Thousands of people will take part in the Manchester Half this weekend, with over 32,000 set to race on Sunday (October 4). To mark the occasion, there will be parties, a free pint at Cafe Football and Motley for those who show their race medal, whilst SICS House (Circle Square, M1 7FA) will have personalisation stations, DJs and performance labs until 6pm.
Oktoberfest and Bavarian celebrations
The Oktoberfest celebrations continue at Albert’s Schloss whilst a big two-weekend-long celebration also takes place at Freight Island featuring Bavarian delights, world-class entertainment, comedy, drag and DJs. On Saturday, Feast at the Mills, at Wigan’s Cotton Works (WN3 5BE), will host their own celebrations too with giant pretzels, German beers and Bavarian specials across their vendors. There will also be a live oompah band for good measure too.
Women In Comedy festival and WEIR: LIVE
The Women In Comedy festival gets underway this week and will feature 53 shows across six Northern Quarter venues over ten days. This weekend, there will be shows from the likes of Kat Powell, Charis King, Mohna Joshi, Diane Spencer, Stanela Khalil, and former The Traitors star Hannah Byczkowski.
Stockport’s Weir Mill neighbourhood will party in style on Saturday with its first ever WEIR: LIVE celebration. Marking its arrival in the town centre having just recently opened, it will feature two stages of DJs and performances - with all artists from Stockport. Situated right by Stockport Interchange, the day will run from 12pm to 10am with appearances from the likes of Pop Vox Choir, A Certain Ratio and Muddy Feet. There will also be a Cafe Rave from Stockport label Before I Die. It’s free to attend, and make sure to pop into the newly-opened Prologue book shop and cafe too!
Day Out With Thomas and half marathon
The East Lancashire Railway’s popular Day Out With Thomas returns this weekend with a chance for young fans to meet Sir Topham Hatt and climb aboard a replica Thomas the Tank Engine train. Visitors will be able to ride a steam train to Ramsbottom before taking a classic diesel engine back to Bury, in-between all of that there will be interactive performances from the Sodor Station Sweepers, garden games, funfair rides, craft workshops and more. Tickets from £15.95 for children under 17, family tickets from £49.68.
And as a bonus thing to do, Pizza Pilgrims, in Deansgate, will be marking its first birthday with limited-edition pizzas and more. Anyone who orders their Craft Grandad pizza - featuring sweet peppers, Grandad’s pork and chilli sausage and two North West cheeses handpicked by The Crafty Cheese Man - this weekend will get a free Birra Moretti. There will be DJ sets from DJ Siah on Saturday from 6pm til late. Entry is free.
