When The Weekend Holds No Plans, VIVA Have You Covered With The Hottest Events In Manchester

Shannon Blanks | 1st July 2016

You have reached Friday night and we know that you are debating whether to opt for a weekend that makes your diary fit to burst or to spend it slobbing out on the sofa, but either way…we have you covered. Take a look below for a mix of events that are heating up Manchester this weekend, despite the lacklustre weather, and make this weekend memorable!

 

Fancy shopping without spending the pennies? Take a look at the envious fashion event happening this weekend:

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WHAT? Clothes Swap

WHERE? The Deaf Institute Music Hall, 135 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HE

WHEN? Sunday 3rd July: 4pm-7pm

HOW MUCH? £1 entry

Swap shops are a great way to spend your Sunday as you get to ditch the hussle and bustle of the shops and give your bank account a break.

The rules are simple, bring everything you no longer want, need or wear and trade for a token. Then spend your tokens on the multiple garments you will just have to walk away with. Listen to Danuka (So Flute), whilst you shop, she will be on the decks from 4pm – 8pm and remember that shoes, belts, scarves and hats are welcome along too! Do some good this Sunday!

Find out more here

Want to experience the air of West End without having to travel? Hit The Bridgewater Hall for the chance to divulge in some musical classics

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WHAT? The Hallé: Magic of the Musicals

WHERE? The Bridgewater Hall

WHEN? Saturday 2nd July: 7:30pm

HOW MUCH? £37-16: Concessions available

No need to take a trip to London to experience the magic of the West End. The Hallé is bringing to you a night filled with the best songs from the most incredible musicals to date. Kerry Ellis and Ashley Day, are two of the West End’s most acclaimed performers and will be performing on the night. Head here for a night of variety and good old musical fun.

Find out more here

Getting the summer festival bug? No need to miss out, take your pick of the complete variety that Manchester has to offer!

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WHAT? Greater Manchester Fringe Festival

WHERE? Varied venues

WHEN? 24th June – 31st July 2016

HOW MUCH? Free entry

The Greater Manchester Fringe Festival includes 108 shows over 38 days. Expect a mix of comedy, plays and music and look out for workshops and family events. There really is something for everyone here, so if you aren’t quite sure what you fancy doing this weekend, head here! Oh, and its great for if you are starting out in the world of art, whether it be arts, production or performance.

Find out more here

WHAT? Music Festival/Forest Live

WHERE? Delamere Forest

WHEN? Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd July: 6pm-Late

HOW MUCH? £32.50-£47.50

No plans this weekend? Well now you have one! Head to the Forest Live Festival for music from the likes of Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, Simply Red and Kaiser Chiefs. Although the Kaiser’s have stolen the headlines for the gig, this forest festival is sure to be fun and a must see!

 

WHAT? Alternative and Burlesque Mega-Fair

WHERE? O2 Ritz Manchester, Whitworth Street West, Manchester

WHEN? Saturday 2nd July: 12pm-6pm

HOW MUCH? Advance Ticket £6, On the door £8, Students £5

For something truly original and exquisite, spend a day surrounded by idealistic beauty at the opulent O2 Ritz for the Alternative and Burlesque Mega-Fair.

With a wide variety of exhibitors and entertainment throughout, this event is sure to fire up your creative senses. Whether you hold an interest in Steampunk, Gothic, Fetish or just simply Vintage and Burlesque, head to the instant print photo booth for some Instagram worthy shots and then take a seat in one of the bars to enjoy the Burlesque, Twisted Cabaret, Aerial Acts and sounds from the DJ’s. Feel peckish? Lil’s Parlour is offering vintage themed dining for you to divulge your taste buds.

Find out more here

Fancy some art this weekend? Spend your day leisurely and take your time when making your way to the Manchester Art Gallery for some historical fashion

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WHAT? Fashion and Freedom Exhibition

WHERE? Manchester Art Gallery

WHEN? 13th May-27th November 2016: 10-9pm

HOW MUCH? Free entry

There is something about walking around an exhibition that is therapeutic. The delicate quiet mixed with the frisson of excitement makes for a day well spent at the Fashion and Freedom Exhibition, where you will find today’s leading female fashion designers, such as Vivienne Westwood, Sadie Williams and Roksanda, exploring the impact on women’s fashion and their role in society after the First World War. All the garments on display will be presented alongside historical wartime selections drawn from Manchester Art Gallery’s renowned costume collection. More than just an exhibition, and an insight into the world of art, fashion, delve into history and learn something new this weekend.

Find out more here

Maybe something a bit more athletic and sporty to get your pulse going this weekend? Head to the annual swimming event!

