For the first time ever, you can explore the historic rooms and exhibitions at this magnificent building in a free visit. For the past four years, Rochdale Town Hall has undergone impressive renovation and conservation work that has brought to light previously hidden features and spaces. Now, these rooms are open for visitors to discover the history of the Town Hall through free self-guided tours. Alongside the official re-opening, the Festival of Ideas is on from Monday 4 to Saturday 9 March, kicking off with a colourful light show at Rochdale Town Hall. All the events – which include live performances, talks and installations – are free to attend. 

Discover a potential new friend group with a bold new experience that has recently arrived in the city. A quirky experience by Timeleft, Dinners with Strangers brings you exactly that every Wednesday, so you can have new conversations over a delicious meal. Register online with a personality test and their algorithm will then connect you with five compatible users. The app will unveil your group on the Tuesday, and the venue will be revealed on Wednesday. The whole experience is organised by Timeleft, so all you need to do is turn up! You can create a free account at Timeleft.com, with individual tickets and subscription plans available. 

This Sunday, 10 March, enjoy Mothering Sunday with a river cruise trip, complete with cake and fizz available! Book in for a Mother’s Day Cruise to celebrate this special day aboard the Isabella. The 60-minute journey will take you around the Salford Quays and Manchester Ship Canal with tea and coffee available and a bar on board. For an added £5 you can also enjoy a slice of carrot, Victoria, or chocolate cake and a glass of fizz. The boat departs from Pier 8 in Salford Quays, and tickets start from £12 per adult. 

SEA LIFE Manchester has now opened a new experience that brings families back to the time of dinosaurs. Bring the children to discover the Jurassic Seas by making your way through a new trail where they will uncover fossils, meet a baby Triceratops and take part in different challenges and photo opportunities. The experience is on until 14 April, and is included with SEA LIFE admission, so you can still explore the amazing aquarium zones and see the different creatures that inhabit it. 

A heartwarming co-production from Daryl & Co. And Half Moon is taking the stage at Z-Arts this Sunday, 10 March. Focusing on inclusivity, Boxed In is a mostly non-verbal theatre production for children, following someone who doesn’t fully understand the rules created by society and how this affects how they navigate the world. The show is widely accessible, including for d/Deaf, heard of hearing, BSL and non-English speakers. Tickets are now available for two sessions, at 11am and 2pm, from £9.98. 

A new concept from the team behind the much-loved Edinburgh Castle Pub in Ancoats has just opened. Taking over the former Cottonopolis site, Lamb of Tartary breathes new life into the Northern Quarter spot with a new ‘all day dining’ menu consisting of seasonal dishes which include some British classics. Made up of small plates, brunch and Sunday roasts, you’ll pair off the delicious food with some expertly crafted cocktails or one of 24 different beers available on tap.