Three things to check out in Greater Manchester in the next few weeks

The next few weeks will see the late May Bank Holiday and the festival season truly starts to get underwayThere are plenty of things to do in Greater Manchester coming up in the next few weeks(Image: Manchester Evening News)

While the sun is out and the weather is fine, we’re looking forward to getting out there and enjoying some of the best Greater Manchester has to offer.

The next few weeks will see the late May Bank Holiday, and the festival season truly starts to get underway. Of course, there are plenty of beer gardens, sunbathing spots, and scenic walks to enjoy across the region.

However, you may want to consider some of the activities listed below that will be happening across Greater Manchester in the next few weeks.

So pack your sun screen and shades, and take a look at three ideas you might want to check out before the summer holidays start.

Manchester Flower FestivalLast year’s Manchester Flower Festival featured a floral tribute to Girls Aloud(Image: PA)

Brightly-coloured blooms and ingenious creations will take over the city centre once again when the Manchester Flower Festival returns later this month.

The annual event, which last year saw designs inspired by Girls Aloud and Vivienne Westwood, will take place in the city across the late May Bank Holiday weekend. It will include a stunning floral trail, vibrant pop-up markets, and plenty of family-friendly events.

This year’s festival will focus on Manchester and Other Great Cities Around the World, showcasing floral installations inspired by iconic destinations, heroes, and landmarks in New York, Paris, and Osaka. Some subtle nods to the Oasis brothers are also expected ahead of their big Heaton Park gigs as they represent Manchester.

Now, in its eighth year, the festival will feature a lineup that includes live entertainment, interactive workshops, a cocktail trail, and arts and crafts markets. Visitors will also find flower-filled bars, pop-up gardens, alfresco dining spots, and family activities.

Organised by Manchester City Centre BID for city centre businesses, this year’s Floral Trail features nine key displays across different venues, like the Arndale, St Ann’s Square, Printworks, and the Royal Exchange Theatre.

The Floral Trail will be in place across the city from May 23 to 26, with various times for people to visit. Entry to the floral trail is free, and more details on pop-up events and experiences will be revealed closer to the date itself.

You can find out more here.

ParklifeParklife will be returning to Heaton Park(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

The festival will return to Heaton Park on June 14 and 15. It will feature headliners Charli xcx and 50 Cent, alongside Confidence Man, Peggy Gou, Rudim3ntal, Armand Van Helden, Skream & Benga, and Joy Orbison.

The event, which attracts around 80,000 people annually, will celebrate its 15th year in the game – and there will be some changes that regular festivalgoers will notice.

For starters, a new Matinée stage will feature a 360° DJ booth, putting the performers in the centre of all the action. There will also be a new VIP and Backstage area centred within the heart of the park.

Pawsa, Jodie Harsh, Steve Angello, Bicep presents Chroma, and Chris Stussy will also perform during the two-day event, alongside takeovers from XXL, Worried About Henry, Ghosts of Garage, and YES.

Ticket information can be found here.

Sale Water Park and Trafford Watersports CentreSale Water Park offers a host of activities(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

May has started sunny, and we hope the warm weather will continue into the summer holidays. If it does, we may have found the perfect place to cool off and have fun at the same time.

Located at Sale Water Park in Greater Manchester, Trafford Watersports Centre, a short drive from J6 of the M60, offers a number of water-based activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and paddle boarding.

RYA sailing courses for everyone from beginners to advanced can be booked via the website, as can school and corporate events and youth trips.

There’s also the opportunity to hire out vessels, so you can do your own thing if you don’t want to have a lesson. You can launch your own vessel if you have one – but you must book in advance.

Interestingly, the centre also offers orienteering, fire lighting, shelter building, and team games in the serene surroundings.

For those looking to cool off on hotter days, Open Swim offers slots for swimmers and lessons so you can try open-water swimming.

They run six open water swimming sessions every week between April and September at Sale Water Park and then Winter Swims from October to March.

The water park is open from dawn until dusk. The Water Sports Centre has varied opening times, with the last equipment hire being at 4pm on some days, and it is best to contact the centre for specific details.

Sale Water Park Main Car Park (M33 2NJ) offers free parking with approximately 50 spaces.

There are 300 parking spaces at the Sale Water Park park and ride facilities if using the Metrolink tram. They are available from 3am until 1am.

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