, but expect oodles of free fun. Theatre: Michael Morpurgo’s King Arthur The award-winning Story Pocket Theatre presents an epic tale of heroism and betrayal – Michael Morpurgo’s adaptation of the King Arthur legend (Sat 21 Oct, 2pm, £12, www.watersideartscentre.co.uk). Watch as the young king, under Merlin’s charge, pulls the sword from the stone and gathers his Round Table knights to save the future of Camelot. Story Pocket is on a national tour of this fast-moving show of adventure, puppetry and storytelling – don’t miss out. Immersive experience for young children: Body of Light A visual treat for younger eyes, Body of Light (Sun 22 Oct, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, £9, www.watersideartscentre.co.uk) is a never-ending landscape where graphics warp and weft around the arcs of a live dancer. This is a clever mixture of physical movement courtesy of Darren Pritchard Dance, a home-gaming device and a simple use of pixels. The performance itself is 20 minutes, followed by 30-minutes of stay-and-play for families mesmerised by the pretty shapes.

15.09.2017.

Free: Levy Night Market ft.vintage stalls, street food & live music..

The Levy Market team are putting an evening bash on this Friday, to welcome in the weekend. Held in the usual spot at Levenshulme train station car park, the night is called Shop, Pop & Hop. To achieve all three, there will be a selection of vintage and artisan stalls, plus beer, prosecco and cocktails from neighbouring bar The Buttery, all with the soundtrack of acapella vocal group The Lovenotes. There will be plenty of street food on offer to scoff on the night: paella and pinchos from Tapas y al a Carta, South American fare from The Hungry Llama, Two Thai, Winter Tarn Cheese, Yes Doughnuts, French pastries from ChouChoux, vegan street food from Ispice, Caribbean BBQ from Hungry Little Critters, Lush Brownies and Cakes, Mio Pizza, Malaysian food from Nasi Lemak, Kenyan grill from Nyama Choma, Middle Eastern mezze from The Otto-Men, pancakes and waffles from Lekker EatDutch, Gujarati cuisine from Samosa Shack, and traditional Syrian delicacies from Siwan’s Hot Kibbeh. Head down to join the party. Fri 15 Sep, Levenshulme Market, Levenshulme Train Station Car Park, Levenshulme, M19 3AB, 5-9pm, FREE, www.facebook.com

14.09.2017 - 24.09.2017.

Free: Hidden Altrincham arts festival ft. animation, life drawing & ghost stories in a morgue.

Hidden Altrincham is a major 10-day long event taking over venues in the suburban centre. The arts festivals includes more than 30 exhibitions which take in painting, sculpture, new media and performance, as well as an arts trail, live experiences and one-off, hands-on events each day. Highlights include an animation day at the FabLab creative space where families can make a plasticine character and animate it as part of an effort to break the Guinness World Record for a 'community animated film' (Sat 18 Sep, 10am-4pm, free, more info), a mass life drawing session (Sat 23 Sep, click here for more), and a ghost stories event in Belgium beer bar, Mort Subite, which is not only hugely atmospheric - thanks to a basement location and lashings of red velvet - but used to be the local hospital morgue (Sun 17 Sep, 8pm, FREE, more info) Most events are free. Thu 14 Sep – Sun 24 Sep, Various locations around Altrincham, event times vary, www.hiddenaltrincham.co.uk

07.10.2017.

Book tickets: Hallé's Best of British Cinema at Bridgewater Hall ft. Harry Potter, Bond & more.

Slow-motion athletes, the golden plains of Africa and a plasticine dog on the moon – the Hallé orchestra is set to evoke great movie moments when The Best of British Cinema comes to The Bridgewater Hall. Hallé Pops conductor Stephen Bell joins Britain's Got Talent singer Rodney Earl Clarke to present a feast of British film favourites, with soundtracks by Vangelis, David Arnold, John Williams and more. Theme tunes from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Wallace and Gromit offer dramatic contrast with epic scores from films such as Chariots of Fire and Out of Africa. You’ll also hear memorable melodies from James Bond, Harry Potter, Love Actually and Sherlock. The Best of British Cinema will be one of the first concerts to kick off the Hallé Pops season, with a run of crowd-pleasing spectaculars by the Manchester symphony orchestra including celebrations of science-fiction soundtracks, horror themes and the work of legendary producer Quincy Jones. Best available seats (usually priced at up to £42) will be available exclusively to Manchester Wire readers for only £22, using the Promo code WIRE either online or at The Bridgewater Hall box office. (Offer subject to availability. Available on full price tickets only.) Sat 7 Oct, The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS. Tel: 0161 907 9000, 7.30pm, £14, www.halle.co.uk

04.03.2017 - 07.01.2018.

Mumbai photography exhibition: Sooni Taraporevala's Home in the City at the Whitworth.

Exploring everyday life in India, Home in the City is the first solo exhibition from Sooni Taraporevala, who you may know from her work as a screenwriter, for films such as The Namesake and Mississippi Masala. Since 1976, alongside her career in movies, Taraporevala has been photographing the city in which she grew up: then known as Bombay, now called Mumbai. Through a series of black and white images, she presents a personal document of the city's landscapes, children, elderly, and eccentrics. Her street-style work explores how the metropolis has changed over four decades to become one of the most populous and diverse cities in the world. The exhibition launches the New North and South festival, Manchester University’s three-year-long programme of events that celebrate the shared heritage of Northern England and South Asia. Sat 4 March 2017 – early 2018, The Whitworth, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER, Tel: 0161 275 7450, 10am – 5pm, FREE, www.manchester.ac.uk

10.09.2017.

This Sunday: Makers Market in the Northern Quarter's Stevenson Square.

Eek out the summer this Sunday with the independent Makers Market in the Northern Quarter’s Stevenson Square. The monthly event showcases the wares of more than 90 traders and caters to all your food, drink, arts, craft and vintage needs, complete with an essential soundtrack spun by NQ mainstay, DJ Tareck. Helping to keep the good times rolling will be the best smoked salmon in the city from MCR Smoke House, cannon ball-sized bhajis from Hezzy, authentic South African treats from Weston Biltong and to really let the sunshine in (whether that big ball of light is present or not) you can top it all off with a delicious ice cream cone from Ginger’s Comfort Emporium. As usual expect a huge range of arts and crafts, including photography, jewellery, posters, re-jigged vintage clothes - and much more. Sun 10 Sep, Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter, Manchester M1 1DN. 11am – 5pm themakersmarket.co.uk

16.09.2017 - 17.09.2017.

This weekend: Mutts & Makers Market at Spinningfields ft. crafts, street food & dog pageant.

Get your paws on doggie treats and puppy pampering at the Mutts and Makers Market this weekend. The monthly Spinningfields edition of the NW's biggest independent traders market goes barking mad in September with dog-themed traders selling woofy wares, and even a canine caricaturist on hand to capture the best side of your dog. Enter the Doggy Awards or just kick back and watch mutt-themed movies on the Oast House Courtyard’s big screen. Two-legged friends will enjoy the market too, with the usual great Makers Market selection of craft and vintage stalls, tasty street food, and live entertainment in Spinningfields Square with DJ Tareck. Whether you’re shopping early for Christmas, after inspiring art for your home, or wanting a new outfit for your pup, you have two days to enjoy this bustling – and free – weekender in the heart of the city centre. Sat 16 – Sun 17 Sep, Spinningfields Square, Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH. 11am–5pm , FREE, www.themakersmarket.co.uk

02.09.2017 - 03.09.2017.

This weekend: Manchester Thai Festival.

