Top Picks
10 picks around Astley, from 8 local venues. The map pin is doing actual work here.
We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.
1The artists break through the crowds to the empty stage, brandishing a variety of bamboo sticks on which they climb, vault and spin. They discover bundles which unfold into towering sculptures, 6 metres high. The towers morph and evolve into an animated circus installation, with grace and poignancy, impressive feats of strength and agility, humour and humanity, and a sense of “never having seen anything like this before”.
2Artists: Ashleigh Beattie, Shezad Dawood, Emelia Hewitt, Steve Sutton, Adam Rawlinson and Keziah Thomas-Mellor Out Here brings together artists exploring our relationship with nature through drawing, film, painting, performance, photography, prints, sculpture and site-specific artwork. Their practices are grounded
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3Free! (worth double-checking)During the First World War, many soldiers sent beautifully embroidered postcards to loved ones back home. See some of these special postcards on display in the museum, then create and decorate your own postcard to take home. Why not write a message and send it to a family member or friend?
4Café Church takes place at St Paul’s Church in Monton on alternate Sunday Afternoons starting at 4pm. Café Church is relaxed, informal and modern in style…and is for all ages. Please do join us if you can!
5Café Church takes place at St Paul’s Church in Monton on alternate Sunday Afternoons starting at 4pm. Café Church is relaxed, informal and modern in style…and is for all ages. Please do join us if you can!
6Pipeline 5 June – 25 July 2026 Castlefield Gallery 2 – 30 August 2026 Disc Unknown, a solo exhibition by artist Joe O’Rourke, will open at Pipeline, London on Thursday 4 June. The exhibition continues from 5 June to 25 July.
7Free! (worth double-checking)Cover The Walls is a free pop-up exhibition featuring Venture Arts studio artists, creative workshops and contemporary art to buy and take home.
8Join us for a creative workshop exploring punk zines, DIY publishing, and archival practice, led by Charmaine Wah of Shoes Off, held in conjunction with Chris Zhongtian Yuan’s solo exhibition ‘Two Improvisations’ at esea contemporary.
9
10at St Thomas, Ashton in Makerfield
All are welcome at this contemporary service with a worship group and clubs for children.
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