Festivals & events

When I visit a city I like to try and immerse myself into that place and I love to stumble on secret parties and club nights. So for a play to be secret, this ticks all sorts of boxes for me.

The Library Theatre has come up with this new show which is written specifically for a secret location somewhere within the city. It is set in 1989 and is centred round the Second Summer of Love of rave culture and also jumps back in time to the Peterloo Massacre of 1819.

I love the secrecy, as you meet at a location which is emailed to you and are led to the venue by some of the actors. The excitement of not knowing where the venue is adds to the atmosphere. After being led into the building, it is pretty raucous with the music banging out. Characters mingle and interact with you on the dance floor, inviting you to dance with them.

The play is set over many floors of the building, which you are guided through by many of the actors. The concept of walking with the show excites me so much. Seeing the actors from the different eras bringing together different stories of partying, euphoria, politics and protest is also an incredible touch.

Check out this show while it is in town. It is on from 8th June until 6th July.

Traditionally known as All Saints, the area south of the city centre is home to a smattering of great bars and eateries and as well as Manchester’s university campuses. Top among these are Grosvenor Street’s Deaf Institute and its opposite neighbour Sandbar, which sprawls across the ground floor of two rambling Georgian houses.

Established 16 years ago this has always been a rough and ready venue, with junk shop furniture, bare floors and exposed brick walls, but fashion has caught up in the years since it opened and you’ll recognise its style from many newer bars. It certainly doesn’t put off the hoards of real ale fans who flock here to sample local brews, and the huge range of continental beers the bar imports itself.

Although packed with locals, students and academics in the evenings the place is an oasis of calm on weekdays, when European-tinged meals are available 12:00 – 19:00 and pizzas until 21:00. The WIFI’s free and, unusually for this city, there are several outside seating areas, including a secluded garden. And if the Manchester skies don’t encourage sunbathing you can always just stare at the walls, where you’re likely to see local artists’ paintings or photography.

If that’s not enough Sandbar hosts regular music, cabaret and beer- and whisky-tastings, securing its reputation as a boho haunt without any sniff of pretension. So if the city centre proper’s going alcopop crazy jump on almost any south-bound bus – you can be here in five minutes.

Beer festival: 29 May-2 June.