Stuck on what to do this year? aAh!’s 2024 rundown assembles the events in Manchester you won’t want to miss.

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MARCH

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Manchester Open Exhibition Until 28/04/24 @ HOME HOME’s biennial exhibition is the biggest celebration of the city’s creative talent. From students to established professionals, the venue will host a showcase of mixed media artwork until the end of April.

Quays Charity Duck Race 29/03/24 @ Salford Watersports Centre What’s more wholesome than racing hundreds of rubber duckies down Salford Quays? Doing it to raise money for children’s charity MedEquip4Kids. The 9th annual duck race will include family-friendly entertainment, tombolas, and food stalls, alongside the main event.

Manchester Film Festival Until 24/03/24 @ ODEON Great Northern Manchester’s BFI-accredited film festival returns to the Great Northern this Spring. This year’s selection is an exciting mix of narratives and animations. Film buffs, you won’t want to miss this.

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APRIL

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Wuthering Heights – A Kate Bush and Friends Disco 06/04/24 @ The Deaf Institute You’ll certainly find a ‘Moment Of Pleasure’ at the Kate Bush disco. Dressing up is encouraged, and Kate-capes are provided. If you fancy a ‘Bush-off’ with your friends, head down to The Deaf Institute. Northern Vegan Festival 20/04/24 @ Sugden Sports Centre If you love Veganuary, or fancy trying some plant-based cuisine, the Northern Vegan Festival might be for you. For £5 you can sample and buy local vegan produce to your heart’s content.

Girls All In: Puppy Yoga 23/04/24 @ The Union Puppies AND yoga?? It doesn’t get much more relaxing than mindfulness surrounded by furry friends.

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MAY

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Take That – This Life On Tour 07/05/24 – 12/05/24 @ Co-op Live Your mum loves them, and now 2000s nostalgia is back in, we can all agree the Take That opening shows for Co-op Live are going to be huge. For seven nights, the trio and Olly Murs take on their hometown in the city’s most exciting new venue.

John Lyons 10/05/24 – 25/08/24 @ The Whitworth Boasting over six decades of work, this exhibit showcases the very best of Trinidadian-born British artist John Lyons. Delving into his Trinidadian heritage through folklore and mythology, this is not to be missed.

Manchester Flower Festival 24/05/24 – 27/05/24 @ The city centre Taking over the city with colour, the flower festival trail will take you winding through the shopping streets to find garden installations. We can’t wait to see this on Instagram.

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JUNE

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Parklife Festival

08/06/24 – 09/06/24 @ Heaton Park When Parklife throws a party, the city stops. Packed with pop, grime, and good times, this might be the only time techno and DNB fans can dance in the same field. This year’s highlights include Doja Cat, Kaytranada and Sugababes.

Deptford Northern Soul Club 08/06/24 @ YES If you’re just not into Parklife, you’re not alone. The DNSC team return to YES for their monthly takeover. Expect stompers, floaters, and floor-shakers.

Outbreak Festival 28/06/24 – 30/06/24 @ B.E.C Arena Hardcore punk fans rejoice, Outbreak Fest returns this June for three days of heavy metal. As Europe’s biggest indoor metal festival, expect face-melting live acts and some seriously sweaty mosh-pits.

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JULY

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Sounds Of The City 04/07/24 – 13/07/24 @ Castlefield Bowl This year’s Sounds Of The City festival kicks off with The National, and six huge acts have been announced so far. Headline shows include Haçienda Classical, Tom Grennan, and Jungle.

Stardew Valley, Festival of the Seasons 14/07/24 @ Stoller Hall For a wholesome afternoon out, let the London Metropolitan Orchestra remind you of the simple things in life. In an intimate concert, the most loved songs from the Stardew Valley soundtrack will be performed live. A reminder to slow down this summer.

Hairspray The Musical 16/07/24 – 27/07/24 @ Palace Theatre Good morning, Baltimore! Groove to a brand new sound with Tracey Turnblad and her journey to acceptance. For eleven days, Hairspray is taking the Mancs back to the ՚60s.

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AUGUST

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Manchester Pride Festival 23/08/24 – 26/08/24 The annual ‘Party as Protest’ returns for another long weekend of culture, expression, and connection. A packed four days of parades, parties, and celebration is promised. If you haven’t experienced pride in the city yet, don’t walk; run.

Live From Wythenshawe Park Presents: Blossoms / Shed Seven / Inhaler / The Ks 25/08/24 @ Wythenshawe Park For their biggest headline show to date, local legends Blossoms take over Wythenshawe Park. Bringing back the Spike Island vibes, the stacked lineup promises to be an unforgettable show.

Manchester Psych Fest 31/08/24 @ Albert Hall / Projekts Skatepark / The Union / Canvas / Gorilla / YES / The Deaf Institute This multi-venue festival celebrates all things trippy. For lovers of psychedelic music and visuals, this is the perfect end-of-summer trip (pun intended).