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. 

Jonathan Schofield

1. Dig out your dancing shoes for The Manchester Soul Club 

As part of their inaugural month of events to celebrate their reopening and major expansion project, Band on the Wall welcomes The Manchester Soul Club on Saturday 19 March. Taking inspiration from the classic US show Soul Train, this night train takes you on an uplifting journey filled with funk, soul, disco and Motown classics. Tickets for the night start from £8.20. 

2. Experience a luxury break in Manchester 

From personal shopping to bespoke experiences, Manchester is the ideal city for a luxury break. Our 48 hours in Manchester itinerary allows you to enjoy sumptuous food at the best restaurants, savour delicious drinks at the city’s top bars, and unwind in one of Manchester’s best hotels. What's more, you can even win a luxury city break for two in Manchester, including a pair of 1st Class return tickets to Manchester Piccadilly with Avanti West Coast trains and an overnight stay at the 5* Stock Exchange Hotel.

3. Learn a quirky new instrument with a Blues champion 

On Monday 14 March, pick up a new instrument at The Met in Bury and learn from one of Britain’s best. British blues harmonica champion, Mat Walklate, will be offering two workshops for both beginners and intermediates. Participants will require a diatonic harmonica in the tune of C to take part in this COVID-safe lesson. 

4. Spanish & Latin American Festival returns to HOME 

Now in its 28th year, ¡Viva! returns to HOME on Friday 18 March for the annual celebration of Spanish and Latin American culture, bringing you a programme of the most exciting cinema from across the Spanish-speaking world. This year, they screen 19 new feature films, including multiple UK cinema premieres and two classic films from Spanish maestro Luis García Berlanga. View the full line-up of festival events here. 

5. Explore music, pubs and ghosts showcased in new weekly tours 

Local guides Jonathan Schofield, Emma Fox and John Ryan, have clubbed together to offer a weekly series of walks taking place around Manchester city-centre. The Saturday Walkabout Series will commence each week with three tours - a tour at 1pm that sweeps through the popular music scene of the city from the 1960s to the present day. At 3pm, a pub tour will offer an absurd yet factual roller-coaster, staggering across three hundred years of Manchester's drinking history. Then at 5pm, there will be thrills and laughs on an underground ghost tour packed with Manchester myths. Tickets should be booked in advance. 

New Opening of the week: Pong and Puck, Great Northern 

From the team behind Bar Hutte, Pong and Puck becomes the latest addition to a long list of game and activity bars in Manchester. Taking over the Deansgate/Peter Street corner at Great Northern Warehouse, Pong and Puck offers revellers the chance to listen to some of the best 80’s, 90’s and 00’s party classics whilst channelling their inner competitiveness with games of ping pong and shuffleboard. 

Book Now: Manchester Craft Beer Festival 

The Manchester Craft Beer Festival returns this year on 22-23 July following last year’s inaugural offering at Depot Mayfield. Alongside a vast array of local craft breweries such as Marble, Dark Star, Pomona and Beatnikz, there will be some huge names from the music scene such as DJ’s Goldie, Norman Jay and David Holmes. Tickets start from £55 per session and include all beer and a complimentary special tasting glass.