Things to do this August

Late summer around Oxford Road can feel a bit like the quiet before the storm, with the arrival of tens of thousands of students just weeks away, but it’s a great time to escape the strain of the city centre and explore Manchester’s knowledge quarter. There are fresh retailers at HATCH, First Street remains the best spot in the city for views of the Deansgate towers, and Circle Square has brought Manchester the summer’s most exciting new eateries. All in all, there are plenty of things to do in August, and we’ve not even got to what’s on.

August is of course Pride here in Manchester. While Canal Street is unquestionably the place to be, The Refuge’s Come As You Are weekender has become something of an essential overspill, and while you’re there, be sure to check out the Together As One – A Celebration of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Community exhibition. If you fancy something a bit leftfield, YES host Tears For Queers and Big Hands are throwing their trademark alt-Pride, weekend-long party.

Things are generally a little quieter in the cultural spaces on the Corridor but there’s still lots to do. Black Gold Arts take over the Whitworth with a two-day outdoor music and arts festival with live music, DJs, dance, performance and there’s even a catwalk. Also at the Whitworth and galleries across the area, it’s your last chance to catch British Art Show 9 which closes on the first week of September. SIGNALS is a short-run exhibition at The Holden Gallery that opens this month and it’s worth making a trip around the corner to SODA’s Modal Gallery for Slip.Stream.Slip.

Elsewhere, HOME’s Young Company are taking to the stage once again with the brand-new play The Lost World, there’s also a cracking season of Taiwanese cinema to enjoy alongside a new animated film about Anne Frank from Waltz with Bashir director Ari Folman.

Finally, the gig of the month is absolutely Zamrock legends WITCH who stop by YES for a special performance and film screening.