The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week
What’s On
It’s well and truly autumn, schools are soon to be out for half term across Greater Manchester, and Halloween is right around the corner. With the spooky season officially here, the events calendar is filled up with lots of different things to be getting up to this week, so we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide. As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Here’s our top picks.
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Pumpkin Lanterns
Manchester City Centre Monday 17 October – 1 November
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Pumpkin Lanterns / Credit: CityCo / Manchester BID
There couldn’t be a more ideal time to catch a glimpse of the pumpkins. If you’re looking to get in the mood for Halloween, but want to keep things a little on the cheaper side this week, then you need look no further than up above in the city centre as the annual decorative pumpkin lanterns are back once again and they’re here all month.
Going on a little tour to see the lanterns in the trees in St Ann’s Square, Market Street and beyond is the perfect activity for all the family, easy to plan and great for pictures.
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And it’s FREE too. You can find more information here. ___
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Arley Hall & Gardens
Monday 17 October – onwards
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The hugely popular woodland trail inspired by the forbidden forest from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchise has officially returned. After what was undoubtedly a massive success back in 2021, with people travelling from all across the UK to see what it was all about, organisers of the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience have announced it’s back to the Grade II-listed Arley Hall & Gardens in Cheshire. Having arrived just in time for Halloween, Potter-heads can “walk into the depths of a dark forest”, and “discover fantastic beasts and iconic Wizarding World moments illuminated like never before”.
Find out more here. ___
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Escape Into Autumn
National Trust Monday 17 October – onwards
Escape Into Autumn / Credit: National Trust
The National Trust is celebrating the arrival of a new season by offering free visits to the sites it cares for this autumn.
Families will be able to visit the many stately homes, grand gardens, beaches and countryside locations that are looked after by the charity. The limited-time offer will allow people to book an autumn trip to a National Trust site of their choosing, and each free ticket will admit two adults and up to four children – with hundreds of sites taking part in the campaign.
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Find out more here. ___
Spookfest 2022
Trafford Centre
Monday 17 – Sunday 30 October
Spookfest 2022 / Credit: Trafford Centre
After a successful run in 2021, Spookfest has returned to the Trafford Centre just in time for Halloween, and the outdoor space has come alive with activity.
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There’s a variety of exciting family-friendly things on offer for all ages to enjoy, from thrilling funfair rides, the action-packed Spooktacular Big Top circus, and the North West’s first and only pumpkin tower, to face painting, creepy costume characters, big-screen scary movies, and Halloween-themed food and drink. Find out more and book tickets here. ___
Pokemon: Art Through the Ages
Trafford Centre
Monday 17 October – 13 November
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Pokemon: Art Through the Ages / Credit: Pokemon
A Pokemon art trail and treasure hunt-style event is taking over the Trafford Centre this week, and the best part is, it’s absolutely free to get involved with. ‘Pokemon: Art Through the Ages’ will give fans the chance to discover hidden art of the 151 Pokemon that were originally discovered in the Kanto region through an interactive trail – which event organisers say showcases “a wide variety of artistic techniques and styles” from across the ages. There’ll be cave paintings, stained glass, and more for families and Pokemon fans of all ages to enjoy free of charge.
Find out more here. ___
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Scare City Experience
Camelot Monday 17 October – onwards
Have you seen that Scare City Experience is back for 2022? The hugely-popular outdoor immersive horror experience has taken on a new life just in time for Halloween, and this time round, it’s taken over the derelict site of one of the North West’s most iconic theme parks. Events company Park N Party’s sell-out success Scare City has arrived at Camelot with a new walkthrough scare attraction, and it’s described as a “blood-soaked ordeal”.
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For those who’ve got the guts to enter this year, a trek through “nightmarish zones” awaits.
Find out more and book tickets here. ___
Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail
Chester Zoo Monday 17 October – onwards
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Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail / Credit: Chester Zoo
Tarantulas, komodo dragons, and poisonous dart frogs are just some of the creatures you can meet on Chester Zoo’s newest interactive trail.