Returning to Platt Fields Park, the annual Manchester Thai Festival is bigger than ever with plenty of traditional food on offer, live cooking demos, Thai produce, live music and a Thai beer garden. Running over two days, you can buy tickets via the links below or on the day. Sat 2-Sun 3 Sep, Platt Fields Park, Manchester, M14 6LA, 10am-7pm, £4 Saturday tickets: www.skiddle.com Sunday tickets: www.skiddle.com

02.09.2017.

Doggy Social: BBQ, dog fancy dress & live music at Oddest in Chorlton.

Oddest Bar are hosting a day of doggy fun on Saturday 2 September with free barbecued treats for man’s best friend, a special ‘dog beer’ to drink and a fashion show for dogs, Doggo Fancy Dress, with prizes for the best dressed pup. Humans are in for a treat too with a BBQ and beers on the outdoor terrace. So head down to Oddest this weekend, take in all the swanky hounds (human and canine) strolling around their kingdom. Music to the ears of the two legged and four legged includes a live set from bluesy folk artist Leonard Hammersley (and friends) followed by Saturday residents Ad Hoc DJs. Sat 2 Sep, Oddest, 414-416 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 0SD. Tel: 0161 860 7515 12noon – 1.30am FREE www.facebook.com

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18.07.2017 - 31.08.2017.

Top 10: Summer holiday activities inc. kids yoga at Dunham, Manchester Cathedral & a teddy bear show.

Out of ideas... and the summer holidays haven't even started yet? Read our guide and get buzzing about summer in the city all over again. We've found a teddy bear exhibition in Ashton, an explorers' trail with magnifying glasses in Manchester Cathedral, family yoga at Dunham Massey - and a whole lot more. 1. Circus skills, music & stories at Elizabeth Gaskell House You might not think there’s much for kids at Elizabeth Gaskell’s house, but this stunningly restored neo Classical villa has a host of activities planned over the summer, including circus, music and reading workshops for young people. 84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester M13 9LW. Tel: 0161 273 2215 Wed, Thu & Sun only, prices vary, www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk 2. Octonauts at Sealife & a free sandpit at the Trafford Centre There’s a new Octonauts attraction at Manchester’s SeaLife centre - but, of course, the main attraction is Ernie the turtle who lives in the huge marine aquarium. He shares his home with sharks, rays and a host of smaller and weirder fish. Just next door to SeaLife is LegoLand - another rainy day treat - while outside in the courtyard there’s a giant (free) sandpit to get buried in. intu Trafford Centre, Barton Square Bridge, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AS Tel: 0871 221 2483, times and prices vary, www.visitsealife.com 3. Share food to a swinging soundtrack at Old Trafford Picnic This weekend, Centenary Gardens and the school playing fields next to Seymour Park will be given over to a mass picnic, and music from the Prohibition Swing Band. Free entry, bring your own food. Sat 22 Jul, Centenary Gardens, Northumberland Road, Manchester, noon-3pm, FREE, www.facebook.com 4. Free explorers packs & more at Manchester Cathedral History is carved into the benches and choir stalls of Manchester Cathedral, and free Explorers backpacks for kids, complete with instructions and spyglasses, offer the perfect way to find out more. The visitors centre offers plenty of facts and the cafe is a good one (Teacup's Proper Tea). The playground on the pedestrianised bridge at the bottom of the hill below the cathedral is a oasis in good weather. Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester M3 1SX. Tel: 0161 833 2220, times vary, free, www.manchestercathedral.org 5. Circus trail & family yoga at Dunham Massey Dunham Massey is a wonderful place to visit, with its marvellously preserved stately home, rose gardens and deer. Furthermore, this summer the team behind circus-inspired family show, The Lost Carnival, have created an adventure trail through the grounds filled wth performance, challenges, and installations. There are lots of other activities taking place too including ‘family yoga’ (Mon 24 & Wed 26 Jul, 12.30-3.30pm). Until 30 Aug, Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham WA14 4SJ. Tel: 0161 941 1025, times & prices vary, activities free, entrance fees apply, www.nationaltrust.org.uk 6. Book bench trail - all around Manchester Perhaps you’ve noticed a host of ‘book benches’ - AKA benches in the shape of books - popping up around Manchester. No? Well that’s because each one is designed with children in mind. Download the trail via the link below - and see the city in a bookish light. Various locations, free, www.literacytrust.org.uk 7. Free exercise classes for kids with Park Lives Manchester’s parks are great places to hang out over the summer holidays. They're also home to free exercise classes thanks to the Park Lives programme. Must visit parks include Whitworth Park - which is new to Park Lives this year - Platt Fields and Alexandra Park. Various locations, free, www.parklives.com 8. Dinos take over Philips Park with Jurassic Kingdom Love dinosaurs? Check out 30+ animated giants in Philips Park near the Etihad Stadium. Read our preview. Until Sun 23 Jul, Philips Park, Stuart Street, Manchester, M11 4DJ, from £9.50 (child), www.jurassickingdom.uk 9. Teddy Bear exhibition at Portland Basin Museum Not far from Manchester city centre in Ashton (near Ikea and easy to reach by tram or car), there's a special teddy bear exhibition to explore. Portland Basin Museum, Portland Place, Ashton, OL7 0QA. Tel: 0161 343 2878, times vary, FREE, www.tameside.gov.uk 10. Pay as you feel kids food & a portraiture show at Manchester Art Gallery Manchester Art Gallery has a whole space devoted to kids activities and hands-on fun, alongside a range of family-friendly exhibitions including current portraiture show, To Be Human, which includes new work by Boris Nzebo. Mary-Ellen McTague has recently taken over the food side of things in the gallery cafe - read our preview. The menu now includes 'pay as you feel' kids food and Breville toasted sandwiches. Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL. Tel: 0161 235 8888, www.manchesterartgallery.org

28.07.2017 - 30.08.2017.

Last chance: The Lost Carnival at Dunham Massey.

Experience all the thrill of the circus at Dunham Massey – with a distinctly theatrical touch. The Lost Carnival is a free family-friendly trail of tricks and acrobatics which traces the drama of battling carnival families The Birds and The Ingenues. After appearances in Bury and Crewe, the large-scale outdoor adventure comes to the Georgian splendour of Dunham Massey thanks to community festival programmers Wild Rumpus and So It Is. This year the event is called Behind the Scenes of the Lost Carnival and there’s a twist in the tale: the fictional families must come together and unite star-crossed adversaries Sergei Bird and Popou Ingenue. Watch them rehearse fantastical acts, and plunge into a self-led journey through mesmerising circus installations. Don’t be afraid to come dressed up, complete with top hat and plumes. The free carnival runs throughout August, but get an early taster on 28 and 29 Jul when Welcome to the Carnival introduces you to the stars of the show with a ticketed evening of performance. And catch up on the story so far with The Lost Carnival podcast. Behind The Scenes of the Lost Carnival: Mon 31 Jul – Wed 30 Aug, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4SJ. 10.30am-4.30pm, FREE, www.thelostcarnival.org.uk Welcome to the Carnival: Fri 28 & Sat 29 Jul, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4SJ. Tel: 0344 249 1895, 7pm-9pm, £14, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

11.08.2017 - 28.08.2017.

Gamers book now: Power Up! at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Manchester’s premier platform for gaming culture is back with the Power Up! festival at the Museum of Science and Industry. Test your thumbs to the limit with over 160 consoles, including retro big-hitters Pong, Pacman, Minecraft and Mario. Seasoned gamers can plug themselves into the matrix with £15 full-day passes, while families can opt for 90-minute drop-ins for only £5 a session. Accompanied children wanting to power-up their skills should head for gaming workshops held several times a day – choose from hacking Game Boys in the Chipmusic for Beginners workshop, or BASIC programming using classic ‘80s BBC Micro computers. Into gaming but don’t have children in tow? Night owls have the choice of adult-only evening sessions from 7pm on Fridays 18 and 25 August. Check the website for full session times and prices. Fri 11 – Mon 28 Aug, Great Western Warehouse, Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4FP. Tel: 0161 832 2244, 10am–5pm (& 7pm–10pm on 18 & 25 Aug), www.msimanchester.org.uk

19.05.2017 - 28.08.2017.

