Things To Do

One of the UK’s biggest VR arcades opens in Manchester next week

Manchester is quickly becoming the best place for VR anywhere in Britain, if we do say so ourselves.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 16th March 2023

Manchester’s gaming scene continues to get bigger and bigger every year and now one of the UK’s biggest VR arcades is coming to the city centre too.

Starting out in 2017 as London’s first and largest virtual reality arena, DNA VR are now making their way to Manchester with their latest location and it promises to be next-level (gaming puns are unavoidable with this stuff, leave us alone).

Promising some of the best and most immersive ‘alternative’ activities you’ll find anywhere in 0161, DNA VR’s arcade is packed out with an impressive library of games, over 100 virtual arcade challenges and even virtual escape rooms.

From surviving a zombie apocalypse to visiting the Great Pyramids, exploring the depths of the ocean, fighting off dragons or defending the Earth from an intergalactic disaster, there’s a wide range of genres on offer at DNA VR Manchester. We sincerely want to bring our arachnophobic friends along for this:

With the capacity to host up to 16 various virtual sessions (19 people) all at one time, each offering true escapism and unparalleled immersion, this place is sure to become a go-to for works dos, birthday parties, family days out and more.

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It doesn’t have to be a group event either, visitors can experience this place either solo or as part of a team, with virtual reality modes on offer across 70 different games, each providing hours of gameplay in a truly unique entertainment experience.

Up to 15 people can be plugged into their state-of-the-art VR pods and explore new worlds including Skyfront VR, Ragnarok, Elven Assassin and Arizona Sunshine.

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But it doesn’t stop there: you can even enjoy a free-roam arcade, offering explorative experiences, more escape rooms and horror game modes for up to four players, such as Hospital Of Horror, Space Station Tiberia and Depths Of Osiris.

Credit: DNA VR

Now, on the subject of horror, those requiring a little dutch courage can also enjoy a tipple both before and after the game if you need to decompress from fighting off a horde of monsters, as DNA VR Manchester will be fully equipped with a minibar, serving an array of drinks in their futuristic foyer.

You had us at tipple.

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Many famous faces have already come through doors down south — everyone from Idris Elba, KSI and Chris Hemsworth — and this place is sure to fill up from the second launch day hits. Speaking of…

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DNA VR Manchester’s grand opening is taking place on Wednesday next week (22 March) and the best part is, even for those looking to try it from out of town, the new venue is right in the city centre and just a 15-minute walk away from Piccadilly Station.

With two Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards to their name in just a few years of being open and regular crowds piling into their Camden, Hammersmith and Battersea sites, it’s clear these lot know what they’re doing and we can’t wait for DNA’s VR Masters to repeat their winning formula up north.

Situated in the Core building on Brown St, M2 1DH, you can book your first-ever DNA VR experience HERE. Vouchers for Christmas bookings are already available and you can even use the discount code MANCHESTER10 for 10% off your first visit. Say no more.

Guess we’ll see you there from Wednesday onwards!

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Featured Image — DNA VR

Things To Do

Manchester to host ‘landmark’ charity concert for Ukraine with star-studded lineup

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester is set to host a ‘landmark’ international benefit concert for Ukraine with a star-studded lineup of big names.

Taking place at Co-op Live early next February, Songs of Freedom will aim to unite iconic global musicians, artists, and cultural leaders in solidarity with the women, children, and vulnerable communities affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Bob Geldof, Madness, Chrissie Hynde, and Midge Ure are just some of the more than a dozen famous names announced to be taking part in the show, alongside the Songs for Ukraine Choir, Royal Opera Chorus, and London Metropolitan Orchestra.

And as the concert will be here in Manchester, several local names are also due to appear too, including Peter Hook & The Light, Inspiral Carpets, The Lathums, Lottery Winners, and more.

Additional artists from around the world will perform via live video link into the broadcast – with mega stars Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, and Sean Penn all lined up to contribute.

Even more names will be announced in due course, so stay tuned.

The event is aiming to raise ‘vital’ funds and global awareness, while celebrating Ukrainian resilience, identity, and spirit.

