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Open Air Theatre in Manchester and the North

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Balmy summer evenings and pre-show picnics; the popping of corks and the clinking of glasses; high-quality performance, good company and nature’s very own top tier ventilation system, make open air theatre one of our favourite things.

We’re pleased that theatre companies and venues across the UK are currently gearing up for an exciting summer of outdoor performance.

Veterans of outdoor performance, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre always brings the goods, alongside Lancaster’s Williamson Park, which will provide the perfect backdrop for an Alice in Wonderland adventure this summer.

Here’s our round-up of outdoor theatre happening in Manchester and the North over this summer. Check back soon – we’ll be updating this list with more shows as we find them.

Seasonal Guides

Player Kings at Manchester Opera House
Cultural Calendar 2025

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2025.
Things to do in September

School is back and summer’s nearly over, but culture is just getting warmed up. Read our guide of things to do in September.
Timekeepers
Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Leeds Grand Theatre
Christmas Theatre and Concerts

As the big day approaches, you can count on theatres and concert halls across the North to pull out all the festive stops.
Christmas in Manchester and the North
Christmas in Manchester and the North

If you’re looking for alternative or interesting things to do over Christmas in Manchester and the North, look no further.
sunny bank mills
Christmas Shopping

Back away from the high street and support some of Manchester’s best independent makers, sellers and curators this Christmas.
Christmas food and drink

Don’t worry about the calories, the holidays are coming so that means it’s time to eat, drink, be merry for Christmas 2023.

Destinations

Timekeepers
Spotlight on

Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.