FIVE Things you can do in Greater Manchester this week (15 - 21 April)

The first indoor flower show by the Royal Horticultural Society arrives in Manchester this Thursday, 18 April. Looking to inspire people with little or no outdoor space to create their own indoor gardens, the RHS Urban Show will be taking place at Depot Mayfield until Sunday and will be hosting how-to talks by Michael Perry, aka Mr Plant Geek and a line-up of urban gardening experts. Tickets are on sale from £17.50. 

The Bridgewater Hall becomes the stage to a magnificent opera performance by Manchester’s own The Hallé orchestra. This Thursday, 18 April, become mesmerised by the original 1857 version of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra in a partnership with Opera Rara and featuring the Chorus of Opera North. Conducted by Sir Mark Elder, Igor Golovatenko takes the role of Simon Boccanegra opposite Eleonora Buratto as Amelia. Tickets start from £16.

An uplifting musical is arriving at The Lowry Theatre this Thursday, 18 April, that will inspire you to follow your dreams. 42 Balloons follows the story of how truck driver Larry Walters flew 16 thousand feet above Los Angeles with a lawn-chair and 42 helium-filled weather balloons. The musical, inspired by the true story from 1982, features an 80’s pop-inspired score with music and lyrics from Jack Godfrey (This is a Love Story). Catch the dreamy show before it closes on 19 May, with tickets from £23. 

One of Manchester’s most historic streets is introducing a new programme of events on fashion, culture and society. Between 18-20 April, King Street presents the Smart Works Pop-Up Shop as the first collaboration. Smart Works is a UK charity aiming to provide women with confidence to reach their full potential and the multi-brand sale taking place in 35 King Street, will raise funds for the organisation to continue offering their support all over the country.

An artist-led independent gallery and art space in Stockport, Mura Ma showcases incredible works from emerging artists. Its newest exhibition, Beyond the Frame, brings six artists together as they challenge tradition and bring their art-making process into the spotlight. Now on its final stretch, the exhibition runs until 20 April, with an artists’ talk on Thursday, 18. You can book tickets for the talk from £10. 

The stunning Grade II listed building at the top of King Street has been transformed to welcome an Italian favourite. Known for elegant venues in Hale and Wilmslow, Cibo has arrived in the city centre to bring classic Italian dishes and exclusive wines and spirits from around the globe. Set to become a celeb-favourite, the interiors have been renovated to match the famous Cibo sophistication.  

Manchester’s newest cultural venue Aviva Studios has been reeling out some fantastic shows since its opening in October last year. The programme will continue to mesmerise audiences, as Factory International welcomes its May line-up The Accountants, Robin/Red/Breast and WOW Manchester all heading to the venue next month, along with plenty more exciting events to be discovered. Check out what’s on at Factory International and book now.