What's On
Flying Scotsman to pass through Greater Manchester this month to celebrate 100 years
The record breaking locomotive is coming to Greater Manchester!
The Flying Scotsman will pass through Greater Manchester this March as it celebrates 100 years.
The ‘world’s most famous locomotive’ the Flying Scotsman will pay a visit to Greater Manchester, as this glorious piece of historic industrial engineering celebrates 100 years in service — as part of its centenary programme.
Celebrating a whole century since it first took to the tracks in 1923, the record-breaking steam engine was later restored to its former glory. Now the sight of the much-loved dark green machine carving through the countryside has become one of the most iconic British scenes.
We’ll soon be able to see it as it glides in to the East Lancashire Railway this month, as she heads to Irwell Valley for several journeys. The train will be stopping off at stations including Bury, Heywood and Ramsbottom as well as Rawtenstall between March 11th and 19th, making five daily journeys.
Fans will also be able to visit the magnificent LNER Class A3 60103 while it sits static at Bury station on March 9th, as they get to see this legendary beast up close. Tours take place every 30 minutes between 10am and 4pm with up to 10 people per tour. Static tours of Heywood station have now sold out.
Tickets for a ride on board are £36 for adults and £22.50 for children – the price includes a round trip between Bury and Rawtenstall and back to Bury. Plus, unlimited travel on all other services on your chosen date full length of the line between Heywood, Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall, and free entry into the Bury Transport Museum.
If you want a fine dining experience and to live in the lap of luxury on your ride then you can also book in for dinner on the Flying Scotsman where you’ll be whisked off to your luxury reserved seats with plush furnishings, crisp table linen and polished wooden panelling – all combined to convey the glamorous, first class dining experience from days gone by.
Guests will be served a four-course meal, all while cruising through the Irwell Valley. Tickets for this Black Tie experience cost £130 per person, which includes prosecco and canapé reception plus a welcome from the Caledonian Pipe Band.
For more information about the Flying Scotsman visiting Greater Manchester, and to book tickets, head over to the East Lancashire Railway website.
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.
Supplied
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.
Supplied
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.
Find something to do in Manchester
Powered by 
New makers market with everything from dog accessories to house plants and jewellery coming to Manchester
New apartment development with huge gardens and outdoor space opening this year
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