Last chance: Shirley Baker photographs at Manchester Art Gallery.

Shirley Baker’s photographs of urban dwellings in dilapidated areas, taken between 1960 and 1981, are an important and underrated catalogue of life in working-class Britain. This Summer Manchester Art Gallery celebrates Baker’s work with an exhibition of her documentary photography shot in Manchester and Salford during the years of the urban clearances, when entire communities became disjointed to make way for urban redevelopment. Her observations of this time offer a rare insight into the characters who inhabit these streets: Stray children, old couples, fathers, mothers and gangs. Featuring a series of previously unseen colour photographs, alongside her black white images, there will also be magazine spreads, contact sheets, sketches and a specially commissioned sound score composed by Derek Nisbet. Fri 19 May - Mon 28 Aug, Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL. Tel: 0161 235 8888, open daily, 10am - 5pm and Thursdays 10am- 9pm, FREE, www.manchesterartgallery.org

23.06.2017 - 27.08.2017.

Outdoor theatre: Heartbreak Productions' Billionaire Boy, Northanger Abbey & more at Fletcher Moss.

Fancy outdoor theatre in the sun this summer? Look out for five new shows arriving in Manchester from Heartbreak Productions. The West Midlands thespians will bring alive the works of David Walliams, Jane Austen, Shakespeare and more to Didsbury’s picturesque Fletcher Moss gardens. Bring a picnic and something to sit on. Concession, family and covered-seating premium tickets are available for all performances. Billionaire Boy David Walliams’ bestselling children’s book tells the story of Joe Spud, a rich kid in search of a friend whose family is selling up fast. Meet the actors at the helicopter pad outside Bumfresh Towers for a charming tale of love, loss and friendship. Just watch out for The Grubbs – they're bad news! Fri 23 Jun – Sun 25 Jun, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SW, times vary, £16, www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk The Taming Of The Shrew This outdoor adaptation of a 16th century tale, once adapted into the high school movie 10 Things I Hate About You, explores the “perfect” marriage. Shakespeare’s controversial story is more tender than you think, as Heartbreak bring The Taming Of The Shrew to life with live music, humour and audience interaction. Fri 30 Jun – Sun 2 Jul, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SW, times vary, £16, www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk The Secret Garden 2017 Relocated from India to the Yorkshire moors, little orphan Mary discovers a hidden garden in this story of foliage, mystery and friendship. The classic children’s tale, most famous for its 1970s BBC adaptation, is brought to vivid life by Heartbreak Productions: this is bound to add a touch of magic to your summer’s evening. Fri 18 Aug – Sun 20 Aug, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SW, times vary, £16, www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk Murder On The Terrace 2017 Joining Heartbreak’s adaptations this year is an original, interactive murder-mystery. Who did away with wine empire heir Charles, and why was he clutching a parrot? See if you can solve the mystery before sardonic Inspector Back, amid the twists and turns of a funny and entertaining whodunit. Wed 23 Aug – Thu 24 Aug, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SW, 7.30pm, £16, www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk Northanger Abbey There is pleasure in a good novel, and even more pleasure in an outdoor adaptation of a Jane Austen classic that bursts with social commentary, humour and parody. This story of faux friendships and real romance was quite the satire when published, and it’ll make for an excellent August evening’s entertainment as summer draws to a close. Fri 25 Aug – Sun 27 Aug, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SW, times vary, £16, www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk

19.08.2017 - 20.08.2017.

This weekend: Spinningfields Makers Market ft. gifts, DJs, street food & Youth Market.

It’s the middle of summer so it’s time to don the parasol – or umbrella – and head to the Spinningfields Makers Market. Over 100 traders bring bargains, street food and live entertainment to Spinningfields over two days this weekend. Highlights include vintage essentials from Gin and Junk, a lo-fi cigar box guitar from Dirt Pie Guitar, and home some artwork such as Ben Sedman’s photography. There are platefuls of food to tempt you too, from Oh My Glaze to Perfect Samosa to black pudding slices from Cumbrian Pie. This weekend has a special guest: watch young entrepreneurs in action from Manchester Youth Market, with stalls including Old Youth Manchester, Zog Desserts and the vegan street food of Peacock & Juno. Adding beats to your browsing will be DJ Pasta Paul and DJ Tom Malom – and don’t forget: this runs over two days, so you’ve plenty of time to explore. Sat 19 & Sun 20 Aug, Spinningfields Square, Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH. 11am-5pm, FREE, www.themakersmarket.co.uk

19.10.2017 - 05.11.2017.

Book tickets: Big Imaginations - children's theatre festival at Z-Arts & more.

The Big Imaginations Festival is a theatre showcase for children and their families. It takes place from late October to early November at 15 venues across the North West, the nearest being Z-arts in Hulme. There are nine performances, aimed at kids 12 and under, including plays, light shows, music, and puppetry. Everything kicks off with the regional premiere of Child of the Divide, a drama that marks the 70th anniversary of the partition of India. It is 1947, and millions of people are on the move to the newly-formed Pakistan. Amid the disorder, Pali lets go of his father’s hand, and his life changes forever. Other standouts include Fairy Tales Gone Bad, from performance poet Joseph Coelho. He will unravel familiar tales to find the true stories behind the happy-ever-afters, which may not be quite as charming as you remember. Thu 19 Oct – Sun 5 Nov, Z-arts, Big Imaginations, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA, Tel: 0161 226 1912, Show times and prices vary, www.z-arts.org

06.10.2017 - 22.10.2017.

Book now: Manchester Literature Festival ft. Sarah Millican, Nigella Lawson & Michael Morpurgo.

