From free community festivals and family fun days across the city to spectacular outdoor theatre shows on The Quays and in the beautiful gardens of Ordsall Hall, there’s plenty of sizzling summer events to keep everyone entertained.
The Somme – Salford will Remember
Friday 1 July – Sunday 3 July 2016
Free but booking essential
Salford is hosting a weekend of events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Britain’s most brutal battle – The Somme – alongside national celebrations in Manchester.
Highlights include the Thiepval Memorial Concert which includes the world premiere of a new, musical tribute and features the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and Manchester Chamber Choir.
Greater Manchester Fringe Festival
NOW until Sunday 31 July
The fifth Greater Manchester Fringe Festival
The programme for the fifth fringe festival this summer is bigger and more eclectic than ever. With hundreds of performances and something for everyone, the wide range of venues includes some in Salford from The Eagle Inn and the Kings Arms to Salford Arts Theatre and The Lowry
New venue Smiths restaurant in Eccles, shows an award-winning original play by local writer Elaine McCann on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 July at 8.15pm.
Full of empathy, humour and pathos ‘Like there’s No One Looking’, explores how the people of Manchester and Salford lived in the 1950s and 1960s.
Great Manchester Swim
Saturday 2 July
Salford Quays
Free for spectators
From first timers to Olympic champions, this exciting one mile open water swim is a brilliant challenge for swimmers of all abilities.
The unique dock to dock course allows spectators to follow swimmers from start to finish so family and friends can cheer on participants along the way!
Monton Festival
Saturday 2 July, 11am – 5pm
Dukes Drive
Free
In the new location of Dukes Drive, the festival continues to include live music, stalls, crafts and games as well as a chance to buy and win some great gifts, all whilst raising money for charity.
On top of all this, there will be a Teddy Bear’s picnic in The Enchanted forest, a dog show, a Winner Bakes it All (baking) competition, a pet zone with animals and critters and a Family Area with Games for all ages.
Outdoor Theatre – Much Ado About Nothing
Tuesday 5 July, 7pm
Ordsall Hall
Tickets £12
Touring theatre company, the HandleBards, return to Ordsall Hall to perform this much loved Shakespeare classic in a highly visual and accessible way, within the gardens of Ordsall Hall.
The grounds of the Hall will be open from 6pm so bring a chair or rug, a picnic and settle down for an evening of wonderful entertainment.
The cafe at the Hall will be open to purchase hot and cold drinks including a selection of alcoholic drinks along with a range of cakes, crisps and snacks on sale.
Eccles Makers Market
Saturday 9 July, 10am – 4pm
Church Street, Eccles
Free
The fantastic Makers Market comes to Eccles every second Saturday of the month, transforming Church Street into a hub of creativity and a haven for food lovers.
Raising the bar when it comes to proper gourmet food, the stalls offer the crème de la crème of Northern treats alongside art, modern craft and vintage stalls. There’s also live music and a street food arena, making this a date you simply can’t miss.
Walkden De Janeiro festival
Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 July, 12pm to 6pm
Parr Fold Park
Free
Featuring a carnival atmosphere and traditional festival activities, this weekend in the park includes funfair rides, animals, live music at the Victorian bandstand, festival food and drink, dancing, face painting and a variety of colourful stalls and displays.
For more information and stall booking, please call Sarah on 0788 566 5877.
Chamber Music Salford
Monday 11 July, 5.45pm to 6.45pm
Peel Hall, The University of Salford
Free (donation to Salford New Music)
Programme to include Brahm’s magnificent Horn Trio, featuring performances from Lisa Obert, Alberto Menendez and Jonathan Scott.
This exciting chamber music series of concerts is curated in partnership between the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the University of Salford, with support from Salford City Council and Salford Community Leisure.
Quays Culture presents Broken by Motionhouse
Saturday 16 July 2016, 9.30pm
The Piazza, MediaCityUK
Free, No booking required
In the spirit of past performance events shown to thousands of people at The Piazza, this summer, Broken will shake up The Quays in ways you’ve never seen before.
This awe-inspiring show has something for everyone and is a great family night out. Athletic contact work, spectacular acrobatics and a gripping narrative combine with a revolutionary set design, an amazing musical soundtrack and digital imagery that melds with the performers as they move. Follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #brokenquays
Bridgewater Weekender
Saturday 16 July – Sunday 17 July
Various locations
Free
The Bridgewater Weekender is a great chance to explore the canal and spaces next to it. The Weekender starts with Summer Saturday which features various family fun activities in both Paticroft and Boothstown.
On Sunday, The Fair on The Green at Worsley Green showcases performers, artists, children’s activities, craft stalls and the customary tea and cakes. This year, there’s even a Scribble My Canal workshop on urban sketching at 1pm which is free but must be booked in advance.
From family fun days, tree planting and pond dipping to heritage tours, volunteering and boat trips, there’s something for everyone on the Bridgewater Canal in Salford throughout most of the year.
Ordsall Hall Garden Party
Sunday 17 July 2016, 12pm to 4pm
Ordsall Hall
Free although charges may apply for some activities
Fun and games are planned for the whole family with lots on offer. The entertainment includes music, dancing, a bouncy castle and climbing wall, face painting, giant games, a display of birds of prey, food, drink, ice cream and much more!
Ordsall Festival
Saturday 23 July 2016, 12pm to 5pm
Ordsall Park, Craven Drive, Orsdall, Salford M5 3DJ
This traditional community festival features lots of free fun activities for the family from bouncy castle, face painting, refreshments, games, sports and a live music stage.
The Ordsall Dog Show starts at 1.30pm with a huge basket full of doggy prizes for each category. For more information contact Dave Jay on 0785 096 2418
Dogs in Salford Festival
Sunday 24 July, 11am – 3pm
Clifton Country Park
Free
Join the dog wardens at Clifton Country Park for a dog competition, agility course, free micro chipping, rescue stalls as well as fun activities including bouncy castles, face painting and balloon modelling.
Last year’s inaugural festival was a huge success in raising both awareness and funds for mistreated dogs in Salford and Rochdale Dog.
Outdoor Theatre – Macbeth
Thursday 28 July, 7pm
Ordsall Hall
Tickets £12
The Three Inch Fools will perform Shakespeare’s iconic play in the atmospheric surroundings of Ordsall Hall’s gardens, the perfect setting for an evening of summer entertainment.
With their own brand of travelling Shakespeare, their performances are driven by live music-making and bold story-telling, bringing Shakespeare back to his lively, raucous roots. Audiences are invited to bring along a picnic and enjoy the drama and revelry.
