Things to do in Greater Manchester in May

You don’t get to kick off every month with a bank holiday, and you don’t get to end many of them with one either. But this May is bookended with long weekends - oh, and there’s an extra one thrown in for the King’s Coronation for good measure.

Luckily there’s lots of events happening in Greater Manchester this month to keep you busy during those extra days off. Make the most of May’s longer, sunnier days with a wander around the Manchester Flower Festival and check out the beautiful blooms at various locations across the city.

Or if the weather takes a turn for the worse - and let’s face it, chances are it will probably rain at some point - head inside and check out the Colors Festival in Salford. It’s an immersive exhibition packed full of vibrant artwork, and as it's inside it’s perfect for a rainy day.

READ MORE: Five canal-side walks with scenic views in Greater Manchester

There’s even more to look forward to this month in Greater Manchester. We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do below.

On Saturday May 6 the country will be celebrating the coronation of King Charles III - and there’ll be lots of festivities happening in Greater Manchester. The coronation itself will be shown on big screens in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre and in Parliament Square in Oldham town centre.

The Big Coronation Lunch will take place in Leigh outside the Town Hall and the Turnpike Centre on Sunday, May 7, where visitors will be encouraged to bring along their own picnics. On Monday, May 8, the Mayor will host a Coronation Party in the Park at Mesnes Park. There'll be dozens of street parties taking place across Greater Manchester, too.

Immerse yourself in a world of colour at the Colors Festival, which is arriving