There’s lots to look forward to in March. The weather is getting better (well, we hope so despite a chilly start to the month), the days are getting longer and the clocks go back to March 26.
It’s also a month of celebrations: there’s St Patrick’s Day on Friday, March 17 and Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 19 - although it’s probably best if you don’t confuse the two. Ramadan, which Muslims observe by fasting, is set to begin on March 23 with a range of events being held throughout the month.
When it comes to nightlife Manchester is set for a bumper month, with the likes of Fatboy Slim, Lizzo and Panic! At The Disco performing at venues across the city. From March 24 to 26 Manchester is hosting the 6 Music Festival with Loyle Carner, Christine & The Queens and Arlo Parks headlining.
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Movie fans can immerse themselves in the Manchester Film Festival and enjoy an Indie-film on the big screen. Or if live performances are more your thing, catch a play at one of our incredible theatres.
We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Greater Manchester this month - read on to find out more.
Go to a gig
Manchester is known for its vibrant music scene, so its only fitting that the city should host this year’s 6 Music Festival from March 24 -26. Loyle Carner, Christine & The Queens and Arlo Parks will be headlining at Victoria Warehouse across the weekend. The lineup also features Wu-Lu, Lava La Rue and The Big Moon. Indie fans can enjoy DJ sets at Band On The Wall from the likes of Steve Lamacq and Emily Pilbeam, while a rave club night at Victoria Warehouse includes DJ sets from Hot Chip.
Throughout the month a range of artists will be taking to the stage at the city’s most popular venues, from Fat Boy Slim at Victoria Warehouse to Badly Drawn Boy at Stoller Hall. It’s worth checking out Manchester’s smaller venues for some hidden gems, too.
Watch an Indie film
From animations to documentaries, short films to student productions, there’s so much to see at this year’s Manchester Film Festival. Taking place from March 10-19, you can buy tickets for individual sessions, passes for five to 10 films or a full festival pass. Be sure to check out the live in-person Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and cast.
Head to an Irish bar
St Patrick’s Day is on Friday, March 17 so don your best green outfit and enjoy a pint of Guinness at one of the city’s Irish pubs - try O’Sheas Irish Bar on Princess Street, Mulligans near Deansgate or O’Neill’s in the Printworks. Celebrations kick off the weekend before with the St Patrick’s Parade taking place on Sunday March 12 from the Irish World Heritage Centre.
Celebrate Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, March 19 this year and it’s a chance to treat your mum to something special. Whitworth Locke will be hosting a popup painting session on Saturday, March 18, centred around Claude Monet’s Water Lillies painting. Even if you’re not a natural artist, you can enjoy a drink or two while you paint - so relax and embrace being creative.
Join in with Ramadan events
Muslims across Greater Manchester will be observing the holy month of Ramadan, which is set to begin on Thursday, March 23. During this time fasts will be observed from dawn to dusk, while it also offers an opportunity for reflection. Although Eid celebrations won’t take place until Ramadan ends in April, there are still events taking place in March.
On March 29 Manchester Museum will be hosting an Iftar (the fast-breaking meal held in the evening), bringing together people from different faiths and cultures for an evening of food and conservation.
See a play
There are so many amazing shows to catch on stage this month, we can’t even begin to list them all. But one which stands out is Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, starring Aidan Turner and Jenna Coleman. It’s on at the Manchester Opera House for one week only, from Tuesday March 21 to Saturday March 25, direct from the West End. Another one worth checking out is Cat On A Hot Tin Roof at the Royal Exchange Theatre, which runs from March 24 to April 29.
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