What’s on in Manchester this weekend: 15th to 17th October? Five fun things to do

There is plenty to do this weekend in Manchester, whether you are after family fun, a spooky circus or a good gig night out.
Jenny Simpson
By Jenny Simpson
Published 14th Oct 2021, 12:51 BST

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Halloween events at Trafford CentreHalloween events at Trafford Centre
Halloween events at Trafford Centre

Here are some of our favourites this weekend.

People’s Takeover of Piccadilly Gardens

Saturday 16 October, 10am-3pm,Piccadilly Gardens

Think Piccadilly Gardens needs a good makeover? Join Manchester Central Foodbank and Get It Done for the People’s Takeover of Piccadilly Gardens as part of their campaign Placemaking Piccadilly.

Placemaking Piccadilly is a community arts campaign striving for a new vision for Piccadilly Gardens and Manchester’s public spaces, that aims to make the area more inclusive. The event is free but you can register on Eventbrite here.

Jason Donovan

Saturday 16 October, 7pm, 02 Apollo

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The 80s heart-throb turned theatre musical star and TV personality is live at the Apollo in a date which was rearranged from November last year. Expect lots of Neighbours fans reliving their youth with the genial Aussie. Tickets cost from £30.50 from Ticketmaster here.

Jason Donovan Credit: ShutterstockJason Donovan Credit: Shutterstock
Jason Donovan Credit: Shutterstock

Manchester Music: The Hacienda Years tour

Saturday 16 October, 2-4pm, HOME, Tony Wilson Place, Manchester

Join Ed Glinert, music writer and leading Manchester historian, for a free tour around the city’s music scene and relive its glory years, all themed around the legendary Hacienda. Whether New Order float your boat or the Smiths are music to your ears, it’s all in here. Register at Eventbrite here.

Gandeys Halloween Spooktacular

From Friday 15 October (& rest of month), Trafford Centre

There are ghostly goings-on all weekend at the Trafford Centre and Gandeys’ spooky circus fun looks to be among the highlights.

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From the creators of Cirque Surreal and the Chinese State Circus, this big-top show is aimed at all the family.

Tickets cost from £9.99 via Quay Tickets here.

While you’re there you can also catch Spookfest at the Trafford Centre: with a haunted haybale maze, a ghastly ghost train and devilishly delicious dishes from local traders.

BBC Philharmonic

Saturday 16 October, 7.30pm, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

The orchestra will be joined by James Ehnes, one of the world’s leading exponents of romantic violin repertoire, and a debut from conductor Roderick Cox, for two much-loved works by Mendelssohn: the evocative Scottish Symphony and the thrilling portrayal of Fingal’s Cave. Tickets from £5.50 at the hall box office here.

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