Our top tips for making the most of the week ahead, with brilliant things to do across the whole of Greater Manchester… For even more ideas, visit our What’s On page.  

People's History Museum Exterior

1. Explore People’s History Museum and a new summer show of artwork 

Pay a visit to the national museum of democracy from Saturday 16 July to Sunday 11 September to explore a new show for the summer, from one of Manchester’s leading visual art organisations, Venture Arts. Until it Looks Like This includes the installation of a new sculpture at the museum, and artwork including photography, illustration, ceramics, textiles, illustration and paint. The exhibition also supports learning disabled and neurodivergent artists to play an active role in the cultural sector. 

2. Get in the Carnival spirit in Hale 

The Hale Barns Carnival returns this weekend at St Ambrose College. The event will feature over 280 local performers across two stages, a traditional funfair, weekend market, and much more. Well-known opera singer Russell Watson kicks off the Carnival on Friday 15 July followed up with performances by the Real Thing on Saturday and Rose Royce legend, Gwen Dickey closing the show on the Sunday. Tickets start from £30.25. 

3. Lace up your skates and journey to the upside-down. 

On the back of the finale of Netflix’s hit sci-fi horror drama Stranger Things, the team over at Escape to Freight Island are letting the shows Hellfire Club take over their brand new roller rink in the venue’s main hall. Lace up your skates and boogie along to the soundtrack of the show and celebrate all things Stranger Things from 15-17 July. Tickets start from £7.  

4. Pack your buckets and spades and head to... Deansgate 

Great Northern Warehouse’s iconic amphitheatre has reopened its newly redesigned playhouse and ever-popular giant sandpit this week for families to enjoy throughout the summer. With 50 tonnes of sand, some wooden logs to sit on and buckets and spades to borrow, it’s the perfect place to stop off for a taste city-centre beach life!  

5. Celebrate new and emerging talent across the city 

The Greater Manchester Fringe first took place in 2012 with six different venues and a handful of shows in each. Since then, Greater Manchester Fringe has grown each year with more performance and more venues taking part. This month it returns to the city for a new series of events. Ticket prices are low and sometimes free, providing greater access to a non-traditional theatre-going audience.  

New opening of the week: Maray, Albert Square 

Nationally-acclaimed, Maray, is set to open its doors this week in the newly developed Lincoln Square. Founded in 2014, Maray currently has three sites in neighbouring Liverpool, with the Manchester site set to be their largest and first outside their hometown. Inspired by the middle eastern flavours of the Le Marais district of Paris, dishes on the menu will include favourites like their show-stopping Disco Cauliflower, Butterfly Fried Chicken and Turkish Tea Margarita.  

Book Now: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical, Palace Theatre 

The musical version of Roald Dahl’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is heading to the Palace theatre. The production will arrive in the city for a month-long stay in July next year.As with the classic children’s book, the music tells the story of young Charlie Bucket and his journey into Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. Tickets start from £13.