What's On
A ‘Crufts for cats’ event is coming to Manchester next month
Calling all cat lovers!
A huge ‘cat extravaganza’ event is coming to Manchester next month.
The Manchester Cat Extravaganza — a bit like Crufts for cats — will see ‘the most beautiful cats in the world’ strut their stuff on an actual catwalk, in May.
The two-dayer — which gets millions of views on TikTok — will see an international cat competition, an adoption event, a Best in Show, and a full shopping village to browse.
The event comes from Loving Cats Worldwide and will take over the Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Trafford park from 10am to 4pm on Saturday May 14th and Sunday 15th.
Loving Cats Worldwide have found huge success on TikTok, pulling in tens of millions of views on videos filmed at its events — meaning your kitty could go viral!
Visitors will be able to meet with local rescues and charities, with the chance to adopt a furry friend of their own, as well as hearing educational anecdotes about different cat breeds being judged in the shows.
A panel of international judges will stage, reward and present the pussy cats with prizes, with the felines competing to be crowned Best Kitten, Best Cat, Best Alter and Best Household Pet.
Cat lovers will enjoy plenty of opportunities to meet other little bundles of fur and introduce their own beloved cats to make some new friends.
Loving Cats Worldwide is says it’s made up of ‘a crazy bunch of cat-crazed individuals doing our part to increase the visibility of all cats’.
LCWW said: “We can’t wait to welcome you to a Cat Extravaganzas near you brought to you by world renowned cat judge Steven Meserve & Co.”
LCWW will work alongside amazing cat rescues and charities, who will be on site to answer questions about fostering and adopting a pet cat .
The Manchester Cat Extravaganza and Rescue Awareness Event will be at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Trafford Park, from 10am – 4pm, May 14th – 15th.
Adult tickets are priced from £18 per day, with cheaper options for children including concessions. There’s also VIP weekend with tickets priced at £50 each — which includes a goody bag and an official Loving Cats Worldwide t-shirt.
Click here for tickets.
What's On
Manchester Flower Festival returns with tributes to Sarah Harding and Caroline Aherne
It’s taking place later this month!
The legendary Manchester Flower Festival is returning to our city later this month, complete with pop-ups, installations and tributes to some local icons.
Taking place over the late May Bank Holiday, the event will be headlined by its ‘Floral Trail’.
This year’s theme is Manchester Icons, with a host of names past and present being honoured in flower form, including the late comedy legend Caroline Aherne, pop star Sarah Harding and suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.
The Vain Photography / Manchester Flower Festival
Collaborating with Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow, floral designer Liv Woodward will create a portrait of Caroline Aherne at the Floral Marquee on New Cathedral Street, using sustainably sourced plants and flowers.
Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding will be remembered in a ‘tribute garden’, sponsored by the AO Arena, with visitors able to donate to the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal by scanning the QR code at the display.
The homage to Pankhurst has been created by female-led Decordia, featuring an ornate wooden Manchester Town Hall-inspired planter with sashes, posters and colourful icons, alongside a wicker figure of the suffragette herself.
This can be found at the corner of Cross Street and King Street, adorned with purple, green and white plants – the colours of the suffragette movement.
The Vain Photography / Manchester Flower Festival
Other local legends will also be honoured with their own installations, including Happy Mondays vocalist Rowetta and iconic Manchester brewery Boddingtons .
Fringe events will be taking place too, at locations including Northern Quarter art shop Fred Aldous, The Bridgewater Hall, the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel and the National Trust’s Castlefield Viaduct.
Selfridges Exchange Square, El Gato Negro, Tast Catala, Franco Manca, Grand Pacific Manchester and Urban Playground will also be taking part, with alfresco dining, festival-related dishes and cocktails.
The Vain Photography / Manchester Flower Festival
Now in its seventh year, the Flower Festival, which is put together by Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, with live entertainment, workshops, and arts and crafts markets.
It all happens from May 24th to May 27th – head over to the website HERE to find more information.
What's On
Barton Aerodrome announces McFly, JLS and UB40 open-air shows this summer
Make sure you don’t miss these!
Three brand new shows have been announced at Manchester’s Barton Aerodrome this September, adding to the summer gigs already confirmed.
Barton LIVE, a unique concert series set against the backdrop of the aerodrome’s runway, has already confirmed The Jacksons LIVE, 90s Baby Festival and Boogietown North are taking place this summer.
Now McFly, JLS, and UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell will take the stage this September, joining the already bumper lineup.
Barton LIVE
McFly, known for their infectious pop-rock anthems and high-energy performances, with hits like ‘Five Colours in Her Hair’, ‘All About You’, and ‘Obviously’, are heading to the aerodrome on Thursday September 12th.
Then on Saturday September 14th JLS will be gracing the stage with chart-topping hits like ‘Beat Again’, ‘Everybody in Love’, and ‘She Makes Me Wanna’.
Finally, legendary reggae band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will perform classics like ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, and ‘Kingston Town’ on Sunday September 15th.
Barton LIVE
New Barton LIVE shows:
- Thursday 12th September – McFly
- Saturday 14th September – JLS
- Sunday 15th September – UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell
Tickets will be available this Friday, April 26th, at 9AM – signing up is essential for access to tickets, sign up HERE.
Barton LIVE full summer series:
- Friday 19th July – The Jacksons LIVE
- Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st July – 90s Baby Festival
- Saturday 27th July – Boogietown North
- Thursday 12th September – McFly
- Saturday 14th September – JLS
- Sunday 15th September – UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell
Find something to do in Manchester
Powered by 
Stagecoach hiring over 100 new bus drivers for Bee Network with £31k salaries
Manchester Flower Festival returns with tributes to Sarah Harding and Caroline Aherne
Billie Eilish announces FOUR Manchester shows as part of world tour
Two men charged with murder after torso discovered in Salford nature reserve
More human remains discovered in Greater Manchester as police identify victim
