There’s a free event making its way to MediaCity this half term, and its fronted by a very familiar children’s TV character.
As schools across Greater Manchester are out for half term at the end of this month, toy manufacturers Little Tikes are heading to MediaCity and bringing everyone’s favourite adventurous puppy Bluey along for the ride too.
And better yet, it’s all completely free.
This day-long event – which is to celebrate the launch of Little Tikes and Bluey’s collaboration – will feature an abundance of Little Tikes toys for kids to try out, while parents can put their feet up and watch some Bluey on the big outdoor screen.
Alongside some much needed rest for parents, kids and adults alike can take part in a ‘Spin to Win’-style competition and even get their face painted.
Whilst playing around with items such as the ‘Bluey Beach Day Sandbox’ and ‘Bluey Beach Water Table’, fan-favourite moments from the show will be broadcast onto the big screen.
There’s also a foot-to-floor car which kids can zoom around in titled ‘Bluey Grannies Car Coupe’, and the log flume inspired ‘Bluey Bushland Adventure’ where you can splash around mini-figurines from the TV show.
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If that wasn’t enough Bluey for you in one day, the cute pup herself will be meeting and greeting little ones throughout the day – what more could you ask for?
A free event where little Mancs can meet Bluey is coming to MediaCity this half term / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ad what better place to host this special event than at MediaCity Waterside Steps, just outside of CBeebies HQ, which has recently received an all-new revamp.
Each attendee will be given a 45-minute slot throughout the day in which they can visit the attraction, and tickets are given out on a first-come-first-serve basis.
If you’re interested in having some family fun this May half term, why not tag along with Little Tikes and Bluey for this free event at Media City on Wednesday 28 May from 11am onwards – with tickets HERE.
Featured Images – Bluey
Kids & Family
Manchester’s ‘super duper’ family festival full of FREE activities is back early next year
Emily Sergeant
A popular festival full of free activities for all the family to get involved with is coming back to Manchester early next year.
Fresh off-the-back of the success of Manchester’s massively popular annual Christmas Parade – which is coming up this weekend, and is set to see tens of thousands of people flock to the city centre’s main shopping streets especially for the occasion – the return of another exciting event has been announced for February half term next year.
Get ready, as Manchester city centre will transform into a giant playground next year as The Super Duper Family Festival brings four free days of fun.
The popular event will feature a series of pop-up play zones at a variety of outdoor spaces and popular venues across the city centre, all of which will be free to use and ready to explore.
Credit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
Taking place from Wednesday 18 February through to Saturday 21 February, this year there will be more immersive play areas than ever before – with nine different zones providing unique experiences for all ages.
Families can dive into high-energy challenges in The Sports Hall at Great Northern, level up in The Arcade at Printworks, whirl and twirl through The Carnival on St Ann’s Square, and get playful in The Playground with Waterloo Road on Exchange Square.
The Super Duper Family Festival is returning from 18-21 February 2026, and you can find more information about everything happening here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Kids & Family
Manchester Christmas Parade 2025 – all you need to know-ho-ho
Danny Jones
Now we’re into December, the Manchester Christmas Markets have returned both to the city and even to Albert Square for 2025, not to mention it’s bloody COLD, we think it’s fair to say the holiday season is well and truly underway – plus, the annual parade is now just around the corner.
Time to wrap up warm, pick your perfect spot, grab a hot drink and watch as a train of coloured ribbons and giant puppets flood the streets.
Yes, that’s right: not only can Mancs enjoy the return of the festive firework display this winter, but this year’s Christmas parade is taking place this weekend, and the fun-for-all-ages event is promising to be as magical as ever.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 edition.
We managed to catch it right at the start last year. (Credit: The Manc)
MCR Christmas Parade 2025 – all the important info
When is the Manchester Xmas Parade this year?
For starters, if you’re wondering what time the Manchester Christmas Parade starts this weekend, the fun will be kicking off from 1pm on Sunday, 7 December and will last around an hour from start to finish.
MCR Xmas Parade route
As for where it will be heading and when, the procession will follow a circular route that starts and ends back at Manchester Cathedral, before heading through the city centre, running along some major roads and passing notable landmarks.
It is as follows: Manchester Cathedral – Victoria Street – Deansgate – John Dalton Street – Cross Street – Market Street – St Mary’s Gate – Deansgate – Victoria Street – Manchester Cathedral.
There will be two accessible viewing areas available on a first-come basis – one on Cross St (outside Boots) and one on Deansgate (outside House of Fraser).
You can see a full map of the Manchester Christmas Parade route for 2025 down below.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
People coming into the city centre for the parade should note that the busiest sections of the parade route are likely to be previously mentioned Cross St and St Mary’s Gate.
Manchester city centre road closures for Sunday (7 Dec)
8am-5pm
Victoria Street (Deansgate to Cathedral Approach)
Cateaton Street (Deansgate to Exchange Square)
11am-3pm
Victoria Bridge Street (Chapel St to Deansgate)
Deansgate (Victoria St to John Dalton St)
John Dalton Street (Southgate to Clarence St)
Cross Street (John Dalton St to Corporation St)
Market Street (Cross St to Exchange St)
St Mary’s Gate (Exchange St to Deansgate)
11am-6pm
St Ann’s Street (Deansgate to Cross St)
As well as the city now having entered what is expected to be one of its busiest periods, it’s also worth reminding that the Metrolink tram service is scheduled for more strikes this weekend, so plan accordingly when heading into town.
It’s also worth noting that these closures will obviously affect parking and bus lanes, as well as some trams and taxi ranks.
There are, of course, always new additions each year, and there’s more never-before-seen content coming for 2025, too.
With even more community groups now taking part than ever, the completely free, family-friendly parade will not only be led by the usual ‘Reindeer Ensemble’ – a talented troupe of eight synchronised dancing reindeer – but a new fantastic ‘Festive Fantasy Candyland Castle’.
Think Christmas meets Willy Wonka, meets Sugar Rush from Wreck-It Ralph and more.
Standing more than four metres tall and surrounded by a giant cavalcade of stilt walkers and dancers, the spectacularly decorated castle slowly rotates as it glides along and is sure to be a particularly must-see moment for the youngsters this year.
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Credit: Supplied)
We’re not going to spoil too much else for you this year, as we always find it’s more fun to be surprised by what we see whilst stopping roadside.
Let’s just say there’ll be plenty more Christmassy characters and fantastical festivities in store.
Local councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for MCC, said of the 2025 parade: “Manchester is one hundred per cent the best city in the world when it comes to celebrating the festive season.
“There is nowhere that does Christmas quite like we do, and our iconic Christmas Parade has been a big part of our celebrations over the last three years, helping make magical memories for thousands upon thousands of Mancunians.
“It’s the heartwarming event of the season and our special Christmas gift to the city. Grab your Santa hat and some tinsel, and come down and join us. Don’t miss it!” There’s plenty more on this week, too…
Thomas Melia -
13th May 2025 
