Things to do in Manchester this weekend (7-9 April) – including Victoria Baths rave and Clubland

Easter bank holiday weekend is upon us, which means two extra days off work and more time for getting out and about – let’s just hope the weather holds out.

Looking at this week’s party-heavy schedule of events, there seems to be plenty of ways you can let your hair down and blow off steam – including Clubland at the AO Arena and a rave in Victoria baths. Here are some of our favourite events happening this weekend.

Manchester 360º takeover Victoria Baths

7-8 April

Manchester 360º are returning to Manchester’s historic Victoria Baths for an evening of electronic music. On Friday, techno legend and pioneer, Len Faki, will be on the decks, and Saturday, Ibiza legend and ‘The First Lady of Defected Records’ Sam Divine will be taking centre stage. For those who are unfamiliar, Victoria Baths is a Grade II-listed Edwardian swimming baths, complete with glazed bricks and stained glass windows.

On Friday the party will take place 4-11pm (last entry 7pm), and 3-10pm (last entry 5pm) on Saturday. Tickets range from £27.50-£32.50, with group ticket options, where you get five tickets for the price of four, also available. You can purchase Friday night tickets here, and Saturday night tickets here.

Tattoo Tea Party

Manchester Central, 8-9 April

The 11th edition of one of the biggest tattoo shows in Europe, Tattoo Tea Party, will be taking place at Manchester Central this weekend. There will be 350 artists gathering at the Tea Party, so well worth a visit whether you’re on the lookout for ideas for your inking or just a fan of the art work. Aside from tattoos, there will also be entertainment from the Fuel Girl fire dancers, thrilling performances from Sin City Sideshow (involving crossbows, knife throwing and other dangerous objects), bumper cars, and the Sentinel Squad storm troopers will also be there. Advance tickets can be purchased online for £20 (day) and £38 (weekend). You can also get them on the door for £25 (day) £45 (weekend).

The NOMA Big Spring Thing

Sadler’s Yard, 9 April

There’s a family-friendly fun day happening at Saddler’s Yard in the Green Quarter this Sunday, 11am-5pm. There will be food and drink from New Century Hall, Sadler’s Cat and Mira, as well as seed bomb and kite making workshops, the Plant NOMA Easter egg hunt and other Easter-themed activities. Local musicians will also be performing for the crowds. This event is free to attend and you can sign up via Eventbrite.

Clubland

AO Arena, 8 April

Get ready for some nostalgia… Clubland, the brand that pioneered the commercial dance music movement in the early 2000s, is coming to AO for a massive night of dance anthems. The three-hour show will include some of the biggest Clubland artists and DJs, including Vengaboys, Basshunter, Darren Styles, Ultrabeat, FlipnFill, Keyes & Finchy, Karen Parry, Kelly Llorenna, LMC, Rebecca Rudd. Tickets start at £39.50 and can be purchased via the AO Arena website.

Bottomless Board Game Brunch

GRUB, 9 April

If you’re a board game aficionado, or would like to get into gaming and don’t know where to start, Dungeons and Flagons will once again be bringing their collection of over 200 board games to GRUB this Sunday, 1-5pm. You can come alone or in a group, no matter what level of gamer you are – there is something for everyone. The GRUB food vendors will be there if you get peckish, and the fully-stocked bar will also be open. More information can be found on the GRUB website.