A huge new advertising billboard has appeared in Piccadilly Gardens – and its ironic message hasn’t been lost on Mancs.
The massive advert for Magnum ice cream was unveiled over the weekend, standing several storeys high on Piccadilly.
Alongside a photo of a chocolate Magnum lolly, the advert declares: “The only thing that can make lying on Piccadilly Gardens even better.”
Although it is one of the city centre’s largest public spaces, the area is more well-known for its high crime rate than its sunbathing opportunities.
Piccadilly Gardens left muddy from the Christmas Markets. Credit: The Manc Group
Piccadilly Gardens left muddy from the Christmas Markets. Credit: The Manc Group
The central ‘gardens’ have been left with barely any grass after a miserable winter and a huge volume of footfall during the Christmas Markets.
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Piccadilly Gardens is notorious for drug dealing too, and has become a hotspot for Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid nicknamed the ‘Zombie drug’ because of the catatonic state it leaves users in.
Even in sunny weather, you’ll find more pigeons scratching through the mud than you will locals relaxing on the lawns.
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Mancs have been quick to point out the oversight in the advertising from Magnum since The Manc shared a video of it this afternoon.
One person said: “The only time you lie down in Piccadilly Gardens is when you have been stabbed.”
Another wrote: “Who better to share a magnum with than Dave the rabid pigeon.”
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Someone else commented: “Presumably the Magnum also contains a tetanus shot.”
The majority of people have been making Spice-related jokes though.
One person quipped: “Didn’t realise they made spice flavoured Magnums.”
Another said: “Nice Spiced magnum in the p*ssin rain!”
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And one poor visitor commented: “Went to work in Manchester, spent my dinner hour eating my lunch in Piccadilly gardens went back to work fuming that they didn’t pre-warn me that I’d be surrounded by spice heads. Never again.”
Featured image: The Manc Group
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.
Daisy Jackson -
11th April 2022 
