FIVE things you can do in Greater Manchester this week (27– 3 July)

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. Celebrate new and emerging talent with a city-wide theatre festival 
 

The Greater Manchester Fringe first took place in 2012 with six different venues and a handful of shows in each. Since then, Greater Manchester Fringe has grown each year with more performance and more venues taking part. This year it returns to the city for a month-long series of events starting on Friday 1 July. Ticket prices are low and sometimes free, providing greater access to a non-traditional theatre-going audience. 
 

2. Go behind the scenes at Stockport’s iconic super cinema and variety theatre 
 

On Wednesday 29 June, go behind the scenes at Stockport’s Art Deco cinema and theatre, The Plaza, and explore what makes this 1930s icon so special. Many of the greatest stage and screen stars have appeared in person or on-screen here since the doors opened in 1932. Tickets start from £9.90, with all proceeds going towards their ongoing maintenance and restoration appeal. 
 

3. Celebrate classic American motoring at Tatton Park  
 

The Classic American‘s Stars & Stripes Car Show, which has been running for more than 30 years, returns to Tatton Park again on Sunday 3 July for two days of celebration of all things Americana, from Mustangs to Corvettes and Cadillacs to American motorhomes. There will be a vast array of vehicles to browse and admire, from saloons of the 1930s to some made famous in TV and Film. Tickets start from £10 with free entry for under-15s. 
 

4. Join the National Football Museum for a celebration of women’s football 
 

Join esteemed football historian, Dr Gary James, at the National Football Museum for a celebration of women's football. The event kicks off on Friday 1 July with Dr James hosting a presentation in the first half of the day before chairing a discussion with women who played football in the region. This promises to be an entertaining talk with particular emphasis on games and teams from Trafford and Manchester. 
 

5. Get back in the habit at the Palace  
 

The eagerly anticipated smash-hit musical Sister Act is coming to the Palace Theatre from Monday 27 June. This wonderful ode to friendship, sisterhood, and music tells the story of a disco diva who witnesses a murder and gets placed under protective custody in a convent. Deloris helps her other nuns find their voices while she rediscovers her own. This lively and funny musical has songs influenced by Motown, soul, and disco by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Disney's Aladdin, Enchanted). Tickets start from £13.  
 

New opening of the week: Derek Jarman Park, Manchester Art Gallery 
 

A new pocket park outside Manchester Art Gallery has opened to the public, inspired by the radical artist Derek Jarman. The Derek Jarman Pocket Park is located in front of the Manchester Art Gallery's main entrance and was constructed by LGBT Foundation Pride in Ageing volunteers aged 50+, in collaboration with gardening specialists, landscape architects, and gallery curators. 

It was developed to complement the Jarman exhibition Protest!, which was on display earlier this year at the gallery. 
 

Book Now: Manchester Craft Beer Festival 
 

The Manchester Craft Beer Festival returns this year on 22-23 July, following last year’s inaugural offering at Depot Mayfield. Alongside a vast array of local craft breweries such as Marble, Dark Star, Pomona and Beatnikz, there will be some huge names from the music scene such as DJ’s Goldie, Norman Jay and David Holmes. Tickets start from £60 per session and include all beer and a complimentary special tasting glass.