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. Go on a champagne bicycle ride for two

Didsbury Bicycle Hire has teamed up with the beautiful French patisserie Bisous Bisous and has announced the launch of the first in a series of locally-sourced seasonal picnic hamper packages. Freshly made on the day of your booking, the finest ingredients are put together to provide a selection of artisan sandwiches, fresh mini pastries, macarons and other sweet treats. Also included is a bottle of Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top champagne and a flask of breakfast tea.

2. Dynamic new art exhibition comes to The Lowry Hotel

The Lowry Hotel, named after one of Britain’s most famed artists, plays host to a daring and dynamic exhibition of pop art and graffiti artworks this month, ushering in a new artistic era for the Manchester institution. The vibrant pieces are the brainchild of renowned artist and graphic designer Henry ‘Big H’ Chan. Chan’s acclaimed works include powerful portrayals of iconic figures synonymous with the last 50 years of pop culture, including Prince, George Michael, Daniel Craig, and The Queen.   

3. Relive the Tudors with Horrible History live on stage

Prepare yourselves for Terrible Tudors live on stage! From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. On Saturday 7 May at Stockport Plaza, find out the fate of Henry's headless wives and his punch up with the Pope, meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed!

4. Learn about one of the most successful women you’ve probably never heard of

When actress Maxine Peake was given cyclist Beryl Burton’s autobiography as a gift, she questioned why no one had ever written a play about Britain’s unsung sporting legend, and so she wrote it herself. Opening at the Oldham Coliseum on Saturday 2 May, Beryl is an inspirational tour de force fuelled by rhubarb, northern charm and fierce determination.

5. Rejuvenate your mental and physical wellbeing this May

SICK! Festival 2022 is an arts and health festival in Moston, Harpurhey and Charlestown that takes place in the heart of the community throughout May. With fantastic local & international artists, poets, theatre-makers, musicians and computer game designers, SICK! Festival offers a space where people can reflect on their experiences together and take part in activities that boost their wellbeing.

New opening of the week: The Vurger Co, Northern Quarter

The fourth and largest ever Vurger Co. restaurant in the UK is now open on Tib Street, Northern Quarter. It will be the chain’s first northern location, adding to those in London and Brighton. The restaurant will be open seven days a week on a walk-in only basis with a menu that will feature The Vurger Co.’s ethically-sourced plant-based options, all of which come in fully compostable packaging.

Book Now: Wuthering Heights

Renowned theatre organisation Wise Children is bringing Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights to The Lowry this May. The Wise Children’s powerful reimagining of Brontë’s classic gothic story of loss, love, and despair has received stunning reviews in the national press. In its five-star review, The Times describes the new stage version as ‘Emotionally epic entertainment’; while The Guardian praises ‘a bold and ingenious production’.