Things to do in September

Prepare for lift-off this summer at the Science and Industry Museum with a line-up of free, out-of-this-world family fun.

Within Chorlton’s Southern Cemetery lie fascinating stories, beautiful architectural details, and the inspiration behind one of The Smith’s best songs.

Nancy Collantine’s paintings begin as drawings of Northern landscapes, then move away from the view itself, toward gesture, layers and chance.

O2 Apollo becomes Pysch Fest’s main stage for the first time, with Billy Nomates and bdrmm heading the final wave.

Four open-air productions, films under the stars and frozen cocktails in the park – Chester’s doing summer right.

Four editions in, the Manchester Open has become both a biennial survey of the region’s creative output and a genuine leveller for artistic talent.

It’s your last chance to see history, power and empire collide in Button Up! – Aviva Studios’ major exhibition by the world-leading artist and activist, Ai Weiwei.

A virality strategist, an impressionist and an actual rocket scientist will share a stage this September, as TEDxNorthernQuarter brings a day of talks to The Stoller Hall.