Manchester Literature Festival is back for 2017 with bigger book stars than ever before. The festival, over two author-packed weeks in October, will celebrate “divas, dissidents, pioneers and radicals.” Leading the charge will be debut author and comedy legend Sarah Millican, Nigella Lawson musing on food with Jeanette Winterson, Jon Savage reviving the spirit of punk through the works of Anthony Burgess and the Sex Pistols, leading human rights campaigner Shami Chakrabarti, a special Castlefield Manchester Sermon from War Horse writer Michael Morpurgo, and iconic Irish writer Roddy Doyle talking about his new novel ‘Smile’. A stream of events will make a noise about activism and protest, with actor Maxine Peake presenting Comma Press's ‘Stories of Resistance’, blogger Reni Eddo-Lodge on her book ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’, Michael Rosen remembering his communist parents, Howard Jacobson on the art of satire in an era of Trump, George Monbiot launching his new book ‘Out of the Wreckage: A New Politics in an Age of Crisis’, Paddy Armstrong on how he became one of the Guildford Four, and The Real Story presenting Dead Ink’s crowdfunded anthology ‘Know Your Place: Essays on the Working Class by the Working Class’. If you're not full of books by the end of the festival, there's a run of post-festival breakouts with Armistead Maupin, Rebecca Solnit, Jennifer Egan and more. If you’re digging into the 2017 Manchester Literature Festival brochure for the first time, here are five Manchester Wire picks for you to bookmark. 1. How To Be Champion: An Evening With Sarah Millican From South Shields to sell-out national tours, comedian Sarah Millican had a meteoric rise to fame. She won Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe, and ‘The Sarah Millican Television Programme’ was nominated for Baftas. In a special Literature Festival in-conversation with poet and comedian Kate Fox, Millican will talk about her debut book ‘How To Be Champion’. Expect oodles of anecdotes and advice on how to get over life’s unexpected humps – like school fall-outs, the excitement of IBS and how divorce is not the end. As with many Festival events, you can opt for a ticket or a ticket/book bundle if you don’t want to miss out on a copy. Fri 6 Oct, RNCM Concert Hall, 124 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9RD. Tel: 0843 208 0500, 7.30pm, £12/£10, www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk 2. Jon Savage: Burgess, Punk and the Sex Pistols Ever get the feeling you’ve been treated? Writer and broadcaster Jon Savage is the author of ‘England’s Dreaming’, the ultimate book on punk, and ‘Teenage: The Creation of Youth Culture’. For Manchester Literature Festival, he delivers a specially commissioned talk reflecting on the subversive works of Manchester author Anthony Burgess. Burgess’s 1962 novel ‘A Clockwork Orange’ was made into a much-debated film by Stanley Kubrick, and he wrote widely on youth culture throughout the 1970s. Savage will start with Burgess then explore punk, youth culture, and the influence of a movement led by The Sex Pistols’ royalty-ribbing album ‘Never Mind The Bollocks’ – which astonishingly turns 40 this year. Tue 17 Oct, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge St, Manchester M1 5BY. Tel: 0843 208 0500, 7pm, £8/£6, www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk 3. Nigella Lawson in conversation with Jeanette Winterson Bestselling cookery writer Nigella Lawson explores the pleasures of eating with ‘Oranges Are Not The Only Food’ author Jeanette Winterson. Lawson shot to fame with her ‘Nigella Bites’ television series, and is the author of ten bestselling cookery books including ‘How To Eat’ and ‘How To Be A Domestic Goddess’. Her new book ‘At My Table’ heralds home cooking and hosting friends at home. For her part, Jeanette Winterson is a slow eating advocate and has her own grocery store Verde & Co in Spitalfields: her latest book ‘Christmas Days: 12 Stories And 12 Feasts’ features short stories and favourite recipes. Fri 20 Oct, RNCM Concert Hall, 124 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9RD. Tel: 0843 208 0500, 7pm, £17/£15, www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk 4. Shami Chakrabarti: Of Women Britain’s leading human rights campaigner Shami Chakrabarti knows more about inequality than most from her 13 years as director of human rights organisation Liberty. Chakrabarti – now Baroness Chakrabarti of Kennington – was called “probably the most effective public affairs lobbyist of the past 20 years” by the Times. Her latest book ‘On Women’ takes on the gender gap and its effect on health and wealth throughout the world. In this afternoon talk at the Royal Exchange with Eleanor Marx biographer Rachel Holmes, Chakrabarti reveals the roots of the problem and the radical actions that we can all take to right the balance. Sun 22 Oct, Royal Exchange, St Ann's Square, Manchester M2 7DH. Tel: 0843 208 0500, 3pm, £10, www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk 5. Castlefield Manchester Sermon: Michael Morpurgo Former Children’s Laureate and acclaimed author Michael Morpurgo delivers this year’s keystone Manchester Sermon, an annual talk previously given by Kamila Shamsie, Lionel Shriver and Ali Smith. The sermon ‘All Things Bright And Beautiful’, read amid the extravagant architecture of Manchester Cathedral, will look at our reliance and exploitation of our natural surroundings – and the growing crisis that we can’t ignore. Morpurgo, whose most famous book ‘War Horse’ marched onto cinema screens and the West End to great success, is no stranger to giving talks to people of all ages, so expect to be riveted to your pew. The sermon will be followed by a conversation with Carol Ackroyd. Fri 13 Oct, Manchester Cathedral, Victoria St, Manchester M3 1SX. Tel: 0843 208 0500, 7pm, £10/£8, www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk

06.08.2017.

This Sunday: Memorials for Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

This week marks a very sombre anniversary: it is 72 years since the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. There are a number of events taking place in the area this Sunday to commemorate the bombing. On Sunday morning, Manchester Museum and the city council will be holding a joint event in the Museum's Living Worlds Gallery. Lead by senior councillors, it will include readings, poetry and a minute's silence for all victims of war and terrorism. There will also be a family activity workshop where children can make paper cranes and Manchester bees. Taking place on Sunday afternoon is a memorial picnic in Heaton Park. Attendees should meet by the Peace Tree in the garden centre for readings, poetry and music. Both events are supported by the local chapter of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Sun 6 Aug, Living Worlds Gallery, Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, 10.30am – 11.30am, FREE, gmdcnd.com Sun 6 Aug, Heaton Park, Bury Old Road, Manchester, M25 2SW, 2pm – 4.30pm, FREE, gmdcnd.com

31.07.2017 - 04.08.2017.

Free things to do this week ft. Book Art, Acid Haystacks + more.

Book Art Workshop at Stretford Library Creating works of art from old books has grown in popularity over the last few years, and if you’ve got a little literature lover in your life, this might just be the afternoon activity for them. This child-oriented workshop at Stretford Library, led by Warrington-based artist Kate Bufton, will take kids through the folding, cutting and contorting required to turn your charity shop fodder into spiralling, blossoming works of deep complexity: And all themed around novelist Jane Austen. Booking ahead for this is essential to guarantee a spot Tue 1 Aug, Stretford Library, Kingsway, Stretford, M32 8AP. Tel: 0161 912 5150, 2pm - 3pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk Super Inframan Screening at Hold Fast (pictured) This Tuesday, you can catch a rare public screening of the obscure Asian cinema classic Super Inframan - also known as Inframan, The Super Inframan and Chinese Superman. Presented by the bad film enthusiasts at Certificate X, this film is Hong Kong’s interpretation of the Japanese Tokusatsu science-fiction genre, and the result is a disorienting mess of colour, pyrotechnics and jarring sound. It’s also a wild, wonderful picture that shares some DNA with Superman, Power Rangers and Godzilla, whilst also presenting a unique vision. If you like martial arts, rubber suits and robots stamping on cardboard buildings, you’ll love Super Inframan. Tue 1 Aug, Hold Fast, 50 Newton Street, Manchester, M1 2EA. 7.30pm - 9.30pm, www.facebook.com Acid Haystacks First Anniversary Party at The Railway Local weird folk favourite Acid Haystacks has been running free shows at The Railway in West Didsbury for a whole year now, and to celebrate he’s putting on a special show. Haystacks is joined by ukelele-wielding Montreal musician Karen Chung and Manchester-based psychedelic singer-songwriter Jess Megson, who’s fresh off the back of an overseas tour. With touring commitments, you might not get an opportunity to see a line-up like this for a while, so get yourself down to the Railway this Thursday. Thu 3 Aug, 3 Lapwing Lane, Manchester, M20 2NT. 7.30pm, www.facebook.com Marcus Reed Exhibition at Electrik A new exhibition named ‘Saturday Kids’ starts this Thursday at Chorlton’s Electrik, showcasing the work of illustrator Marcus Reed. The exhibition looks at alternative culture from the early 80s through to present day, all told through clean geometry and stylised portraits. See our full preview for more information on the launch event. Thu 3 Aug – Thu 17 Aug, Electrik, 559 Wilbraham Road, Manchester M21 0AE. Tel: 0161 881 3315, www.facebook.com

28.07.2017 - 30.07.2017.

Free things to do this weekend ft. Biological Hermeutics, Clownfest + more.

