One of the most iconic films of all time is returning to the big screen in Manchester – but you’ve probably never seen it like this before.
Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed Romeo + Juliet will be screened at Albert Hall, accompanied by a live choir and musicians.
The event comes from Backyard Cinema, who have been selling out screenings of the film down in London for a whopping 10 years – and now it’s Manchester’s turn.
The team were also behind the pop-up rooftop cinema across town last year, so they’re already well-loved in our city.
Tickets for the Romeo + Juliet screenings are likely to be in hot demand after building such a loyal following down in the capital, but we’ve got some presale intel to help you out with grabbing tickets below.
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It will all take place this summer beneath the historic stained glass windows and ornate ceilings of Albert Hall, the former Wesleyan chapel that’s now a gig venue.
A pretty dramatic and romantic setting for one of the most dramatic and romantic films of all time…
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Here, audiences will see the 1996 cult classic Romeo + Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s most famous tale.
It’s all set in ‘Verona Beach’ and features a lot more Hawaiian shirts and guns than the original story, but the romance between our young star-crossed lovers and the fierce rivalry between their families remain.
At a Backyard Cinema screening, you’ll walk down a candlelit aisle to see the live choir on stage, ready to perform interpretations of songs from the film’s soundtrack, including Young Hearts, Everybody’s Free, Kissing You and Doves Cry.
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In 2022, Backyard Cinema took over the rooftop at Depot Mayfield and turned it into a magical movie landscape, complete with mysterious tunnels, film-grade sets, hidden doors, and (of course) an enormous cinema.
Then when it returned last summer, it had been transformed into Miami Beach, complete with real sand, rows of plush bean bags, palm trees, a jet ski, and loads of pink plastic flamingos and disco balls.
Its next run of events will see it taking over the Albert Hall on Peter Street in Manchester city centre.
Backyard Cinema’s extremely limited run of Manchester shows for Romeo + Juliet will take place between 12 and 19 August 2024, with tickets expected to sell out quickly.
An exclusive event presale is running from 2 April, with general sale from 11 April.
‘Manny’s Loudest’ brunch event returns this month with live performances and DJ sets
Daisy Jackson
A brunch event that showcases Manchester’s vast musical talent is returning to the city this month for its second instalment.
Manny’s Loudest, created by Loud__Mcr who provide a platform for untapped talent, will again be helping artists to kick-start their careers over the bank holiday weekend.
Alongside live performances and DJ sets, there’ll be food served up by NamFuzion, which blends Vietnamese and Jamaican grill.
The first Manny’s Loudest event in February pulled in 500 people, and organisers are hoping to push this even further for part two on 26 May.
It will all be taking place at the Manchester Recording Studios in Hulme, which has a capacity of 600.
Mervin and his team will be creating an immersive audience experience around the DJ decks, which Mervin describes as ‘a niche that can be scaled into the modern day talent show but with a party twist to it’.
Manny’s Loudest – a brunch event showcasing new talent – returns to Manchester
And every penny made from Loud__Mcr’s brunch event is put back into the process, acquiring mainstream headliners to perform and become part of their community.
It means that up-and-coming and undiscovered talent can perform on the same stage as experienced artists, providing an unparalleled platform and a chance to learn from those who have been in the industry for longer.
Loud__Mcr are proud to be providing artists with a chance to show their creative work, but also offering a supportive community.
Event organisers are also looking for any possible sponsor opportunities to help promote the event.
Manny’s Loudest will take place at Manchester Recording Studios in Hulme (3 Archway, Birley Fields, M15 5QJ) on 26 May. You can get your tickets here, and follow @Loud__mcr on Instagram for updates.
Popular activewear brand Tala launches physical shop in Selfridges
Daisy Jackson
Tala, a popular British athleisure brand famed for its flattering range of womenswear, has officially launched in Selfridges.
The fashion label has opened a pop-up in the Trafford Centre today, showcasing a selection of its beautiful clothing and accessories.
The brand, founded by entrepreneur and influencer Grace Beverley, is famed for its stylish sports bras, comfortable leggings, and flattering dresses and tops.
Tala has built up a loyal following thanks to collections like DayFlex, Sculpt Seamless, Signature Sweats, and 365 Sculpting Lounge, much of which will be available to browse inside Selfridges.
It’s the first time Tala has ever had a physical retail presence, launching in all four Selfridges stores across the country (including Manchester’s two department stores at the Trafford Centre and Exchange Square).
The pop-up space at Selfridges Trafford Centre has been decorated with soft neutral colours, halo lighting, and plants.
Tala’s range of athleisure is now available to browse in Selfridges in ManchesterTala has opened a pop-up inside Selfridges Trafford Centre
Grace Beverley, who will greet shoppers at Selfridges Trafford Centre tomorrow at Tala’s launch event, said: “Anyone who knows Tala knows that we – and I – are completely product-obsessed, so for customers to be able to try on their favorite Tala pieces in person is incredibly exciting, and I couldn’t think of a better place to start than Selfridges, a retailer that holds so much history within its walls.”
Morgan Fowles, CEO of Tala, added: “We’re very excited to be launching Tala at Selfridges. It’s a milestone moment to experience our brand in a physical retail environment for the first time, to feel and experience the quality and unique attributes of our products that set our brand apart.”
And Bosse Myhr, buying director of menswear, womenswear, and childrenswear at Selfridges, said: “Selfridges has selected a beautiful edit of new and best-selling Tala products and will bring them to life in their exciting and unique retail environment.
The fountains outside Selfridges at the Trafford Centre, Manchester
“Known for curating the finest and most innovative brands whilst sharing our commitment to ESG, Selfridges provides the perfect backdrop to connect with a broader audience whilst strengthening our bonds with our community.
“We are thrilled to welcome activewear brand, TALA to Selfridges as their first physical retail partner globally. It’s really important at Selfridges to nurture and platform emerging brands, and so we are super excited to be working with talented entrepreneur and founder Grace Beverley.”
A curated selection of highlights from Tala’s range is now available to browse in person in Selfridges Trafford Centre and Selfridges Exchange Square – and you need to get your hands on these leggings to believe how soft they are.