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Backyard Cinema is taking over the iconic Albert Hall in Manchester for immersive Romeo + Juliet screenings

After 10 YEARS of sold-out shows in London...

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 2nd April 2024

One of the most iconic films of all time is returning to the big screen in Manchester – but you’ve probably never seen it like this before. 

Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed Romeo + Juliet will be screened at Albert Hall, accompanied by a live choir and musicians. 

The event comes from Backyard Cinema, who have been selling out screenings of the film down in London for a whopping 10 years – and now it’s Manchester’s turn. 

The team were also behind the pop-up rooftop cinema across town last year, so they’re already well-loved in our city. 

Tickets for the Romeo + Juliet screenings are likely to be in hot demand after building such a loyal following down in the capital, but we’ve got some presale intel to help you out with grabbing tickets below. 

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It will all take place this summer beneath the historic stained glass windows and ornate ceilings of Albert Hall, the former Wesleyan chapel that’s now a gig venue.

Backyard Cinema is taking over the iconic Albert Hall in Manchester for immersive Romeo + Juliet screenings

A pretty dramatic and romantic setting for one of the most dramatic and romantic films of all time…

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Here, audiences will see the 1996 cult classic Romeo + Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s most famous tale. 

It’s all set in ‘Verona Beach’ and features a lot more Hawaiian shirts and guns than the original story, but the romance between our young star-crossed lovers and the fierce rivalry between their families remain. 

At a Backyard Cinema screening, you’ll walk down a candlelit aisle to see the live choir on stage, ready to perform interpretations of songs from the film’s soundtrack, including Young Hearts, Everybody’s Free, Kissing You and Doves Cry.

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In 2022, Backyard Cinema took over the rooftop at Depot Mayfield and turned it into a magical movie landscape, complete with mysterious tunnels, film-grade sets, hidden doors, and (of course) an enormous cinema. 

Then when it returned last summer, it had been transformed into Miami Beach, complete with real sand, rows of plush bean bags, palm trees, a jet ski, and loads of pink plastic flamingos and disco balls. 

Its next run of events will see it taking over the Albert Hall on Peter Street in Manchester city centre. 

Backyard Cinema’s extremely limited run of Manchester shows for Romeo + Juliet will take place between 12 and 19 August 2024, with tickets expected to sell out quickly. 

An exclusive event presale is running from 2 April, with general sale from 11 April. 

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You can sign up to presale ticket access here. 

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Featured image: Supplied

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A huge Irish festival with iconic music stars, markets, food and more is coming to Greater Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

A massive Irish music festival with masses of food, drink, crafts, workshops and surprises is returning to Greater Manchester this summer. 

Craic by the Creek 2025 will bring together all the best bits of the Emerald Isle for a weekend-long knees-up in a gorgeous countryside location on our doorstep in July. 

There’s a huge music line-up (with plenty more still to be announced) featuring Boyzlife, made up of Keith Duffy from Boyzone and Brian McFadden from Westlife. 

And this fun-filled Irish Music Festival is the only one of its kind offering full weekend camping, at the beautiful village of Compstall in Stockport. 

The countdown is now officially on for this unmissable celebration of Irish music, culture, and community spirit, which will take place between 18 and 20 July. 

Craic by the Creek has been hailed as the greatest Irish music festival in the UK and is back for 2025 bigger than ever.

Craic by the Creek is back in Greater Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Craic by the Creek is back in Greater Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Craic by the Creek is back in Greater Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Craic by the Creek is back in Greater Manchester. Credit: Supplied

Already announced to perform live along with Boyzlife are The Tumbling Paddies, Derek Ryan, All Folk’d Up, Johnny Brady, The Kilkennys and loads more. 

There are still more acts to be revealed in this stacked line-up. 

And it’s not just about the music at Craic by the Creek – there’s also a bustling Irish-themed craft market with handmade goods, Irish-inspired food and drink, social dance workshops, and plenty of surprises. 

Expect a weekend of tunes, traditions, community vibes and campfire craic. 

Craic by the Creek will take place between 18 and 20 July, 2025 – tickets are on sale now via Skiddle, and they’re already flying.

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Featured image: Supplied

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Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with a huge, free concert that’ll hark back to the 2000s. 

The hugely popular shopping destination, where visitors can save big on luxury brands, will be inviting customers to a totally free summer gig on a stage built on site. 

It’s part of the wider 30th anniversary celebrations, and will include a headline performance from a top-secret 2000s music act.

All they’ve revealed about the headliner so far is that they have a catalogue of number one singles and beloved hits… 

But also on the line-up that has been confirmed is a DJ set from Take That legend Howard Donald, and a hosting slot from Hits Radio DJ Kimberly Wyatt. 

There are still supporting acts to be announced in due course, with Cheshire Oaks promising ‘high energy and big personality’.

Taking place in the evening of Friday 6 June, the Cheshire Oaks 30th anniversary party will be free to shoppers and visitors.

And a select group of VIPs from the local community will have the opportunity to meet the mystery headliner in person. 

Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary
Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be giving back to its local charity partners, including The Hospice of The Good Shepherd, Koala, Flynns Port in the Storm and Claire House amongst others, as well as its staff and their families, with exclusive golden circle access for the best seats in the house. 

The anniversary gig is part of the shopping village’s ongoing celebration of its three-decade-long history.  

Earlier this year, Cheshire Oaks unveiled its 2025 Style Report, revealing that 63% of Brits now prefer shopping in person rather than online, as well as the resurgence of nostalgic fashion trends from the 90s, from baggy trousers to full denim looks.

It’s the UK’s largest designer outlet, with more than 400,000 sq ft of retail space and more than 165 brands.

Kenny Murray, general manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: “This anniversary is a moment to celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of Cheshire Oaks. We have evolved continuously over the last three decades, and now it’s time to celebrate in true style.

“Over our 30 years we’ve built a real sense of community that makes this centre special and we want to celebrate this milestone with the local area and people so close to our heart.

“This summer’s music event, crowned by a secret headline act, promises to be a truly special experience, and a way that we can give back to the loyal customers who have trusted us to bring them the latest fashion trends since the 90s, we can’t wait to enjoy it with them.”

For more information about Cheshire Oaks and its upcoming summer gig, head HERE. 

Read more: You’ll soon be able to get your own at-home Reformer Pilates machine from Aldi’s middle aisle

Featured image: The Manc Group

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