Biological Hermeutics at Chetham’s Library This Friday evening you can catch this unique discussion and exhibition of an old text, presented by artist Sarah Craske, along with Professor Charlotte Sleigh and Dr. Simon Park. The text in question is Metamorphoses, an epic poem by the Roman poet Ovid, and this particular copy is over 300 year’s old, but Craske, Sleigh and Park won’t be looking at words, instead focussing on something else found between the pages. Biological Hermeutics looks at the microbial life that can be found on the paper and in the bindings of old books, blending artistic and scientific disciplines to provide new perspectives on bibliography. Fri 28 Jul, Chetham’s Library, Long Millgate, Manchester, M3 1SB. 6pm - 8pm, www.eventbrite.com Gold Teeth Residency at Odd Bar Deaf Institute hip-hop stalwarts Gold Teeth continue their weekly DJ residency at the Northern Quarter’s Odd Bar. Expect a Friday night filled with old-school rap, R’n’B, grime and garage. See our full preview for more information. Fri 28 Jul, Odd Bar, 30-32 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1ER. Tel: 0161 833 0070, 8pm - late, www.oddbar.co.uk Clownfest at Exchange Square This very niche festival runs through Friday and Saturday at Exchange Square: If you think clowning is just about greasepaint-smeared children’s entertainers, then think again - as Clownfest aims to expand your horizons in comedy and physical performance, with performances from family-friendly and adults-only acts alike, including the world-renowned Red Bastard (pictured). The festival includes some outdoor shows at the square, whilst the others are hosted in the Omnitorium - a purpose-erected 100 seater big top. Although many of the shows are ticketed and will set you back a very reasonable £5 - £8, all the family shows are Pay What You Want, allowing for some very cheap laughs this weekend. Fri 28 Jul - Sat 29 Jul, Exchange Square, Manchester, M3 1BD. 10.30am - 10pm, www.clownfestmcr.com Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair at PLANT NOMA You can get your craft on all through this weekend, with this fun, free festival in the NOMA district. In a pop-up studio at Sadler’s Yard you can catch three days of stalls from independent makers and craft suppliers, as well as workshops helping you through your own craft projects. Pottery, screen printing, jewellery-making and glass engraving are just some of the sessions you can take part in. Be warned though, advanced booking is required if you want to take part in any of the sessions. Fri 28 Jul - Sun 30 Jul, PLANT NOMA, Redfern, Sadler's Yard, Manchester, M60 0AB. 10am - 6pm, www.eventbrite.com

21.07.2017 - 30.07.2017.

Top 5: Refract:17 at Waterside Arts ft Jan Ravens, Ren Harvieu & a Family Rave.

Delight yourself with a wonderland of events when Refract:17 shows a new side of Waterside Arts in Sale. Stages for the creative nine-day festival include a giant bird’s nest, a trampoline and a static caravan. We took a closer look at the all-age programme to bring you these highlights. 1. Jan Ravens: Edinburgh Preview Get dozens of celebrities for the price of one when impressionist Jan Ravens previews her Edinburgh Fringe show (Fri 21 Jul, 8pm, £10). Ravens is the star of Dead Ringers on the BBC, and appeared on Skins, Midsomer Murders and, at the Royal Exchange, boarding school drama The Children's Hour. Support comes from rising comedy circuit star Eshaan Akbar. 2. Flit, Flap & Fly Let your little ones squawk along to Flit, Flap & Fly (Sat 22 Jul, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, FREE), a live music adventure taking place inside a bird’s nest. Learn birdsongs and experience a young bird’s unsteady journey to adulthood. This all-singing show is aimed at under-7s: parents, who won’t need a ticket, are politely asked to perch outside the nest while their children enjoy the feathery fun. 3. Ren Harvieu Salford singer Ren Harvieu (Sat 22 Jul, 8pm, £14-£16) once fought a broken back to become a BBC Sound of Music shortlistee. She has appeared on Later with Jools Holland and has taken on James Bond themes with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Come and see why she has been compared to Dusty Springfield and Ella Fitzgerald. 4. Max Calaf Seve presents Anyday Jump on tickets for this unique family show by Spanish circus star Max Calaf Seve (Wed 26 Jul, 7pm, £11-£13). Anyday is an all-bouncing story set on a trampoline about a man’s relationship with his pet bird. Expect plenty of prop play with books, chairs and suitcases. This evocative one-hour show is set to an original score by BBC documentary soundtracker Matt Huxley. 5. Family Rave Swap the glow sticks for dummies at the ultimate baby party – a Family Rave (Thu 27 Jul, 10.30am, £2.50). This two-hour session will include toddler dance-offs and loads of disco fun. All members of the family will need a ticket for this event, although if you are under 12 months old, the bouncers will let you in free. Sorted. Fri 21 – Sun 30 Jul, Waterside Arts Centre, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale M33 7ZF. Tel: 0161 912 5616, check website for prices and times, www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

22.07.2017.

Free family fun: Hulme Is Where The Art Is at Hulme Garden Centre & Park.

Enjoy a free afternoon of family fun this Saturday with Hulme Is Where The Art Is. Big hands and little hands alike will enjoy the live music, art stalls and workshops at Hulme Community Garden Centre from noon. For added excitement, don your costumes and follow the Dragonfly Parade from 5pm as it winds from Birley Street to Hulme Park. In the park, there’ll be a child-friendly early evening gig featuring Z-Arts youth music collective Allsorts and soul singer Lily-Jo – she’s previously sung alongside Damon Albarn, Neneh Cherry and De La Soul. There’s no need to book for this event – just pop along from noon. Sat 22 Jul, Hulme Community Garden Centre & Venture Arts, Old Birley Street & Hulme Park, Stretford Road, Manchester. Tel: 0161 232 6089, 12pm – 7pm, FREE, www.z-arts.org

22.07.2017.

Amani Festival: free family day of African music & culture at Sacred Trinity.

Amani is an arts and heritage organisation that promotes African culture and hosts regular showcases at Band on the Wall, and this is the collective's first festival. The all-day event takes over Sacred Trinity Church in Salford (that's the big one off the main road in Blackfriars) in July. Local bands will be performing music from and inspired by Cameroon, Sierra Leone, and South Africa and other African countries. Musicians will also be hosting workshops, covering the likes of traditional drumming and group singing. In addition there will be face painting and storytelling, stalls with food and authentic African produce. Sat 22 Jul, Sacred Trinity Church, Chapel Street, Salford, M3 5DW, Tel: 07868 591070, noon-7pm, FREE, www.amanicreatives.wordpress.com

21.03.2017 - 31.12.2017.

Top 5: Art day trips from Manchester inc Japanese House, The Hepworth & Martin Creed.

Fancy a trip out of Manchester, with some world-class art on the side? Look no further than our guide to the best exhibitions, all within a two hour (ish) drive of Manchester city centre. 1. Disobedient Bodies: JW Anderson curates the Hepworth Wakefield This group show explores the artistic interpretation of the human body in art and fashion over the last 100 years (or thereabouts). Figurative works, sculpture and fashion by Jean Arp, Lynn Chadwick, Barbara Hepworth, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and more have been selected by London-based designer Jonathan Anderson in the gallery's most critically acclaimed exhibition to date. Sat 18 Mar- Sun 18 Jun, The Hepworth, Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF1 5AW. Tel: 01924 247360, times vary, FREE, www.hepworthwakefield.org 2. House Style: Five centuries of fashion and adornment at Chatsworth House We never need an excuse to visit this glorious stately home in the Peak District - but this wide-ranging fashion exhibition is compelling reason. Curator is Hamish Bowles, International Editor-at-Large for American Vogue and the show includes items from the wardrobes of 16th century icon, Bess of Hardwick, the sister and dance partner of Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire and model Stella Tennant among others. Entry is free with a visit to the house - but the gardens, which include waterfalls and contemporary sculptural works are breathtaking too. There's a children's farm and excellent adventure playground, while June sees the world premiere of the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show. House Style: Sat 25 Mar - Sun 22 Oct, Peak District National Park, Bakewell DE45 1PP. Tel: 01246 565300, www.chatsworth.org. RHS Chatworth Flower Show: Wed 7-11 Jun, times and prices vary, www.rhs.org.uk 3. The Japanese House: Architecture and Life after 1945 at the Barbican (pictured) It's only 2 hours (and 7 minutes) from Manchester on the train - and who can resist the chance to see 40 of the most incredible and experimental houses built in Japan over the last 75 years, including a specially commissioned tea house by Terunobu Fujimori inside this Brutalist gallery in the heart of London? At the exhibition's heart is a full-sized recreation of Moriyama House by Ryue Nishizawa who won the Pritzker prize. Be inspired and envious in equal measure. Thu 23 Mar - Sun 25 Jun, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. Tel: 020 7638 4141, times & prices vary, www.barbican.org.uk 4. Various events: Hull City of Culture 2017 There's loads happening in Hull in 2017. This weekend includes a free festival of live and media art called Rerooted, featuring new and existing work by more than 25 artists, including Alexandre Burton and Alastair MacLennan but the website is full of ideas, including weekly highlghts and listings. Rerooted: Fri 24-Sun 26 Mar, Humber Street Gallery, 64 Humber Street, HU1 1TU. Tel: 01482 323484, times vary, FREE, www.hull2017.co.uk Hull City of Culture: Until Sun 31 Dec, www.hull2017.co.uk 5. Martin Creed at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston Our art writer, Fran Blythe, recommends a visit to the Harris Museum and Art Gallery to see the fun and though provoking Martin Creed retrospective. Read more: www.manchesterwire.co.uk Until Sat 3 Jun, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Market Square, Preston, PR1 2PP. Tel: 01772 258248, Mon 11am until 5pm, Tue to Sat 10am until 5pm, Sun 11am until 4pm, closed on bank holidays, FREE, www.harrismuseum.org.uk

