Don’t miss out on the chance to discover new artists in a festival “created for music lovers by music lovers”. Coming up this Sunday, 5 May, Sounds From The Other City has been celebrating Salford’s creative scene and this year promises another great edition with performances from a mix of talented emerging artists in venues such as Peel Hall, Maxwell Hall and plenty more. The final release tickets are now available from £44.88. 

Spend a wild day out this May bank holiday as you meet hundreds of fascinating friends on a short trip from Manchester. An exciting experience for the whole family, Knowsley Safari features an impressive 5–mile drive that takes you through the lions’ enclosure, the monkey jungle and many other habitats. You may also like to explore their Amur Tiger Trail and meet the meerkats, giraffes and sea lions that inhabit the park. Standard adult tickets start from £22.50. 

Explore Manchester like never before as you taste six different expertly selected wines. The three-hour Manchester Wine Tours are led by a local wine expert who will take you to four of her favourite venues in the city, passing on some of her knowledge as you try wines and snacks. First time visitors and born Mancunians are all welcome on this walking tour taking place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets from the tour start from £75. 

Everyone’s favourite friendly engine returns to Manchester for the bank holiday weekend. Between 4 and 6 May, spend a Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine where you’ll get to meet Sir Topham Hatt and say hello to Thomas before embarking on a journey through the beautiful countryside on a train pulled by the blue engine himself. After the exciting ride, visit the Bury Transport Museum and enjoy plenty of Thomas-themed activities. Tickets start at £13.50 for children and £22.70 for adults. 

Local filmmakers and storytellers are brought together for the North Manchester Film Festival on 3 and 4 May. Taking place at The Miners Community Arts and Music Centre, in collaboration with SICK! Festival 2024, you can expect cinema showcases and gallery screenings throughout the two days of the event. SICK! Festival will take place throughout May with a programme from local, UK based and international artists. Tickets for the film festival are free, with advance booking required. 

Known for its impressive Mediterranean brunch menu and mouthwatering pastries and cakes, independent cafe HAMPTON & VOÚIS has opened its second location in the vibrant High Street. Bringing you brunch classics including smashed avocado and poached eggs, you’ll find the menu filled with appetizing sweet options such as their Biscoff pancakes or pistachio & white chocolate French toast and a variety of dairy, vegan and gluten-free options. 

Broadway and West End smash hit musical SIX is arriving at The Lowry in August this year as  a new dedicated exhibition will decorate the venue from July. QUEENS: The Exhibition will ask ‘What kind of Queen are you?’ as it celebrates the Tudor Queens of the musical, contemporary music influences and the Queens we share our lives with. The exhibition is a first of its kind and will feature new commissions, and venue-wide activities including arts & crafts and dance worskshops. The exhibition is free to attend but timeslots are required which you can book now!