Five things to do in Manchester this weekend: 27th-30th August

First the good news - the weather is looking dry in Manchester this weekend so outdoor event organisers can breathe a sigh of relief.

Here is some inspiration for where to head to enjoy the long weekend.

Oldham Summer Beach

Alexandra Park, Oldham, OL8 2AX: open from 11am to 7pm daily until Monday 30 August.

Get your swimming shorts on and enjoy the last few days of this popular summer attraction, with an enormous sand pit, beach inflatables, deckchairs and magic shows. Tickets are available from Eventbrite here.

Manchester Pride

Various locations in Manchester: from Friday 27 to Monday 30 August.

The annual celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and communities is back - sadly without its enormous public parade this year due to Covid regulations. But you can bank on fun-filled live performances at the Gay Village Party, along a series of Equality Marches on Saturday in ticket-only events. And a string of venues across the city will be offering their own events, from drag brunches to a Youth Pride event on Sunday at YES on Charles Street. Click here for full ticketing info and timings.

Manchester Music: The Hacienda Years walking tour

From HOME arts centre, Tony Wilson Place,M15 4FN: 11am on Saturday 28 August

Try a walking tour with a difference and join Ed Glinert, music writer and historian, for a look back at the Hacienda, Factory Records and some of the legendary artists which came out of those golden years - feel free to burst into song. The event is free but you can register by clicking here.

R&B Bottomless Brunch

Manchester Bierkeller, Printworks, M4 2BS: noon til 5pm Saturday 28 August

Why settle for cereal at the kitchen table when you can have street food and great music in a laidback atmophere? Oh, and bottomless rum punch for the first hour if you are brave enough,

Bolton Food Festival

Various venues in Bolton: Friday 27 August to Monday 30 August

A very welcome return for the region’s biggest food and drink festival after the pandemic forced festivities online last year. And what a great line-up they’ve got in place, from chef demos, food tasting and foraging and live music. Among the star turns appearing are Jean-Christophe Novelli, Nigel Haworth and Masterchef champion Simon Wood. Some of the events are free; others are ticketed: click here for admissions info and here for a full itinerary day-by-day.

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