Five Things you can do in Greater Manchester this week (02 – 08 October)

Celebrate the film industry at Bolton Museum
 

One of the most exciting film festivals will be back in Bolton between the 4 and 8 October. Taking place across different locations, including the Bolton Museum and The Light Cinema, Bolton International Film Festival will celebrate national and international works. With plenty of screenings across the festival, including some free sessions, plus industry talks and masterclasses on how to break into the industry. Tickets start from £8.50. 
 

Expand your book collection with this antique book fair 
 

The Monastery in Gorton will become a haven for book lovers this Sunday, 8 October. From 10AM to 4PM, the Manchester Book Fair will be held in the Great Nave where you will find over 40 local and independent book sellers with a plethora of second hand, antique and collectable books. There will also be a café on site serving snacks, so you can sit down, relax and socialise with fellow bibliophiles. Admission will be £1 at the door, no need to book. 
 

Make over your wardrobe in this student shopping experience 
 

The Trafford Centre is preparing for an evening of extraordinary discounts on Tuesday, 3 October. From 6PM to 10PM, Student Night will take over the shopping centre with exclusive dining and shopping discounts exclusively for students – including 10% off at Archies and 20% off at JD Sports, Boots and Vans. You can also enjoy live entertainment, with performances from Mr Wilson’s Second Liners as well as singers and a DJ. Make sure you register for a free wristband and collect in on the night from the Main Dome or Upper Peel Avenue. 
 

Dive into a world of nostalgia at the Science and Industry Museum... after hours 
 

The Science and Industry Museum will be hosting an adult-only event on Thursday, 5 October. Spend an evening exploring the digestive system with ‘Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You’ or discover 50 years of video games with ‘Power Up’. Museum After Hours will be running from 6PM, with an events bar selling a variety of drinks. Your ticket includes access to the permanent galleries, special exhibitions, demonstrations, and to experience Paul Miller’s MicroCosmic art installation. Admission starts from £10. 
 

Start your weekend at this community festival in Tameside 
 

A new, monthly, community festival is taking over Ashton-under-Lyne. This Friday, 6 October, head over to Fletcher Square for their Fridays on the Square event. On from 4pm to 8pm, it will be filled with music, art and activities, plus there will be a selection of street food traders so you can enjoy some delicious meals while meeting with friends and family. Admission to the event is free. 
 

Book now: Romeo & Juliet at Royal Exchange Theatre 
 

A new Royal Exchange Theatre production will be opening on the 20 October and will be on until 18 November. A modern adaptation of the classic tale by William Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet will show you how love can change the world. This play is theatre and film director Nicholai la Barrie’s Royal Exchange debut and has been described as a “love-letter to Manchester”. Tickets start from £10, so don’t miss out and book your tickets here. 
 

New opening: iKaro 
 

A new 84-cover grill and champagne bar has taken over the old Panacea nightclub location. Opened on the 27 September in John Dalton Street, iKaro is serving two menus that draw in elements of fire and ice, with Bluefin Tuna Chutoro nigiri or Roasted King Oyster Mushrooms. The bar will be stocked with plenty of Champagne varieties, or try one of their spectacular cocktails, with names inspired by Greek mythology. With plans to expand to Edinburgh, London and Dubai, reservations for the Manchester site are now open.