24.06.2017.

Book now: Manchester Children’s Book Festival at MMU Campus.

Returning for its sixth year is that celebration of all things literary for little ‘uns, the Manchester Children’s Book Festival. Taking place in MMU’s All Saints campus late in June, the event is a full day of readings, performances, and music. There will be special appearances throughout the day from kids' favourite characters, including the ubiquitous Peppa Pig. The award-winning children’s author and creator of the CBeebies series ‘Q-Pootle 5’, Nick Butterworth, will be presenting an interactive show about the magic of storytelling. Also appearing will be the festival’s patron, Coronation Street actress Jennie McAlpine; and the bestselling writer Cathy Cassidy. In addition, there will be arts, crafts, and workshops, alongside a marketplace of stalls to browse. To keep your little mites sustained, the Festival has joined forces with street food events company GRUB, to host a family food fair. General entry is free, but some events and workshops require booking and have a fee. Several shows are already close to selling out, so act fast. Sat 24 Jun, Manchester Metropolitan University’s All Saints Campus, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6LL, Tel: 0161 247 2424, 10am – 4pm, mostly FREE (some shows charge), www.mcbf.org.uk

30.05.2017 - 11.06.2017.

Food & drink news ft. Vegan Beer & Food Fest, Buca di Pizza, Randall & Aubin & more.

This week's food news includes GRUB food fair, a South African wine special at Proof, a vegan beer and food festival and more. In other news: Randall and Aubin seafood bar is now open on Bridge Street (click here for more), and there's a new place called Buca Di Pizza now open on Lloyd Street - click here for more. Grub Food Fair at Mayfield Depot Not only is GRUB Food Fair opening in Mayfield Depot on Fri 9 June, taking care of Manchester’s street food and brewtap needs every Friday and Saturday, they’ve got a trick up their sleeve for Sundays to round off the weekend. From Sun 11 June, they will be holding Plant Powered Sunday, a weekly vegan event serving food, drink and running green-inspired activities in collaboration with local gardening groups. It’d be best just to block off that whole weekend to cover all bases. Opens Fri 9 Jun then every Sunday from 11 Jun, Mayfield Depot, Fairfield Street, Manchester, M1 2QF @GRUBMCR Wine club: South African special at Proof Chorlton bar Proof is running a wine tasting evening, with South African wines specially selected and matched alongside a four-course meal from the restaurant’s chefs. Pierre Nortje of Simonsig Wines is co-hosting the session, and is on hand to discuss the wines. This is a rare tasting, so booking is essential via the link below. Tue 31 May, Proof Chorlton, 30 Manchester Road, Chorlton, M21 9PH, Tel: 0161 862 9333, 7.45-10.45pm, £25, via: www.facebook.com Vegan Beer and Food Fest at Chorlton Brewing Company Chorlton Brewing Company is opening its doors to host a 100% vegan fair, with food and drink delicacies from the brewtap. Alongside the usual range of tasty vegan beers, they will be pouring two taps of beer, as well as concocting sour beer smoothies with your choice of fruit. Peacock & Juno will be serving sausage rolls and mock duck noodles, plus A Kind Mama vegan bakery and The Vegan Food Pod are on hand to provide sweet treats. It’s free to get in but remember to bring cash for the stalls. Sat 3 Jun, Chorlton Brewing Company, 69 North Western Street, Manchester, M12 6DX, noon-8pm, FREE, www.facebook.com Book now: Negroni journey around Manchester In celebration of the summer-packed Italian drink, the Negroni fun bus is arriving to transport you around the city. Guests will be given five Classic Negronis or Negroni twists during the session, and a chauffeur driven gin bus will drive you from bar to bar to sample them, under the tutelage of a certified Negroni expert. Wed 7 Jun, various locations (details given after booking), 6.30-11pm, £50, www.eventbrite.co.uk Book now: Hops Not Hate fundraiser at Beer Nouveau (pictured) It’s been a tough week in Manchester. Beer Nouveau is keen to hold a gathering to unite us in our city by drinking beer, raising money for the families fund, and focussing on hops not hate. Lots of breweries have donated beer to serve alongside Beer Nouveau’s, and every penny raised will be given to the fund. Fri 9 Jun, Beer Nouveau Brewery Tap, 75 North Western Street, Manchester, M12 6DY, 4-10.30pm, FREE register your place here: www.facebook.com

01.06.2017.

New tickets: We Stand Together ft Halle, BBC Phil & Camerata.

More tickets are now available for We Stand Together, the orchestral fundraiser to support the families and friends of the Manchester attack. The Hallé, the BBC Philharmonic and the Manchester Camerata will join forces for an evening of uplifting classical music at the Bridgewater Hall, conducted by Stephen Bell and Hallé director Sir Mark Elder. Stars of the show will be renowned Mezzo-soprano Alice Coote, jazz singer and Van Morrison-collaborator Clare Teal, and the Mercury Prize-winning frontman of Elbow, Guy Garvey. Host on the night will be BBC Radio 3’s Breakfast presenter Petroc Trelawny. Tickets are free and limited to four per household. If you’re quick, you’ll still be able to grab a seat near the front. Meanwhile, if you just want to donate, visit the #WeStandTogether JustGiving page. Thu 1 Jun, The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS. Tel: 0161 907 9000, 8pm, FREE, www.halle.co.uk/westandtogether

17.05.2017 - 19.05.2017.

Book now: Jack Rooke's Good Grief at HOME.

Writer and comedian Jack Rooke brings his critically acclaimed show Good Grief to HOME in May. Looking at how we treat the bereaved and the state of welfare for grieving families, Rooke’s style blends comedy, storytelling and film to navigate the audience through these complex ideas. It has received wide praise and was nominated for Best Show by an Emerging Artist in the Total Theatre Awards in 2015. Good Grief was subsequently commissioned by BBC Comedy for a Radio 4 adaptation, and it was recently announced that Jack will soon have his own three-part documentary series on BBC3 entitled 'How to Be Male and Happy', as part of the channel's season of mental health programming. Wed 17 May - Fri 19 May, HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN. Tel: 0161 200 1500, times vary, £12.50, www.homemcr.org

01.04.2017.