With the spooky season right around the corner, Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail has taken over the UK’s biggest charity zoo for the whole of this month up until Monday 31 October, and it looks set to be an ideal day out for families during the half term. The trail is free with the price of admission, and aims to raise awareness of all the “creepy but crucial creatures” at the zoo that are venomous and poisonous. Find out more here.
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Looking for some new restaurants and bars to try out in Manchester city centre this month?
As ever, a host of exciting new restaurants and bars are opening in Manchester in October.
Whether you’re into glitzy late-night hang outs, casual dining turnarounds or award-winning burritos, let’s just say there’s something on the list for you – from the brand new Shogun Ramen and Bar, which sees beloved Chorlton restaurant Peck & Yard give it ‘one more shot’ with a ramen and sushi concept, to Mayfair celeb haunt Mnky Hse. You can read our round-up to find out where to put on your list this month here. ___
Manchester Science Festival 2022
Science and Industry Museum
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Friday 21 – Sunday 30 October
Manchester Science Festival / Credit: Science Museum Trust
Manchester Science Festival is making a glorious return this week, with events for all ages taking place at both the Science and Industry Museum and venues across the city.
This year’s event will celebrate science through immersive performances, interactive activities, and after-hours amusement, with highlights across the 10 days including a headline exhibition Turn It Up: The Power of Music, a nocturnal nature tour, and a chance to meet people who already work in STEM careers, including experts from festival sponsors Amazon. You can find out about everything happening at this year’s festival here. ___
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The Art of Banksy
MediaCityUK
Friday 21 October – onwards
The Art of Banksy / Credit: Supplied
The Art of Banksy will finally arrive at MediaCityUK this week. Landing in Manchester on 21 October, the exhibit will showcase 145 iconic Banksy pieces all amassed from private collections across the globe to create the world’s largest touring collection of Banksy artworks. Visitors will have the chance to experience the infamous artist’s most well-known works alongside those rarely seen by the public, all on loan from private collectors.
Find out more and grab tickets here. ___
Scare Skate
Cathedral Gardens Friday 21 – Monday 31 October
Scare Skate / Credit: Skate Manchester
The city’s largest outdoor ice rink returns this week just in time for Halloween.
Scare Skate will see Halloween fans and fear-loving families take to the ice for some “frightfully good fun” this October half term from Friday 21 – Monday 31 October. Gearing up to be “a frightful experience to remember”, not only will the spooktacular rink see one of the iconic MCR Monsters take centre stage as part of the annual Halloween in the City event, but it will also be complete with Halloween-themed music and lighting. Find out more here.
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Backyard Cinema
Depot Mayfield Friday 21 October – onwards
Backyard Cinema / Credit: Grant Walker
Manchester’s newest cinema is set to open on the roof of Depot Mayfield this week. Coming to Manchester for a limited 10-week run, Backyard Cinema brings its immersive movie going experience to the north for the ever first time, and it will feature way more than a cosy purpose-built cinema room, as it comes complete with an Enchanted Forest, two bars, street food trucks and a live music stage to boot.
The 330-capacity indoor cinema’s upcoming film schedule for the Autumn / Winter season has some absolute crackers in there too. Find out more here. ___
PowerUP
Science and Industry Museum
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 October
PowerUP / Credit: Science Museum Group
A huge gaming event has returned to Manchester. With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP is back at the Science and Industry Museum for the first time in three years, taking ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming, with everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more. Power UP is taking place every weekend and school holiday all the way through to December 2023, and every ticket includes unlimited play all day.
You can find more information here. ___ Featured Image – CityCo | The Manc Group | National Trust
What’s On
Trafford Centre’s ‘Spookfest’ is back and bigger than ever this Halloween
Trafford Centre‘s ‘spooktacular’ Spookfest is back for another year of festive fright and family fun.
The massive shopping centre and leisure centre’s annual Halloween build-up event is one of the biggest anywhere in Greater Manchester and promises more creepy activities than ever. From seasonal-themed food, drink and face-painting, to special movie screenings, circus shows and live performances, the second half of October will be dedicated to everyone’s favourite horror-filled holiday.
