North Taproom at Circle Square is the latest offering from North, the independent Leeds-based brewery.
Things to do this May
Lots to do around Oxford Road this May, with new works from acclaimed theatremakers, jazz and celebrations of Manchester’s musical heritage, new and old.
Leading the way for the next generation of music creators, the Royal Northern College of Music hosts Made in Manchester, three days of jam-packed Mancunian music celebrations and installations, including brand-new works from staff and students inspired by the city.
A ‘concept album on stage’ STARS is the new play from internationally acclaimed theatremaker and Alfred Fagon award-winner Mojisola Adebayo. Told through one woman and a live DJ, with projected animation and captions, STARS promises to be an unmissable, magical musical experience at Contact.
Multi-award-winning Ad Infinitum brings another must-see performance to HOME. If You Fall is a moving, humorous and sensitive story based on real-life personal testimonies. Filled with acapella singing and physical theatre, this intergenerational cast explores older people’s care in all its complexities.
Manchester Jazz Festival begins with a spectacular free opening weekend at First Street. There will be three event stages celebrating home-grown talent with bands from, or with a strong connection to, the North.
After sixty years, funk, soul, and jazz legend Roy Ayers is packing away the vibraphone and calling time on an incredible career; you’ve one last chance to see him in Manchester at The Ritz this month. There are some great gigs at Yes this month, including Cloud Nothings, who mark ten years of their seminal album, Attack on Memory; Surprise Chef brings us their cinematic instrumental jazz-funk and we’re looking forward to performances from Golden Dregs and Girls of the Internet. Again, it’s another busy month for gigs, so check out our full live music listings.
Top things to do this month
More things to do
The Pankhurst Centre | 29 August 2021 – 31 August 2025
The transformation of the Pankhurst Centre exhibition space is incredible thanks to its new permanent exhibition, At Home with the Pankhurst Family.
The Whitworth | 26 January – 26 November 2023
(Un)Defining Queer delves into the Whitworth’s collection to examine how we can use a queer lens to define what the term ‘queer’ means.
The Manchester Museum | 18 February – 31 December 2023
Golden Mummies of Egypt is Manchester Museum’s re-opening exhibition. This one-of-a-kind cultural experience opens in February 2023.
The Manchester Museum | 18 February – 31 July 2023
Dab Hands is an exhibition that celebrates the extraordinary relationship that we have with our hands and the value of the skills that can be acquired
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House | 2 April 2023
A new exhibition exploring how Elizabeth Gaskell presented Manchester and its people through her novels and short stories, and the impact she had through her writing.
HOME | 7 April – 11 June 2023
CIPHER makes voyeurs of its viewers; cryptic domestic narratives frame subjects in private states of exchange, isolation, and contemplation.
The Whitworth | 7 April 2023 – 7 January 2024
Traces of Displacement uses the Whitworth’s collection to address one of the major humanitarian concerns – forced displacement.
Manchester Central Library | 15 April – 25 June 2023
A fascinating retrospective of photographer Jill Furmanovsky featuring some of the most famous works from 50 years of rock photography
Food and drink
Federal at Circle Square sees one of Manchester’s favourite cafes going from strength with their new branch.
Head to Loaf on Oxford Street for exceptional sweet treats from a retro-modern bakery adorned in tonal pinks.
Zouk Tea Bar and Grill is a modern, exciting restaurant, serving up some of the very best Indian-Pakistani cuisine in Manchester.
Bold Street Coffee opens its second Manchester branch. Expect speciality coffee with rotating blends on the menu as well as an all-day menu.
Society Manchester is a glorious indoor and outdoor space in the very heart of the city, with several street food vendors to choose from and a range of high-quality drinks.