Manchester is buzzing with events this weekend (July 3 to 5), from music festivals and classical concerts to art performances and neighbourhood parades. Here are five highlights not to miss.
Ai Weiwei's 24-Hour Live Performance at Aviva Studios
Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei's takeover of Aviva Studios began earlier this week, with the main exhibition running until September 3. This weekend, a 24-hour live performance titled Sewing A Button will take place from 5pm on July 3 to 5pm on July 4. The performance re-enacts his secret detention in China, where he was held in a single cell for 81 days. It will feature periods of interrogation, reflection, and dreaming, with appearances from journalists and broadcasters during interrogation hours. Tickets are available online, and the event will also be live-streamed. On Sunday, Aviva Studios also hosts the So Hong Kong Summer Festival, offering food and shopping.
Manchester Rum Festival Celebrates 10th Edition
The Manchester Rum Festival returns on Saturday (July 4) for its 10th edition at New Century Hall. The event features seminars, brand takeovers, and rum samples, along with live entertainment and DJs. First-time exhibitors and big names will be present. A special birthday party will follow at The Morris nearby. Tickets and more information can be found online.
Barton Live Open Air Series
Barton Aerodrome hosts the Barton Live Open Air Series this weekend. On Saturday (July 4), Craig David Presents TS5 headlines, with support from DJ Spoony and DJ Luck & MC Neat. Sunday (July 5) features the Electric Heart Manchester Indie festival, with acts including Toploader, The Feeling, Scouting for Girls, The Fratellis, Dodgy, and The Hoosiers. Full details are available online.
Burnage's First Neighbourhood Parade
The Oasis brothers' stomping ground of Burnage will hold its first ever neighbourhood parade on Sunday (July 5), starting at 11:30am. The Big Burnage Parade features dazzling outfits and colourful lamppost banners. From 11:30am to 5pm at Fog Lane Park, family-friendly activities include circus skills, salsa workshops, live performances, and food vendors. More information is online.
Hacienda Classical Returns to Castlefield Bowl
Legendary night out Hacienda Classical returns to Castlefield Bowl on Saturday (July 4) for a night of reimagined classics, marking its 10th anniversary. The Manchester Camerata Orchestra will perform special orchestral arrangements, with appearances from M People's Heather Small, K-Klass, Graeme Park, and DJ Paulette. Tickets are available online.
More Weekend Events
Other events include Middlewood Locks Fest in Salford on Saturday and Join Together Festival in Cheadle Hulme also on Saturday. Outside Greater Manchester, BRIT Fest at Ashley Hall in Cheshire features ABC, Holly Johnson, Happy Mondays, Jason Donovan, and Wet Wet Wet. Lytham Festival has headline performances from Michael Buble (July 3), Pet Shop Boys (July 4), and Pitbull (July 5). For early risers, pubs screening the Monday morning England vs Mexico City match in Greater Manchester are listed online.
