Things to do in Manchester on Bank Holiday weekend (28 April-1 May) – including Bury Pride

This weekend marks the first of the three May bank holidays, which means the schedule for the next few days is jam packed with exciting events – including festivals, conventions and parties.

There really is something for everyone this weekend. The region’s best new music talent will be taking over Salford for the Sounds from the Other City, Bury will be celebrating equality at its annual Pride event and there will be a rare demonstration of the region’s oldest surviving steam mills in Bolton. Here are some of the events we are most looking forward to this May bank holiday.

Sounds from the Other City

Chapel Street, various venues, Salford, Sunday 30 April

Salford is gearing up for the return of Sounds of the Other City, the annual day festival that showcases the local up-and-coming musicians and artists. The festival will take place across multiple venues in and around Chapel St, including Islington Mill, Regent Trading Estate, St Philips Church, the Old Pint Pot and White Hotel, to name but a few. There will be plenty of food and drink vendors on hand, including Seven Brothers brewery and Eat Like a Greek. Tickets are £40.95 and can be purchased via the festival’s website.

May Day Steamings at Bolton Steam Museum

Bolton Steam Museum, Monday 1 May

If you’re into local history, you will not want to miss this special event at Bolton Steam Museum. The museum is home to the largest collection of working mill engines in Europe and this weekend they will be demonstrating it this weekend on Sunday 30 April and Monday 1 May between 10am-4pm. Entry is free and there is also free parking at the nearby Morrison’s car park. More information can be found on the Northern Mill Engine Society website.

For The Love of Wrestling / For The Love of MMA

Bowler’s, 29-30 April

Fans of wrestling and MMA will want to head to Bowler’s Exhibition Centre this weekend for this two-day hybrid convention. Some of the two sports’ greatest fighters will be there to meet and greet fans, and take part in a series of panel discussions. Tickets for the wrestling convention will give you access to the MMA convention as well. Remaining weekend tickets are £49.75 for adults and £19.50 for concessions. More information and tickets can be found via the event’s website.

Bombard Groove x Nossa! Soundclash Bank Holiday Party

Escape to Freight Island, Sunday 30 April

There are loads of events taking place at Escape to Freight Island this weekend, including comedy, football, and family-friendly events, but if this weekend is your time to really blow off some steam, then this is the party you don’t want to miss. The Bombard Groove DJ collective and Manchester’s new DJ duo Nossa! will be playing tunes from 2pm to 12am. Entry is free, but you will need to book. More information can be found on the venue’s website. 

Bury Pride 2023

Saturday 29 April

Bury is celebrating its LGBT community this weekend with its annual Pride event. The Walking Rainbow parade will be making its way through the town centre and there’s a lineup of music and drag acts to look forward to. There will also be plenty of stalls for you to browse. Tickets are free but need to be booked in advance via Eventbrite. More information about Bury Pride can be found via their website.

Warhammer Fest 2023

Manchester Central, 29 April - 1 May

The Warhammer community will be taking over Manchester Central this weekend for a huge convention celebrating the popular tabletop game. There will be tournaments, the world-renowned Golden Demon painting competition, displays, live entertainment, model reveals, and so much more. There are a whole range of different tickets and festival pass options, depending on which days you want to go and what you want to see. More information can be found via the event’s website.