Credit: Trafford Centre
Spooktacular Big Top Circus Returns: 14-30 October
The creepiness kicks off with the return of the beloved Gandeys Circus, which arrives with a brand-new Halloween Spooktacular Big Top show. The specially selected international cast of skeletons, vampires, jack-o’lanterns and Circus Artistes have been brought together for an action-packed extravaganza.
Tickets can be pre-booked HERE.
The Funfair: 14-30 October
Just like the circus, the funfair is back and bigger than ever.
As well as classics like the ghoulish ghost train and haunted house, new additions include the new Mach 5: an adrenaline-pumping ride that spins speedily at soaring heights of 55m above the ground. That’s more than enough to put the fright in us! But don’t worry, it’s not all scares; there’s plenty of fun for the little ones as well, with flying elephants, mini-chairs, tea cups, the dedicated Kidzone and much, much more.
Spookfest has something for people of all ages. Entry tickets to the funfair and rides area are priced at just GBP2.50 per person at an online discounted rate, but they can be purchased on the door if need be. Full list of rides:
- Ghost train
- Rock rage
- Mach 5
- Crash test (spinning coaster)
- Kidzone
- Balloon ride
- Racing cars
- Mini chairs
- Train Ride
- Tea cups
- Waveswinger
- Bumper Carz
- Funhouse
- Flying Elephants
- Jumping Frog
- Cruise Ship
- Starflyer
- Tin Can Ally
- Extreme
- Cliffhanger
- Bungee Trampoline
You book tickets and find out more information on the ride token system HERE.
Halloween Movie Screenings
If you’re looking for something a little less pulse-raising but still fun for all the family, there are a number of seasonal films playing across the rest of the month.
Here’s what you can catch:
- 15 October, 2pm: Toy Story of Terror
- 22 October, 2pm: The Nightmare Before Christmas
- 29 October, 2pm: Coco
Moreover, the screenings are free to anyone who purchases a fairground wristband, both of which can be pre-booked online before you arrive. Sort your tickets HERE.
Costume characters and face painting: 15- 30 October
For even more to keep the little ones entertained, there’ll be a whole host of Halloween heroes appearing on the weekends and throughout half-term at the Trafford Centre. Performers will be doing shows and greeting visitors between 2-4pm.
Face painting will also be available from 1.30pm-5.30pm on 15, 16 and 22-30 October.
- Sat 15 Oct: Maleficent and Aurora
- Sun 16 Oct: Jack Skellington
- Sat 22 Oct: Jack Skellington
- Sun 23 Oct: Maleficent and Scooby Doo
- Mon 24 Oct: Batman and Maleficent
- Tues 25 Oct: Aurora and Maleficent
- Weds 26 Oct: Scooby Doo and Maleficent
- Thurs 27 Oct: Jack Skellington
- Fri 28 Oct: Batman and Maleficent
- Sat 29 Oct: Scooby Doo and Maleficent
- Sun 30 Oct: Jack Skellington
And for those looking for scarier Halloween vibes, there’ll be plenty more frightening folk walking around the premises throughout Spookfest.
Credit: Trafford Centre
Pumpkin Tower Installation
Last but not least, Spookfest 2022 will christen the Trafford Centre’s striking new Pumpkin Tower feature, the first ever in the North West and one of the collect new additions to the popular annual event. The Pumpkin Tower will boast 250 pumpkins and jack o’lanterns and reaches a full five metres into the air — two big Christmas trees worth. This is definitely one to get a snap of with the kids.
Read more:
Visit the Spookfest ’22 page on the Trafford Centre’s website HERE for all information on everything they have on offer this year as well as how to get tickets for each event.
They’re kicking off Halloween this year and we’re absolutely here for it. For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE. Featured Image — Trafford Centre
What’s On
The best gigs, club nights and event tickets in Manchester this October
October is flying.
The temperatures are dropping, the rain has returned with a vengeance and we’re looking for the best places to be indoors outside of our own homes. Lucky for you, you live in Manchester where there is always plenty of stuff going on and, as per, we thought we’d do a round-up of the best gigs and events on this month. With that in mind, let’s not waste any more time, shall we?
