What’s On: May.

Summer has set in and the weekends are back! Packed full of day-parties, festivals and al-fresco dining (or a BBQ). With two Bank Holidays this month there is a lot to look forward to, here is our guide including events, activities and discounts on food and drink.

Mental Health Awareness Week

Taking place from 12 -18 May, Mental Health Awareness Week is aiming to celebrate the power and importance of community.

Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose. 

There are a number of ways you can get involved including:

Body Balance at Printworks

NEOM Wellbeing MHAW Wellbeing Walk

Stockport Mental Health Community Fair

The Future is Ours Festival

The Future is Ours Festival is an annual event celebrating young peoples creativity taking place from Thursday 8 -22 May.

The festival is opening with the Mental Health and Arts Symposium on Thursday 8 May, exploring the role of creativity in supporting young peoples mental health.

Sign up for free tickets here.

Events

Early May Bank Holiday

Soul Mass Transit System

¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U / BADSISTA / Hesska

Subculture Bank Holiday Day Rave

5 Years of Chorus Pt2: d.phylleia, Practical, Alex Milo & April

SlapFunk & Animal Crossing present The Bank Holiday Block Party

Mungo’s Hi Fi ft Killa P & Chimpo: Bank Holiday Special

Sounds From The Other City 2025

7-20 May

Perception: Faciendo Soundsystem All Night Long

Scoundrel presents: Beatrice M., Mankiyan, Shimma

Get Closer: Luuk van Dijk

Kold Sweat X DIG MY BOX at Eastern Bloc

Amber’s x Crack Magazine

Fiyahdred + Synna G + Stells Selections

Say What? Sessions – Featuring Spirit Alumni Macy Lancaster

Ghosts of Garage – START OF SUMMER DAY PARTY – FREE Tickets

RAMONA RADIO RAVE with O.B.F. (France) – FREE Tickets

The Loft: SPFDJ, Nene H & April

EN:YO presents: Boofy (3h Set) + Buckley, harpriya & mage

The Hallé presents: Honey Dijon

Bank Holiday Weekend

Madruga x HEREAFTER x Zuku: FREAKENSTEIN + residents

D.A.V.E. The Drummer, CJ Bolland & aalice, Manchester

The Loft: Artwork & Barry Gothic

Strangefest 2025

Soup presents: Carrier, Clemency, Henzo & Emby, Kop-Z – Featuring Spirit Alumni Dan Copsey

Headspin: Chez de Milo

Space Cassette All Dayer

LTJ Bukem: Bank Holiday Special

É Soul Cultura – SPRING SUMMER SERIES

Garage Girls – 3rd Birthday Tour

The Bug (In Dub) feat. Warrior Queen

10 YEARS OF Hidden x 5 YEARS OF EC2A INCOMING

Activities

Manchester Flower Festival
Over the late May Bank Holiday, discover the city transformed with themed floral decorations and green installations as well as live music, alfresco food, talks, processions and workshops.

An evening with Naga Munchetty
In conversation with BBC broadcaster and women’s health advocate discussing her new book: It’s Probably Nothing

Discounts on food and drink this May

Bab NQ – £10 for any gormet kebab and a drink

Doghouse – BOGOF on plant-based mains, £1 tacos on Tuesdays

Mean Eyed Cat – Free pizza with every drink everyday until 9PM.

Pen & Pencil – 50% off food on Mondays

If you have a gig, event or anything else you’d like featured in the What’s On articles please let us know at marketing@spiritstudios.ac.uk