All the money raised will go to UNITED24, Voices of Children, Sviatoslav Vakarchuk Charitable Foundation (People of the Future), and Masha Foundation – each of which directly support urgent humanitarian relief.

Manchester is set to host a ‘landmark’ charity concert for Ukraine next year with a star-studded lineup / Credit: Supplied

Backed by key industry figures, Songs of Freedom will be bringing together a lineup of international legends and Ukrainian talent.

Ahead of the concert next year, Harvey Goldsmith CBE said: “I am really pleased to have the opportunity to play my part in helping the Children and Communities in Ukraine.

“This war has gone on far too long and more and more children are suffering as a result. The concert at Coop in Manchester will highlight their plight. We must stand together and play a role in pressuring the need to stop this war.”

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Songs For Freedom will take to the Co-op Live stage on Wednesday 3 February 2027, and tickets go on general sale next Monday (16 November) – with venue pre-sales beginning this Thursday (12 November).

Find out more and get tickets when they go on sale HERE.

Featured Image – Supplied

Things To Do

Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 – prices for beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and more

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Food and drink prices at the Manchester Christmas Markets 2026

It’s timeeeeee… Manchester Christmas Markets are officially open for 2026.

Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bringing thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.

This year sees an even bigger return of Albert Square, and there’s also some new locations too for 2026. Lincoln Square has joined in on the action, and there’s also some big changes to St Ann’s Square – with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’, bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.

There’s a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre, but we know there’s one question on everyone’s lips… ‘what’s it gonna cost me?’.

We’ve been running around the markets this morning checking out all the prices on things like beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and more, so without further ado, here’s everything you need to know.

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Average food and drink prices at Manchester Christmas Markets 2026

  • Mulled wine – £6.50
  • Beer – £7
  • Prosecco – £7
  • Hot chocolate – £5
  • Bratwurst – £8

Albert Square

Bratwurst King on Albert Square
Bratwurst King on Albert Square
The North Pole pub at Albert Square
The North Pole pub at Albert Square

Bratwurst King

  • German bratwurst – £8
  • Smoked sausage – £8
  • Cheese sausage – £8
  • Halal hot dog – £9
  • Currywurst – £9
  • Glühwein – £6
  • Krombacher lager – £6 a pint, £3 a half pint
  • Soft drinks – £2

Macaroons and Loaded Chocolate

  • Coconut macaroons (+ chocolate / caramel drizzle) – £2.50
  • Loaded hot chocolates (original and various flavours) – £5
  • Hot drinks – from £3-£4.50

North Pole Pub

  • Prosecco – £7
  • Wine – £6 small, £8 medium, £9.50 large
  • Mulled wine – £7
  • Caramel rum – £8.50
  • Toffee cider – £8.50
  • Spiced apple & cinnamon – £8.50
  • Lager – £4 half pint, £7 pint, £14 stein
  • Cider – £4 half pint, £6.50 pint, £13 stein
  • Guinness – £4.50 half pint, £7.50 pint, £15 stein (£5.50 – Guinness 0%)
  • Cocktails – £11.50

The Wine Barrel Bar

  • Hot cocktails – £9-£9.50
  • Cocktails – £6-£9
  • Traditional glühwein – £7.50 (£10 for added spirits)
  • Wine and prosecco – £7.50
  • Beer – £4 half pint, £7 pint

The Falala Bar

  • Cocktails – £11
  • Prosecco – £7
  • Mulled wine (various flavours) – £7 small, £8.50 large
  • Hot liqueur – £9.50
  • Mocktails – £6-£6.50
  • Soft drinks – £2.50-£3

Float Bar

  • Cocktails – £10
  • Prosecco – £6.50-£8.50
  • Seasonal spiced wines – £6.50
  • Spirit & mixer – £6.50 single, £8.50 double
  • Hot drinks – £4.50
  • Boozy hot chocolates – £7.50

Apres Ski Bar

  • Prices TBC

Lincoln Square

Old Saint Nick’s Christmas Bar

  • Prices TBC

St Ann’s Square

Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 has a Guinness bar on St Ann's Square
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 has a Guinness bar on St Ann’s Square

