Good morning, Salford!
If you don't already know, this Saturday is Peel Park's 180th birthday and the city is celebrating in style. If you've not got plans yet, get yourself down there because it is going to be fun.
But before we get into today's edition, a few of you have been asking whether I could start including some of the best events and things to do happening just outside Salford in the newsletter. Salford will always be at the heart of Salford Signal, but there are some brilliant things happening just a few miles away across Manchester and Greater Manchester that you might enjoy too.
Before I make any changes, I want to know what you think. It is just one quick question and your answer will help me decide whether it is something worth doing.
Now let's get into what's happening in Salford this week.
Featured in today’s signal:
The Bard of Salford is coming home
The return of We are Salford
Restaurant of the week
New Children's Nursery in Salford
Exciting things to do this Weekend
— Lani
WEATHER
Thursday - 18 🌡️ 10 | 🌦️
Friday - 18 🌡️ 10 | 🌤️
Saturday - 19 🌡️ 10 | 🌤️
Sunday - 19 🌡️ 11 | 🌤️
Temperature readings taken from metoffice.gov.uk the night before publication.
Salford's own John Cooper Clarke to make Salford homecoming at BBC’s Contains Strong Language
If there is one name that is synonymous with Salford, it is John Cooper Clarke, “The Bard of Salford”. The punk poet from Higher Broughton has been making people stop and listen for decades and next month he is coming home.
John Clarke is headlining Contains Strong Language, the BBC's annual poetry and spoken word festival, which is coming to Media City for the very first time. This year marks the festival's tenth edition and the fact that it is happening in Salford during the city's centenary year feels like it was meant to be.
The lineup around is very impressive and he will be joined by the likes of Jackie Kay, Alice Oswald, Owen Sheers and the current Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.
There are also free events, school workshops and community sessions running alongside the programme so there is no excuse not to be there. There’s something for everyone so grab your tickets now.
We are Salford - The Return
We Are Salford is returning to the Kings Arms on 22nd August and from everything I have heard about it, this is one of those shows you will be gutted you missed if you don’t go.
The show celebrates the women of Salford - real stories, characters, and humour. It was originally put together during weekly workshops where participants shared their own experiences of living in this city, and the result is a story woven from those voices. Lost love, sporting glory, grit, determination and lots of Salford humour all bundled into one.
There are two ways to experience it on the day. The immersive version kicks off at 12pm in the bar - audience participation included, followed by a Q&A in the Snug.
Then at 5pm the full stage version takes over the Kings Arms Theatre, complete with a sing-song and a horse race.
Restaurant of the Week - Milo Bagels
Milo Bagels has only been open three weeks and it is already one of those places you tell your friends about. It’s located inside Tangerine, opposite Salford Central station, and their menu comprises of mainly bagels, doughnuts and coffee.
The bagels are made fresh every single day. You have got your classics - cream cheese and tomato, smoked salmon with red onion and capers. Then you have got the salt beef with pickles and Island dressing, which is exactly as good as it sounds. All on your choice of plain, sesame or everything bagel.
But honestly? The doughnuts might be the real reason to go. Milo is the first place in Salford to serve cruller style doughnuts, light, crispy and deep fried in a way that takes you straight back to the seaside.
A few items worth trying:
Classic Lox
French Crullers
Croque monsieur
click here to check out their full menu and plan your visit!
New Children's Nursery in Salford
Heywood Hall on Bolton Road in Pendlebury, a Grade II listed building that has been closed for nearly two years is getting transformed into a Nursery and expected to welcome its first children at the end of August.
The historic building, originally designed by prominent Victorian architect George Frederick Bodley, has been carefully restored and transformed into a children's nursery by Explorers Nurseries Ltd.
Directors Gordon and Nicola Green, who have been running childcare settings across Salford since 2009, described the project as one of the most challenging and rewarding things they have ever taken on.
The nursery will provide up to 92 childcare places and create new jobs in the local area. Open days are planned throughout August for families who want to come and see the transformation for themselves before it officially opens.
A building that has been part of Salford's story for over a century is now ready to write its next one, and this time it is for the little ones.
