Although July hasn’t quite matched June for sunny weather just yet, it’s fair to say summer is well and truly in full swing. With the school holidays just around the corner, there’s a sense of celebration in the air.
There are lots of events taking place in and around Greater Manchester in the coming weeks to ensure that those long summer days stay packed and busy. Naturally this time of year means festival season and even though Glastonbury is swiftly becoming a distant memory, there’s still a chance to catch some live music at a festival, either in the city or nearby.
For those looking to soak up some culture for free, then Manchester International Festival is certainly worth checking out, especially the free events held in Festival Square. If the weather does let us down (let’s face it, Manchester is known for its rain so no doubt there’ll be some disappointing days) you can still head to the beach right here in the city as Backyard Cinema launches its Miami beach-themed pop-up cinema at the Depot Mayfield.
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And if we do get lucky with some sunny days, why not enjoy the stunning floral displays at the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park? Read on for some of the incredible things you can do in Greater Manchester this July.
Head to the beach (well, sort of)
Depot Mayfield will be transformed into an ‘80s Miami beach’ by Backyard Cinema this summer, bringing those seaside vibes directly to Manchester city centre. The pop-up cinema will be hosting weekly beach parties alongside their movie screenings.
Movie-goers can expect palm tree cocktails and Miami-style art deco styling inside the venue. Starting on July 5 and running until early August, the programme includes sing-a-long screenings of Grease and Mamma Mia, as well as Beach Party viewings of Dirty Dancing. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Enjoy stunning floral displays
RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park is returning once again on July 19 until July 23. Just a stone’s throw away from Greater Manchester, it’s the perfect summer’s day out.
Showcasing the best of horticultural and garden design, visitors can expect gorgeous displays filled with beautiful blooms, as well as walk-through gardens. There’ll be workshops and talks for green-fingered enthusiasts, as well as shops and food and drink stalls. For more details and tickets, click here.
Experience Thailand (without the flights)
For two days Platt Fields Park will be transformed into a slice of Thailand as the Magic of Thailand Festival takes over on July 29 and 30. It promises a jam-packed schedule and a chance to discover the tastes, sounds and sights of Thai culture.
Visitors will be able to tuck into tasty Thai food, listen to traditional Thai Folk Music or watch some Muay Thai boxing. If you’re feeling up to it there’s even an eating competition, or for those who want to relax you can even enjoy traditional Thai massage.
Celebrate Manchester Day
Although this year the usual Manchester Day parade has been scrapped, there’s still plenty of fun to be had at this year’s event, held on July 29. This year’s theme is ‘On Holiday’ with the city’s streets set to come alive with entertainment, live music and dancing.
You’ll be able to ride a helter-skelter in the middle of Deansgate or take to the dance floor around St Ann’s Square. Later on in the day Global Grooves will take over the Northern Quarter, promising a party atmosphere in the evening.
Immerse yourself in culture
Having kicked off in June, Manchester International Festival is on until July 16, offering a range of incredible events. This year Festival Square is being hosted at the new Aviva Studios overlooking the River Irwell.
Dozens of free events will be held at Festival Square, and guests can enjoy live music and treats from food and drink stalls. Meanwhile tickets are available for performances across the city, as well as the Yayoi Kusama exhibition You, Me and The Balloons, taking place at Aviva Studios.
Embark on Greater Manchester’s newest walk
This month Greater Manchester’s newest walking trail, the GM Ringway, enters a new stage as people are invited to test out sections of the trail in Trafford in a series of five free guided walks on July 15 and July 16. Walks include a seven-mile route from Manchester city centre to Sale Water Park and a gentle one-mile walk around Longford Park.
Those taking part need to book a space and will be able to try out the GM Ringway app and website for the first time. Their feedback will help to improve the experience of the trail for others as all 20 stages of the runway are rolled out in the coming months. To book a place, click here.
Enjoy some music
Summer is synonymous with music festivals, and there’s several to choose from both within Greater Manchester and further afield. Castlefield Bowl Sounds of the City is back once more. Having kicked off with performances by the likes of Porcupine Tree and The Lathums, the concert series is set to close on July 9 with Two Door Cinema Club, with Bastille and Blossoms among those taking to the city-centre venue in the coming days.
On July 29th Hulme Community Garden Centre will be transformed for the Green Island Festival where you can enjoy live music surrounded by lush greenery. From July 20-23 Bluedot Festival will take over the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, while Kendal Calling promises a weekend of music in the heart of the Lake District from July 27 to July 30.
