What’s on in Manchester this weekend: 20-22 May 2022

There are plenty of things to do in Manchester this weekend - here are some of our favourite events to look forward to.

By Lauren Tiller

Published 19th May 2022, 09:50 BST

Updated 20th May 2022, 09:02 BST

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Emeli Sande

O2 Ritz, Friday 20 May

Singer Emeli is perhaps best known for her hits Read All About It and Clown, and you can see her perform them live. It comes as part of the stars Brighter Days tour which sees Emeli visit cities across the UK.

Tickets are priced from £37.80 at Ticketmaster.

Flamenco guitarist Daniel Martinez is coming to Manchester

Flamenco guitarist Daniel Martinez is coming to Manchester

Manchester Guitar Festival

Stoller Hall, Friday 20- Sunday 22 May

A number of internationally-acclaimed artists are heading to the city for the celebration of all things six-stringed. Musical fields including classical and jazz, acoustic, electric and flamenco will all be represented at The Stoller Hall for the inaugural Manchester Guitar Festival over the weekend. Away from the stage there will be a series of talks and workshops led by musicians, Chetham’s School of Music guitar tutors and graduates. More details here.

One of the jazz festival pianos at Forsyths music shop in Manchester Credit: Emma Higgins

One of the jazz festival pianos at Forsyths music shop in Manchester Credit: Emma Higgins

Manchester Jazz Festival

Various venues, from Friday 20 May - 29 May

Taking over eight different stages across the city of Manchester, the festival features a whole host of talent from the Xhosa Cole quartet, Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat, the Secret Night Gang, Shapeshifters and Honey Bee Jazz just to name a few. The festival is also on the hunt for Manchester’s most entertaining street pianist as a trail of thirteen street pianos are placed across the city for passers by to play - best get practicing!

TV star Ferne McCann visits Manchester to drum up support for the Great Manchester Run

TV star Ferne McCann visits Manchester to drum up support for the Great Manchester Run

Great Manchester Run 10K and Half Marathon

Sunday 22 May, Manchester city centre & Salford Quays

Runners are limbering up for the popular Manchester 10k and Half Marathon. The UK’s biggest 10k last autumn attracted thousands of runners of all ages and abilities, from new runners to professional athletes like Eilish McColgan.

The 10K route will again start off in Manchester city centre, beginning on Portland Street, heading out towards Salford Quays and past Old Trafford, before doubling back to finish up at Deansgate and crowds are welcome to cheers from the roadside. See our full race guide here.

Upcycling workshop

Friday 20 May, St Anne’s Arcade, Manchester

Loctite is bringing its Second Chance Shop to Manchester for an afternoon of upcycling and giving old homeware a new lease of life.

Superglue experts will be on hand to guide people through a free workshop on how to upcycle old goods, and there will be second-hand products to browse in the shop.

The event runs from 11am until 5pm.

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