FIVE Things you can do in Greater Manchester this week (27 May – 02 June)

This Sunday, 2 June, drop by Aviva Studios and take part in creative sessions for families and kids. Between 11am and 2pm, the free Inspirational Women Family Drop-In event gives kids the chance to create posters, badges, recycled art and contribute towards a giant Inspirational Women colouring mural. Discover the stories of Frida Kahlo, Malala Yousafzai, Rosa Parks, Greta Thunberg, Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera and Stormé DeLarverie.

Kickstart the weekend with dinner and a show at Corn Exchange this Thursday, 30 May. Bringing you live acoustic performances, the striking Edwardian atrium will become the stage for Thursday Night Live, welcoming the smooth sounds of jazz for an evening with Guy Connor at the grand piano. Book your table at one of the fabulous restaurants between 6pm and 9pm and enjoy a sensational time with family and friends.

Head to Macclesfield this week to learn about where clothes come from and discover three exciting recently opened exhibitions. The Silk Museum has now launched Archipelagogo, where you can see 3D soft sculptures by Felt Mistress as well as Odyssey, showcase of works from group Textile 21, and Wowen, a collection of small-scale pieces from three local artists. There is also plenty of fun workshops and activities to take part throughout the week. Admission to the museum is free.

Bring your tiny writers and budding book collectors to the house of a literary icon to inspire them to create their own stories. The whole family will enjoy the May Half-Term Family Fun at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House where you’ll make your own arts and crafts, dress up, explore the Cranford the Cat trail and enjoy time in the stunning garden. The activities run between 26 May and 2 June and are included with admission. Tickets for the house and gardens start from £7.50 and is free for under 16s

Get your boots polished and your lasso ready to spend an action-packed day at Cockfields Farm. Until 9 June, explore the Wild West and take part in lasso throwing, cactus tossing, ride a tractor and learn to dance at the hoedown mini disco. The Saloon Bar is open for your free Moonshine (Lemonade!)  and there’ll even be a Cowboy training show. Families are encouraged to dress up in their best costumes. Standard tickets are available online from £9.95.

A new restaurant by Northern-born chef Tom Barnes lands this week in the red-brick Hanover building in NOMA. Skof is a celebration of food that everyone can experience, with its ‘unpretentious yet ambitious’ approach to fine dining. The menu is designed with a ‘farm-to-table' ethos reflecting Tom’s experience working at some of the world’s best restaurants. Opening on the 29 May, reservations are now open to experience ‘great food and great vibes’ in what is set to be one of the most exciting openings of the year. 

Have a rocking good time at Palace Theatre this summer, as a musical phenomenon returns to the Manchester stage. Tracy Turnblad will dance her way to her dream TV show with the support of her friends in Hairspray, a musical that explores themes of equality and inclusion through energetic music, fun dance routines and fabulous 60s costumes. The show is on between 16 and 27 July, with tickets available from £30 so make sure you book now!