Free family fun: Haphazard at Z-Arts ft. blanket castles & kids karaoke.

Judging by the previews we've published recently, nobody will be short of things to do on April Fool's Day. Here’s another event that day. Haphazard is squarely aimed at families, and will surely help to get the Easter Holidays off to a good start. After a successful outing last year, Haphazard returns with a packed schedule of activities for kids of all ages. The venue is Z-arts in Hulme, Manchester’s only dedicated venue for children’s theatre. A host of local artists and performers are taking part in the event, presenting all sorts of fun things, such as sing-alongs, dancing, blanket forts, and even a karaoke funeral. Please see the website below for the full programme. No booking is required: visitors can turn up any time, and come and go as they please. Sat 1 Apr, Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Manchester, M15 5ZA, Tel: 0161 232 6089, noon – 4pm, FREE, www.wordofwarning.org

19.12.2016 - 31.12.2016.

Theatre: The Man Who Planted Trees at Manchester Royal Exchange.

The Man Who Planted Trees is the stage adaptation of writer Jean Giono’s environmental cult classic short story, first published in 1953. The show comes to The Studio at Royal Exchange Theatre next week and tells the story of a French Shepherd and his dog who venture out to plant a forest to help transform a deserted wasteland. But as war increases throughout Europe their vulnerable new forest comes under threat. The award winning Puppet State Theatre Company have reinvented the story, injecting new life into the tale making it a multi sensory treat suitable for both adults and children. It mixes comedy, drama, and charming puppetry into an original storytelling experience that shows the commitment and perseverance of one man and his dog’s quest to help the earths atmosphere; really proving that man’s best friend is his dog. The show has continuously sold out the Edinburgh Fringe Festival over the years thanks to its popularity among families and its inspiring universal message. Mon 19 Dec- Sat 31 Dec, Royal Exchange Theatre, St. Ann’s Square, Manchester M2 7DH, Tel: 0161 833 9833, times vary, from £12, www.royalexchange.co.uk

04.11.2016 - 08.01.2017.

Ongoing: Ice Rink in Manchester's Cathedral Gardens.

The Christmas Markets are bigger than ever this year and, in addition to all the usual stalls, there is an ice rink in Cathedral Gardens. The rink opens on Friday 4 November - the same day as the city’s big Christmas Lights switch-on. The Gardens can be somewhat overlooked at Market time, but they have a lot to offer, especially for families. With more open space than other sites, the festivities are designed with kids in mind. Along with the ice rink, there is a traditional funfair with a Ferris wheel, carousel, Helter Skelter and tea cup ride. Food and drink on offer includes all your favourites: waffles, bratwurst and mulled wine for the grown-ups - however drinking and skating is not recommended. Booking is essential: visit the website below to select your 45-minute slot. Fri 4 Nov - Sun 8 Jan, Cathedral Gardens, Corporation Street, Manchester, M4 3BG. Tel: 0161 234 1010, 11am - 9pm, £9.50, www.ticketsource.co.uk

03.12.2016 - 04.12.2016.

Scandi-themed Frost Fair at The Whitworth ft. Cloudwater beers, fireworks & family fun.

The Whitworth is taking on a Scandinavian feel for The Frost Fair. New this year, the two day winter fiesta takes place on the first weekend in December and inspired by the Danish concept of hygge. The word loses something in translation, but essentially means a feeling of warmth, cosiness and wellbeing. What's not to like? In this spirit, the event aims to bring families and friends together to enjoy free activities and entertainment in the galleries and creative spaces as well as some great food and drink. Outside the building, there will be an ice rink, screenings of short films in the Art Garden and live music. There will also be market stalls with international street food and craft ales courtesy of Cloudwater Brewery. The outdoor arts company Walk the Plank will present a performance on the Sculpture Terrace, which will feature theatre, puppetry, and light displays. The big finale, on the Sunday evening is a fireworks display. Sat 3 – Sun 4 Dec, The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER, Tel: 0161 275 7450, 10am - 5pm, FREE, www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk

14.09.2016 - 23.11.2016.

Free talks: Invisible Histories at Salford's Working Class Movement Library.

The Working Class Movement Library in Salford presents Invisible Histories, a series of free talks which look at some lesser-known areas of local history. The first event, which takes place later this month, is entitled ‘Pit Props’ and it focusses on the miners’ strike of 1984-85. The host, author Granville Williams, will be discussing the creative links between music, politics, and protest which formed during the strike. Also discussed will be the international support which helped sustain the miners and their families during their year of struggle. Following this, there will be four more talks, taking place at fortnightly intervals. These cover a wide range of subjects, such as the Chartists, trade unionism in the inter-war period, and Engels’ relationship with the Irish in Manchester. The Library can be found opposite Salford University, just a short walk from Salford Crescent station. First talk: Wed 14 Sep - Wed 23 Nov, Working Class Movement Library, Jubilee House, 51 Crescent, Salford, M5 4WX, Tel: 0161 736 3601, 2pm, FREE, www.wcml.org.uk

21.10.2016 - 31.10.2016.

Top 6: Half term family events ft. Oxygen Freejumping, Wild Rumpus & Digital Kids.

1. Wild Rumpus' Dr Dee's Secret Curiosity Shop Manchester visitors are challenged to find Dr Dee’s Secret Curiosity Shop, an intriguing establishment run by the famous magician and scientist who was also warden of Chetham's Library in the 16th century. Crack the code and uncover a world of delights from the Wild Rumpus team who run the Just So festival (pictured). Sat 29 Oct, various locations, duration of treasure hunt - around 2hrs, last entry to Dr Dee's shop is 4pm, more details here: www.secretcuriosityshop.co.uk 2. Chester Zoo - new attractions We love Chester Zoo at any time of year but Autumn is really special - and they've got new attractions for half term too, including five new baby otters and another Wild Rumpus immersive experience called The Enchantment of Chester Zoo. Open daily, Chester Zoo, Moston Road, Upton, Chester CH2 1EU, Enchantment event Sat 22 Oct - Mon 31 Oct, times and prices vary, www.chesterzoo.org 3. Digital Kids Show at EventCity Immerse the family in the best of computerised fun at this giant event complete with talks by YouTubers, coding workshops, Minecraft mayhem, VR and much more. Sat 29 & Sun 30 Oct, Phoenix Way, Manchester M41 7TB, times and prices vary, www.digitalkidsshow.co.uk 4. Meet the Fire Brigade, Monsters, Trolls & more at The Printworks Look out for a Monsters vs Trolls flash mob (Mon 24 Oct, with Z-Arts - book here) and a Young Firefighter Experience with the Greater Manchester Fire Service (Thu 27 Oct, from 11.30am, drop in). Mon 24 - Fri 28 Oct, The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS, www.theprintworks.com 5. £4 Trampolining offer at Oxygen FreeJumping Trampoline parks are the ultimate way to burn off energy. They can be pricey though, so this £4 half term deal at one of Manchester's newest trampoline parks, Oxygen Freejumping, is a good one. Simply input the code 'AUTUMN' when you check out on the booking page. Fri 21 - Sun 30 Oct, Oxygen Freejumping, Trafford Way, Stretford, Manchester M17 8DD, www.oxygenfreejumping.co.uk 6. Manchester Science Festival is ongoing too. Read our guide to the best free stuff to enjoy here.

19.08.2016 - 21.08.2016.

Book now: Just So family festival at Rode Hall in Cheshire.

