The iconic Hot Wheels Monster Trucks are returning to Manchester early next year, and this time around, they’ll be bringing a high-energy glow party.
Fresh off the back of what has been a hugely-successful debut in the US, popular family entertainment tour Hot Wheels Monster Trucks is bringing its rip-roaring ‘Glow Party’ experience right across Europe, and fans of all ages are being told to prepare to be “dazzled” as the huge trucks roll into AO Arena on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 January 2023.
The all-new “thrilling” experience is set to give audiences the chance to watch their favourite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Boneshaker, Bigfoot, and the all-new Gunkster light up the floor.
They’ll all take part in a series of “outrageous” competitions and battles.
The new event is also set to feature spectacular laser light shows, exhilarating dance parties, performances from Freestyle Motocross, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways too, as well as a special appearance from the car-eating, fire-breathing transforming robot MEGASAURUS.
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NEW: @Hot_Wheels Monster Trucks Live are taking their HUGE rip-roaring trucks to London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Glasgow next year for their immersive Glow Party! 🔥
An exciting Crash Zone Pre-Show Party will be held before every performance, giving fans access to the competition floor to not only see just how big the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks are, but also the chance to grab an autograph from their favourite drivers and performers.
“We are thrilled to be embarking on our third UK tour of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live,” explained Tim McWilliams – Senior Vice President of Touring and International Music at Live Nation.
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“As the world’s largest live-entertainment company, we are part of many incredible shows, but Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live provides a new dimension in family entertainment that never fails to impress.
“We can’t wait for these shows so we can all join the Glow Party.”
The iconic Hot Wheels Monster Trucks are returning to Manchester with a high-energy glow party early next year / Credit: Sarah Rhodes (via Hot Wheels)
Ahead of the event’s arrival next year, Ken Hudgens – CEO of Family Entertainment Live – added: “With the success of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party thus far, we’re excited to continue the amazing experience into 2023 internationally.”
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Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Glow Party is stopping off at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 January 2023, with tickets set to go on sale at 10am this Friday 9 September and each ticket including an autograph card, a souvenir pass, and lanyard exclusive to Crash Zone attendees.
Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail to take over Stockport town centre this summer
Emily Sergeant
Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail takes over the town.
Following huge success in London and North Tyneside, Stockport visitors are being told to get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures each inspired by the SmileyWorld icons.
Kicking off from the start of next month, the trail will be making its North West debut in Stockport, and organisers say it’s guaranteeing family fun during the school summer holidays.
Oh and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.
Created by the trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld – a lifestyle brand that’s dedicated to true emotional expression – the trail will feature 15 playful sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail is taking over Stockport town centre this summer / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Perfect for all ages, the trail will be spread across the town centre, with sculptures featured everywhere from the Merseyway Shopping Centre, to Stockport Underbanks, Viaduct Park, The Plaza, and more.
Designed as a self-guided experience, the sculptures will reflect a broad range of human feelings and will invite people to connect as they explore Stockport’s key locations and landmarks using free trail maps, complete with games, puzzles, and doodles for kids, all of which will be available to download ahead of time.
Printed copies will also be available for pick up in local businesses and public venues.
“We are delighted to be able to bring the SmileyWorld Art Trail to Stockport,” commented Charlie Langhorne, who is the Managing Director and co-founder of Wild in Art.
“Exploring the trail is a fun activity to do with friends and family and it’s free to visit. It’s a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and take a stroll around Stockport town centre while discovering some truly unique and inspiring art.”
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail is taking over Stockport from 4 July through to 15 September 2025, and you can find out more here.
Featured Image – Scott Kershaw Photography
What's On
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed FREE fun next month
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.
Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.
With a whopping 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer – apparently a little band called Oasis is performing or something? First we’ve heard of it – and a massive lineup of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city these next couple of months, this year’s Manchester Day is aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’.
Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.
From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.
Manchester Day is back on Saturday 26 July. 🎉
Inspired by music, expect pop-up performances, spontaneous sing-a-longs and have-a-go activities. 🎶
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 2, 2025
As always, activities will be taking place right across the city centre – from St Ann’s Square to Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in between.
Organisers say there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors, both young and old, to get stuck in, try their hand at making music and maybe even uncover a hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.
You can expect strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-alongs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, and the stand-out music parade event travelling from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a ‘musical meander’ through the city streets.
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed free fun next month / Credit: Manchester City Council
“We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year, which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as this year’s theme was announced.
“Everyone in Manchester loves music, Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it, and that’s why everyone’s on the guest list for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.
“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up, so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it.”
Emily Sergeant -
6th September 2022 