Hit and Run vs White Peach — Hidden (18+)
WHEN: Friday 14th October 2022, 11:00pm til 4:00am (Last entry 1:00am)
As far as we’re concerned, the weekend starts at 5pm on Friday and if you’re in search of late-night plans after that first pint goes down, a night of drum, bass, techno and more until 4am should do just fine.
If you fancy seeing two duelling record labels, DJs like ADHD and Thys make their Manchester debuts and a whole host of other artists take over two full rooms, this one is for you. Get tickets for Hit and Run vs White Peach HERE.
Defected — Depot Mayfield (18+)
WHEN: Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th October 2022, 2:00pm til 2:00am (Last entry 5:30pm)
Another over-18s-only event, Defected’s famous spot at Depot Mayfield is next up for this year’s Warehouse Project and the line-up will have you partying until the early hours as per. Offering up everything from electronic, house and disco, including the likes of Glitterbox, Bob Sinclar, a Groove Armada DJ set and dozens more, WHP is well and truly getting into its stride.
Get tickets for Defected HERE.
Gabriels — New Century Hall (14+)
WHEN: Saturday 22nd October 2022, 7:00pm til 11:00pm (14+) Popping up at one of the city centre’s coolest new venues, the R&B/soul group Gabriels are rocking up for the second night in Manchester to christen the newly minted New Century, fresh from supporting Harry Styles on tour.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CikFRyVNfB3/?hl=en
One of the best-looking spaces anywhere in town, the slick 70s surround of the new space will is the perfect setting for frontman Jacob Lusk’s smooth vocals. You don’t want to miss this one.
Get tickets for Gabriels HERE.
Joshua Brooks presents General Levy + Support (18+)
WHEN: Saturday 22nd October 2022, 10:00pm til 4:00am (Last entry 12:00am)
The ragga legend himself General Levy is hosting a night of jungle and drum and bass in the Joshua Brooks basement. Say no more. We can’t even hear his name without thinking of that legendary MistaJam moment on Radio One and you’ll be pleased to know his sets go off even bigger than that every time, without fail.
Best of all, tickets are just a fiver. You’d be crazy to pass it up. Get tickets for General Levy HERE.
Festival of Fear — Dock 53 (18+)
WHEN: Saturday 29th – Sunday 30th October 2022, 2:00pm til 11:00pm (Last entry 7:30pm)
Credit: Dock 53
Credit: AC/DC Experience’s sold-out crowd for Festwich
If you’re after slightly creepier vibes as the spook season nears, then look no further.
The ‘Festival of Fear’ over near Piccadilly is Dock 53’s inaugural Halloween event and will see some of the best rock tribute acts in the UK descend on Manchester. Hosted in the transformed cargo park and event space, you’ll be treated to the likes of Megadeth UK (Megadeth), Hi On Maiden (Iron Maiden), Ozzbest (Black Sabbath) and more. Rock lovers, get it in your diary.
Get tickets for Festival of Fear HERE.
Sprechen Cinema: Nosferatu Screening + Soundtrack — The Carlton Club (18+)
WHEN: Monday 31st October 2022, 7:00pm til 11:00pm (Last entry 8:00pm)
Credit: Skiddle
Now, if you’re not one for fancy dress parties or going out on the town, but still want to enjoy Halloween 2022, this special screening of the horror classic Nosferatu (a.k.a. the original vampire) should be right up your street. Hosted at the Carlton Club over in Whalley Range, the German expressionist film adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula will be scored live by Chris Massey and Richie V from the Manchester daytime club Supernature. Better still, tickets include a free vegan meal and complimentary ‘dark beer’.
Tidy. Get tickets for Nosferatu HERE.
Read more:
Don’t sleepwalk into November and a winter full of buying Christmas presents on the few pennies you have left after watching every England game at the pub — get this stuff booked, people! You can find plenty more gigs, club nights and special events going in Manchester this October via Skiddle.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Image — The Warehouse Project (via Instagram)