News

Giant Halloween monsters have taken over Manchester again – in pictures, and where to see them

The monster invasion is back in town.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 26th October 2022

Halloween is one of the festive occasions that Manchester really likes to throw itself in to – from the pumpkin-shaped lanterns that fill the trees to the special events that draw thousands to the city centre.

The ever-popular giant inflatable monsters have crept back onto rooftops and buildings over the course of this weekend.

Anyone passing through town this week will notice that our landmarks have been overrun with colourful tentacles and googly eyes and pointed teeth. 

It’s all part of Halloween in the City, Manchester Business Improvement District (BID)’s programme of shockingly good Halloween events, which will culminate with a family-friendly weekend on 29 and 30 October.

This year, families are encouraged to don their best fancy dress to come and join in with the activities.

ADVERTISEMENT

Manchester’s monsters have been created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas and there are 14 to discover.

You can see the full list, photos of the monsters around Manchester, and find the full trail map below…

The monster trail around Manchester. Credit: Manchester BID

Rex-Tacular – Royal Exchange, St Ann’s Square

The monsters are back. Credit: The Manc Group
The monsters are back in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

Krampus – Kampus

Snozzer – Manchester Arndale, above Next

Eye-Scream – Skate Manchester, Cathedral Gardens

Superstar Mon-star – AO Arena

Dave – The Oast House

Sprites – Selfridges, Exchange Square

Horrible Harvey – Harvey Nichols, New Cathedral Street

Bloodoo Child – New Century at NOMA

Sucker – The F E Sea monster – The Stile, Meadowside

Lockelin – Whitworth Locke, Princess Street

Scary Garry – Opposite Selfridges, Exchange Square (28 – 30 October only)

Spooky Nelson – Outside Zara, New Cathedral Street (28 – 30 October only)

Ooey & Gooey – St Ann’s Square, opposite McDonald’s (28 – 30 October only)

Featured image: The Manc Group

News

Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Peter Kay statement after Co-op Live gigs cancelled for the second time

Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.

The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.

He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.

Co-op Live has also postponed The Black Keys, who were set to perform on Saturday.

Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.

He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”

He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”

ADVERTISEMENT

The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.

Can always count on a comic to make the joke everyone else is thinking.

The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.

“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).

“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.

“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.

“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”

Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”

They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.

Touch wood.

This could back to bite them. It already has once before.

“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.

“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.

“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.

“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.

ADVERTISEMENT

“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”

Read more

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Images/The Manc Group

News

Manchester’s Co-op Live arena postpones The Black Keys and Peter Kay (again)

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Co-op Live postpone The Black Keys and Peter Kay gigs again

The Co-op Live has announced it is postponing both The Black Keys gig and Peter Kay’s performance.

Both shows were set to take place this week as the huge arena finally opens in Manchester.

This is the second time Peter Kay has been rescheduled – the show was meant to officially open the venue earlier this week.

Co-op Live went ahead with a test event with Rick Astley last Saturday, albeit with a capacity that was reduced at the eleventh hour.

But the huge venue was hit with ‘power supply issues’ and took the ‘difficult decision’ to postpone Peter Kay.

It’s now gone one step further and pushed back The Black Keys – meant to be their first proper live music event – as well as Peter Kay AGAIN.

In a statement shared today, the Co-op Live said it has been ‘undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans’.

It said that the shows are being rescheduled to ensure they can ‘run safely’.

The 23,500-capacity arena said this will give them ‘the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly’.

The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May, and Peter Kay on 23 and 24 May.

As for the Bolton-born comedian, he sounds somewhat in disbelief himself:

The legendary British stand-up

Co-op Live’s statement reads: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.

“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.

“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.

“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.

“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause.

“Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.

“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Images/The Manc Group

More News

Gary is outta here.

Audio

Co-op Live boss resigns just days before venue’s official opening

News

Tailgaters and middle lane hoggers warned to change their ‘dangerous’ driving style

Co-op Live Manchester guide important info

Audio

A guide to the brand-new Co-op Live Arena: drinks prices, how to get there, capacity and more

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches