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.
Backyard Cinema is taking over the iconic Albert Hall in Manchester for immersive Romeo + Juliet screenings
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.
Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Daisy Jackson
A Halloween trail is set to return to Quarry Bank Mill this autumn for one of the region’s most hauntingly beautiful seasonal events.
The National Trust site is a former working mill and one of the country’s finest industrial buildings – but as night falls and the shadows lengthen, a haunting will begin…
This year’s Halloween at Quarry Bank will again feature spooky light installations, a mesmerising laser garden, and a thrilling fire show, as well as live performances and seasonal food and drink.
Returning for a second year, Halloween at Quarry Bank will be an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Fog will swirl through the paths around the grounds, as glowing demon eyes watch over passers-by and giant skeletons loom over twisted trees.
If you’re brave enough, the trail then heads inside the mill itself, where creaking and clanking sounds of its industrial past hint at something a little more haunted.
Credit: Andrew Ogilvy PhotographyCredit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
As you wander the trail, you’ll pass installations like glowing fire spheres and catacombs echoing with whispers from the past, plus plenty more surprises waiting in the shadows.
Then you can refuel with ‘bewitched burgers and freaky fries’, plus hot toddys and decadent hot chocolates.
You can even toast a marshmallow over an open fire.
Halloween at Quarry Bank is designed for families, couples, and groups of friends alike, and attracts visitors from all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.
Entry to the trail is on a timed slot system – tickets are on sale now HERE.
Inside the brand-new rental houses at Bolton’s landmark £35m development, Deansgate Gardens
Daisy Jackson
The first residents are in, and the launch of Deansgate Gardens – a landmark £35m development in Bolton town centre – is live.
This impressive new development has brought 167 high-quality rental homes to Bolton, creating a residential neighbourhood that features rooftop terraces, gardens, and stunning communal spaces.
The homes on Deansgate, Bolton have been built specifically for renters, with spacious layouts in an ideal location just a two-minute walk from Bolton Town Hall and a short commute to Manchester.
And, unusually for new rental developments, it’s not all about apartments here (though there are beautiful one- and two-bedroom apartments with rooftop gardens available).
It’s also somewhere you can rent two-bedroom townhouses, and have your very own yard.
Every home is built with energy efficiency in mind, with heat pumps and enhanced insulation, plus rooftop solar panels on selected homes, keeping those pesky bills down.
This pet-friendly development comes from developer Placefirst, and is a key moment in the wider £1bn regeneration masterplan for Bolton.
Inside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonInside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonA spacious bedroomThe rooftop terraceView from the rooftop terrace
Deansgate Gardens is located just opposite the former Beales department store, connected by the train station, bus interchange, and town centre within walking distance.
These stylish new homes are built around a central square and communal courtyards. The result? Somewhere residents can relax, socialise, and connect.
There’s even a dedicated Resident Service Manager and 24/7 maintenance support for peace of mind.
And just a short walk away you’ll find parks like Queen’s Park, plus beautiful routes along the River Croal.
Ready to make these houses your home? Book in for a tour around Deansgate Gardens today HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
2nd April 2024 