Here at Manchester Wire we are quite partial to a festival - particularly when it's run by world-leading theatre and circus company, Wild Rumpus. The team behind A Day at the Lake and The Lost Carnival also host the annual, three day celebration the Just So Festival in the beautiful surrounds of Rode Hall in Cheshire. If you've been to one of their events before you'll know what to expect: incredible costumes, pyrotechnicians and dancers, thrilling, imaginary creatures (think mermaids, packed into a horse trailer and talking hangmen) as well as interactive stage shows, workshops, music and, of course, plenty of great food and drink. Camping is available on site in a stunning setting. This privately-owned estate which is usually only open on Wednesdays and Bank Holiday Mondays. Highlights of this year's Festival include the Just So Bake Off (bring your own creations along and win big), a midnight feast and what looks set to be the world's biggest pillow fight. Fri 19-Sun 21 Aug, Rode Hall, Cheshire, from £50 per day (adult) & £20 per child U3s free, www.justsofestival.org.uk

24.06.2016.

Now open: Our Kid children's cafe & shop in Chorlton.

A new kid-friendly cafe and clothing store has opened on the former Sweet Tooth Cupcakery site on Oswald Road in the heart of Chorlton. Our Kid is a cross between a soft play centre, fashion store and tea-shop. Expect coffee, tea, cakes, lunches and, of course, plenty of crafts and shopping opportunities. This venture follows similar projects like The Hungry Caterpillar in Bristol and is the brainchild of three local mums. Expect a review to follow. Our Kid, 9a Oswald Road, Chorlton M21 9LP, www.our-kid.co.uk

19.05.2016.

Charity fundraiser gig: Action for Children at Revolucion de Cuba.

It was the 1970s when T-Rex sang about the 'Children of the Revolution', but the cause behind Action for Children's Revolucion de Cuba gig is just as relevant today. Action for Children's annual Byte Night sees The Guitar Superheroes topping a bill and bands co-compiled with BIMM. With 80,000 children finding themselves homeless each year in the UK, you can rest assured your entry fee is going to support those in need, and you get to sample a night of live music into the deal. Thu 19 May, Revolucion de Cuba, 11 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR, 7pm, £10, www.eventbrite.co.uk

30.04.2016 - 02.05.2016.

This weekend: A Day at the Lake family festival at Rudyard Lake.

Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire is set to turn back the clocks and return to the place of recreation and pleasure which it was in the late 1800s. Organised by one of our favourite family festival makers, Wild Rumpus, pleasure seekers can expect the very best in outdoor arts and performance. Akin to last year's The Lost Carnival which was organised by the same team, A Day at the Like is a circus-meets-immersive-theatre show. Simply turn up and stroll around taking in spectacles, fine food and craft beer, donkey, train and boat rides and much more in the forest and open spaces that surround this two and a half-mile-long lake. Highlights of the programme include tightrope walking and a floating stage featuring music from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Ensemble as well as 'dry land' synchronised swimming by Yorkshire Life Aquatic, pictured. Look out for walking performers, storytellers and marching bands. There will be a Victorian Bather’s Juggling Show and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the famous Rudyard Lake mermaids, accompanied by sea-shanty-singing sailors. Rudyard Lake was previously known as the Blackpool of the Potteries and became one of the most popular day-trip destinations in the region after the North Staffordshire Railway opened in 1849. We are lucky enough to have a family ticket (up to 2 adults and 3 children) to give away to A Day at the Lake on Saturday 30 April. To be in with a chance of winning, simply sign up to our mailing list in the top right hand corner of our homepage (don't worry, we don't share emails with anyone else) and email competitions [at] ManchesterWire [dot] co [dot] uk with your name, age and Twitter handle. Please write 'A Day at the Lake' competition in the email subject line. Competition closes at midnight on Monday 25 April 2016. This competition is now closed. Sat 30 Apr - Mon 2 May, Rudyard Lake, Staffordshire ST13 8XB, 11am-9pm, £14 (adv adult), £7 child. Under 3s free, additional charges for rides and boat trips, www.dayatthelake.org.uk

20.02.2016.

Family Event: Haphazard at Z-Arts.

Z-arts in Hulme is a creative hub for children and young people which features a theatre and gallery. Later this month, the venue is hosting Haphazard, an afternoon of art and performance. With its interactive and immersive activities, this free event is aimed at helping children become ‘part of the art’. Visitors can play a round on a specially-created golf course made of canvases, using golf balls dipped in coloured paint. Every roll of the ball will become a brush stroke in a collaborative artwork. Performance artist Katy Baird will be presenting a show in which she aims to sell every piece of clothing she owns. The twist is that no money will be accepted, only ideas. ‘RATS!’ by Katy Dye is a show that explores whether those most hated of rodents deserve their awful reputation. Please see the website below for full tickets, and details of the many other performances and installations at the event. Sat 20 Feb, Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester M15 5ZA. Tel: 0161 232 6089, 12pm – 4pm, FREE, www.z-arts.org

26.06.2015 - 05.07.2015.

Manchester Children’s Book Festival ft family fun day, MMU, Ordsall Hall, Portico + more.

This Friday marks the beginning of the Manchester Children’s Book Festival, a nine-day celebration taking place at several venues throughout the city. The first big event, taking place on Saturday, is a free family fun day at MMU’s All Saints Campus. Aimed at all kids, from pre-schoolers to teenagers, the day will feature story-telling, arts, crafts, and workshops. The following day, Ordsall Hall is hosting a Family Book Day, and befitting this Tudor building, it will have a time travel theme. At the Portico Library, Carol Ann Duffy will be introducing Liz Kessler, the author of the young adult story ‘Read Me like a Book’. Liz will be discussing how writers can tackle lesbian and gay issues in fiction. Later in the week, Alex Scarrow will be appearing at Central Library to read excerpts from his popular ‘Time Riders’ series. For other events, times and prices, see the link below. Fri 26 Jun – Sun 5 Jul, Various venues throughout Manchester, Times and prices vary, www.mcbf.org.uk

26.06.2015 - 28.06.2015.

Free things to do this weekend ft. Children's Book Festival, Blackjack Brewtap + MOSI.

Before you spend your entire weekend sulking about not being at Glastonbury (sod 'em, it'll just be raining anyway), check out these free things to do in Manchester this weekend. Family-friendly activities and a piss-up in a brewery sound much better than muddy fields and Kanye, right? Manchester Children's Book Festival (pictured) The Manchester Children's Book Festival returns for 2015, with events taking place at Man Met University and other spots across the city. The core family fun day on Saturday is suited for everyone from pre-readers and nursery age-children to teens and older, featuring arts, crafts, workshops, a bustling market-place of stalls and exhibitions, a travelling storytelling tent, a time travel-themed fancy dress parade and, er, a minature pony. For the full line-up of events, click here. Fri 26 June – Sun 5th July, Various venues and times, Most events FREE, www.mcbf.org Blackjack Brewtap Fresh from the launch of their new Northern Quarter boozer, The Smithfield, Blackjack Brewery opens its doors once again for a right old knees up. No firm details as yet, but judging by their previous events, you can expect a bevy of street food, music and - obviously - a shed ton of beer. Fri 26 - Sun 28 June, Blackjack Beers, 36 Gould Street, M4 4RN, Fri: 6 - 11pm, Sat: 12 - 11pm, Sun: 12 - 6pm, FREE, www.facebook.com The Experimental Weekender at MOSI A weekend packed with 'fantastic forces, superhuman strength, awesome acrobats, magic materials and groovy graphene', The Experimental Weekender explores concepts of strength and flexibility, whilst also stripping back the mystery behind of the world's newest wonder materials, graphene. With an agility arena, a pop-up photo booth, circus performers, a forces funfair (this one's not free, sorry), electric pencils and more, things kick off with the Friday Night Experiment - bringing graphene to the masses with acrobats, science selfies and molecular music. Fri 26 - Sun 28 Jun, Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Rd, M3 4FP, FREE (charges apply for the funfair), www.mosi.org.uk Know of any good freebies coming up? Email jess at manchesterwire dot co dot uk with the deets.