The clocks are jumping forward this Sunday, 29 March, which means we are finally trading those dark afternoon commutes for the first real taste of lighter evenings. While we lose an hour of sleep, the North West is making up for it with a weekend that feels like the proper start of the spring season.
From the final curtain calls of the Manchester Film Festival to the beginning of Easter trails in the Ribble Valley, there is plenty to keep you busy across the region. Here is our guide to the best things to do in the North West this weekend, 27–29 March 2026.
At A Glance: Weekend Highlights
| Event | Location | Best For |
| BBC 6 Music Festival | Various Venues, Manchester | Music Discovery |
| Manchester Film Festival (Closing) | Great Northern Warehouse | Indie Cinema |
| Sea Change Festival | Morecambe | Coastal Culture |
| Silent Disco in the Cathedral | Liverpool Cathedral | Unique Nights Out |
| 80s Anthems by Candlelight | Chester Cathedral | Atmospheric Nostalgia |
| Easter Eggstravaganza | Brockholes, Preston | Family Fun |
| Tattoo Tea Party | Manchester Central | Art & Culture |
| The Georgian Tour | Lancaster | Local History |
Friday: Setting the Scene
The weekend kicks off in style this Friday, 27 March. The BBC 6 Music is Festival taking over O2 Victoria Warehouse. It is one of the most anticipated music events in the U.K. calendar, and Friday night is particularly strong. If you were lucky to snag tickets, you will see some of the most influential alternative acts in the country. For those without tickets, the fringe events in the Northern Quarter are well worth a look for some grassroots talent.
If you are looking for theatre, Matilda The Musical begins its run this week at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, providing a world-class production to kick off your Friday evening.
In Liverpool, Friday night is all about the Bongo’s Bingo phenomenon at Content. It has become a staple of the city’s nightlife, blending a traditional game of bingo with dance-offs, rave intervals, and some truly bizarre prizes. It is loud, chaotic, and exactly the kind of energy needed to start a weekend.
For something slightly more refined, Chester Cathedral is hosting a special Twilight Tower Tour on Friday evening. Climbing the tower as the sun begins to set over the Cheshire plains offers a view you simply cannot get during the day, and the history of the bell-ringing chamber is fascinating.
Manchester & Greater Manchester: Music, Movies, and Ink
The city is buzzing as two major festivals reach their climax. The Manchester Film Festival (MANIFF) is wrapping up its 12th year at the Great Northern Warehouse. While Saturday and Sunday are the big award days, Friday night features some of the most experimental short films and documentaries. It is the best time to catch the ‘Best of Fest’ contenders before they hit the mainstream.
For something entirely different, Manchester Central hosts the 13th edition of the Tattoo Tea Party across Saturday and Sunday, with a preview evening on Friday for those with VIP passes. This is one of the biggest tattoo conventions in Europe, bringing together hundreds of world-class artists. Even if you aren’t looking for new ink, the atmosphere is fantastic, featuring live entertainment, alternative markets, and some truly incredible people-watching.
For a moment of calm, Luminiscence continues at Manchester Cathedral. It is a 360-degree light and sound show that maps out the history of the building onto its ancient stone walls, narrated by Christopher Eccleston. It is a fantastic way to see one of the city’s most iconic landmarks in a literally different light.
Liverpool & Merseyside: Cathedrals and Indie Anthems
Over in Liverpool, the weekend has a decidedly grand feel with events taking over both of the city’s cathedrals. On Saturday night, Liverpool Cathedral is hosting an 80s, 90s, and 00s Silent Disco. There is something undeniably surreal about dancing under the world’s highest Gothic arches with a pair of glowing headphones on.
Meanwhile, at the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Gin & Rum Festival takes over the Lutyens Crypt on Saturday. It is a striking, atmospheric space beneath the cathedral that provides a perfect backdrop for sampling over 120 different spirits.
For the music fans, the Arts Club hosts The BIG Indie Tribute Festival on Saturday night. Expect a four-hour marathon of anthems from the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Sam Fender, and The Killers. If you prefer electronic beats, Denis Sulta is taking over Blackstone Street Warehouse on Saturday afternoon for a massive day-session that starts at 2:00 PM.
On the sporting front, there is a massive fixture for the Everton F.C. Women, who face Liverpool F.C. Women on Saturday. Derby days always bring a special intensity to the city, and with the women’s game growing so rapidly, the atmosphere is expected to be electric.
Lancashire: Coastal Art and Spring Trails
Lancashire is leaning into the spring spirit this weekend. Up on the coast, Morecambe hosts the Sea Change Festival on Saturday 28 March. Centred around the West End and the More Music venue, it is a celebration of local art, music, and the unique character of the bay. It is the perfect excuse for a brisk walk down the promenade past the Eric Morecambe statue, taking in those famous views across to the Lake District.
In Lancaster, history buffs can join the Georgian & Regency Tour starting on Saturday. Costumed guides lead you through the city’s winding streets, telling stories of the busy port and the characters who lived there in 1803. For those after a more modern vibe, Dermot Kennedy is performing an intimate acoustic set and Q&A at Lancaster Town Hall on Saturday evening.
For families, the Easter season officially kicks off at Brockholes Nature Reserve near Preston. The Easter Xplorer trail starts this Saturday, 28 March. It is a great way to get the kids out into the fresh air, navigating the floating village and spotting the first signs of spring wildlife on the Ribble. Over in Chorley, the ‘What’s Your Story, Chorley?’ festival continues its month-long celebration of storytelling with various events across the town centre.
Cheshire: Art and Candlelight
Cheshire offers a blend of high art and nostalgia this weekend. Tatton Park launches a major new exhibition on Saturday 28 March, tracing the journey of Samuel Egerton from Cheshire to Venice and featuring extraordinary works by celebrated artists. If you want to get hands-on, there is a mixed-media collage workshop with artist Ula Fung on Saturday as well.
In the heart of the city, Chester Cathedral presents 80s Anthems by Candlelight on Saturday evening. Hearing hits from Queen, Fleetwood Mac, and A-ha performed by a live band and singers in a candlelit cathedral is a truly euphoric experience.
For the beer lovers, Hush Brewing Co. in Northwich is holding an Open Weekend from Friday through to Sunday. It is a great opportunity to go behind the scenes of a local independent brewery, sample some fresh pours, and enjoy the community atmosphere.
Cumbria: Lakeland Walks and Easter Adventures
With the clocks changing, Sunday evening is the perfect time for a late afternoon walk in the Lake District. The National Trust sites are gearing up for the holidays, with Easter Egg Hunts starting on Saturday at Acorn Bank near Penrith, Wray Castle on the shores of Windermere, and Allan Bank in Grasmere.
If you are looking for a challenge, Muncaster Castle is hosting its famous ‘Great Egg Drop’ this weekend. Visitors are tasked with designing a protective case for an egg before it is dropped from the castle rooftop—a true test of amateur engineering!
For a more relaxed pace, head to Greystoke Castle for their Artisan and Craft Market running both Saturday and Sunday. It is a free-entry event featuring local makers, great food, and a wonderful atmosphere in the castle grounds.
Getting Around This Weekend
- The Bee Network: If you are heading into Manchester, keep an eye on the Bee Network app. With the festivals and the Tattoo Tea Party taking place, trams will be busy, particularly around the city centre and Eccles.
- The Hour Change: Don’t forget that the clocks go forward at 1:00 AM on Sunday morning. You don’t want to be an hour late for your Sunday lunch bookings or festival sets!
Whether you are dancing in a cathedral, exploring a canal-side brewery, or taking a brisk walk on the Lancashire coast, have a fantastic weekend in the North West!
