Our top tips for making the most of the week ahead and the Bank Holiday weekend, with brilliant things to do across the whole of Greater Manchester… For even more ideas, check out our August Bank Holiday Weekend in Greater Manchester post. 
 

1. Celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day  
 

Manchester is showing its solidarity with the people of Ukraine on Wednesday 24 August by celebrating their Independence Day with a host of events. To mark the occasion, Manchester City Council is supporting the Ukrainian Cultural Centre’s vibrant family fun day. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in Ukrainian culture and sample some of the country’s excellent food. The Independence Day festivities will educate residents and revellers on the history and culture of Ukraine, as well as demonstrate Manchester’s solidarity with the international Ukrainian community.  
 

2. Take part in one of the UK’s biggest Pride festivals 
 

Manchester Pride returns this weekend, bringing with it some of the best events of the summer. Up to 14,000 people are set to march in the Pride Parade with thousands more spectating. Manchester’s Gay Village Party will play host to performances, markets, live stages, parties and much more across the area. There are also many other ticketed and free-to-attend events taking place all across the city, many of which you can find here.  
 

3. Take a trip out to Bolton for an amazing food and drink festival 
 

Bolton Food and Drink Festival is back this weekend for its 17th year. From Friday 26 to Monday 29 August, the Bolton Food and Drink Festival will bring together celebrity chefs, including James Martin and Ainsley Harriott, hundreds of food traders, live music and entertainment. This August Bank Holiday, make sure you head to Victoria Square for cookery demos, the best food and drink on offer and family-friendly fun. 
 

4. Enjoy a taste of Italy in Cathedral Gardens 
 

Enjoy a taste of Italy from Friday 26 August, as Festa Italiana Manchester, the country’s most vibrant festival of Italian food, returns. This free, weekend-long celebration will take place in Manchester City Centre from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 August. Inspired by Manchester’s Italian heritage and festivals all over Italy, the Festa brings communities together to enjoy beautiful food, delicious drinks and incredible live music.  
 

5. Try some of the best in British street food 
 

The prestigious British Street Food Awards are arriving in Manchester on Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 August at the new Circle Square neighbourhood on Oxford Road. With a line-up that includes some of the UK’s best street food vendors, visitors can sample a wide range of quick eats.  The Food awards are also a great excuse to explore Manchester’s newest neighbourhood, Circle Square, now home to some of the city’s most exciting independent restaurants and bars including Bird of Prey, Hello Oriental, and Canvas. 
 

New opening of the week: New Century Hall 
 

A legendary music venue, which has seen the likes of Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones grace its stage will reopen its doors on Friday 26 August. With an 800 capacity, sprung dance floor, and 60’s style “disco ceiling”, the Grade II listed New Century hall will flaunt its historic legacy with all original features fully restored. An accompanying food and drinks space will welcome two-time Great British Menu winner Adam Reid with a new concept called The Butty Shop, alongside other local favourites. 
 

Book Now: Vincent River, Hope Mill Theatre 
 

Green Carnation, a Manchester-based LGBTQ+ theatre group, will return to the stage this October with a new production of Philip Ridley's fiery psychological thriller, 'Vincent River'. Green Carnation Company, whose aim is to highlight LGBTQ+ stories through theatre, will return to Hope Mill Theatre from Wednesday 12 – Wednesday 19 October to debut its first show since the pandemic. 'Vincent River' is a gripping, heartbreaking, and at times darkly comic thriller set in London's East End that examines hate crime, loss, prejudice, and sexuality in a frantic game of cat and mouse. Tickets are now available.