Weather wise, the summer holidays were a bit of a washout. But, here in Manchester we don't let a bid of bad weather get in the way of having fun and getting out and about.
In July we headed to the beach (well, sort of), when Depot Mayfield was transformed into an ‘80s Miami beach’ by Backyard Cinema; enjoyed the floral displays in all their glory at RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park; and celebrated Manchester Day as the city’s streets came alive with entertainment, live music and dancing.
When the school term came to an end, we got got stuck into the holiday fun with food and drink festivals like Wing Fest, the Halal Food Festival, and Heaton Park Food & Drink Festival, and joined the celebrations in Alexandra Park for Manchester Caribbean Carnival. And, over the summer bank holiday weekend we were treated to Noel Gallagher's homecoming gig at Wythenshawe Park, even more food and drink, and the spectacular return of Manchester Pride.
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And while it might be a little sad to wave goodbye to summer, there are plenty of events to look forward to in Greater Manchester this September. We'll be treated to the opening of a huge new food hall in Salford Quays, welcome the return of comedy legend Peter Kay and be heading to some nostalgia-fuelled gigs and concerts.
Kargo Food Hall opening at Salford Quays
Part of the new £3.5m Central Bay development at Salford Quays, new food hall Kargo comes from the teams behind the award-winning food halls Cutlery Works in Sheffield and the GPO in Liverpool. Kargo MKT will consist of a food hall, a 2,000 sq ft outdoor terrace, five waterside shipping container kitchens, and a shipping container bar, all looking out onto the landmarks of Old Trafford and the Imperial War Museum.
Kargo MKT’s line-up includes some household Manchester operators, as well as up-and-coming food and drink talent from Salford and wider region. Expect Italian sandwiches from Ad Maiora as well as Jerk Junction's Caribbean delicacies, alongside Neapolitan pizzas from Leopard Pie and massive burgers courtesy of What's Your Beef, plus many more.
Chaos Karts
The UK's first live action video game karting experience has finally arrived in Manchester this week and we were the first inside to take to the tracks. It combines real-life racing with augmented reality - and really feels like you're inside a game of Mario Kart as each player has their own kart and just like Mario, and you get to pick your own avatar and even the colour of your vehicle.
Officially opening on September 1 at the Old Granada Studios site, it promises a 'completely unique and highly innovative experience', where players will burn rubber around six different tracks in a digitally projected world, whilst their vehicle interacts with the virtual track and any challenges rival players might 'launch' their way. Each session is made up of up to eight players who get to experience all the tracks and can expect to be at the venue for 60 to 75 minutes including the briefing and track time. Drivers do have to be a minimum age of 11 and be at least 5ft tall (1.5m) to take part.
Tickets, costing from £22 each, can be booked online on the website now. Guests who aren't playing can book a free companion ticket online.
Black Pudding Throwing Competition
This September the self-styled World Black Pudding Throwing Championships return to Ramsbottom. The one-of-its-kind competition will see old rivalries reignited, as competitors young and old hurl black puddings at a pile of Yorkshire puddings and see how many they can knock down.
The rather quirky contest, which usually takes place on the second Sunday of September, was originally held outside the Corner Pin pub but now takes place at The Oaks pub on Bridge Street. It's said that the tradition dates back to the War of the Roses, when warring factions of the House of Lancaster and House of York are said to have used up all their ammunition and resorted to throwing food at each other.
Anyone can take part - it costs £1 for three goes. However, if you're more into eating than lobbing pies, then you'll be pleased to know they will also be sold at the event for those just watching the action unfold.
Interflora World Cup
Showcasing a variety of flowers from all around the globe, the renowned Interflora World Cup will be hosted in Manchester for the first time between September 7th and September 9th.
Hosted every four years, the event will feature inspirational talks, workshops, floral demonstrations and live music. Award-winning floral designers from all around the world will compete off against each other to see who has produced the greatest display. To get tickets, you can check out Interflora's website.
