A huge rooftop cinema is coming to Manchester’s Depot Mayfield
Backyard Cinema will build a purpose-built 330-capacity indoor winter cinema on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield, the long-standing derelict former Mayfield Railway Station.
The abandoned train platform at the top of Depot Mayfield will be converted into a huge rooftop cinema, complete with movie-grade sets and an Enchanted Forest this winter, it has been revealed.
The derelict railway tracks, original ticket office, waiting room, and signature cast iron roof structure, once used as overflow for Piccadilly train Station, will be turned into a unique cinematic set-up ready for the cold weather season.
Due to open in Manchester city centre this October, the new arrival comes from the team behind the Backyard Cinema.
So named because it originally began life in its founder’s garden, the ‘immersive cinema experience’ will come to Manchester for a limited 10-week run.
Backyard Cinema is coming to Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Following on from nine years of running huge screening events in the capital, this will be the first time that the cinema has hosted an event in the north of England.
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Tunnels of trees and magical doors will lead visitors on a journey of discovery as they head towards the Enchanted Forest and home of the Lost Theatre.
The purpose-built indoor cinema screening room itself will be filled with custom-made giant bean bag seating for guests to get cosied up in, with ushers offering table service for seasonal cocktails and sweet treats to save you getting out of your seat.
And that’s not all. As well as its magical cinema room and enchanted forest, the rooftop cinema will also feature two communal drinking areas, street food and a live music stage.
Kicking off on Friday 21 October, organisers say it will offer ‘an immersive cinema experience that is more than just the movies.’
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Screening a mixture of brand new releases and classics, film fans will be able to catch cult classics like E.T. and The Greatest Showman, brand new releases like Elvis and MInions 2.
Backyard Cinema will open on the rooftop at Depot Mayfield in Manchester city centre. Credit: Supplied
Then come Christmas time, there will be special screenings of heartwarming winter favourites including Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually and The Holiday.
The full film programme, which is set to cater for families, couples, kids and friends alike, will be announced in its entirety when tickets go on early release sale on Wednesday 7th September.
Speaking on the new arrival, Dominic Davies, Founder and CEO of Backyard Cinema, said: “We are excited to take our alternative cinema pop-up outside of London for the very first time and we are proud to be joining The Warehouse Project and Escape to Freight Island in one of Manchester’s most exciting regeneration projects at Depot Mayfield.
Tunnels of trees and magical doors will lead visitors to the rooftop cinema. Credit: Supplied
“Manchester is such a unique creative city with lots of cultural happenings and we look forward to being part of the community and offering the most magical cinema experience to all.”
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Simeon Aldred from Broadwick Live, said: “Backyard Cinema has built a first-rate reputation with audiences for creating immersive and exciting film experiences in landmark venues, and so it seemed like a natural partnership for Depot Mayfield.
“This building played a central role in Manchester’s industrial past, and is now a major driving force in the city’s booming cultural scene, as well as acting as a catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding area.”
Martyn Evans, Creative Director at U+I, said: “Backyard Cinema will be a fantastic addition to Mayfield’s evolving entertainment offer that has transformed a previously derelict part of Manchester’s city centre. It’s exactly the kind of creative, immersive and inclusive experience that is making Mayfield a place for everyone.”
You can register to unlock exclusive limited early bird access for 48 hours only ahead of pre-sale opening on Wednesday 7 September – visit backyardcinema.co.uk/manchester for more information.
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What's On
Drake adds extra Manchester date to UK tour after ‘unprecedented demand’
Emily Sergeant
An extra date has been added for Drake’s run of Manchester shows next month following ‘unprecedented demand’.
In case you missed the announcement earlier this week, Drake announced that he’ll be coming to Manchester for two huge gigs next month (yes, literally next month), but now following so-called ‘unprecedented demand’, an extra date has been added.
The GRAMMY award-winning and multi-platinum global artist teamed up with fellow Canadian rapper PARTYNEXTDOOR to release their collaborative album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, on Valentine’s Day earlier this year, and now to celebrate the release, the duo are making their highly anticipated return to the UK and Europe.
