Manchester events and things to do in August

LGBTQ+ communities have missed out on a lot of Pride events over the last few years, so we can expect August's Manchester Pride to be a real celebration. Pride takes in more than the Gay Village party - there's the parade through the city centre, a candlelit vigil, family events and a human rights forum, plus Superbia, the arts branch of Pride. 

Friday August 26 - Monday August 29

Everyone's favourite tank engine will be chugging along the East Lancs Railway this summer for some family fun that stays firmly on the rails.

It's likely that the builders of Castlefield Viaduct back in 1892 (they also built the Blackpool Tower by the way) would not have foreseen what would become of their massive industrial structure but, courtesy of the National Trust, 3,000 plants and trees and a lot of imagination, Manchester now has a brand new garden in the sky. Opening late July, August will be the perfect month to go and enjoy it. You do have to book your visit but it's free.

Here’s our round-up of some of the best outdoor bars in Manchester where you can do just that. From tiny pub courtyards to sprawling beer gardens via canalside terraces, these pubs and bars give you the full outdoor experience.  

Rochdale Town centre turns itself over to a festival site with enough music, comedy, food, drink and more all getting you feeling really good. Headliners The Fratellis will get ample support from the likes of Haig and Aziz Ibrahim, and there are enough comedy acts to open a club.

Saturday August 13

If you've not yet been able to worship at the virtual feet of the ABBAtars, you could always visit the Manchester Monastery for a performance of ABBA's greatest hits in the soothing light of hundreds of candles. That level of lighting might help you to forget it's. tribute act you're watching until you go and see the real thing in London. Oh, hang on a minute...

Saturday August 13

The Lowry hosts this remarkable one-woman play in which actress Shorena Shoniia delivers monologues, extracts and more from writing created since the start of the war.

Thursday August 4

A Pride charity party with mystery guest? When it's the Kiss Me Again crew behind the decks, why wouldn't you go along? A perfect way to end your Pride Sunday, at this charity fundraiser hosted by the Soup Kitchen.

Sunday August 28

Shakespeare North Playhouse has just opened in Prescot and it's well worth the short trip over rto Lierpool to check it out. Its first season includes some of the bard's classics but there's much more to it than than just the venue's namesake.

Altrincham's The Vegetarian Society is hosting some great cookery classes this month, getting you to find your way with confidence around meat-free and some plant-based meals. It's an all-day class but you'll be creating the likes of shakshouka,
pan-fried sweet potato gnocchi with Sicilian vegetable and lentil sauce, plus a variety of other sumptuous delights. So it's round to yours for dinner then?

Saturday August 6

There's something deliciously incongruous about the idea of Michael Alden Hadreas, aka Perfume Genius, performing songs like ‘Queen’ in the holy setting of Manchester Cathedral, an added frisson to the already super-charged music of this queerest of performers. New album ‘Ugly Season’ only adds to the allure.

Tuesday August 23

Local and national black artists and perfomers will be taking over the Whitworth Gallery and gardens throughout the weekend. Events include dance classes, a queer carnival, a family catwalk, street food, music and more, all within the garndeur of the Whitworth.

Saturday August 6 - Sunday August 7

Manchester event organisers Le Social are celebrating their second anniversary in August by throwing a massive party. Head down to Kampus where Nell's will be serving their usual superb pizzas whilst some of the city's finest DJs will be keeping things moving throughout the day.

From 4pm, Saturday August 6

If music is, indeed, the food of love, then presumably food is right up there too supporting the feels. What a perfect combination then to mix both in a festival celebrating top-notch nosh and great grooves. Music-wise there's a lineup that includes international and UK artists like Alexander O'Neal, Loose Ends, Omar, Marshayne, DJ Bosey Smiley, DJ Silva, and DJ Mastermind Lewis. The event is co-hosted by comedians Kyrah Gray and White Yardie. Spread the love, love the spread.

Saturday August 6

We know that there's nowhere quite like Manchester but, because of how perfectly placed we are, we're a great place from which to take yourself off for some unforgettable day trips. Here are nine of the best.