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16 giant inflatable monsters are now looming over Manchester – here’s where to find them

Halloween is back in the city.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 25th October 2023

Halloween has returned to city once again… and this year, even more giant inflatable monsters than ever before have taken to the streets.

It’s been a long time coming, but spooky season is now officially here in Manchester.

Returning for its eighth year, Halloween in the City – which is organised by Manchester BID and CityCo, and is the country’s biggest Halloween celebration – is back for some more frightful fun this week, and just as it’s always been known and loved for, the family-friendly festival will be filling the city centre with things that go bump in the night.

Thousands of families are expected to head into the city wearing their spookiest costumes for the two-day FREE event taking place this weekend.

With the celebrations set to begin at 10am on both days, there’s a jam-packed lineup of events and activities for everyone to get stuck into – including the Monsters Rock! Music Festival, Walk the Plank’s legendary Monster Party Procession, and so much more.

If you’re looking to get in on the action early though, then you’ll be pleased – or frightened – to find out that the iconic MCR Monsters have already arrived.

They’re now looming over the city’s rooftops in greater numbers than ever before.

Created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, the colourful collection of giant inflatable monsters have invaded the city centre from today right up until Halloween itself next Tuesday (31 October), so for those who dare to stay in the city as night falls, popular landmarks and buildings will be turning a ghoulish green to help make a Manchester a terrifyingly good place to be this Halloween.

16 giant inflatable monsters are now looming over Manchester / Credit: The Manc Group

There’s a total of 16 monsters to spot at more than a dozen locations, and here’s where you’ll need to head on down to to find them.

  1. Manchester Arndale, Exchange Square – Above Next, M4 3AJ
  2. Selfridges Exchange Square, M3 1BD
  3. Exchange Square (28 & 29 October only) – Festival Entrance, M3 1BD
  4. Exchange Square (28 & 29 October only) – Music Stage, M3 1BD
  5. Corn Exchange Manchester – Inside Exchange Square, M4 3TR
  6. Harvey Nichols, New Cathedral Street, M1 1AD
  7. New Cathedral Street (28 & 29 October only) – Near Ted Baker M1 1AD
  8. The Royal Exchange Manchester, St Ann’s Square, M2 7DH
  9. Castlefield Viaduct, Duke Street, M3 4PU
  10. AO Arena, Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR
  11. AO Arena, Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR
  12. New Century Hall, Miller Street, M4 4AH
  13. New Victoria, Corporation Street, M4 4DZ
  14. KAMPUS Aytoun Street, M1 3GL
  15. The Church, Chorlton Street, M1 3HN
  16. Depot Mayfield, Baring Street, M1 2PY

As mentioned, the MCR Monsters are part of the wider annual Halloween in the City celebrations.

Organised by Manchester BID on behalf of retailers, restaurants, and businesses in the city centre, the two-day event includes a fancy dress challenge, a monster procession, a monster music festival, and so much more.

They’re part of the annual ‘Halloween in the City’ celebrations / Credit: The Manc Group

The ‘Monsters Rock! Music Festival’ will take over New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Market Street and Exchange Square, with live bands, DJs, rides, circus acts and even monster portaloos, while Walk the Plank’s popular ‘Monsters Rock Out Procession’ is back by popular demand after 2022’s success.

The frighteningly-good carnival will feature giant puppet monsters, stilt walkers, and a live band partying their way through Manchester Arndale and Market Street.

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Thousands of families are also expected to take part in the ‘Team Trick vs Team Treat Challenge’, where you can win points for your team, and you’ll even be able to take to the ice on a spooky outdoor ice rink too, as Scare Skate returns to Cathedral Gardens for another year.

Find out more about everything happening for Halloween in the City 2023 here.

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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Inside The Faraday Pub, the Northern Quarter’s newest boozer

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Inside The Faraday Pub, the Northern Quarter’s newest boozer

A brand-new pub has opened slap bang in the middle of the Northern Quarter – take a look inside The Faraday. 

This pub is just off the bustling Stevenson Square and has bags of stuff on offer. 

Spread across two floors on the site that was previously 7Sins, you’ll find live music, games, cocktails, and of course plenty of pints. 

The Lever Street venue has been totally transformed into a cosy space inspired by traditional British boozers. 

We’re talking vintage pub mirrors, mismatched bar stools, wood paneled walls, deep burgundy leather banquette seating and a fresh lick of dark green paint. 

And this smart pub has got the space to become a live music gem for the Northern Quarter, with live music every Wednesday to Sunday.

Downstairs, there’s still a wide range of games to keep you entertained, including pool tables (which are unlimited play for your booking), electric darts, and shuffleboard. 

The Faraday’s drinks menu boasts loads of classic cocktails, including margaritas, old fashioneds (including a tequila version), and a selection of sours. 

In pictures: The Faraday pub opens in Manchester

Inside The Faraday Pub, the Northern Quarter’s newest boozer
Inside The Faraday Pub, the Northern Quarter’s newest boozer
Inside The Faraday Pub, the Northern Quarter’s newest boozer
Inside The Faraday Pub, the Northern Quarter’s newest boozer
Inside The Faraday Pub

When happy hour rolls around (6pm til 10pm every evening but Saturday) you can get £5 drinks including pints of Guinness, and a selection of spritzes.

On draft there are fan favourites like Guinness, Mahou, Corona, Lowenbrau, Jubel Peach, Camden Pale, Kopparberg, and Camden Hells.

There’s a decent amount of outside seating for when the sun has got his hat on, too, with full sunshine in the afternoons.

The Faraday is open until 1am during the week, and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. 

It’s open now at 43-45 Lever Street in the Northern Quarter. 

They’ll be giving away a free pint to the first 100 people to visit on Friday 1 August from 5pm. You just need to show you’re following The Faraday on Instagram. 

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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