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. 

Victoria Baths 2022

1. Discover the We Invented the Weekend festival 

Did you know that weekends were invented in Greater Manchester? In 1843, workers rights activist Robert Lowes campaigned to win workers the fight to leisure time on Saturday afternoons. Now, Salford is celebrating this milestone with a free festival celebrating the weekend this Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September. We Invented the Weekend will throw open spaces across Salford Quays to celebrate the joy of free time. From water sports on the canal, community feasts and dance performances, to getting your hands dirty with planting workshops, festival-goers will be able to meet new people, try new things and make memories together. 

2. Experience the music of legendary comedian Victoria Wood through Cabaret 

For one night only, Manchester’s new Piano and Cabaret Lounge, Sonata, transforms into a tribute to one of the UK’s greatest comedians, Victoria Wood. On Saturday 10 September, ‘Looking for me friend’ will pay homage to Victoria Wood’s best sketches, songs and performances as portrayed by award-winning cabaret act, PAULUS aka Paul Martin. Looking for me friend promises to be a nostalgic evening of entertainment for all fans of the Prestwich comic or for those looking to explore her iconic work. Tickets from £14.  

3. Go for a swim at the iconic Victoria Baths 

Big Splash at Victoria Baths returns this week for the first time in three years. With help from United Utilities, the iconic Victorian pool, which dates back to 1906 and has since been used as a cinema, rave space and food market, will once again be filled with water from Friday 9 – Sunday 11 September. Enjoy a 45-minute swim which includes access to all original cubicles. Alternatively, join Victoria Baths for a swim on Friday followed by a three-course meal by the Sri Lankan Experience. Tickets start from £18. 

4. Learn how to make Vegan street food at home 

Learn how to make your own incredible vegan street food at home on Friday 9th September. In this class, the Vegetarian Society Cookery School will show you how to use readily available vegan ingredients to make the kind of delectable indulgent food that gets you drooling simply by reading the menu. Tickets from £85. 

5. The UK-premiere of Mrs. Doubtfire the musical comes to Manchester Opera House 

The much-loved hilarious and heartfelt story of Mrs. Doubtfire comes to Manchester Opera House with a musical comedy, based on the hit film with Robin Williams. Running from Friday 2 September to 1 October, tickets for this fun-filled show are limited, but available to book now. Tickets start from £13. 

New opening of the week:  Tsujiri, Circle Square 

This week, the new Circle Square development on Oxford Road welcomes Tsujiri, a Japanese matcha dessert house. Following on from their site in Chinatown, they already have successful stores already in London and around the world. Focusing on a traditional Japanese dessert menu, including sundaes built using matcha-flavoured ice creams, with all matcha used in Tsujiri’s desserts is sourced directly from Japan. The new opening adds to the ever-growing food and drinks presence at Circle Square, with Hello Oriental, Bird of Prey and Canvas already packed out with guests.  

Book Now:  The Tiger Who Came to Tea at The Lowry Theatre 

The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the Olivier Award-winning blockbuster hit production, arrives at The Lowry in October. Join the tea-drinking tiger in this wonderful family performance full of magic, sing-along songs, and bumbling pandemonium. Don't miss this breath-taking theatrical version of the famous story of teatime mayhem.