Things to do in Manchester this weekend (14-16 April) from Candlelight Abba to Easter egg hunt

With Easter weekend complete and a few weeks to go until the next bank holiday, many events are taking place in Manchester to lessen the return-to-work blues.

Looking ahead, there are events suitable for families, theatre lovers and those in need of a spring clean and everyone in-between. This weekend sees the return of the Manchester Marathon and provides the opportunity to refresh with a repair festival alongside performances from the arts. Here is a rundown of some of our favourite events taking place this weekend.

Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA

Manchester Cathedral

This Friday 14 April, a string quartet concert is taking place to the music of ABBA in a candlelit setting. The popular event at Manchester Cathedral will include hits Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and The Winner Takes it All alongside 10 other classics. The event is set to be atmospheric under the glow of candles within the historic Cathedral. Children aged 8+ are welcome but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are still available and are priced over three tiers ranging from £30-£40 per person. For further information and to book visit their website.

‘Good as new’ Festival

At Stretford Public Hall, there is a reuse and repair one day festival taking place on Saturday 15 April . The event will host bike repairs, clothing alterations and advice on repairing any other household items you may have. Also, events are being held for children - giving them the opportunity to make recycled crafts. The event will run from 10am till 3pm and there will also be a car boot sale open from 10am until 1pm. This event is free to attend but will not offer parking due to the nature of the car boot sale. There are still some pitches available to book for the car boot sale which can be booked for £10 here.

Manchester Marathon

This Sunday 16 April, sees the return of the annual Manchester Marathon which will be taking to the streets to showcase athletes, fancy dress, charity runs and everything in between. The marathon is the 4^th largest event in Europe and will see 28,000 participants taking place as individuals or within teams. There is set to be around 125,000 spectators lining the streets as runners take part within a 26.2-mile journey. Starting at 9am, people will set off in different waves with the last predicted to set off at 11am and if you are planning to attend, people are advised to use Metrolink when accessing the event village areas. You can also watch the run online via the marathon website.

Giant Easter Egg Hunt

RHS Bridgewater, Salford

Easter events continue as it is the final weekend to take part within the family egg hunt egg-stravaganza at RHS Garden Bridgewater. The egg hunt takes place within the garden and children are encouraged to find the giant painted eggs and partake in puzzles along the way. They will be rewarded for their efforts with a chocolate treat and there are other events such as outdoor shows taking place throughout the weekend. Children under 5 and RHS members go free and standard admission prices apply for non-members. The event takes place daily from 10am till 6pm and further information and booking can be found on their website.

Cat On a Hot Tin Roof

Royal Exchange

The Royal Exchange Theatre is hosting the performance of Cat On a Hot Tin Roof this month, with shows taking place on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 April. The play follows a family within South America who are celebrating Big Daddy’s birthday whilst withholding secrets from each other in the quest for succession. With themes of deceit, turbulence and determination, the play from Tennessee Williams is a must see. To book tickets and view further showings of the production, visit the Royal Exchange Theatre website.