1. Music and theatre take over the week with Manchester International Festival 2023
 

Manchester International Festival 2023 continues with performances across the city,  including a ‘mixed-reality’ concert from composer Ryuichi Sakamoto in KAGAMI. Surround yourself with books at John Rylands Library to listen to Maxine Peake on a performance of They, enjoy an eclectic evening of music with Grammy-winning Angélique Kidjo guests with their first show in Manchester for ten years; or see AFRODEUTESCHE perform with Manchester Camerata in an exciting live experience combining contemporary classical sounds with electronic dance music.
 

2. Watch Tony award-winning Broadway production Titanic: The Musical
 

From 4 to 8 July at The Lowry, Titanic: The Musical is an emotional look into a significant and tragic event of the last century. Uncover the hopes and ambitions of the passengers, from the Third-Class immigrants to the Barons of the First Class in this celebrated production with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston. Tickets start from £20.
 

3. Lose yourself in flavour at Foodies Festival
 

Returning to Tatton Park from 7 to 9 July, Foodies Festival will have an incredible line-up of celebrities including Michelin-starred chefs and famous musical acts including Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Scouting for Girls. Friday kicks off with a ‘Cocktails, Cabaret and Cake’ programme, with the weekend full of activities for the whole family, including a fairground and delicacies from around the world. Prices start at £18.
 

4. Sit back, relax and enjoy your Movie on The Meadow
 

On Saturday 8 July, bring a blanket and enjoy an evening of cinema at Quarry Bank Mill with the family. With a 4pm screening of one of our favourite robots, WALL-E is sure to leave your children filled with wonder and curiosity. Alternatively, if you’re planning a more romantic evening, there will be a screening of Dirty Dancing at 9pm. Tickets for each film from £7.50.
 

5. Celebrate gender diversity during The Sparkle Weekend
 

Back for a weekend of celebration from 7 to 9 July, The Sparkle Weekend will once again take place at Sackville Gardens to welcome all gender non-conforming folks as well as families, friends, and allies. This extraordinary event, which is the largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity in the world, will feature live music and entertainment, as well as talks and workshops, and includes a dry non-alcohol zone, an area for youth and families, and a space for wellbeing and community. Free to attend.
 

New opening: DieCast
 

The newest creative neighbourhood in the city centre is launching its first opening phase with a Summer Party Program from 6 to 8 July. Located between Store Street and Ducie Street, the venue opens its outside space with an open-air BBQ kitchen and Pizzeria. Long-term plans for the site, which is in a former metals factory, include opening a 5,000-capacity food hall and night market. Book your free tickets here.