What’s on in Manchester this weekend & beyond: 24-30 June

Alanis Morissette

AO Arena, Manchester, Saturday 25 June

The godmother of 90s quirky rock is back on tour and in Manchester for one night only. The Canadian icon will be at the AO arena to celebrate 25 years of her bestselling Jagged Little Pill album. The UK & Ireland tour had to be rescheduled during the pandemic but there are still a small number of tickets left from £52 at Ticketmaster. Support comes from Beth Orton.

Gobefest

Cathedral Gardens and Exchange Square, Friday 24-Sunday 26 June

The city centre will host this annual spectacular celebration of Eastern European heritage and culture as a popular free festival returns.

Stages in Cathedral Gardens and Exchange Square will play host to an array of bands, choirs, ensembles, orchestras, dance groups and solo performers. Find out more with our event preview here.

In the Night Garden

The Lowry, Salford, Saturday 25 June

Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and all your children’s favourite CBeebies characters return for a lovely family-friendly performance.

Expect full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music, in a show which lasts just under an hour - perfect for wee ones.

Tickets for each of the four showings are £19 from the Lowry.

Sounds of the City: Lewis Calpadi

Castlefield Bowl, Manchester, from Wednesday 29 June

It’s back for another summer of great music - and it’s star studded once again. Sounds of the City takes up residence in Castlefield Bowl for a series of gigs from 29 June to 8 July.

Kicking off proceedings in fine fashion is Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi on Wednesday. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster from £44.

Ladyboys of Bangkok

Trafford Centre, outside Great Hall, Friday 24 June to Saturday 9 July

The Lady Boys of Bangkok is now officially the largest and longest continuous touring cabaret show in the UK and it’s easy to see why it’s bowled over fans with its colourful shows.

The show will take place in a purpose-built pink Sabai theatre tent and foyer outside the Great Hall, with cabaret style seating and Thai street food to set the atmosphere for a memorable show. Over 18s only. Book your tickets at Quay Tickets.

Comedy Store

Escape to Freight Island, Manchester, Wednesday 29 June

Get ready for some big laughs as the Comedy Store night returns to the Plant Room, for a weekly residency with Comedy Store favourites and a few famous faces to boot.

Book your £15 tickets at Freight Island’s website.