The remainder of Covid-19 restrictions in England have now been removed and you should take a personal approach to your Covid-19 safety and the safety of others around you. However, 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 for the time being.       


 

1. Explore vintage cars, cinema, and arts at Oldham Histories Festival 
 

Oldham Histories Festival launches this Friday 10 September, with talks and tours across the town in venues including Gallery Oldham and Oldham Local Studies and Archives. The town centre will also welcome back the return of the Classic Car Show with a range of vintage and classic vehicles on display. Other events include the mini arts centre that houses a tiny theatre, museum and shop, with Cap & Dove on tour in a project that celebrates protest and Peterloo, plus there will be a special 50th Anniversary showing of the 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  

Oldham Histories Festival runs until Sunday 19 September across Oldham, and further events listings can be found here
 

2. Outdoor art installation pays tribute to NHS workers with colourful human statues  
 

A spectacular new public art installation will pop up across Manchester with a series of 51 statues hand-designed by artists to honour and pay tribute to the ongoing courage and dedication of NHS staff and all key workers during the pandemic. The statues will be on display until Sunday 12 September in St Peter’s Square, with visitors asked to pre-book a free time slot to explore the unique designs. Proceeds from the auction of the statues at the end of the UK tour will go towards NHS Charities Together.  
 

3. New artwork on display at Manchester Craft and Design Centre + join the house plant swap 
 

A new exhibition of work by three local makers will go on display from Saturday 11 September at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre. ‘Hands On’ features ceramics, textiles and wood from three artists who have developed their skills and creative businesses over the last four months and will display their experimental and innovative pieces until 13 November, alongside craft drop-in workshops, and the popular Plant Swap where you can meet other plant lovers.  
 

4. Take a ride on a uniquely restored vintage steam train 
 

There’s nothing quite so relaxing as taking a trip on a steam train. Do something different with your Sunday and join the beautiful little steam loco, L&Y Trust 752, for journeys up and down the line with East Lancashire Railways. Built in 1881, this adorable locomotive was one of hundreds built for the L&Y Railway and has only recently returned to service following extensive restoration and will be available to ride every Sunday in September, including this weekend on the 12th. On your visit you can also explore beautifully restored traction engines, tractors and Scammell Lorries at the nearby Bury Transport Museum.  
 

5. A Question of Sport and Live music come to the Bridgewater Hall 
 

The Bridgewater Hall hosts the world’s longest-running TV sports quiz A Question of Sport Live on Wednesday 8 September, with hosts Sue Barker and team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell, as well as special guests Dion Dublin, Gary Pallister, Jade Jones & Rebecca Adlington. Audience members will be able to participate by directly posing questions to the teams and getting involved in some rounds before the traditional ‘Sprint Finish’ climax.  

On Thursday 9 September, international sensation What's Love Got To Do With It? returns with a celebration of the music of Tina Turner, featuring a full 10-piece live band and all the hit songs from the iconic performer.  
 

+ BOOK NOW - Ripples of Hope Festival comes to HOME featuring talks with Hilary Clinton and Marcus Rashford 
 

An inspiring weekend of conversations, workshops and performances comes to HOME on the 15-19 September with The Ripples of Hope Festival. The festival explores human rights and will feature talks from well-known faces including former US Secretary of State and US Presidential Candidate Hilary Rodham Clinton, footballer Marcus Rashford, and LGBT+ equality campaigner Peter Tatchell. The event takes place both in-person and online, and will explore a variety of topics including environment, justice, and equality through a series of stories, debates and laughs.