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A giant sandpit and free events have come to Printworks in Manchester this summer

Summer just got a bit more budget-friendly

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 11th August 2025

Printworks in Manchester is on a mission to create low-cost days out this summer, bringing a taste of the seaside and loads of free entertainment to the heart of the city. 

The Summer of Fun will be running daily all the way through August, alongside special events every Thursday. 

Printworks has installed a giant sandpit and deckchairs beneath Europe’s largest digital ceiling, where you can sit back and enjoy beach-themed content beamed onto the 1,000m² ceiling. 

The screens will also show quizzes and games with a live leaderboard for both kids and grown-ups alike. 

Families visiting Printworks this summer can enjoy a budget-friendly day out, taking part in high-energy digital games using just their smartphones, with no app required. 

These games are developed by Manchester-based gaming specialists Piing, and can accommodate up to 100 players at a time. 

Every Thursday between 10am and 4pm, there’ll be free experiences like live DJs, the world’s largest Pac-Man, challenges, and giant games.   

A giant sandpit and free events have come to Printworks in Manchester this summer
A giant sandpit at Printworks
A giant sandpit and free events have come to Printworks in Manchester this summer
The digital ceiling
Credit: Jason Lock Photography

Visitors might have already popped in for soft touch archery, which allows little ones to try the sport safely – but there’s still plenty more to come. 

Venues within Printworks will be getting stuck into the summer fun too, with free face painting every weekend at Treetop Golf, Kids Eat Free at Chiquito, £8 kids’ meals at viral sensation Big Licks, and Mighty Mornings at Vue where cinema tickets for children are just £2.49.

Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We know the school holidays can be tough on families – both in terms of time and money – so we’re proud to offer a month of free entertainment for everyone. There’s something for all ages to enjoy without spending a penny.”

Thursday schedule at Printworks

• Thursday 14 August – Giant Games Takeover, with super-sized versions of Jenga, Connect 4 and more.

• Thursday 21 August – The return of the World’s Largest PAC-MAN, giving visitors the chance to play retro arcade games on a massive scale.

• Thursday 28 August – Basketball Challenge, where guests can shoot hoops and compete with friends.

No tickets or bookings are required, but early arrival is recommended – some activities may be subject to capacity.

For more information about Printworks Summer of Fun and its giant sandpit, head HERE. 

Featured image: Jason Lock Photography

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Manchester Arndale is slashing prices on food and drink across the shopping centre

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson HOP Vietnamese at Manchester Arndale

Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest is back – and that means there are some absolute bargains to be had on food and drink right across the shopping centre. 

Throughout the month of August, restaurants, cafes and kiosks within Manchester Arndale will be offering some serious offers and deals. 

This ranges from 25% off to buy-one-get-one-free deals, plus free meals for kids and plenty more. 

Venues taking part in the Summer Scran Fest include Archie’s, Subway, Barburrito, Pizza Hut, HOP Vietnamese, Michaels Coffee House and plenty more. 

And the leisure destinations within Manchester Arndale are getting stuck in too – think free drinks, combos and more at venues including King Pins and Urban Playground. 

There are plenty of Manchester-born businesses getting involved and offering bargains to us all, like Archie’s giving out free soft serve when you spend £10, Barburrito offering a £10 meal deal (burrito, tortilla chips and a soft drink), and Lazy Sundae giving a free scoop of ice cream with any large drink purchase. 

Big brand deals include a £5 meal deal at McDonald’s (4 Chicken McNuggets, Cheese burger or Mayo chicken; fries; and medium cold drink), and 25% off at Pizza Hut. 

There's 20% off at Sides in the Manchester Arndale Summer Scran Fest
There’s 20% off at Sides in the Manchester Arndale Summer Scran Fest
Lazy Sundae will do a free ice cream with a large drink purchase
Lazy Sundae will do a free ice cream with a large drink purchase

Then there are newcomers to Manchester Arndale taking part in the Summer Scran Fest. 

