I caught a feature during Tuesday’s The One Show about a pair of peregrine falcons nesting in the city centre with four chicks.

The birds are apparently the fastest in the world, reaching speeds of 200mph, and have a wingspan of over a metre - so perhaps not what you want divebombing on your lunchtime sandwich.

Nevertheless, the RSPB are monitoring the falcons, which have been nesting there since 2005, and are inviting people to spot them using telescopes in Exchange Square. The square’s big screen is also broadcasting a live feed from the nest from 11am until 6pm every day but Monday.

And the RSPB are asking for name suggestions for the chicks - Morrissey, Johnny, Andy and Mike, anyone?

It appears that peregrine nests in towns are cities are becoming more common too, with these five hiding out at Bolton Town Hall. An appeal for residents at Manchester Town Hall has, I guess, been less successful.

Piccadilly Records‘ handy weekly mailer just informed me that everybody’s favourite vegan/Christian musician/DJ/producer/activist, Moby, is doing an acoustic set in Cup on Thomas Street this Thursday, 24 July.

It’s only a short one - 5pm until 5.30pm - and it precedes his proper show at Sankeys later that night, but you can’t complain at the price (free). I’m guessing it’s a favour for fellow knob-twiddler and regular Cup fixture Mr Scruff.

Tonight vaguely drinkable beer brand San Miguel hosts its second ‘Hidden Depths’ night in Manchester. Belgian DJ duo the Glimmers will be playing, plus ‘a legendary hip hop pioneer’ of undisclosed identity. It kicks off at 7pm at Joshua Brooks, next to the BBC, and tickets are free if you register at sanmiguel.co.uk.

I was in the Yorkshire Dales last weekend, failing to complete the Three Peaks Challenge (excuses include hailstone, lightning and terrible, terrible chafing). If I’d known about it beforehand, I probably would have stayed in sunny ol’ Manchester and attempted one of the many walks detailed on the university’s Community Mapping Project, such as the Fallowfield Loop. Who needs hills anyway?

Manchester’s Mardi Gras in August will have something of a fringe event this year, in the form of a special Club Brenda night at the Ruby Lounge. It’ll feature various DJs and bands including personal favourites the Hidden Cameras, probably Canada’s most upbeat band.

Didsbury Beer Festival has now confirmed its venue for November: St Catherine’s Social Club on School Lane. I think I’ll probably be helping out, copy writing and liaising with the press etc, so expect more information as it’s confirmed.

And don’t forget: this weekend is the aforementioned Chorlton Beer Festival (Friday and Saturday) and Summer in the Park (Saturday and Sunday). I’d recommend going to the former on Friday, as most of the beer is gone by Saturday, while Sunday’s SitP musical lineup (including Magic Arm, the Travelling Band, the Earlies, the Bottomfeeders) looks marginally better than Saturday’s. (I also hear that friends of Red Deer Club can get a limited number of tickets on the cheap.)

Finally, hello to the seven people who have taken up Mancubist email subscriptions in the last week. If there’s something you think I should be writing about, get in touch.

… or does the ad on the back of this week’s UrbanLife state the obvious about string quartets?

Anyway, hair-splitting aside, this weekend’s free Spinningfields summer music concerts sound great, especially Litmus who ‘recreate music by famous Manchester bands including Oasis, Joy Divison, James and The Smiths’. More information here.

If you’re up for a big weekend a fortnight from now, why not combine the aforementioned Chorlton Beer Festival with Summer in the Park, which takes place at Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield on 12 and 13 July.

From the team behind the excellent Manchester Food and Drink Festival, this two-day event promises ‘food. music. drink’ - and looks far superior to the Feast! event that took place at Platt Fields Park a couple of weeks ago. Whereas that event was free, Summer in the Park costs £9.50 (one day) or £17 (weekend pass)… but you get plenty for your money:

• Dine in the Park – Try and buy from some of Manchester’s best restaurants
• Drink in the Park – A chance to sample and purchase a stunning selection of wines, champagnes continental beers and Greater Manchester ales
• Producers in the Park – Meet some of the regions best producers and sample the delights of local produce
• Play in the Park – Something for the kids… Play in the Park will create a haven for the little ones. From a baby disco to fruit kebab making, Play in the Park has it covered. Plus kids under 11 come for FREE
• Learn in the Park – Pick up some useful cooking tips from some of the best chefs as they let you into their culinary secrets
• Tea in the Park - A dedicated home for the finest and most diverse, teas, coffees, juices, smoothies, cakes and biscuits that Manchester has to offer
• Music in the Park - What better accompaniment could there be for a festival of food and drink than festival of live music on the main stage, compiling some of Manchester’s favourite artists
• Feast in the Park – As evening draws in, the inimitable Robert Owen Brown will be hosting a traditional feast in the park, featuring a huge ox-roast and seasonal vegetables. The communal banquet will kick off at tea time for those who haven’t already filled up during the day, rounding off a perfect day in the park..

Making a change for events of this type, the musical lineup is actually pretty good, with I am Kloot, the Earlies, the Travelling Band, It’s a Buffalo, Bone-Box, the Bottomfeeders, Mr Scruff, Magic Arm and Cranebuilders among the bands I’d happily pay to see.

I’m also looking forward to trying samples from the following Manchester restaurants, budget permitting: Chaophraya, The Market Restaurant, Carluccio’s, Malmaison Brasserie, Ning, Northern Quarter Restaurant, Brasserie Chez Gerard, Grado, Marmalade and Evuna.

And, drinks-wise, Odd Bar is supplying 30 wines from around the world while 20 local brewers - including Banktop, Marble, Prospect, Allgates, Hornbeam, Leyden, Fallens, Owl, Phoenix and Millstone - will be keeping me content.

All in all, it sounds like a great weekend out. Now if only the weather is obliging…