What's On
Five weeks until iconic cosmic culture festival bluedot returns with spectacular music line-up
It’s going to be an out of this world soundscape packed with international electro artists and DJs
There’s just five weeks left until the festival of cosmic culture bluedot takes place under the iconic Lovell Telescope fusing together music and science for an intergalactic experience.
The four-day event, from July 20th – 23rd, is set to transport audiences through a planetary discovery while they dance their cares away under the starry sky at Cheshire’s Jodrell Bank Observatory.
There’s a fantastic late night electronic line-up — including the likes of Max Cooper, Annie Mac, Leftfield, 2manydjs and many more.
Audiences can expect to be dazzled by the AV displays of artistic projections and light installations while listening to a host of international artists and DJs from around the world.
The weekend’s climax will see an epic soundscape as Max Cooper soundtracks an ambient AV art piece projected on the surface of the 200-foot Lovell Telescope, following a special 3D/AV immersive show in the Orbit arena.
Leftfield are set to headline on Friday night following their critically-acclaimed new album This Is What We Do – featuring Greater Manchester poet Lemn Sissay and Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten.
Their interstellar set in bluedot’s Orbit arena will be an all-out assault of bass-laden live electronica and AV.
Others joining the incredible musical line-up include electronic pioneers 2manydjs, DJ and producer Erol Alkan, DJ Elkka and Future Utopia.
And bluedot Late Night accompanies the recent announcement of the festival’s day splits.
Queen of discopop Róisín Murphy is set to take top spot on Friday evening’s Lovell Stage, while lo-fi pioneers Pavement headline on Saturday with an unmissable exclusive performance.
The icon that is Grace Jones will close the festival on Sunday beneath the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s Lovell Telescope with her only northern show of the summer, following on from Mercury Prize winners Young Fathers.
Finally, legendary ex-Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac will wrap up the incredible weekend as she headlines on Sunday night for one hell of a closing party.
Aside from the music, continuing to expand festival-goer’s minds for a sixth year will be science talks from the likes of BBC Sky At Night’s Chris Lintott and Maggie Aderin-Pocock; representatives from the UK Space Agency, and many more.
Specialist talk topics and science highlights will feature deep dives into the Northern Lights, solar flares, pulsars and the Big Bang, and with much more to expand on and blow you away.
In a celebratory nod to Dr Who’s 60th anniversary will feature a unique weekend of Whovian programming, including a brand new live show Dawn of the Doctors from the Radiophonic Workshop.
Plus, fantastic comedy and culture line-ups to keep audiences entertained as they laugh and immerse themselves in this unique festival experience.
bluedot’s festival director Ben Robinson said: “We are delighted to unveil bluedot late night, an ambitious new late night offering at the festival. Especially exciting is our collaboration with Max Cooper and MESH on a late night projection piece on the Lovell Telescope, accompanied by a special ambient soundtrack.
“This, alongside headline performances from 2manydjs, Elkka, Erol Alkan and a huge Closing Party with Annie Mac, make late nights at bluedot 2023 a really exciting part of this year’s festival.
“We look forward to welcoming you all to bluedot this summer to continue the cosmic adventures.”
Tickets are now available to purchase for bluedot festival, to book click HERE. For further information visit discoverthebluedot.com.
What's On
New makers market with everything from dog accessories to house plants and jewellery coming to Manchester
Get this one in your diary!
A brand new makers market is coming to Manchester this late May Bank Holiday weekend, with something for everyone.
Taking place at New Jackson – a new urban neighbourhood located at the southern gateway to the city – Manchester Made Market will be held on Saturday May 25th and Sunday May 26th.
Over the two days you’ll be able to browse a selection of local artisanal traders and small businesses from across the region.
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There’ll be everything, from food produce, homewares, crafts and creations to dog accessories, house plants, jewellery and homemade soap.
Among the traders will be Manchester and Cheshire-based florist and floral artists Dot & Flora, graphic artist Ablott MCR selling music prints, HGT with crochet fashion and homeware designs, and artisan candlemakers Leaves and Prickles.
Elsewhere, there will be essential oils and other treatments from Grounded Wellness, permanent jewellery from Sealed Links, and desserts from Cake With Heart.
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There will be plenty of street food options to keep you topped up while you shop, including The Wild Grill, Food Sorcery, Salvi’s and new favourite Medlock Canteen.
Neighbourhood Brew will be supplying some great drinks as well.
Supported by Renaker, the market is free, but you can upgrade your experience with a limited, free VIP ticket with access to the dedicated bar area.
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.
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