Things to do in Manchester this weekend (24-26 February) from Sea Life mermaids to Asian Lifestyle Expo

It’s the last weekend of February, which means we’re one step closer to spring, longer days and more sunshine. If this has put you in the mood to get out and about, there are several events in Manchester this weekend to keep you entertained – from dining on the Titanic to dancing to an 11-piece samba band.

After-hours with the Mermaids

Sea Life Manchester, 24-25 February

The mermaids are returning to Sea Life this weekend. They will be there on both Saturday and Sunday from 5-9pm (last entry at 8pm). The mermaids will be greeting people at the Ocean display window, so you can wander around the other fish displays before your allotted time. Tickets are £25 for adults and £21.50 for children. Tickets for Sea Life annual pass holders are £5. More information can be found on the Sea Life website.

Steel Magnolias

The Lowry Theatre, 21-25 February

The iconic play by Robert Harling is on at the Lowry Theatre this weekend. It tells the story of six women who meet in a beauty salon to gossip and put the world to rights. The cast features plenty of famous faces including Laura Main(Call the Midwife), Harriet Thorpe (Absolutely Fabulous, The Brittas Empire), Lucy Speed(The Archers, The Bill) and Diana Vickers (The X-Factor, Dial M For Murder, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice). Weekend tickets start at £22 and can be purchased via the theatre website. There are both evening and matinee performances available to book.

Asian Lifestyle Expo

The Orient, Trafford Centre, 24 February

Immerse yourself in Asian fashion, food and entertainment this weekend for free at the Asian Lifestyle Expo. There will be food for you to try while you sit back and enjoy entertainment from dhol players and dance troupes. There will also be a catwalk showing all the latest fashions, as well as bridal makeup demos and a chance to speak to designers on how to create the best bespoke wedding attire and services. You can also enter a free raffle draw to be in with a chance of winning prizes. More information can be found on the Trafford Centre website.

Beat of Brazil: Carnival Special

Blues Kitchen, Friday 24 February

As the Rio carnival draws to a close in Brazil, the Blues Kitchen is inviting guests to recreate the festival spirit this weekend in Manchester. Samba drumming band Leeds Samba will be there, as well as Brazilian saxophonist Gustavo Andrade and his 11-piece samba band. DJ Lubi will also be playing Brazilian classics. The evening starts at 7pm, with live music starting at 8pm.

Tickets cost £14.30 and can be purchased via the Dice platform. Ticket holders are also welcome to stay for the Manchester Got Soul club night afterwards at no extra cost.

The Queen of the Ocean - A Titanic Dining Experience

The Midland Hotel, 23-26 February

If you’ve ever wondered what it was like during the last 24 hours of the Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage, then now is your chance. Histoire Productions are inviting guests to step into the shoes of Jack and Rose for an immersive dining experience that recreates the final evening on the doomed ship. The evening includes a four-course meal – inspired by a menu found in the pocket of a first-class survivor – which you can enjoy as actors reenact the events of the ship’s final day. It will all take place in the grand setting of Manchester’s Midland Hotel. More information can be found on https://histoireproductions.com/titanic/ their website.