Exciting things to do this Weekend
This section includes only the major events happening soon. It's going to be a bit warmer, so here's a few ways to spend it well:
Screen on the Docks Film Schedule - “Mean Girls” | 20th August 5pm - 7pm (Free)
📍Media City Waterside Steps
Description: Manchester’s most breathtaking open-air cinema experience right by the water’s edge at our Waterside Steps hang-out. All screenings are free to attend, but please note seating is on a first come first served basis.
Queer Walk & Talk with Rainbow Mind | 21st August, 1pm - 3pm (Free)
📍RHS Garden Bridgewater, Worsley
Description: Join Rainbow Mind Greater Manchester for a moment of calm, connection, and community 🌈
Midsummer Night’s Dream | 26th August 7pm - 9pm (Tickets)
📍Ordsall Hall
Description: We are excited to welcome back Folksy Theatre for this special production of a classic, Midsummer Night's Dream!
Barton Aerodrome Family Friday | 21st August Live Music from 2pm (Free)
📍The Clubhouse at Barton Airport, Eccles, M30 7SA
Description: Free entry, all welcome, Entertainment, music, games, activities for all.Peel Park's 180th birthday celebration| 22nd August 11am - 3pm (Free)
📍Peel Park, Salford M5 4WU
Description: Celebrate with us on 22 August as one of the UK's first public parks marks 180 years of history with live entertainment, guided walks, family activities and plenty of birthday fun.
Manchester Card Con | 22nd August 10:15am - 4pm (Tickets)
📍CorpAcq Stadium, Eccles, England
Description: Immerse yourself into the world of trading cards at one of the UK's leading card shows. From Pokemon and One Piece to Yu-Gi-Oh and other TCG's, as well as the best range of sports cards with dozens of sports vendors - there is something for all kinds of collectors at Manchester Card Con.Creative Mosaic Workshop at Mattina | 24th August (Tickets)
📍Unit 2, Bridge House, Blue, Salford M50 2BH
Description: Creative Mosaic Workshop Unwind after the weekend with a hands-on mosaic workshop at Mattina Coffee! Designed exclusively for women looking to connect and create, this evening social with Girls On The Go will guide you through designing your own beautiful mosaic piece. Don’t miss out on a night of great drinks, crafts, and company!
Roe Green Cricket Club festival 2026 | 22nd August 12pm - 9:30pm (Tickets)
📍Salford Arts theatre, Salford, M5 4BS
Description: Roe Green cricket Club festival returns Sat 22nd Aug 2026 Raising funds for Roe Green Cricket Club, profits towards club improvement
SuperSession Open Air Padel Social Tournament | 22nd August 10am - 12pm (Tickets)
📍Padel 16, Worsley, England
Description: Join us for the next SuperSession at Padel16, Worsley – a fast-paced social padel tournament designed to get you playing with and against as many different people as possible.
Family Fun Day | 21st August 1pm - 3pm (Free)
📍Salford Sports Village, 325 Littleton Road, Salford M7 3NQ
Description: Outdoor Activities, Dance Session, Quizes, Ice Cream Station, Afternoon Tea, Green & Grow Activity, Fun and Games. Booking is Essential, please scan the QR code. Completely free.
Woven Through Time Weaving Session | 20th August 10am - 12:30pm (Free)
📍Swinton Gateway, 100 Chorley Rd, Swinton, Manchester M27 6BP
Description: A city-wide creative project celebrating Salford's people, memories and stories through weaving, collage and community making. No booking needed, just drop in.
BOOMCHIKABOOM! FREE Beach Party | 26th August 10am - 12pm (Free)
📍Kargo MKT, Salford, England
Description: Get ready to dance, play games, and enjoy the summer hols at the ultimate free beach bash!
Fridays Palop | 22nd August 11pm - 4am (Free)
📍Peppermints, Salford, England
Description: Come join us to relax and unwind from the daily grind. The perfect place to enjoy a good night. Get ready for another awesome night at Fridays Palop, with good vibes, music and atmosphere 😎 We are here to make your Fridays Unforgettable 🔥
P.S. I hope you enjoy Salford Signal. I always try to keep these emails short, useful, and worth opening. If there’s ever something you’d like to see covered, or you have any questions or thoughts after your first email, don’t hesitate to reply to this email. I read every message.
With Love,
Lani S
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