Guinness Bar

  • Guinness – £4.75 half pint, £7.75 pint, £15.50 stein (£5.50 – Guinness 0%)
  • Baby Guinness shot – £5
  • Beer – £4.50 half pint, £7 pint, £14 stein
  • Cider – £4 half pint, £6.50 pint, £13 stein
  • Hot liqueurs – £8.50
  • Spirit & mixers – £8-£10
  • Soft drinks – £3.50 small, £4.40 large

Der Grill

  • Extra large grilled sausage – £8 (+ £1 onion)
  • Winter cocktails (various) – £7.50-£9.50

Main Bar

  • Glühwein – £7.50
  • Glühwein specials – £10.50
  • Lager & pilsner – £4 half pint, £7 pints
  • Hot chocolate – £4

Loaded Roasties

  • Spiced rum – £7
  • Mulled wine – £6
  • Soft drinks – £2.50

Cirque de Noel

  • Prices TBC

Exchange Square

The Mill Exchange

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  • Homemade mulled wine (various flavours) – £7 small, £8.50 large
  • Cocktails – £11
  • Prosecco – £7
  • Kir Royale and Cointreau Royale – £8
  • Sparkling sangria and Negroni spritz – £10
  • Boozy hot chocolates – £8.50
  • Hot chocolate – £4.50 (deluxe flavours £5.50)
  • Tea – £2.50
  • Soft drinks – £3

Mamma Mia

  • Fine Italian wines – £7
  • Aperol spritz – £8
  • Beer – £3.50 half pint, £6.50 pint

Bratwurst King

  • German bratwurst – £8
  • Smoked sausage – £8
  • Cheese sausage – £8
  • Glühwein – £6
  • Krombacher lager – £6 a pint, £3.50 a half pint
  • Soft drinks – £2

The Hot Chocolate Bar

  • Standard hot chocolate – £5.50
  • ‘Hug in a mug’ hot chocolate – £8.0
  • Shots and flavours – extra £1 and £3
  • Signature creations – £9-£10
  • Chocolate shots – £4.95
  • Irish Cream Shot – £8

New Cathedral Street & Cathedral Gardens

The Witch House

  • Bratwurst – £9
  • BBQ hot dog – £9
  • Currywurst & fries – £12.50
  • Vodka, gin & JD – £6.50 single, £8 double
  • Glühwein – £6.50
  • Hot chocolate – £4.50 (£6.50 for boozy)
  • Beer & cider – £3.50 half pint, £6.50 pint
  • Hot Aperol – £6.50
  • Wine – £6
  • Sparkling wine – £6.50
  • Soft drinks – £2.50

C&C – Chocolate & Coffee

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  • Strawberry waffle cone – £10
  • Strawberry & brownie waffle cone – £11
  • Strawberry pot – £10
  • Extra toppings – £2
  • Hot chocolates – £5.95 (+ syrup £1, shot £3)
  • Chocolate shots – £4.95
  • Irish Cream shot – £8

King Street

Bratwurst on King Street at the Manchester Christmas Markets 2026
Bratwurst on King Street at the Manchester Christmas Markets 2026
The Grumpy Moose bar on King Street
The Grumpy Moose bar on King Street

Bratwurst King

  • German bratwurst – £8
  • Smoked sausage – £8
  • Cheese sausage – £8

Float Bar

  • Draught beers & ciders – £6.50-£7
  • Slushy cocktails – £8
  • Seasonal spiced wines – £6.50
  • Wines by the glass £6
  • Spirit & mixer – £7.50 single, £10.50 double

The Grumpy Moose

  • Mulled wine or cider – £6.50, or £9.50 with spirit
  • Prosecco – £7, or £9 with extra liqueur
  • Spritzes – £10
  • Cocktails – £10
  • Spirit and mixer – £7.50
  • Coffees – £4.50
  • Hot chocolate – £5, or £8 with extra booze

Read more:

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Featured Image – Manchester City Council

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