There are only a couple of days left in the shortest month of the year, before March rolls around again.
With February half term and theme days already behind us, a new month always means there’s plenty going on all year long. Greater Manchesterso we’ve selected some of the best bits from this week for another edition of our ‘what’s happening‘ guide.
As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will cost you a few pounds and many will need to be booked in advance.
Here are our top picks.
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Manchester Museum
Manchester city center
Monday February 27 – onwards
The Manchester Museum has finally reopened to the public after an ambitious £15 million transformation project.
Following an 18-month refurbishment, the cultural institution, which is part of the University of Manchester, has expanded into a new modern two-storey extension, with new exhibition spaces and inclusive facilities added to the space.
New spaces inside include a new exhibition hall, which opened with the highly successful Golden Mummies of Egypt exhibition, where visitors gain unrivaled access to over 100 objects and eight mummies in a UK debut, while that the new extension also includes South Asia. Gallery, which will be the UK’s first permanent space to explore the lived experience of South Asian diaspora communities.
There’s also a new dinosaur in town, joining the museum’s legendary T-Rex Stan.
More information about the Manchester Museum here.
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LGBTQIA+ History Month with Cheddar Gorgeous
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel and Lodge
Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 February
Cheddar Gorgeous’s iconic Pink Triangle suit will be on display at Refuge during LGBTQIA+ History Month, with only a few days left to see it.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Cheddar Gorgeous was applauded for the powerful conversation about HIV in the workshop on the hugely popular reality competition show, and used the catwalk to showcase his activism in the pink triangle-adorned suit.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel and Refuge is also raising funds for its charity partner the George House Trust throughout February with a special outfit-inspired cocktail called ‘Pink Triangle’, with 50% of every drink purchased donating to the charity.
Know more here.
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Turn It Up: The Power of Music
Museum of Science and Industry
Monday February 27 – onwards
Mancs can “unlock the secrets of sound” through experiments, games and performances at the new world exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Fancy marching to the beat of your own drum? Turn It Up: The Power of Music gives visitors the chance to make some noise and get creative with hands-on activities, including the chance to build their own music makers, create their own tunes, and explore the secrets of sound in a new science show led by the museum’s director . team of explanatory experts.
There will be a host of interactive activities, special shows and unique performances, all themed around the science of sound that you can immerse yourself in.
Know more here.
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castlefield viaduct
Manchester city center
Monday February 27 – onwards
Manchester’s new ‘sky park’ at Castlefield Viaduct has now reopened after being closed for maintenance over the winter.
The New York-inspired elevated urban park on the mammoth 330-metre Grade II-listed steel viaduct open to the public as part of a pilot project to gauge opinion in July 2022, but has been closed since December to give the National Trust team of gardeners, volunteers and community partners time to prune, plant and create exciting new areas.
In addition to work to add a variety of seasonal plant displays created by, four plots on the viaduct have also been given to local community groups and partner organizations to create their own unique gardens for visitors to enjoy.
Find out and book tickets here.
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Swim with sharks
SEA LIFE Manchester
Tuesday, February 28 and Saturday, March 4
Fancy trying something new in 2023? Is it time to conquer your fears? SEA LIFE Manchester’s snorkel cage experience allows people to get closer than ever to more than 1,000 creatures of the deep at the Trafford Center-based marine life aquarium.
Snorkel with Sharks it is a one hour surface snorkeling adventure.
Suitable for swimmers ages 10 and up, the session includes a full briefing, an introduction to the incredible creatures you can expect to see, and 20 minutes of diving in the specially designed shark cage.
Find more information and get tickets here.
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Fancy checking out the latest February deals, discounts and deals at Manchester’s cafes, bars and restaurants?
Many of the city’s bars and cafes have decided to extend their 50% off food deals from January to February, and we’re absolutely delighted to see it.
Beyond that, there are some amazing menus, lunch deals, and general discounts.
If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite this week, we’ve rounded up some of Manchester’s best February restaurant deals to take advantage of in 2023.
You can read our list here.
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swan lake
the lowry
Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 March
The greatest of all romantic ballets returns to The Lowry this week.
Swan Lake is one of the most beloved ballet productions, and in this revival of Peter Wright and Galina Samsova’s glorious journey, the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Royal Ballet Sinfonia will perform together to Tchaikovsky’s iconic live soundtrack.
Set to take over the Salford theater from Thursday 2nd to Saturday 4th May, early reviews for the production called it “absolutely mesmerizing” and “extremely stylish”.
Find out and get tickets here.
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Women’s Walk 2023
Manchester city center
Saturday March 4
Hundreds of people will march through Manchester city center in the name of equality and to mark International Women’s Day this weekend for the annual ‘Walk For Women’.
The ‘Walk For Women’ will march through the city in a celebration of the significant economic, political and social achievements women have made since they first gained the right to vote just over 100 years ago, and organizers say it’s an excellent opportunity to come together with like-minded family, friends, colleagues and strangers to share your passion for equality and creating opportunity for the women of Manchester.
You can learn more about the Women’s March hereand find out more about all the International Women’s Day 2023 events happening in Manchester here.
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TED x Manchester 2023
The Bridgewater Hall
Saturday March 4
TEDxManchester is back at The Bridgewater Hall this weekend.
Founded in 2009, TEDxManchester was one of the first TEDx events in the UK and has since become one of the largest and most recognized TEDx events in the world, with this year’s lineup featuring 12 handpicked speakers and artists. that will fill the day. with ideas on a wide range of topics.
Attendees will be able to hear compelling talks delivered by passionate speakers in a world-class venue to help them reconnect with their ‘growth mindset’.
Know more here.
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Under Armor Fitness Event
cheshire oaks
Saturday March 4
To celebrate the opening of Under Armor’s new store in Cheshire Oaks, fitness fanatics and families are invited to join the Under Armor team and Coach Dan this Saturday for what is being called “a workout like no other.”
There are three different FREE classes to participate in, one for those looking to kick off their weekend with a low-impact 60-minute workout, another for those looking to break a sweat that even a full day of shopping can’t achieve, and one specially designed for families.
Attendees will receive a goody bag of Under Armor goodies and healthy juices to take home.
Know more here.
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Sing-a-Long-a Charm
Manchester Opera
sunday march 5
An interactive screening of Disney’s hit 2021 musical film, Charm, is coming to Manchester Opera House this weekend, and will have the whole family singing along to the lyrics to the hugely popular songs as they appear on the screen.
You’ll be able to sing your heart out with a live presenter, who will teach you some dance moves, help you create some magic, and show you how to use your free accessory bag.
Since costumes are strongly encouraged and full audience participation is essential, the first rule of Sing-a-long-a is that there are no rules, so head on over to cheer on Mirabel as she tries to save the magic that lies ahead. surrounds the Charm.
Find out and get tickets here.
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Featured Image – Cane and Grain | Manchester City Council | cheshire oaks