Things to do in Manchester this Bank Holiday weekend (5-8 May) including Russell Howard gig & Circus Funtasia

There are lots of things to do this bank holiday weekend if you don’t fancy watching the King’s Coronation.
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May has seen a bumper raft of bank holidays and this weekend is the second of three. The weather forecast isn’t looking brilliant, with some unsettled weather and showers predicted for Greater Manchester. But if you don’t fancy spending the weekend in front of the telly watching King Charles III’s coronation, then there are still plenty of fun things to do this bank holiday weekend. Here are our picks for the long weekend.

Russell Howard

O2 Apollo, 4-5 May

The popular comedian and former Mock the Week regular is back with a new tour and is promising to put the world to rights in his own inimitable way with an ‘uplifting’ show. Friday’s gig is the second of two nights at the Apollo and there are a small number of resale tickets available for £43.50 on Live Nation.

New dates have been announced for Russell Howard’s huge UK tour. New dates have been announced for Russell Howard’s huge UK tour.
New dates have been announced for Russell Howard’s huge UK tour.

Circus Funtasia

Burrs Country Park, Bury, 5-14 May

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Roll up, roll up for some circus magic as this popular circus marks its 10th year. Organisers say you will be able to hear the roar of motorbike engines, feel the heat of the fire-breathers flames, see stunning aerialists and watch a hair raising performance on the Wheel of Death. Tickets start from £12 and can be booked via TicketSource.

GM Walking Festival

Irlam to Altrincham walk, Saturday 6 May

This is one of many walks included in the GM Walking Festival programme and covers from Irlam to Altrincham. The walk is Stage 18 of the GM Ringway long-distance trail and offers a 10-mile route between Irlam and Altrincham, mostly on country paths. It’s estimated the walk should take about six hours to complete, with walkers setting off just after 10am. For full details of where to meet and when, see the Ramblers website here.

Michael Rosen’s Unexpected Twist

The Lowry, Salford, 4-7 May

A retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist but with a modern twist of its own, his production is suitable for kids aged eight and over. The story follows Shona and her class who are studying the book, Oliver Twist. She’s the new girl in school and is finding it hard to stay out of trouble – much like Oliver himself. When she’s given a new phone by a stranger, she begins to suspect there’s something unusual about the new boys she’s met. Tickets cost from £19.80 at Quay Tickets.

Manchester Thunder is hoping for a domestic attendance record for a home match in the Netball Super LeagueManchester Thunder is hoping for a domestic attendance record for a home match in the Netball Super League
Manchester Thunder is hoping for a domestic attendance record for a home match in the Netball Super League

Netball Manchester Live

AO Arena, 7 May

You can help top netballers Manchester Thunder beat a record for the biggest attendance at a league match, as the four-time champions take on the league’s newest team, Leeds Rhinos. It’s been billed as a battle of the roses and costs from £16.50 a ticket, with discounts for large groups. Buy yours at Ticketline here.

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