The arena tour, aptly named ‘$ome$pecial $hows 4 UK’, will kick off on 20 and 21 July at Birmingham Utilita Arena, before Drake comes to visit us Mancs shortly after.
JUST ANNOUNCED @drake Drake returns for the first time in six years. Bringing the $ome$pecial$hows 4 UK tour to Manchester on 25 & 26 July 2025. Support from @partynextdoor.@coopuk Member Presale: 4 JUNE 12:00 General Sale: 6 JUNE 12:00
The Toronto rapper was already set to take to the stage at Manchester‘s newest live entertainment arena, Co-op Live, on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 July, following three nights of headlining Wireless Festival at London’s Finsbury Park.
But now, Monday 28 July has also been added into the mix in Manchester.
Following his three nights in Manchester, the tour will then continue across Europe, with stops in Munich, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and more, all before wrapping up on 23 September in Hamburg at Barclays Arena.
The tour marks Drake’s first return to Europe and the UK in six years, following his 2019 Assassination Vacation Tour.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, Drake completed his monumental sold-out 80-date It’s All A Blur Tour across North America, featuring special guests 21 Savage and J. Cole.
$ome $pecial $hows 4 UK 2025 dates:
Sunday 20 & Monday 21 July – Utilita Arena, Birmingham
Friday 25 and Saturday 26 July – Co-op Live, Manchester
Monday 28 July – Co-op Live, Manchester
Breaking more records along the way, Wireless announced Drake as the 2025 headliner for all three nights, each featuring unique setlists and special guests, and the festival sold out within minutes – which is the fastest sell-out in its 20-year history.
Drake will be at Co-op Live on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 July, and again on Monday 28 July, and in true last-minute fashion, tickets go on general on sale today (6 June).
Or, if you’re feeling a bit fancy, you can have a look at some VIP tickets and packages through SeatUnique here.
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What's On
Indie food and drink festival to return to popular Greater Manchester town for second year
Emily Sergeant
A food and drink festival shining a spotlight on independent businesses is returning to Greater Manchester this summer.
Following the success of last year’s tasty debut, Urmston’s very-own independent food and drink festival, YUM! – Your Urmston Matters, is back for its second serving later this month, and will once again be transforming the Trafford town’s M41 site on Railway Road into a buzzing hub of ‘flavour, fun, and local pride’.
Organised by Love Urmston and hosted by Urmston resident and food and drink presenter, Matty White, this community celebration will bring together top local street food vendors, artisan producers, and drink retailers, alongside live cooking demos, family activities, and loads of entertainment.
Now in its second year, YUM! continues to shine a spotlight on Urmston’s indie food scene and the passion of the people behind it, but as well as local residents, it also invites the rest of Trafford and the wider Greater Manchester community to come together.
So whether you just live down the road, or you are discovering the town for the first time, everyone is welcome to pop down.
“Bringing YUM! back for a second year is incredibly exciting,” commented Fred Davids, who is the Chair of the Love Urmston committee.
“It’s a brilliant way to celebrate what makes Urmston special – its community, and fantastic food and drink scene, welcoming people from near and far to experience the town at its best.
“And as a committee, we’re proud to support our incredible local independent businesses who put their heart and soul into everything they do.”
YUM! is returning to Urmston for another delicious festival this month / Credit: Emma Boyle (via Supplied)
Just some of the independent businesses you’ll find at the festival throughout the day include English Rose Bakery, Inforno Pizzeria, Dan’s Cookies, Banga Curries, JJ’s Caribbean Kitchen, The Greek Village, Pomona Island Brewery, Kelder Wines, and so many more.
The festival is also proudly sponsored by Gecko Homes – a north west property developer that specialises in creating affordable and shared ownership homes across many of Manchester’s most popular suburbs.
You can read more about what Gecko Homes is doing across the region here.
Georgina Pellant -
31st August 2022 
