Nostalgia and the noughties are having quite the moment right now, and let’s be honest, nothing says Y2K quite like spending your Friday night in a Blockbuster.
Since the closure of the popular video-rental chain in 2014, there’s famously been just one left in the world in Bend, Oregon. Until now, that is (well, sort of).
Due to open on Manchester’s Oldham Street later this month, Blockbusters NQ will pay homage to the glory days of video rental with a new video shop-themed bar.
Image: Supplied
It comes from the owners of Chakalaka, the Northern Quarter’s South African bar and restaurant, which sits just across the road from the new space.
Decked out in the Blockbuster’s signature yellow and blue colour scheme, just like the real thing its walls are covered in video cassettes and old TVs playing cult classics, with a stereo belting out soundtracks from decades past for the ultimate nostalgia trip.
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Split across two floors, its main floor is modelled on the classic Blockbuster store set up and even includes a ‘naughty films’ section hidden at the back.
Downstairs, meanwhile, black walls, velvet chairs, and a sparkly stage for performances lend a cinematic feel to the bar’s entertainment space.
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Image: Supplied
Drinks-wise, cocktails include the VHS’presso martini (garnished with a VHS-style liquorice swirl), a G&T with a pomegranate twist (amusingly called the PG &T) and the Alcopop-corn cocktail, a creamy and sweet popcorn inspired drink.
Blockbusters NQ will also serve popcorn in quirky flavours like roast chicken and beef burger.
Speaking on the new opening, owner Stewart Dean said: “I truly wanted to make somewhere special that people get excited by.
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“I was a huge fan of video stores and my favourite bars are those that immerse you in a secret or provide a bit of an escape.
Image: Supplied
“I thought what better homage to an iconic part of our history than to create a parody of Blockbuster, one where you can drink, and the only returns here are for another hit of fun and nostalgia.”
A message on the bar’s website adds: “F*ck the future. Back in the day Blockbuster was everywhere.
“We miss it and we think it’s about time the brand made a return – one where you can drink, and the only returns here are for another hit of fun and nostalgia.
“Blockbusters NQ is not the best ‘streaming’ service, but we are the best ‘get you steaming’ service. We have a modern list of cocktails and a casual and friendly atmosphere. We are here to stay well into the future so be kind and rewind with us.”
Blockbusters NQ is set to open on 27 May in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. To keep up with its progress ahead of the opening date, follow the bar on Instagram here.
Feature image – Instagram / supplied
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Charli XCX announces massive Manchester arena gig as part of long-awaited UK and European tour
Emily Sergeant
Charli XCX has finally given UK fans the news they’ve been waiting for.
After the genre-bending popstar announced back in June a series of US gigs this autumn to support and celebrate the release of her eighth studio albumMusic, Fashion, Film – which was met with critical acclaim following its release in late July – fans in her home country were wondering when she would announce UK dates to accompany these.
The 34-year-old been had hinting at a UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour on social media over the past couple of months, but nothing was set in stone as of yet.
Then last night, Charli took to Twitter to announce that she ‘finally’ had some information coming today (11 September), and then followed it up with a teaser video – sending fans into a frenzy.
And now, it has been announced this morning that Charli XCX will be taking to the Co-op Live stage early next year.
Support on the UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour will come from US popstar Audrey Hobert.
Hobert has been having somewhat of a star-making year herself in 2026 following the release of her own critically acclaimed debut album, Who’s The Clown?, last year – with her streams racking up daily and drawing in massive crowds on the festival circuit this summer.
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film Tour UK & EU Dates 2027
13 February – 3Arena, Dublin
15 February – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
17 February – Co-op Live, Manchester
19 February – The O2, London
22 February – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
24 February – Accor Arena, Paris
Upon release back in July, Music, Fashion, Film the album received acclaim from music critics, who praised its lyrical honesty and experimental production, as Charli took a sonic journey away from the undeniable mega hit that was her 2024 album BRAT, and into ‘Rock Music’ territory.
Music, Fashion, Film topped the charts in the UK and Australia, as well as in Belgium, Hungary, and New Zealand, while reaching the top 10 in countless other countries – including the US.
Charli XCX will be bringing the Music, Fashion, Film Tour to Manchester‘s Co-op Live on Wednesday 17 February 2027, and tickets will go on sale next week.
Featured Image – Henry Redcliffe (Publicity Picture)
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 opening date announced – including new spots
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Christmas Markets are merely months away, and the opening date and important details for 2026’s return have been announced.
It’s official… holidays are coming, and the countdown is on.
Just as we do every year, the Greater Manchester public has been eagerly awaiting news of when the city’s iconic Christmas Markets would be making a comeback for the 2026 festive season. And now, Manchester City Council has announced – initially via the MEN – that the famous wooden huts will be lining the city’s streets once again from the first week in November.
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bring thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and to soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the headline-grabbing partial return at last year’s event, with the big wheel also set to make a comeback.
The Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 return date has officially been confirmed / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr
And there’s also set to be some new locations too for 2026, with Lincoln Square joining in on the action this year.
There will also be big changes to St Ann’s Square this year, according to the Council, with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre.
There’s officially eight weeks to go until the iconic wooden huts line the streets / Credit: Manchester City Council
Promising to be plenty on offer for seasonal shoppers of all ages, it has been confirmed that 2026 will see the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls take over Albert Square, Lincoln Square, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street.
Of course, everyone’s favourite big red legend, Zippy Santa, will also be back this year, although his location has not been set in stone just yet, so stay tuned.
“There’s nowhere that does Christmas quite like Manchester,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council.
“The return of Christmas festivities last year to Albert Square was a triumph and we’re looking to build on this success with a fantastic festive offer there again this year that is sure to be a hit with everyone who visits.
“Our legendary Christmas markets draw thousands upon thousands of visitors every year from right around the world and this year’s markets look set to be the very best yet, with a brand-new location in Lincoln Square just around the corner from Albert Square, and a brand-new look and even more stalls in St Ann’s Square.”
He concluded: “Christmas in Manchester will be absolutely magical this year and we can’t wait to welcome everyone and celebrate the festive season with them.”
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 will officially open across the city on Friday 6 November and close on Tuesday 22 December – with the exception of Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, which will remain open right through until Sunday 3 January.
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2022 
