FIVE Things you can do in Greater Manchester this week (10 – 16 June)

Make the most of this weekend with a FREE festival with live music and activities for all ages. This Saturday and Sunday, 15 and 16 June, MediaCity and Salford Quays become the stage for We Invented the Weekend, a celebration of leisure time to enjoy with your friends, family and community. Expect sports, live performances, workshops, food and much more in this two-day event that is sure to get you ready for a summer of fun!

The fascinating Manchester Museum has just launched a brand-new exhibition to challenge the way you see nature. Wild explores how humanity and the natural world co-exist in a world that is ever-changing. Discover how different communities shape the environment to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis in this immersive experience featuring natural history collections and artworks, with audio, film and interactive elements. Free tickets are now available to book.

Between Wednesday 12 and Sunday 16 of June, head to one of 133 libraries in Greater Manchester to support the institutions that help develop the cultural and creative landscape of the region. The Festival of Libraries is packed with author talks, performances, installations, live music and many, many more exciting activities in libraries including Central Library, The Portico, Chetham’s Library and John Rylands Research Institute and Library. Events are mostly free to attend, with donations encouraged.  Discover the full programme here.

Join the National Football Museum this weekend to celebrate the start of the most exciting European football competition. During the Euros Weekender on 15 and 16 June, the museum is hosting a series of fun activities for the whole family, from a face painting station, one-a-side matches with a referee and commentator, special Euro-related tours and much, much more! Season tickets start from £14, and admission is free to City of Manchester residents.

This Saturday, 15 June, Rochdale Town Hall Square welcomes back a popular food festival with entertainment and activities for the whole family. With a Victorian carousel, bumper cars and face painting for the kids, Street Eat will also feature an exciting music stage and, of course, a line-up of delicious food and drink – with Italian, Indian, English, German, American and Greek cuisines available. Admission to the festival is free.

Fans of The Black Friar pub will love this brand-new cafe from the team behind the historic Salford institution. Located in the Blackfriars area, close by the pub, Leo and Roobs offers you a warm and friendly space with artisanal coffee, house-made juices and a comforting brunch menu made with fresh, local ingredients. Open seven days a week, it offers al fresco tables, cosy indoor seating and even takeaway options for anyone on the go. A short walk from the city centre, Leo + Roobs is now ready to welcome you.

Step across the river Irwell and discover a stunning new hotel that has recently opened on Chapel Street. Perfectly located by Manchester Arndale for shopping, and the AO Arena for live events, the Maldron Hotel Manchester Cathedral Quarter is modern, comfortable and welcoming, with their Grain & Grill bar and restaurant open all day with a delicious menu on offer. Whether you’re looking to stay for a relaxing night away or a weekend to explore the city, this new hotel is open for you to book now.