There’s a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event making its way to Manchester this winter that’s sure to make everyone feel included – even your little ones.
The ultimate family-friendly dance party is travelling to Manchester and stopping off in one of the city’s biggest venues, Freight Island.
Ran by ‘Raver Tots’, this is set to be an experience filled with the best in British dance music from house to garage and drum and bass, with a huge laser show, confetti cannons, and performers.
Besides being the UK’s biggest family-friendly rave brand, they are also motto masters using a slogan we all could live by – ‘Throw shapes not toys’.
Helping you dance the night away will be DJ Millz and Charlotte Devaney, who are definitely no stranger to each other, remixing tracks together and performing live on stage at a variety of events.
Both are known for their drum and bass records, a genre which they both share a clear love of. Guests attending can expect similar ensembles including some of the best in British dance music like house and garage tunes.
This party is taking place during the day meaning your kids won’t miss their curfew and can get a full night’s sleep, as long as the fireworks over at Big Ben don’t disturb their sleeping schedule.
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Starting at 12pm on New Year’s Eve, Freight Island is about to transform into a family-friendly dance wonderland. This environment is suitable for all ages and all music is an appropriate noise level. Ace!
These independently run festivals are a quick-fire crowd pleaser which have attratced up to 15,000 people a time, you’re sure to be surrounded by some good company.
Saoirse Holland, director at Raver Tots, said: “There’s always a great atmosphere at the New Year’s Eve parties, we do a huge countdown and confetti blast so kids can experience ringing in the New Year without the late night.
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“The whole family can join in the celebrations, listen to some great music and make memories without the hassle of trying to find a babysitter!”
These family-friendly party events are usually in high demand and anyone wanting to attend ‘Raver Tots New Year’s Eve Manchester’ can find tickets available here.
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
A Medieval Faire with birds of prey and live demonstrations is coming to Manchester’s oldest building
Daisy Jackson
Manchester is going back to the Middle Ages this month as the city’s Medieval Faire returns to Chetham’s Library for a day of history, live entertainment, and family fun.
The free event is taking place on Saturday 26 September, with the grounds of the historic building transformed into a medieval celebration from 11am to 4pm.
And with Chetham’s medieval buildings dating all the way back to 1421, there probably aren’t many more fitting places in Manchester to spend the day pretending you’ve stepped back several centuries.
Visitors can expect plenty going on throughout the day, including walking tours of Manchester’s Medieval Quarter, birds of prey, specialist stalls, and live demonstrations showing what life was like during the medieval era.
There’ll also be historical re-enactors from Historia Normannis, bringing the sights, sounds and characters of the Middle Ages to life.
The event is being staged in partnership with the University of Manchester and Manchester Cathedral, with organisers hoping to get people of all ages interested in the city’s often-overlooked medieval history.
Julianne Simpson, Librarian at Chetham’s Library, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Medieval Faire back to Chetham’s.
The Manchester Medieval Faire returns this month
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to discover Manchester’s medieval heritage through hands-on experiences, live performances, and historical demonstrations.
“Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a fun family day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Best of all, entry is completely free and you don’t need to book.
If you fancy going a bit deeper into Manchester’s history while you’re there, guided tours of Chetham’s Library will also be available to book on the day for £8.50 per person.
The tours offer visitors the chance to explore one of the UK’s most significant historic libraries and discover more about its collections, characters and stories.
So, if your weekend plans involve less brunch and more medieval re-enactments, birds of prey and wandering around one of Manchester’s oldest buildings, this one’s worth putting in the diary.
Thomas Melia -
2nd December 2024 
