40 Years of Hard Rock Café

Hard Rock Cafe hits the big four zero in June and they're running a month of free gigs, family events and promotions to celebrate.

Free tribute band gigs

The birthday celebrations get started on 2 June with the first of four Thursday night tribute band gigs. They've got a band for each decade of their lifespan – the 1970s are represented by The Kings of Queen on 2 June, Bon Giovi takes you back to the 1980s on 9 June, then Noasis relive the 1990s on 16 June. On 23 June they've got cover band LUMA playing hits from the 1970s up to the present day. All the gigs start at 9pm.

71p burgers

Head down on their actual birthday, Tuesday 14 June, for a burger at £12.50 off the normal price. The first 40 people to order a legendary 10 oz burger will get it for just 71p in honour of the year Hard Rock was born. It's made with a blend of fresh beef and topped with seasoned bacon, two slices of Cheddar cheese, an onion ring, lettuce, tomato and pickles. 

Rock Family Sundays

 If you've got a Guitar Hero in your family, tempt them away from the Wii with the promise of a real guitar, on stage, at Hard Rock Cafe. Every Sunday in June, families can have their photos taken on the stage as a rock n roll band – nan on drums, dad on bass, mum on lead guitar, son on lead vocals. That's a shot for above the mantelpiece.

Rock Family Sundays take place on 5,12,19 and 26 June from midday to 4pm.

Other birthday japes include competitions on Hard Rock's Facebook and Twitter with the chance to win Iron Maiden tickets and a night in a city centre hotel. There's also a Guitar Amnesty – take them your broken or unused guitar and they'll get it working again then donate it to charity.

No need to book for any of the birthday events – just turn up at Hard Rock Café in the Printworks, Manchester. For more details please call 0161 831 6700.