The Quays will play host to a number of must-see events and attractions this season, including the illuminating Lightwaves 2016 brought to you by Quays Culture; insightful talks from IWM North, which mark the 100-year anniversary of the Battle of the Somme; and family-friendly pop-up performances, activities and workshops as part of the Family Arts Festival with The Lowry. There’s also Salford’s annual Food & Drink Festival and Salford Music Festival plus an array of highly acclaimed theatre productions and artisan food and craft markets.
The Quays is Greater Manchester’s stunning waterfront destination and home to some of the most spectacular attractions and iconic buildings in the UK. It’s one of the Northwest’s best cultural, sporting and leisure destinations, where you’ll discover a whole host of exciting places and activities to see and do. Housed within one square mile, all of its attractions are within easy walking distance, making it the ideal location for a day out or weekend break. The Quays is a one-stop destination for entertainment, dining out, arts, culture and shopping!
Experience the award-winning IWM North with its range of compelling exhibitions, tours and family activities. Marking the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, the museum will hosts a series of free talks where visitors can discover details of real life stories from individuals who experienced the landmark battle. These include Behind the Lines (Monday 19th September), New Technologies (Monday 24th October) and Famous Names (Monday 28th November). An event not to be missed is In Conversation: Wayne Hemingway and Lucy Siegle on Fashion and Sustainability on Wednesday 5 October. Drawing on issues raised by IWM North’s major special exhibition, Fashion on The Ration: 1940s Street Style, fashion designer Wayne Hemingway and journalist and author Lucy Siegle discuss fashion and sustainability, taking lessons from the Second World War as a starting point to discuss modern challenges and modern solutions.
A spectacular waterside venue housing theatres, galleries, a restaurant, cafe and bar, The Lowry offers visitors the chance to enjoy the very best in visual art and performance. And this season is no exception with activities and events based around animals, conservation and movement to fit in with this year’s theme, Wild Time. Star performances include The Wind in the Willows, Stick Man and Flying The Nest. The Lowry is also hosting an array of family-friendly pop-up performances, activities and workshops as part of the Family Arts Festival (Saturday 22nd October – Sunday 30th October), which aims to bring a wide variety of arts activities and events to families across the UK. Other seasonal highlights include Pride & Prejudice and National Ballet of China.
Quays Culture launch Lightwaves 2016 as part of its winter wonder; following on from the success of Lightwaves 2015, Lightwaves 2016 will illuminate The Quays once more. Featuring a brand new large-scale commission, exciting new work from emerging artists, presentations of incredible work from across the globe, and exciting workshops, Lightwaves 2016 will launch on Friday 9th December – Sunday 18th December. #lightwaves16
Salford’s annual Food and Drink Festival returns on Saturday 15th October – Sunday 23rd October for another serving of quality local produce, tasty treats, events and offers from the city’s finest restaurants and bars. Salford Music Festival will take place from Thursday 29th September – Saturday 1st October. This popular event features three days of the best live music with over 150 acts playing across the city, plus it’s free.
Enjoy a season of jam-packed events and workshops at Ordsall Hall, the wonderful Tudor manor house just 10 minutes from Manchester city centre. From its Heritage Open Day on Sunday 11th September; a free fun filled day of medieval activities including archery, falconry, medieval music, craft workshops and much more, to its adults only Whisky Tasting with The Whisky Shop on Thursday 3rd November, there’s something for everyone! Throughout October there’s a host of ghostly goings on too, including Haunted Evenings, Ghost and History Tours and a Spook-Tacular Party for the little ones on Sunday 23rd October!
Lowry Outlet is bringing the spirit of Christmas to The Quays this winter with return of its iconic Christmas Market (Thursday 24 November – Sunday 27 November) and Shopping Event (Saturday 12th November). The highlight of the shopping season, the magical Christmas market is the ideal place to start crossing off your gift list! Boasting an array of different producers with uniquely decorated stalls selling artisan food, handmade goods, unique gifts, and bespoke crafts that you won’t find on the high street. The Christmas Market is the perfect place for a magical, family day out this Christmas. Throughout the season, there will also be a Monthly Market on Saturday 29th October – Sunday 30th October; Halloween events from Saturday 22nd October – Sunday 30th October and A/W fashion to shop at the NEW M&S Outlet.
Set sail, as visitors can take a boat ride along Manchester’s historic ship canal and explore the city’s stunning scenery with City Centre Cruises, which offer a range of cruise attractions, including a Sunday Lunch Cruise that can be booked throughout the summer months. If you fancy traveling further afield, Mersey Ferries offer a fascinating six-hour trip where you will travel the 35-miles of the canal to Liverpool enjoying spectacular scenery and lively commentary along the way. At the end of the cruise you are returned to your point of departure by a dedicated coach transfer.
Thrill seekers and sport fans can book a wide range of courses and activities, from windsurfing and wakeboarding to sailing and power boating at the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre.
With too much to see in just one day, take the opportunity to rest your head at one of the top-quality, yet affordable hotels in the area. The Copthorne Hotel Manchester has a Hello Weekend package, check-in on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday and enjoy a weekend stay with free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Hotel Football, the world’s first football hotel, located opposite Manchester United’s OId Trafford stadium, offers match day hospitality and a rooftop football pitch. The four-star 133-bedroom hotel is the go-to destination for fans, families, business users and tourists as each bedroom comes with a rainforest shower, complimentary snack bar filled with retro sweets and a 40-inch Smart TV, including all SKY Sports and BT Sport channels. Room rates start from £119 B&B. For football fans, the hotel offers knockout entertainment on match days. There’s no booking required at its rooftop football pitch – Heaven, a one of a kind venue with breathtaking views of Old Trafford and the city of Manchester. Enjoy pre-match drinks in a relaxed setting and return for post-match celebrations, as the area is transformed into a late night bar with a DJ and entertainment, on certain match days.
And if that’s not enough, a tempting selection of local and seasonal produce is on offer at Lime, an independent restaurant and bar located in the heart of The Quays. Foodie offers for the season ahead include, the Express Menu, where diners can get two courses for £9.95 (Mon-Fri 11am-5pm); Mojito Madness, mojitos are just £5 all day everyday; Steak Thursday, enjoy a 8oz Sirloin Steak for only £12.95 throughout the day; and Sunday Roasts with all the trimmings for just £10.95. Whether it’s a business lunch, post-work drinks, pre-theatre dinner or a romantic meal, Lime is the perfect destination. There’s also a DJ every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm.
