EVENTS THIS SPRING IN MANCHESTER

The weather in Manchester has been beautiful over the last few weeks and the February sunshine looks set to continue! On Piccadilly Gardens, the food market is back after a winter break and, as usual, there are loads of great cultural and social offerings all over the city. 

Here are a few of our favourites for the next few weeks, all within easy walking distance of MCSE.    

Da Vinci: A Life in Drawing, Manchester Art Gallery, 1^st Feb – 6^th May 

Manchester Art Gallery is currently taking part in a huge nationwide exhibition to commemorate Da Vinci’s death. Their display features exquisite drawings by the Italian master, including anatomical studies, caricatures, and preparatory sketches. It’s been incredibly popular so it’s best to head there early in the day to get a look! Free entry (although you might have to queue!). 

More information: www.manchesterartgallery.org/exhibitions-and-events/exhibition/leonardo-a-life-in-drawing/

The Formidable Women of Manchester, city centre, 8^th March  

There are dozens of events all across Manchester to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8^th March. This one, hosted by New Manchester Walks, is a tour of the city centre that will focus on the local and national heroes who fought for women’s rights. Tickets are £10.50 and the tour sets off from the Midland Hotel. 

More information: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-formidable-women-of-manchester-international-womens-day-tour-tickets-53720923729

St Patrick’s Day Parade, Albert Square, 10^th March  

The Manchester Irish Festival lands in the centre of town for two weeks in March. Albert Square will be filled with market stalls, live music and charity events. At the heart of the festival is the St Patrick’s Day Parade, a vibrant showcase of the best of Manchester’s Irish community. Free. 

More information: www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk/

¡Viva! Spanish & Latin American Festival, HOME, 22^nd March – 12^th April 

The annual celebration of Spanish and Latin American culture returns for its 25^th year. Its diverse programme is always packed with brilliant cinema, theatre and artistic events from the Spanish-speaking world. This year, there’s a special focus on the work of female artists and there are over 20 films showing. The opening night party is free and open to all; tickets for events start at £5 for students. Check out the full programme!     

More information: www.homemcr.org/event/viva-spanish-latin-american-festival-2019/

Peterloo and Protest, People’s History Museum, 23^rd March – 23^rd Feb 2020 

A major event in the history of Manchester and the UK, the Peterloo Massacre of 1819 is commemorated 200 years on with this blockbuster exhibition at the People’s History Museum. Featuring specially commissioned work alongside rare artefacts from the event itself. Free entry.      

More information: www.phm.org.uk/exhibitions/disrupt-peterloo-and-protest/