LEGO lovers assemble, because the dream job just came up – and you don’t get the chance to apply for this often.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester is on the hunt for a talented individual to become their new Master Model Builder.
The job of a Master Model Builder is a coveted role that aims to inspire the next generation of builders, while creating showstopping LEGO sculptures.
One of the rarest jobs in the world, potential candidates for the dream role will compete in an elite competition to determine Manchester’s best builder, which is being held at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, located in The Trafford Palazzo, on Saturday 23 September.
Participants will engage in a series of exciting speed builds and challenges to flaunt their skills set by Luke – the UK’s Mini Master Model Builder.
The challenges will allow them to flex their LEGO abilities when constructing intricate structures under pressure.
The successful candidate will join the exclusive ranks, becoming the 35th Master Model Builder in the company’s history, and they will craft brick-tastic displays in the attraction’s Miniland to sit alongside the cobbles of Coronation Street, the Old Trafford stadium, among many other LEGO masterpieces.
When they’re not crafting LEGO displays that wow visitors, the Master Model Builder will also be responsible for maintaining the existing awe-inspiring models, igniting imaginations through creative workshops, and teaching visitors how to build their own wonderful creations.
If you think that the job sounds like a bit if you, you can apply to become Manchester’s Master Model Builder and join the growing team before Saturday 16 September.
Image: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Image: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Speaking on the role, Jenn McDonough – General Manager at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester – said: “If you live and breathe LEGO, our Master Model Builder role will be your dream job. It’s a chance to get creative and play with LEGO all day and create showstopping structures, all while being paid.
“The right candidate will be passionate about all things LEGO and ready to take their building skills to the next level, with flair and a creative spark.
“At LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, our mission is to create unforgettable experiences for LEGO enthusiasts, and we want you to be a part of it, so don’t miss your opportunity to apply.”
Potential candidates will be asked to submit a photo of their best LEGO build yet, before showcasing their skills in the competition at The Trafford Palazzo, followed by a face-to-face interview.
The UK’s Mini Master Model Builder Luke, Operations Manager Matthew O’Connell, Marketing Manager Nathalie Eady, and the site’s General Manager Jenn McDonough will act as judges to decide which contestants will take on the job.
A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
A bring-your-own booze music venue is opening in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new nightlife concept offering bring-your-own-booze is coming to Manchester this month.
XLR will be the very first BYOB licensed music venue in Manchester, and it’s set to open on Wilmslow Road later in September.
Club-goers will pay for a ticket, then can bring their own beers and alcohol inside the club.
They say they want people to be able to make ‘the night as expensive as you want it to be’.
XLR owner Chris said that clubbing has lost its way from the early 2000s heyday and become ‘very corporate’, so it’s hoped that this new concept will break down those money barriers.
Tickets will be priced between £10 and £20, with lockers provided inside so that you can safely store your booze.
XLR will open on 24 September with appearances from Yung Singh and Bushbaby.
Owner Chris said in a teaser snippet today: “We’re bringing a really new and exciting concept to the venue this year, where customers can bring their own alcohol into the venue.
“Clubbing has come so very far away from what it used to be, sort of back in the early 2000s, and the early 90s as well.
“Clubs were meant to be about the music, whereas now it’s become very corporate, very money grab.
“The clubs used to be cheap and the bars used to be expensive.
“Clubs now, they’re just run very commercially.
“We don’t want people feeling like they’re being priced out of venues anymore.
“It’s very important that anyone can come to a club. We all know the crisis that’s going on with clubs and hospitality this year.
“When you pay for your ticket, you know you’re paying for the DJ, you pay for the promoter, you’re helping the venue to survive, you’re contributing to the culture.
“So the tickets will be £10 to £20, you can bring your own beers in, bring your own alcohol in, we’ve got lockers in place so that you don’t have to leave everything out on the dance floor.
“That’s the way that we’re gonna go this year. We hope that you get on board with the concept.
“We hope that you drink responsibly, because that’s really important as well.
“We’ll see you in September.”
See the latest from XLR Manchester on their Instagram HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
5th September 2023 
