1. Roll with the music at The Trafford Centre
The StarWash Roller Disco is opening in the Trafford Centre this week. From 19 July, you can boogie to disco classics while skating through a kaleidoscope of colours. With a dress up area and a glitter makeover, make sure you capture it in the photobooth before you head out in the rink. Tickets start from £10 and include access to the StarWash Lounge and skate hire.
2. Sail through a river of pure imagination at the Wonka Chocolate Factory
Get your Golden Ticket, with The Palace Theatre’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: The Musical running until the end of July. This enchanting show is based on the much-loved novel by Roald Dahl and inspired by the Warner Bros. 2005 film. Go along to meet Charlie Bucket and Grandpa Joe in this wonderful tale of the mysterious Wonka chocolate factory where things aren’t exactly what they seem. Tickets from £22.
3. Explore the world of the creators behind The Gruffalo
From 22 July, The Lowry is hosting a new exhibition Julia and Axel - 30 Years of Favourite Stories. A look into the creation of some of the most-loved children’s books in the world – including The Gruffalo, Zog and The Baddies - this exhibition showcases several of Julia Donaldson’s personal writing notebooks (including some of the very first ideas!) and Axel Scheffler’s sketches, works in progress and familiar illustrations. With the opportunity for children to write and illustrate their own stories, admission is free.
4. Travel back in time to the Jurassic (Heaton) Park
Dinosaurs are taking over Heaton Park from 20 July to 6 August. Dinosaurs in the Park will feature 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs in what is sure to be an educational day out for the family. Wander around the Dinosaur Trail and take part in different activities such as Dino Excavations and even a chance to brush a T-Rex’s teeth! Dr Dean Lomax, renowned palaeontologist from the University of Manchester will make a guest appearance on the 23 July for a Q&A session as well as showing off some of his own collection of fossils. Tickets start at £8.34.
5. Discover a world of Craft Beer this weekend
The Manchester Craft Beer Festival is back – from 21 to 22 July at Mayfield Depot. With the beer included in the ticket price, you can taste over 500 beers from breweries around the world in Manchester’s biggest beer event. This year you will also find a delicious selection of food from Stockport’s monthly food festival with vendors inside the depot. Tickets start from £55.
New opening of the week: Half Dozen Other
Opened just last week in the up-and-coming Red Bank neighbourhood, Half Dozen Other is the bakery responsible for the sweet and savoury treats from Manchester coffee chain Pot Kettle Black. This warehouse-style bakery will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for delicious pastries, bread, coffee and more.
Book Now: Art Battle MCR XXII – Party In The (car) Park
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Art Battle Manchester is ready to party! On 8 September, from 7pm to 11pm, join painters, illustrators, and street artists in this energetic art event. Following on from 20 other sold-out events, Party In The (car) Park will see ten new artists taking stage in Stockport for a live-painting competition. Set in a 1960’s multi-storey carpark in Merseyway, there will be food and drink stalls from Stockport’s independent traders as well as entertainment throughout the evening. Tickets now on sale from £17.50.