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.  
 


 

1. Get involved in Trafford’s annual arts and culture festival 
 

Refract Festival returns to Waterside this July for its fifth year. This 10-day festival starting on Thursday 21 July, offers the latest in live comedy, music, dance, immersive performance, and theatre. Trafford's award-winning cultural destination will welcome lyricist Little Sparrow, the formidable Lizzie Boonne and the all-female acrobatic company Mimbre plus many more.  
 

2. Dig out your trowel for an RHS show 
 

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park returns from Wednesday 20 July to celebrate colour, creativity, community, plants and flowers.  Discover fresh talent at the RHS Young Designer Gardens or pay a visit to the Floral Marquee and Plant Village where you can gain some tips from experienced horticulturists. This great summer day out features gardening activities for all ages with tickets starting from £31. 
 

3. Drink some of the finest craft brews Manchester has to offer 
 

Manchester Craft Beer Festival returns on 22-23 July after debuting at Depot Mayfield last year. Along with beers from Manchester breweries Marble, Dark Star, Pomona, and Beatnikz, there will be DJ sets from Goldie, Norman Jay, and David Holmes. £55 per session includes all beer and a sampling glass. 
 

4. Celebrate South Asian Heritage at The Whitworth 
 

Manchester Museum is celebrating South Asian Heritage Month with an unmissable two-day festival at The Whitworth on 22-23 July. Featuring a vast array of film, music, workshops and more, the festival is taking place at the Whitworth on Oxford Road, while Manchester Museum is closed for its £15 million transformation. 
 

5. Budding actor, director or comedian? Upskill your talents with Cultivate at Oldham Coliseum 
 

Cultivate is a week-long festival which begins on Monday 18 July focused on theatre upskilling. It's an unmissable opportunity for anyone wanting to get into any of the many areas of theatre. This year Cultivate sees workshops with Girl Gang MCR, ThickSkin, Darren Jeffries (Hollyoaks), Rupert Hill (Coronation Street), Nathaniel Hall and many more. 
 

New opening of the week: Peter Street Kitchen 
 

Peter Street Kitchen, the award-winning Japanese and Mexican restaurant in central Manchester, has unveiled a new era for its popular dining experience. From Friday 22 July, the experience will see a new and enhanced Japanese and Mexican dining menu accompanied by an exclusive residency with Whispering Angel, the renowned Provençal rosé from Château d’Esclans. Now in its sixteenth vintage, the château has earned critical acclaim worldwide and is the perfect complement to Peter Street Kitchen’s elevated dining experience. 
 

Book Now: Rochdale Feel Good Festival 
 

Rochdale Feel Good Festival on Saturday 13 August will feature a showcase of top-class entertainment, food and culture. There will be live music from the likes of The Fratellis, HAiG and Northern Soultrain alongside new local talent like Rochdale band, The Sprats. The festival takes places across a mix of indoor and outdoor venues, with a wide selection of food and drink. Tickets start from £7.