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With almost back-to-back bank holidays in May, springtime in the UK is set to be one of the best times of the year to spend in the country. With the addition of the King's Coronation in 2023, we also get an extra bank holiday to look forward to! That extra day off gives the weekend a lush holiday feel.
The early May bank holiday takes place on Monday 1st May 2023 and there are fun-filled events happening across Manchester. From musical tours and cultural festivals to beer, whisky and cocktail tasting, you can create the perfect bank holiday weekend for yourself.
Read on to make the most of your May bank holiday in Manchester!
May Bank Holiday Things To Do in Manchester
Manchester's Craft & Flea
When: Monday 1st May - 2023 Where? Manchester Cathedral Distance: 2-minute walk from CitySuites |
Craft & Flea Makers Market is a collection of makers, designers, and creative individuals in an authentic twist on traditional makers markets.
Shop small locally with a large range of vintage products, from illustration to sustainable jewellery - from food to bric-a-brac's and much more!
Not your typical craft fair, with a great selection of goods handpicked for high-quality and trendy products. Book your tickets today, £2.50 entry, with under 12's coming in free.
Jokes at the Oaks - Stand Up Comedy
When? Tuesday, May 2nd Where? The Seven Oaks Distance: A 15-minute walk from CitySuites |
Jokes at the Oaks is a FREE ENTRY stand-up comedy show that features some of your favourite acts from TV. Featuring comedians Jordan Ducharme and Dan Tiernan, the comedy duo displays a belly-aching stand-up show for everyone, taking place in the heart of Manchester City Centre - Seven Oaks pub!
These fantastic performers have appeared on shows such as Mock the Week, 8 out of 10 Cats and Live at the Apollo. Book your tickets before they sell out - they are free, after all.
Mixed Age Painting Evenings
When? Wednesday, 3rd May Where: The Waiting Room Cafe (Altrincham) Distance: 40 minutes by tram |
Come along to a Mixed Age painting evening for kids! Children can get stuck into various drawing and painting activities while adults can indulge in a coffee or get involved in the skills workshop!
The workshop consists of various skill presentations, including drawing/painting, social/life skills, or even mindfulness or well-being workshops.
Mixed-age interaction lets creativity flow, helping participants nurture their skills effectively (while also having fun!) The developmental benefits that these workshop bring make this educational event something to look out for.
Free Manchester Walking Tour
When? Thursday, 4th May Where: Alan Turing Memorial Statue Distance: A 20-minute walk from CitySuites |
Learn about Manchester's story in a FREE Manchester walking tour at Alan Turing Memorial Statue. Our walking tours will look at Manchester's top attractions that include hidden gems of the city, photogenic views, and historical venues, as well as a chance to meet like-minded people that love to explore.
Expect to visit iconic landmarks such as the National Football Museum, the Cathedral and the University of Manchester, as well as discussions about architectural wonders, musical heroes, and the night culture.
Cinco de Mayo: Tequilas & Cocktails Cruise
When? Friday, 5th May Where? Castlefield Bowl Distance: 20-minute walking from CitySuites or a 5-10 minute taxi journey |
Come aboard an ADULT ONLY cruise and get ready to be transported to a Mexican fiesta on the high seas! Castlefield Bowl is hosting a Cinco de Mayo: Tequilas and Cocktails cruise, offering a selection of classical Mexican drinks such as Margaritas, Sangritas and Verditas.
The sounds and flavours of Guadalajara in your glass is complemented by rich culinary delights too, including tacos and other various eats available on the cruise!
Manchester Music Walkabout Tour
When? Saturday, 6th May Where?: Bridgewater Hall Distance: 18-minute walk from CitySuites |
This May bank holiday, you can experience the history of Manchester's giant musical culture with Manchester's Music Walkabout tour.
Manchester has been growing its music scene way back in the 1960s, and to this day, the city has created an incredible culture that's surrounded in musical tandem. The tour will look into the venues and locations that formed its lyrical legacy, with stories and anecdotes (as well as samples of the city's musical story) to enjoy.
West End Musicals with London Concertante
When? Sunday, 7th May Where: Manchester Cathedral Distance: 2-minute walk from CitySuites |
For one night only, you can experience the stunning world of musicals from the West End. Book you and your family seats and be enchanted with the most iconic musical pieces straight out of epic and fantastical journeys at West End Musicals with London Concertante
From classical theatres such as Aladdin and West Side Story, to more modern and upbeat tracks from Hamilton and Dear Evan Hanson, this event is created for the whole family to enjoy!
Taste of the Monastery Tour
When? Monday, 8th May Where? The Monastery Distance: 16 minutes taxi drive from CitySuites |
Learn about the fascinating life of one of Manchester's beloved architectural masterpieces - The Monastery. This tour will offer an intriguing insight into the Monastery. You can learn about the rise, decline and restoration of the magnificent building.
Our guided tours bring this incredible story to life, as mentioned in Eventbrite. Discover more about this famous landmark in Manchester, and its course through life.
The James Pearson Trio (Ronnie Scott's) - 100 Years of Jazz Piano
When? Friday, 26th May Where? Forsyth, Deansgate Distance: 10-minute walk from CitySuites |
The James Pearson Trio are back by popular demand! Last year's gig sold-out at a staggering degree, paying homage to the respected jazz music genre in Deansgate's Forsyth. Playing styles inspired by the likes of Oscar Peterson, George Shearing and Bud Powell are explored in this magnificent event honouring 100 years of jazz piano.
Those who enjoy music and its history will be immensely entertained by this event. James Pearson has gained positive reputation within the jazz industry, playing in concertos with the Philharmonia as well as the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Don't miss out on this fantastic event!
R&B Brunch - Taste & Liquor
When? Saturday, 27th May Where? Manchester Bierkeller Distance: A 7-minute walk from CitySuites |
Are you a fan of R&B? Or know someone who is?
Taste & Liquor is hosting an R&B Brunch on the 27th May, and it's packed with R&B music to keep you dancing! This event will be playing throwback anthems to modern R&B classics, from the likes of TLC, USHER, and Beyonce. With food served throughout the day, a complimentary bottomless rum punch, and nothing but good music from 12 pm to 5 pm, you can expect to have a fun day out with Taste & Liquor's R&B Brunch.
Buy your tickets in advanced, and get ready to put your dancing shoes on!
Festival On The Fairway
When? Sunday, 28th May Where? Davyhulme Park Golf Club Distance: A 23-minute drive from CitySuites |
If you're looking for a day full of heart and experience? Davyhulme Park Golf Club's back with an annual festival event for the whole family. From 2 pm to 10 pm, expect a wholesome day filled with great food, drinks, free entertainment from local artists, and a tombola; the list goes on!
Don't forget to bring your picnic blankets, chairs and tables and enjoy a day full of festivities - music, food, dancing and entertainment! Book your tickets for Festival On The Fairway today!
May Bank Holiday Events in Manchester
The May Bank Holidays in Manchester highlight a variety of events to suit all tastes, promising enjoyable weeks and weekends throughout the month. Music, festivals, classes and museums are among the few things you can enjoy during May's bank holidays, and it doesn't stop there!
Beyond the month, lies a seemingly endless list of fun events that's suited for everybody.
Whether you're looking to create a week-itinerary for your family's outing at summer, or you're simply planning a weekend in Manchester, the city's lineup of events will have something you're looking for.
CitySuites is a luxury aparthotel in the heart of Manchester. If you're looking for a unique stay in the city, we have apartments available, from luxury studios to lavish family rooms.
