A series of Stranger Things-themed skating sessions are taking over one of Manchester‘s newest roller rinks next weekend.
There is absolutely no denying that much of the world is Stranger Things obsessed at the moment, with all eyes firmly on the fourth series of the smash-hit science fiction horror drama – which has recently been released in two instalments on Netflix, and has broken a handful of streaming records on its way.
Starring Winona Ryder and David Harbour, and making household names out of its young cast of stars – including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, and many more – Stranger Things has gone on to develop a dedicated fanbase.
Since first hitting Netflix back in July 2016, the show has also received widespread critical acclaim for its characterisation, atmosphere, acting, soundtrack, directing, writing, and for paying plenty of homages to 1980s film and pop culture.
Most recently, Stranger Things 4 has just become the first English-language series in streaming history to rack up over one billion hours viewed in the first four weeks of release.
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And now, Good Life Skates is set to properly celebrate the popular programme in style.
In case you missed it, the brand-new roller rink opened its doors above Escape To Freight Island’s main hall last month, and now, the retro venue has revealed plans for its first summer on wheels – with a whole host of events in the coming months.
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One of the stand-out events has to be the ‘Skatefire Club’, with the venue inviting fans to “celebrate all things Stranger Things” next weekend.
“Lace up your skates and boogie along to the soundtrack of the show we all know and love.”
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Taking over the roller rink on Friday 15-Sunday 17 July, tickets for the Stranger Things-themed ‘Skatefire Club’ are now on sale, and fans can find out more and book here.
Off peak ticket prices range from £8.50, with peak hours from £10. Bring Your Own Boots (BYOB) costs from £7. The daily sessions run on Thursday and Friday from 4pm to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 10pm, and Sunday from 10am to 9pm.
You can expect pop classics all day on Saturdays with ‘Stop, Pop & Roll’, plus fun sing-along sessions too.
What’s more, is that the mezzanine rink can also be hired for private parties and kids parties, with a private room adjacent to the rink available.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Fast, funny, feisty and by all accounts, fantastic.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at Depot Mayfield in the New Year – next spring, specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
The Manc leg is scheduled to kick off on 6 March and last until 8 May, 2026, with various dates and times of day available.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Manchester Open exhibition to return in 2026 with ‘biggest celebration’ of local creative talent
Emily Sergeant
The biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent is making a much-anticipated return next summer.
Taking place every two years and now in its fourth iteration, Manchester Open exhibition sees the HOME Gallery walls filled with hundreds of artworks selected by a panel consisting of art experts and community representatives.
The exhibition is open to all and welcomes entries from people of any level of experience, including established professionals, students, graduates, new and emerging talent, enthusiastic amateurs, and even first-time artists.
Artists are invited to submit work into eight different categories, with the aim of creating an exhibition ‘rich in variety’ for visitors to explore.
Manchester Open exhibition is set to return in 2026 / Credit: Jason Lock Photography
This means you’ll get to explore works of ceramics, digital/moving images, drawings, prints, paintings, photography, sculptures/installations, and textiles.
Several awards will also be up for grabs throughout the exhibition – which is set to run from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September 2026 – including a prestigious new award in honour of philanthropist and business leader, Kate Voke.
Three artists will also be awarded with artist development packages, managed by HOME and Castlefield Gallery.
“Following our 10 year anniversary in 2025, we are looking forward to 2026 and welcoming applications to HOME’s biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s artistic talent,” explained Karen O’Neill, who is the CEO of HOME.
“With a record number of applications to the last Manchester Open, we’re hoping for even more in 2026 and to demonstrate how the city continues to grow as a place where artists and creativity can thrive.”
Manchester Open exhibition is taking place in 2026 from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September, and the application and submission process is now live – with all submissions being reviewed by the selection panel who make the final selection of work to be included in the exhibition.
Artists will only be able to submit one artwork, and the selection panel members will be announced in spring 2026.
Featured Image – Jason Lock Photography (Supplied)
Emily Sergeant -
6th July 2022 
