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. Explore the city and discover stories about what makes Mancunians ‘Proud.’
 

Work your way around the city’s shopping streets this week to discover 20 beautiful large-scale portraits and participate in a citywide audio-visual exhibition celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. Scan the QR codes to hear spoken stories from LGBTQIA+ storytellers who live or work in the city. From the streets of Jamaica, stages of Manchester, dressing rooms of working men’s clubs and the nation’s TV screens, these tales take listeners on personal and candid journeys; all focused on the theme ‘Proud’. 
 

2. Celebrate some iconic Japanese cinema with HOME 
 

This September, HOME will again present an expanded season of Japanese films from the early to mid-1970s after the success of ‘Japan 70: Cinema on the Edge’. In the 1970s, Japan's film industry provided exciting chances for young (and not-so-young), daring, and risky filmmakers to test the limits of cinematic language and question conventional ideas of taste. As a result, HOME will present some of the most crazy and in-your-face movies ever captured on camera. For more information on the films being screened, visit the HOME website.  
 

3. Join Simba, Pumbaa and Timon at Stockport’s Cheadle Green 
 

Enjoy the magic of the cinema outdoors this week as Cheadle Green brings Disney’s The Lion King to their big inflatable screen. On Saturday 3 September, bring your friends, family and favourite camping chairs or blankets, sit back, and sing along. The green opens 3 hours before the screening with a selection of food and drink, sweet treats and garden games available. Tickets start from £8. 
 

4. Spot a star on TV’s most iconic cobbled street 
 

Taking a set tour of Britain’s favourite and longest-running soap is a real treat for many fans, and on Saturday 3 September, you now have the chance to meet someone from the show on the cobbles yourself. Coronation Street Star Tours includes the standard 90-minute guided tour of the Coronation Street set and an opportunity to meet a surprise cast member, making it an extra special moment to treasure for any fan. Tickets start from £40. 
 

5. Explore the machines that powered the industrial revolution in Bolton 
 

Bolton Steam Museum will hold its popular Steaming Days this month by turning on some of the 30 rebuilt steam engines that previously powered the cotton mills of the North. With engines dating back 180 years, these massive industrial pieces of machinery once drove Manchester's thriving cotton industry and are sure to wow with their power, sights, and noises. Entry to the museum is free, but donations are welcome. 
 

New opening of the week: Gooey, Northern Quarter 
 

One of Manchester’s favourite sweet treat brands, Gooey, opened its doors this week on High Street in the  Northern Quarter. The new bakery and café will offer up its famous sweet treats as well as a new selection of brunch options with Gooey’s own unique twist, including Goeey French Toast, a Shokupan Bacon Sandwich and toasted brioche and seasonal jam. 
 

Book Now:  Manchester Wing Fest, The Trafford Centre 
 

Manchester’s sweetest (and spiciest) festival returns this year on Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 September at The Trafford Centre. Manchester Wing Fest is not for the weak of heart, as it features over 200,000 wings served by 20 vendors, restaurants, and BBQ teams. Not only will there be a judging panel to determine which of the sweetest and spiciest are the best, but there will also be live music and a wide selection of bourbons. Tickets start from £20.