Looking for something to do with the kids that’ll keep them educated and entertained before they go back to school next term?
With the rising cost of living crisis sadly continuing to make its impact felt nationwide, and with the festive season being a time that most of us feel our finances stretching more than usual, it’s fair to say that finding different ways to keep the little ones occupied while still sticking to a budget can be quite a tricky task.
Thankfully, there’s currently a world-renowned art exhibition happening right here in Greater Manchester, and for a limited-time-only, kids can visit for free.
Having taken over the 1,200 sq metre Piazza space in the heart MediaCityUK, the Art of Banksy has been celebrating the work of one of the world’s most famous artists since it opened at the end of October, and before the event waves goodbye to the North West on Sunday 8 January 2023, kids will get the chance to take a look around free of charge.
You can now take the kids to see the immersive Banksy art exhibition at MediaCityUK for free / Credit: Supplied
Presented in partnership with HOME, the Art of Banksy features 145 authenticated Banksy works from 2002 to 2017 – ranging from prints, and canvases, to limited-edition pieces, unique works, and fascinating ephemera.
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They are all on display in a way that’s just not possible in a museum or gallery.
One of the standout pieces that visitors have been flocking far and wide to see is an extremely rare Banksy piece titled Leopard and Barcode, whichhas been donated to the exhibition by his ex-girlfriend, and hadn’t been publicly seen for more than a decade prior to this.
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The piece was originally sprayed onto the side of a house near Bristol, but after being saved from demolition work by a local architect, it had spent years wrapped in a blanket under a spare bed.
The Art of Banksy has been showing visitors how art has the power to affect social change, inspire the public, and lay bare the undercurrents of social issues – with those who’ve already headed down to the exhibition saying it’s an “unmissable experience for culture lovers” or anyone who’s keen to learn a bit more about the artist.
The Art of Banksy is an “unmissable experience for culture lovers” / Credit: Supplied
Fancy it then?
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All children under 16 can visit Art of Banksy at MediaCityUK for free with a paying adult before it closes on Sunday 8 January 2023.
Adult tickets will set you back just £19.50, with a range of concessions and VIP options available, and with advanced booking required, you can get your hands them either online at artofbanksy.co.uk or over the phone on 0343 208 1838.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Sensory-friendly Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Emily Sergeant
This week marks the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference, according to the most recent statistics, and Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16-20 March 2026) highlighting the importance of championing, raising awareness of, and accommodating neurodiverse people.
And Printworks is marking the occasion in its own special way, with a series of new initiatives designed to create a more ‘inclusive’ and ‘sensory-friendly’ environment.
You may already know that the popular indoor entertainment complex in the heart of Manchester city centre is home to more than a dozen bars, restaurants, and leisure activities – including one of the largest IMAX screens on the continent – and Europe’s largest digital ceiling too, of course, but this week’s experience is unlike anything the venue has welcomed before.
Throughout the week, Printworks will be transforming its digital ceiling with calming Northern Lights and constellations which have been specifically designed to create a relaxed, sensory-friendly atmosphere for visitors with additional sensory needs.
Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week / Credit: Supplied
As part of a long-term commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Printworks is also introducing a weekly sensory-friendly hour every Sunday too, where lighting throughout the venue will be dimmed, and music and SFX volumes reduced for a reduced-stimulus environment.
200 free sensory packs – which can be collected at Vue cinema – with a pair of ear defenders and sensory-friendly toys, designed to support visitors who may benefit from sensory tools while enjoying the venue, are also on offer throughout the course of the week.
On top of this, there’s also a range of autism-friendly cinema screenings taking place on the last Sunday of every month at 10:30am.
An additional autism-friendly screening will be taking place with a showing of Hoppers this Sunday 22 March at 10:30am, with tickets now available from Vue’s website.
“Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an important time for brands and venues to recognise and support the diverse ways visitors and audiences experience the world,” commented Dan Davis, who is the General Manager at Printworks.
“We endeavour to ensure that all visitors feel comfortable and welcome when spending time at Printworks.”
Find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week on Printworks’ website here.
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Lovely last-minute Mother’s Day ideas from Selfridges in Manchester
The Manc
Mother’s Day is this Sunday – and if those words have just sent you into a blind panic, just take a breath and head straight across to Selfridges.
The huge department store has come up with all sorts of things that make for perfect last-minute gifts and experiences.
That includes a carefully curated selection of gifts available in-store, plus a very special Morning With Mum beauty workshop so you can spend some quality time together on Mother’s Day.
Selfridges can be your one-stop shop for the big day.
In both Exchange Square and Trafford Centre stores, you can pick up lovely gifts like feast-filled hampers, fabulous accessories, luxury chocolates, candles, and even cards.
As always, there are gifts you can have personalised in-store for a sentimental present for the mother figure in your life.
If you’re really stuck, you can pop along to the Beauty Concierge and book her an experience.
And over in Selfridges Exchange Square, you can pick up a beautiful fresh bouquet from The Royal Exchange Florists.
Selfridges has loads of last-minute Mother’s Day ideas
There’s rarely a gift more precious than quality time together, which is why Selfridges will be hosting a special Mother’s Day floor-wide beauty event on Saturday 14 March.
Ticket-holders will receive expert beauty advice from your favourite brands, while enjoying complimentary drinks and sweet treats.
There’ll also be plus exclusive gifts with purchase available, and giveaways on the day, and you can redeem the £20 ticket price against products purchased on the day.
You can even grab an artist print for mum at the vending machine.
Tickets for the Morning With Mum beauty workshop are on sale HERE.
You could also share a moment over a glass of champagne at San Carlo in both locations, or grab a sweet treat from the bakery in the Trafford Centre store.
Emily Sergeant -
21st December 2022 
