The remainder of Covid-19 restrictions in England have now been removed, allowing theatres, nightclubs, live music venues and all other activities to fully open. Greater Manchester’s tourism and hospitality sector is excited to welcome you back and invites you to take a personal approach to your Covid-19 safety and the safety of others around you. 

Please remember that in certain settings, such as on TfGM Metrolink trams, face coverings are still a requirement, and other venues may politely request you to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. We encourage you to respect the rules of individual businesses and venues, whilst enjoying all of what Greater Manchester has to offer in a safe and responsible way.  
 


Here is our top pick of five things you can do in the week ahead: 
 

1. Celebrate LGBT+ Pride at Salford’s Pink Picnic 
 

Salford Pride’s annual celebration of the LGBT+ community is back at Peel Park this Saturday 7 August, with performances from headliners including Stooshe, and Cheryl Hole, plus local drag queens such as Cheddar Gorgeous and Viva La Diva. On the day you’ll also find expo stalls of all your favourite LGBT+ charities and businesses, as well as a fabulous Dogs & Divas show to showcase your rainbow pooch. Tickets must be pre-booked to attend the Pink Picnic, with guests asked to show a negative Covid test result on arrival.  
 

2. Get creative with free family Outdoor Art Club’s at The Whitworth 
 

This summer the Whitworth is hosting activities to encourage children and their families to play and explore outdoors together. This Wednesday 4 August Outdoor Art Club hosts water play, potion stations, chalk drawing, mud painting and more, all set within the leafy Whitworth Park where kids can run wild. If you’d also like to visit The Whitworth gallery itself, remember to pre-book a free ticket beforehand.  
 

3. Take part in The Sunshine Festival at The Trafford Centre 
 

On Thursday 5 and Friday 6 August, Selfridge’s at The Trafford Centre is hosting the Sunshine Festival. Join Sunny and Bloom, the main stage hosts with summer stories and crafts. With all the fun of a big summer festival – in mini format – kids will get to make their own musical instruments, which they can take home. Find out more and book a place here. 
 

4. Ride with Thomas the Tank Engine at East Lancashire Railway 
 

All aboard the famous blue Thomas the Tank engine at East Lancashire Railway on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August. Thomas will pull you through the beautiful Bury countryside on a fun-filled journey to Ramsbottom station. On arrival, you’ll find loads of Thomas-themed activities, including stories, hilarious performances by Rusty and Dusty – the cheeky station sweepers – singing, dancing and magic shows. You may also meet the ‘Fat Controller’ himself! Find out more and book tickets to the popular day out here. 
 

5. Take a guided hike with Bee Adventures 
 

Professional mountain hikers Bee Adventures host a calendar of walks, adventures and outdoor activities for all ages. This week, keen walkers can join two walks, which include round bus transport from Manchester – the first, on Saturday 7 August is a 4-hour hike around the Lake District’s Catbells, taking in 10km of stunning scenery with your guide on hand. The second walk, on Sunday 8 August, is for more experienced walkers, on a 6-hour mountain hike of the impressive Great Gable, led by two trained mountain leaders, climbing five mountains along the way, at a height of 889 meters! Places are limited for these adventures, with other locations available to book for future dates – find out more here. 
 

+ Book now – tickets on sale for the Rugby League World Cup in Greater Manchester 
 

Tickets for both the Men’s and Women’s Rugby League World Cup are now on sale, with events taking place across stadiums in Greater Manchester from 23 October to 27 November, including both Finals at Old Trafford. A new premium ticket and hospitality package option for the games are now available from Seat Unique, including tickets to the final, with special extras including VIP entry, complimentary food, a private bar, and even dedicated hosts on some packages.