Peter Kay residency
Peter Kay is returning to Manchester in September for more dates of his first tour in 12 years, which kicked off in Manchester last December.
The Bolton comedian will be back at the AO Arena on September 22 and 23. A small number of resale and premium tickets are available for each date via Ticketmaster and See Tickets. However, he currently has dates across the country scheduled up until 2025 so it won't be your only chance to see Peter on tour - here's the list of dates.
Busted AND Shania Twain at AO Arena
Early 00s band Busted and country legend Shania Twain will be taking to the stage at the AO Arena this month for what are set to be stand-out gigs.
The pop-punk trio behind the hits Year 3000 and What I Go To School For will perform in Manchester on September 24 and 30 as part of their huge 20th Anniversary & Greatest Hits Tour. Tickets are still available here for September 24 and here for the September 30 show.
The day after Busted’s first show in Manchester, Shania Twain will perform at the AO Arena. The September 25 show will feature songs from her latest album Queen of Me alongside all the classics including From This Moment On and That Don't Impress Me Much.
Fun fact for you, Shania’s 1997 album Come On Over remains the 15th biggest selling album of all time in the UK. Tickets for her show in Manchester can be bought here.
Davis Cup group stage
While Wimbledon (and sunny weather) feels like it happened months ago, tennis fans can rejoice as Manchester is set to host the group stages of the Davis Cup finals. Widely regarded as the men’s ‘World Cup of Tennis’, the Davis Cup sees national teams from around the world compete to be named as World Champions of the sport.
Manchester is one of the four host cities for this year’s group stage finals and AO Arena will host the tournament on September 12-17. It’s the first time Manchester has hosted the Davis Cup since 1994. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Manchester Psych Fest
On Saturday September 2 over 60 acts will take over venues in and around Oxford road for multi-venue festival Manchester Pysch Fest. One of the biggest city-based music festivals in the UK, Manchester Psych Fest is now in its 10th year.
This year promises a packed line-up, including The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Snail Mail and Hamish Hawk. Festival goers can also expect a selection of food stalls, exhibitions and artwork. Click here for more information and tickets.
Annie the Musical at the Opera House and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Palace
Two of the world’s most famous productions will be arriving in Manchester this month. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar will be on at the Palace Theatre from September 11 to September 23, with tickets starting from £13.
The production will feature Julian Clary as Herod and Ian McIntosh as Jesus and includes legendary songs such as ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’. Meanwhile Annie will run at the Opera House from September 18 to September 30. The production stars Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood (Monday-Friday performances) and Jodie Prenger (Saturday performances) as Miss Hannigan.
GM Ringway Sponsored walk
September usually brings with it mild and sunny days so it’s the ideal time to head out on a walk. This month you can try out Greater Manchester’s newest walking trail - and help raise money for the homeless at the same time.
One of the region’s biggest-ever sponsored walks is taking place along sections of the GM Ringway - Greater Manchester 300km walking trail - from Friday September 8 to Monday September 11. The event is being run in collaboration between Greater Manchester’s Mayor’s Charity and GM Ringway. Participants can register online and are asked to make a minimum pledge of £1 per mile.
Laughterama at Castlefield Bowl
Prepare to have a good chuckle at Laughterama, Manchester’s biggest comedy festival which will take place at the Castlefield Bowl from September 6 to September 10. Hosted in the stunning open-air venue in the centre of the city, the five day event features a star-studded line up including Alan Davis, Fern Brady, Phil Wang, Sarah Pascoe and more.
Some shows are sold out, but there’s still time to grab a ticket for the several nights- tickets cost £25 and can be bought here.
Taco Town
Head on down to the Love Factory on Saturday September 23 for Taco Town, a tequila and taco festival. The event, which runs from 12pm to 11pm will feature 50 types of tequila and more than 30 taco variations.
Guests can expect live music and DJs, as well as a chilli eating competition, mariachi band, cactus hoopla, piñata championships and more. You can either book onto the afternoon session from 12pm - 5pm, or the evening session from 6pm to 11pm. Tickets start from £20.
