Outdoor Events
Look out for an action-packed programme of enticing outdoor events from magical multicultural festivals and outdoor parades to a fun-filled celebration of all things Irish.
WHEEL OF MANCHESTER
FROM END MAY
EXCHANGE SQUARE
Take to the skies, as the iconic observation wheel returns to Exchange Square from May onwards. The 60m high, contemporary, big wheel has 42 capsules, which seat up to eight people, all with wheelchair access, air conditioning and heating. With spectacular views across Manchester and beyond, it’s an unforgettable experience for all the family. Tickets: Adults £6, children (under 12) £4, children (under 4) free. VIP capsule (max. 4 people) £65 with champagne, £50 without. www.worldtouristattractions.co.uk
MANCHESTER BIKE WEEK
14—22 JUNE
VARIOUS VENUES
Get on your bike and celebrate cycling during Manchester Bike Week. Organised by Manchester City Council, facilitated and sponsored by local cycling groups and organisations, the week begins with a fun interactive event and continues with a range of activities, including led cycle rides suitable for a range of ages and abilities. http://bikeweek.limelightinteractive.com
MANCHESTER'S NATIONAL VETRANS DAY CELEBRATIONS
27—28 JUNE
VARIOUS VENUES
For generations our Armed Forces have served their country across the world in many roles. National Veterans Day is a celebration of the contribution made by all those who have served in HM Armed Forces (including National Servicemen and Reservists) whatever their age, background or service experience.
National Veterans Day: Friday 27 June
11am: Celebratory service at Manchester Cathedral
12.30pm (approx): Parade
Two hundred veterans of all ages will march in a parade from Manchester Cathedral, along Corporation Street and Cross Street to the Town Hall, Albert Square, where the Lord Mayor of Manchester and the Lord-Lieutenant for Greater Manchester will take the salute.
In Albert Square, a special Garden will be created by Manchester based volunteers from the Prince’s Trust working with veterans as part of Manchester Garden Market.
Fun-Filled Family Celebration
Saturday 28 June, Castlefield
12 noon – 5pm. FREE
Highlights include:
- Live music from the 1940s to the present, including Manchester’s very own Cole Page with his 7-piece orchestra. Dancers will show you the moves of the time, so everyone can get up and have a go.
- Displays, activities and quizzes presented by the Imperial War Museum North.
- Shop Front Home Front – a living history drama performed throughout the day, presented by the People’s History Museum.
- Display of military vehicles including a 1940s cockpit.
- Command tasks using mental and physical skills from Skill Force. Young and old can join together to win prizes.
- Climbing wall, inflatable assault course and penalty shoot out.
- Information stalls for veterans.
- Fairground and food concessions.
SUMMER IN THE PARK
12 JULY 10.30AM–10PM / 13 JULY 10.30AM–9.30PM
PLATT FIELDS PARK
Food and drink meets music in a feast for all the senses at this weekend long celebration of everything that is excellent about food and drink in the region, all in one park. Look out for: Dine in the Park where you can buy and sample a variety of food from Manchester’s best chefs and restaurants; Learn in the Park, for cookery demonstrations, talks and masterclasses; Drink in the Park, giving you a chance to sample wine from around the globe or Manchester’s finest ales; Produce in the Park, where you can buy regionally produced food and drink to take away and prepare at home; Play in the Park, with hands-on activities for families; Tea in the Park, the best teas, finest coffees and most delicious cakes that Manchester has to offer; Music in the Park, for live music from the best of Manchester’s musicians.
Tickets (advance): Adults £9.50, Concessions £6, Children under 10 free.
To book call 0161 832 1111.
www.summerinthepark.co.uk
CARPET OF FLOWERS
16-20 JULY
ALBERT SQUARE
Artist Jo Vickers and a hundred volunteers will create an elaborate carpet design in specially scented and colourful flowers. Come and help make it (contact 0161 224 0020), or visit Albert Square to look at it in its finished splendour. This visually stunning installation will form part of Manchester’s contribution to Britain in Bloom.
www.streetsahead.org.uk
MANCHESTER SUMMER MEGA MELA
26-27 JULY
PLATT FIELDS PARK
A two day celebration of south Asian arts and culture with music and all styles of performance from Bollywood to Bhangra. There will be entertainment from locally and internationally renowned artists, sports such as Kabaddi, Indian wrestling and stone lifting, fashion shows, arts and crafts stalls, funfair, street theatre, food stalls and much more. Free.
www.manchestermela.co.uk
BIG SCREEN: SCREENING OF THE 2008 BEIJING OLYMPICS
8-24 AUGUST
BIG SCREEN, EXCHANGE SQUARE
Action from this top sporting occasion will be broadcast on the Big Screen.
www.manchesterlive.co.uk
Please note: screening subject to change, for updates check www.manchesterlive.co.uk
CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL OF MANCHESTER
16-17 AUGUST
ALEXANDRA PARK
A vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, dance, theatre and costume. Enjoy the infectious rhythms of song and dance as the carnival procession (16 Aug) winds its way through the crowds with steel bands, floats with DJs, dance troupes with carnival queens and princesses, elaborate costumes and folklore characters. Free. www.caribbeancarnivalofmanchester.com
BECK'S FUSIONS
3-7 SEPTEMBER
CASTLEFIELD
A celebration of art and music fusions. Entertainment, live music and more. Check website for updates. www.manchesterlive.co.uk
DASHEHRA DIWALI MELA
11 OCTOBER / 3.30–9PM
PLATT FIELDS PARK
Dashehra and Diwali are Hindu festivals commemorating the victory of good over evil. The park will be bursting with entertainment, from music and dance to street performers, jugglers, fire dancers, an Indian wedding brass band and stilt walkers. At dusk, a 30 feet high effigy of the demon king Ravan will be set alight, followed by brilliant fireworks. Hundreds of school children will participate in a lantern procession with the lanterns they have made in workshops prior to the event. There will also be a mini bazaar and a funfair. Free.
www.dashehradiwali.co.uk
CHINESE NEW YEAR
1 FEBRUARY 2009
CHINATOWN
The year of the Ox is welcomed with a glittering array of festivities including Dragon and Lion Dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, folk dance performances, fireworks and the spectacular Golden Dragon Parade. Free. www.manchesterlive.co.uk
MANCHESTER IRISH FESTIVAL
MARCH 2009
VARIOUS VENUES
A city-wide showcase of Irish culture and celebration of all things Irish. Highlights include the St Patrick’s Parade, which sees over 70 floats, bands and walking groups wind their way through the city. www.goingirish.com