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 WHAT? Great Manchester Swim

WHERE? Salford Quays, Dock 9 – Dock 8

WHEN? Saturday 2nd July: 9:30am

HOW MUCH? Free entry

Spend your weekend outdoors and experience the thrill of the annual Great Manchester Swim at the Manchester Ship Canal. The dock-to-dock course is a one-mile swim that is suitable for swimmers of all abilities. Either join in or cheer on the participants from the side-line.

Find out more here

If sport is not your thing, regardless of whether you are doing it or not, take time this weekend to be shown the hidden depths in a guided tour

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WHAT? Guided Tour of the Bridgewater Hall

WHERE? The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS.

WHEN? Saturday 2nd July: 1pm

HOW MUCH? £5 entry, £4 concessions

With a vast array of exciting events on offer, it is likely that you have visited The Bridgewater Hall more than once, and now you have the chance to see behind the scenes.

If you want a lazy Saturday but don’t want to sit indoors all day, this might be the perfect balance of relaxing and getting out! The tour guide will let you in on the history behind the hall and will lead you down secret passages to parts of the building that are unseen to the public. Lasting for around an 1hr and a half, this is just enough time to lend some culture to your weekend.

Find out more here

Fancy getting historical? Want to be involved in something big and meaningful? Take time to pay your respects this weekend

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WHAT? Battle of The Somme Memorial

WHERE? The City Centre

WHEN? Friday 1st July: 1pm-Late

HOW MUCH? Free entry

Although not a light start to the weekend, The Battle of Somme memorial was probably not what you had in mind for this weekend. Starting with a military march, live band music and two-minute silence at the Cenotaph in St. Peter’s Square and later moving onto Heaton Park, where soldiers were trained for battle, for cultural insights and a performance by Hallé Orchestra, International Children’s Choir and a dance troop.

Then as the sun starts to set at 9:30pm, Lemn Sissay, a poet and author, with read a piece dedicated to the lost lives. Expect a torrent of emotional vibes and honour those who fought for us.

Find out more here

Laughing. That is something no one can turn down! Stuck for ideas…head to a comedy event and divulge in a night of stitches and tears.

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WHAT? The Frog and Bucket: Barrel of Laughs

WHERE? 102 Oldham Street, Manchester

WHEN? Friday 1st-Saturday 2nd July: Doors open at 7pm, Show: 8:30-11pm

HOW MUCH?Friday: £17 entry, £13 concessions. Saturday: £20 entry, £15 concessions (Advanced)

Friday: £19 entry, £15 concessions. Saturday: £22 entry, £17 concessions (On the door)

Fancy a laugh this weekend? The Frog and Bucket is hosting its flagship show this weekend with John Warbuton, Alex Boardman, Ian Smith, Phil Ellis and Freddie Quinne performing. Enjoy amazing food and great drinks in the relaxed atmosphere and then if you feel like partying, stay for the DJ afterwards and dance away to cheesy classics!

Find out more here

WHAT? The Comedy Store

WHERE? Arches 3 and 4 Deansgate Locks, Whitworth Street West, Manchester

WHEN? Saturday 2nd July: Doors open at 6:30pm

HOW MUCH? General Admission: £24, Student: £13

Everyone knows that The Comedy Store is renowned for delivering a good night and this Saturday is no exception. Mc Sean Meo, Rob Deering, Mike Gunn, David Hadingham and Andrew Bird are performing and are bound to have you in stitches!

Find out more here

If after all that, you still are unsure, then we are going to hit you with the obvious and send you to some music events. Music unites us all and it has the ability to make everyone happy in some way or another.

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WHAT? A Joker’s Rage

WHERE: 28-34 High Street, Manchester

WHEN? Friday 1st July: 7pm-Late

HOW MUCH: £6.60

For an eclectic mix of powerhouse rock and memorable tunes, head to see one of the fastest growing bands in the North of England for a mix of head banging and moshing. If rock is your thing, then you really can’t turn this down!

Find out more here

WHAT? Sound of The City: Hacienda Classical

WHERE? Castlefield Bowl, Manchester

WHEN? Saturday 2nd July: 5pm

HOW MUCH? £38.50

Fancy a Saturday outdoors? Join Hacienda Classical at their live fusion event for a continuous set of signature tracks combined with a breathtaking orchestra. Featuring support acts and live guests, you are in for a night with a difference.

Find out more here 

WHAT? Girls On Film

WHERE? The Deaf Institute

WHEN? Saturday 2nd July: 10pm-3am

HOW MUCH? Free before 11pm, £3 students, £4.50 advance or £6 on the door

Every Saturday, Girls on Film, the hot spot for clubbing and dancing, hosts an 80’s night that is filled with the best 80’s tunes, make up artists and extravagant décor that nods rather heavily to the 80’s decade. Open until the early hours, take advantage of the exorbitant atmosphere and dance to as many routines as you can remember!

Find out more here

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy! We know that we’d go to them all if we could.

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