HOME | 1 April – 22 May 2022
Presenting a diverse body of work artist Suzanne Bethell celebrates the power of colour to excite the eye, engage the heart and awaken the soul.
Things to do this April
The weather remains unpredictable as we head into spring, but you can hang your hat on there being plenty of things to do in April on the Oxford Road Corridor.
Two massive theatre shows kick off April with Disney’s Beauty & The Beast telling a ‘tale as old as time’ to packed audiences at The Palace Theatre. For something slightly more alternative, head to HOME and discover The House with Chicken Legs, a new stage adaptation of Sophie Anderson’s smash-hit coming of age novel.
The remaining two shows in Man Met’s Quartet series, four exhibitions featuring the work of students who graduated in 2020 and 2021, are on display this month. Architecture is already open and Design closes the celebration of Man Met student’s work later in the month. Elsewhere it’s your last chance to catch both Love Affair With Cranford at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and Suzanne Lacy: What kind of city? at the Whitworth.
April is an excellent month for music, kicking off in style with Strange Waves bringing a jam-packed selection of hyped new bands to The Ritz. The Mercury Prize-nominated Portico Quartet return to the Royal Northern College of Music and one of the biggest breakthrough acts of 2021, Wet Leg play Gorilla. Other stand out choices include noise-rockers BAMBARA who also play Gorilla as well as Holy Fuck, Anika and Poppy Ajudha who all play at Yes.
We are delighted to see the superb Manchester Collective joining forces with South African cellist and composer Abel Selaocoe to take to the massive stage at The Bridgewater Hall, where, you can also find more concerts from The Halle and BBC Philharmonic orchestra’s Ralph Vaughn Williams season.
There are plenty of things to do in April for literature fans too with events organised by Manchester Poetry Library, The Martin Harris Centre and Blackwell’s Bookshop who have another busy month of launches.
Top things to do this month
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Z-arts | 5 April 2022 – 26 February 2023
Fairy Tales is Z-arts latest exhibition, an interactive world of play and storytelling for children up to 8-years old and their grown-ups.
Yes | 23 April 2022
Deptford Northern Soul Club is a night run by Will Foot and Lewis Henderson who have have emerged as the new face of Northern Soul.
Yes | 23 April 2022
Canadian electronica band Holy Fuck stop by Yes this month in support of their latest single, Airport Dreams.
Gorilla | 23 April 2022
An extra date for the in-demand Lucy Dacus and her dynamic band who return to Manchester to mark the release of new album Home Video.
The Holden Gallery | 25 April – 8 May 2022
This final exhibition Quartet – Design will open from April 25 to May 8 at The Holden Gallery and showcase work by graduates from the Department of Design.
International Anthony Burgess Foundation | 25 April 2022
The Martin Harris Centre’s latest Literature Live series features Beth Underdown and JR Thorp in conversation with the Director of the Centre for New Writing, Dr. Kaye Mitchell.
Blackwell’s Bookshop | 26 April 2022
Writer Fernanda Melchor is in conversation at Blackwell’s Bookshop with Xavier Aldana Reyes discussing her new work, PARADAIS.
Big Hands | 27 April 2022
Big Hands regulars The Robin Sunflower Band play a special tribute show to mark the 100th birthday of Belgian jazz musician Toots Thielemans.
Blackwell’s Bookshop | 28 April 2022
Join Blackwell’s Bookshop for the launch of two brilliant new books which explore the history of the North by Brian Groom and Kate Fox.
Yes | 6 November 2022
South London singer-songwriter Poppy Ajudha brings her unique jazzy vocal tone and melodies to YES this April.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House | 19 May 2021 – 24 April 2022
LAST CHANCE. Elizabeth Gaskell’s House has a new exhibition about one of Elizabeth’s best-known collection of stories – Cranford.
The Refuge | 8 March – 30 June 2022
A Woman’s Work is a celebration of 20th-century female documentary photography launching at The Refuge this International Woman’s Day.
Castlefield Gallery | 6 March – 24 April 2022
Archives at Play is a new exhibition at Castlefield Gallery exploring our relationship with the past, and how this informs the way we make the future.
Manchester Central Library | 26 January – 26 April 2022
Adrian Bradshaw’s exhibition explores China in the 1980s. From opulent fashion extravaganzas to sentimental family excursions, capturing the fleeting beauty and simplicity of everyday life.
Sunday Roasts
Sunday Roasts are one of the UK’s more fiercely guarded traditions, something loved by locals and a must-try for visitors. Luckily, some of the best Sunday Roasts in Manchester are plated right here on the Oxford Road Corridor.
Museums & Galleries
A visually stunning art gallery located at the heart of Whitworth Park, with a collection containing around 55,000 items.
This beautifully restored Grade II listed villa was once home to Elizabeth Gaskell, one of the UK’s most important Victorian writers.
Discover the story of the suffragettes and learn about women’s activism, past and present, at the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst and her family.
Victoria Baths is located just outside of the Oxford Road Corridor, but it’s an iconic treasure that’s well worth a visit.
Manchester’s multi-purpose hub of creativity and discovery, bringing together film, theatre, art, and some of the city’s best social spaces.
Manchester School of Art’s Holden Gallery curates an exhibitions programme that focuses exclusively on recent developments in international contemporary visual art.
Live Music
Green Spaces
All Saints Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of the Oxford Road Corridor. Perfect for a quick moment of calm on a busy day.
This 18-acre park opposite the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is an eye-catching green space and home to the Whitworth Art Gallery.
Enjoy views of some of the best architecture in Manchester in this green space which was opened in 2018 by The University of Manchester.
University Green is a modern home for retailers and food and drink outlets as well as a tree-lined green space for the public to enjoy.
Circle Square is home to Symphony Park, a beautifully landscaped new space green space designed for socialising, entertaining, relaxing and exploring.
The outdoor area directly in front of the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons, the University of Manchester’s 24/7 study and learning space, provides green spaces for students to enjoy during breaks from teaching and learning.
Where to stay
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel offers an unforgettable stay on Oxford Road Corridor in one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.
Hyatt Regency Manchester is an elegant, modern hotel set in the heart of Oxford Road Corridor.
The Midland Hotel is one of the most famous places to stay in Manchester, and one of Oxford Road Corridor’s most lavishly decorated hotels.
The Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road is a centrally located hotel that offers visitors great value for money.
Hotel ibis on Princess Street offers 126 value for money rooms in a central Manchester location near Oxford Road.