There will be an ode to The Smiths' top haunt, a rejoice of the LGBTQ+ community and a celebration of libraries. Here are five things to do this weekend in Greater Manchester (June 13-14).
Moovin Festival Returns to Stockport
Moovin Festival will return to Stockport’s idyllic Whitebottom Farm this weekend with a world-class line-up of artists including Groove Armada, 2manydjs, Nightmares on Wax, DJ Paulette, K-Klass, Ruf Dug, Mike Pickering & Graeme Park, and Moonchild Sanelly. The ‘intimate, unpretentious’ festival has day tickets from just £40 and, maybe a draw in itself, £5 pints.
Festival of Libraries Across Greater Manchester
For something a little different this weekend, Manchester’s Festival of Libraries will be taking place across Greater Manchester with a series of free talks, events, and book readings to celebrate the importance of our libraries. Saturday’s highlights include the Stockport Zine and Print Fair at Stockroom, The Quest for Planet P at Levenshulme Old Library and a discussion between Bobby Seagull MBE and children’s book author Ashley Thorpe at Altrincham Library (2.30pm). On Sunday, there will be an author talk with Matt Cain at Bolton Central Library (2pm) and a Family Fun Day at Manchester Central Library.
Northern Soul Documentary Screenings
The Savoy cinema in Heaton Moor will be screening the Northern Soul: Still Burning documentary on Saturday and Sunday evening at 7.30pm. The film will also be shown at Leigh Film Factory on June 14. The documentary explores the movement of the underground scene and predominantly features recollections of the legendary Wigan Casino. It also features contributions from the likes of Tony Blackburn and Ian Dewhirst.
Salford Pride’s Pink Picnic
Saturday marks the return of Salford Pride’s The Pink Picnic - which is one of the biggest grassroots pride celebrations in Greater Manchester. The family-friendly event will run from 2pm to 8pm and will feature a line-up including Boney M, Kyran Thrax, Big Brovaz & Booty Luv, Paige Three, and, of course, the Cheeky Girls. The event at Peel Park will also include the annual dog pageant, market stalls and a youth zone hosting outdoor games. Tickets from £8 online.
Salford Lads Club Celebrates The Smiths
Staying firmly put, Salford Lads Club will also be having a big weekend by marking the 40th anniversary of The Smiths’ landmark album The Queen Is Dead, which featured the historic venue on its cover. A new, specially commissioned poem by Tony Walsh will be performed live on the club’s famous front steps at midday on Saturday as part of an 11am–3pm open day which will also include Smiths On Strings, a lino-print workshop and a new range of gladioli-inspired merch, plus access to The Smiths Room and Wall of Names.
