May

Creative Tourist Last Updated 9 May 2023

Summer is just around the corner, festivals are coming into view, and the warmer weather is getting everyone feeling a bit more inclined to get out there and explore what Manchester and the North’s has to offer by way of culture.

Happily there’s a whole lot. Spring Half Term and Spring Bank Holiday are always filled with great exhibitions, theatre shows and gigs, and the region’s many excellent restaurants are rolling out fresh new seasonal menus.

And if the increasing temperatures have got you feeling really brave, why not try some wild swimming? Or adventure activities? Or take it easier while exploring the North via the best of its Outdoor Art.

Seasonal Guides

May Bank Holiday 2024: Things to Do

Plan your May Bank Holiday weekend with our top picks from music, art, theatre, food and drink spots, whatever the weather.

Outdoor Activities

Get out and about with our guide to interesting, unusual and distinctly cultural outdoor events and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Here’s our guide to the best summer festivals with experiences taking place in a field or on the streets near you.

Easter Bank Holiday Weekend in Manchester and the North

Read our top ideas for things to do over Easter Bank Holiday weekend in Manchester and the North, with or without chocolate…

Easter Holidays in Manchester and the North

Things to do over the Easter Holidays

Looking for some ideas to keep little and big kids as busy as the Easter bunny? Check out our guide.

Cultural Calendar 2024

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2024.

Mother’s Day in Manchester and the North

From curated cocktails and tasty roasts to crafty workshops and cultural tours, check out our guide of things to do with your mum this Mother’s Day.

Spotlight on

May Bank Holiday 2024: Things to Do

Plan your May Bank Holiday weekend with our top picks from music, art, theatre, food and drink spots, whatever the weather.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North

Eclectic as ever. You'll find Bollywood musicals, scratch nights and anarchic Shakespeare in our pick of the performative crop.

Literature Events in Manchester and the North

From spotlights on indie presses to big hitters brought to you by the bookshops, festivals and libraries, you'll find plenty to whet your wordy whistle this month.

Disney's Aladdin at the Manchester Opera House

Family things to do in Manchester and the North

From creative adventures, museum experiences and spectacular theatre, check out what's on for the family in Manchester and the north.

Exhibitions in Manchester and the North

Traditional painting takes a step back this month to make way for some excellent photography, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions around the North.

Classical Music in Manchester and the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

Cinema in Manchester and the North

Ealing Studios and the best of Ryan Gosling are amongst our film highlights this month.

Food and Drink in Manchester and the North

Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.

Music in Manchester and the North

Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.

Tours and Activities in Manchester and the North

Try something new, explore somewhere different, learn a new skill with our tours and activities guide.

Seasonal Guides

Destinations

May Bank Holiday 2024: Things to Do

Culture Guides