If you like a good Irish session, there are several round Manchester- try the Beech in Chorlton on a Monday night. Also several excellent folk clubs, but not having visited them for some years I'll leave others to fill in on that.

If it's technology you're into, the Manchester Science Museum is brilliant, and it includes the world's oldest surviving railway station.

Steam trains on the East Lancashire Railway, north from Bury at the end of the tram route from the city centre.

The Peak district is less than an hour away by train, either towards Buxton, Glossop or Edale/ Hope/ Bamford. Bring stout boots.

Sadly no New Mills Klezmer session in August, too many people are away.