Besides in the press, little seems to have been said about the inaugural Sky Festival, which takes place in and around Manchester this weekend.

Sky TV are stumping up a heap of cash to fund a series of free entertainment events, each tied in with one of their channels. They’re clearly hoping to generate some goodwill towards the Rupert Murdoch-owned corporation.

So Sky Movies, for example, is offering free film screenings at the AMC Great Northern, while Artsworld is putting on the English National Ballet at The Lowry.

Elsewhere, there are kids parties, comedy and music shows, food showcases, news and sports events and even a murder-mystery evening. Sky Sports is organising an A1 Grand Prix circuit around Exchange Square.

The festival will also be ‘leaving a legacy‘ of workshops, summer schools, competitions and a valuable work experience position with Sky News. The National Geographic Channel will be planting 350 trees in areas of Manchester regeneration.

What with Dpercussion last weekend, Mancunians best take advantage of these summer events before Winter boredom kicks in. Click here to see ticketing status.