Bolton Food and Drink Festival returns for its 21st year this weekend, running until Monday as one of the country's biggest events of its kind. The free-to-enter festival features cooking demonstrations, live music, food stalls and family activities, with appearances from Marco Pierre White, James Martin and Nisha Katona across the four days.
Markets, food and drink takeovers
In West Didsbury on Sunday, the popular Makers Market takes place at Withington Hospital car park, featuring independent and artisan traders plus hot food stalls from Oh Mei Dumpling, Marley's Tacos and Crepe Corner. Face-painting and live music from The Colonel are also on offer, with free entry from 11am to 4pm.
On Saturday, street food and beer venue Bundobust partners with Federal for an exclusive menu at its Piccadilly store, previewing specials such as Desi French Toast, Mango Lassi Bircher, Hara Bhara Corn Sliders and Halloumi & Shrooms Tikka before they appear on both brands' menus for two weeks.
Manchester brewer ShinDigger takes over the taps at Castlefield pub The Wharf across the weekend, with free tastings of its new IPA for over-18s, an outdoor barbecue, live music from local acts and a specially-curated cocktail menu.
Brunch, netball and anniversary celebrations
An ABBA bottomless brunch runs at The Grosvenor (M1 7DZ) on Saturday from 3pm to 5pm, with 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, a brunch menu and a live performance from the Let's Dance ABBA Duo. Tickets cost £38 per person.
Netball World Champion Maria Folau brings her new sporting format FIRE5 to the UK for the first time at Belle Vue Sports Village on Saturday and Sunday, combining fast-paced 5-a-side netball with live DJs and entertainment. Manchester rapper Che3kz performs at the Sunday finals. Tickets start at £15 for children and £25 for adults.
The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre in Chorlton celebrates its 15th anniversary Edge Fest on Saturday with live music, workshops and films, including Mr Wilson's Second Liners brass band playing 90s Manchester club classics, vinyl sets from DJ Pasta Paul, badge-making workshops from Salford Badge Club and a film quiz from actor John Thomson.
Concerts and Pride
Wythenshawe Park hosts three big concerts over the weekend: Pulp tonight, Courteeners on Saturday night and The Prodigy on Sunday evening, with around 90,000 people expected to attend.
The first ever Manchester Village Pride runs until Monday, with the annual parade through the city on Saturday from 12pm at Deansgate under a No Place Like Home theme. The Gay Village hosts live performances across the weekend from DJ Paulette, Danny Beard, Cascada, Kate Nash and more. This year's Pride is supported by Gay Village venues and will benefit five LGBTQ+ charities.