HOP, a new Vietnamese street food venue on Market Street, is doing 25% off, while Michaels Coffee House will knock ​​15% off their seasonal favourites like an Iced Maple Oat Matcha or an Iced Rose Coconut Matcha.

There’s also a 20% discount at Sides, the chicken shop backed by YouTube sensations Sidemen.

And as for leisure destinations –  Urban Playground is doing 18 Holes of putters tech-infused mini golf, plus any three small plates from The Butcher menu for £28.20.

Kind Pins has 20% off food and drink, and Immersive Gamebox will do 20% off plus a free drink when you book a 60 or 30 minute gaming session. 

Pick up a voucher booklet in the centre or download your offers from the Manchester Arndale website from 1 August.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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The team behind Salford’s beloved Black Friar set to take over popular Chorlton pub

Danny Jones Danny Jones The Black Friar taking over Horse and Jockey pub in Chorlton

The talented culinary team behind the stunning Black Friar pub in Salford are set to take over a new site at a historic old pub in Chorlton: the beloved Horse and Jockey.

As one of the longest-standing and most charming spots on Chorlton Green, The Horse and Jockey public house dates all the way back to 1512 and has remained a regular watering hole for native boozers since the 19th century.

Having been operated by legendary local beermasters, Joseph Holt Brewery, from 2012 onwards, it’s remained a popular spot for generations of punters and ‘The Inn of the Green’ is still the go-to for so many of those who live and work nearby.

Nevertheless, The Horse and Jockey is now set to be taken over by the duo who rebooted a fellow site of Manc hospitality heritage are turning their attention to a new gastropub project.

The Horse and Jockey Inn on the Green, Chorlton-cum-Hardy (Credit: Adam Bruderer via Flickr)

Announcing the redevelopment plans at the start of this month, owner Neil Burke and Executive
Chef Ben Chaplin is set to oversee the next chapter for the 200-year-old community pub.

The current Black Friar team has been in place for just over four years now and has very quickly turned what used to be a casual working men’s boozer into a lovingly restored English pub and restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace and back garden.

Known for classic but elevated pub grub, proper homemade pies, regularly rotating seasonal menus, a carefully curated cocktail and drinks menu, along with the elegant updated interior, it’s come a long way from its rebirth in 2021.

Having proved their revitalising powers with the Grade II-listed building, which had sat derelict for more than a decade and a half, Burke is using his experience and knowledge as a local resident of the central Manchester suburb to bring a new lease of life to The Horse and Jockey.

Formerly a regional manager of the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, before teaming up with Chaplin to take on their own challenge, Chorlton Green’s treasured public house has been something he’s dreamed about for some time.

Speaking on the upcoming overhaul, Neil said: “Myself and Ben are champing at the bit to get the Horse and Jockey living up to its full potential. As with the Black Friar, we want to create a pub that heavily focuses on great British produce in a beautiful environment.

Neil and Ben
The Black Friar stunned this past spring
Credit: Supplied/The Manc Eats

“We’re over the moon to be taking on a true suburban gem that’s all about the community. The Horse and Jockey will be a place where everyone is welcome, whether they’re popping in for a pint, having a roast after a leisurely Sunday walk, or throwing a bash to celebrate a milestone.”

Set to reopen following a major revamp this autumn, Joseph Holt will continue to run the cherished Chorlton pub in the interim while the refurbishments are completed.

Those passionate about keeping that authentic, traditional feel will also be glad to hear that original features like the bright white visage, wooden beams will be kept intact and complemented by a stripped-back decor, heritage colours and more cosy furnishings.

Looking to make this a more dining-led venue than just another bar that happens to serve food, they promise all the usual pub grub favourites, premium á la carte dishes, weekly specials and “a fresh take on The Black Friar’s legendary Sunday roasts.”

Better yet, there’ll still be Holt ales to be enjoyed as well as a new dedicated wine list designed specifically to pair with the new foodie lineup.

We can’t wait to see how it turns out, and you keep your eyes peeled HERE for more updates.

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Featured Images — Adam Bruderer (via Flickr)/Press shots (supplied)

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