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. British Art Show comes to Manchester
Opening on the 27th May at the Whitworth Gallery, Oxford Road, the ninth edition of the British Art Show comes to Manchester. British Art Show is the biggest touring exhibition of contemporary art in the UK and it is widely acknowledged as the most important recurrent exhibition of contemporary art produced in the UK. British Art Show will be presented across HOME, Manchester Art Gallery, Castlefield Gallery and The Whitworth until 4 September.
2. Celebrate 40 years of Manchester’s Craft and Design Centre
On Saturday 14 May, Manchester Craft and Design Centre are hosting a free celebration event to mark 40 years since it opened in 1982. Formerly a Victorian fish market before becoming the much-love centre it is today, the event will include live music, food and drink and craft activities alongside an interactive exhibition where you can share your memories, craft something yourself and see how the Centre has evolved.
3. Explore the City’s waterways aboard a Manchester River Cruise
Offering voyages along the River Irwell and the Manchester Ship Canal, hop on board a Manchester River Cruise and gain an insight into the history of the area, whilst taking in the truly unique view of the city’s waterways. Hop onboard the Princess Katherine, which departs daily from Salford Quays.
4. Singin’ in the Rain hit musical heads to the Opera House
Based on the classic 1950’s film made famous by Gene Kelly, Jonathan Church’s critically acclaimed production of Singin’ in the Rain comes to Manchester Opera House from 9 – 13 May. Andrew Wright’s high-energy choreography and Simon Higlett’s sumptuous set design (including over 14,000 litres of water on stage every night) combine with the charm, romance and wit of one of the world’s best-loved films is set to make this a show not to be missed.
5. Explore the indigenous peoples of the Amazon at a new exhibition
Sebastião Salgado, winner of the 2021 Praemium Imperiale award for painting, presents Amazônia at the Science and Industry Museum. Amazonia opens on 13 May and is a breath-taking photography exhibition that celebrates the Brazilian rainforest's indigenous peoples and varied landscapes. Salgado worked with twelve different indigenous communities for seven years to create this magnificent photography exhibition.
New opening of the week: Bundobust x Maray, Oxford Road and Piccadilly Gardens
For two weeks only, Maray and Bundobust will be bringing Middle Eastern-Indian cuisine to the city. Ahead of their long-awaited opening in the new Lincoln square, Liverpool hit restaurant Maray will be adding their own twist to Bundobust staples such as the famed Okra Fries and the Mumbai classic broken samosa. The menu will be available from 9 – 22 May. Find out how to book here.
Book Now: Start planning your Jubilee weekend
This year marks 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II was crowned, making her the first British Monarch to ever celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. To mark the occasion, we’ve been given an extra bank holiday on Friday 3 June and the late May bank holiday has been moved to Thursday 2 June, which for many of us means a four-day weekend. To celebrate, there will be many events taking place across the UK and of course, Greater Manchester is no exception. Find a guide on what you can do in the region on our website.