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Singalong Christmas carols and orchestral movie soundtracks among Christmas events at The Bridgewater Hall 

Festive overload in Manchester’s most beautiful concert hall.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 20th November 2023

The full Christmas programme at The Bridgewater Hall has been announced, with plenty of festive events on the bill over the coming weeks. 

The beautiful concert hall’s line-up includes singalong Christmas carols and live orchestras bringing movie magic to life. 

You’ll be able to see soundtracks from blockbuster films and TV shows like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones performed by a full symphony orchestra. 

The music of legendary film composers Hans Zimmer and John Williams will then go head-to-head in an epic concert celebrating their scores. 

And it’ll be Christmas overload with All I Want for Christmas… Live!, a brand-new show combining festive pop hits with singing, dancing, and even fireworks. 

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The upcoming concerts at Bridgewater Hall make for a perfect Christmas night out – here are some highlights. 

The Music of Lord of the Rings and Beyond

Sunday 10 December 

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It’s one of the biggest film franchises of all time, with an epic score – and the music of The Lord of the Rings will be performed by a full symphony orchestra at this Bridgewater Hall event. 

J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit will also be included, along with fantasy TV show Game of Thrones. 

There’ll be a stunning choir on hand too to deliver a concert full of the greatest movie music of all time.

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All I Want For Christmas…Live!

Tuesday 19 December 

The Christmas at Bridgewater Hall programme has been announced. Credit: Supplied

A brand-new show presented by Raymond Gubbay, All I Want For Christmas…Live! will blend festive pop hits and traditional favourites. 

There’ll be a dazzling live ensemble including The Manchester Concert Orchestra and four headline singers, plus dancers, fireworks, lights, and incredible live music. 

Christmas Carol Singalong

24 December

The Christmas at Bridgewater Hall programme has been announced. Credit: Supplied

What better way to welcome Christmas Eve than by singing your way into the big day, with a huge carol singalong?

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Jonathan Cohen will lead his audience through the very best seasonal classics in a family-friendly extravaganza. 

Expect to be belting out songs including Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Merry Christmas Everyone, Frosty the Snowman, and carols like Good King Wenceslas, O come, all ye Faithful, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

The Music of Zimmer Vs Williams

Wednesday 27 December 

The Christmas at Bridgewater Hall programme has been announced. Credit: Supplied

The worlds of two of the world’s most legendary film composers of all time – Hanz Zimmer and John Williams – will collide this winter at the Bridgewater Hall. 

This epic concert will celebrate the movie scores of both men, whose CVs including E.T., Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Batman Begins, Star Wars, and many more. 

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Find out more and book your tickets at bridgewater-hall.co.uk/christmas-concerts-at-the-bridgewater-hall.

Featured image: Supplied

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The UK’s biggest padel event lands in Stockport with an all-star cast of top professionals

Danny Jones Danny Jones Sci-Mx padel series Manchester Padel Club tournament

On Monday, 10 August, what was billed as the UK’s ‘biggest and best’ padel event got underway in Stockport, as the Sci-Mx Padel Series came to Manchester Padel Club (MPC). Safe to say it didn’t disappoint one bit.

Hosted at the impressive Heald Green facility in Gatley, the Summer 2026 tournament, which saw everyone from total beginners to the cream of the crop turn up in force and fine form, drew a sold-out crowd of over 400 – and that was just the first day.

Running until 5pm this following Tuesday (11 Aug), the competition saw four all-weather and one outdoor courts taken over by padel’s hottest prospects and plenty of plucky underdogs.

More importantly, however, chatting with those not only right at the heart of this particular sporting showcase but the game as a whole gave us a wider appreciation for the craze than ever.

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Credit: The Manc Group

First off, props must be given to Sci-Mx and the MPC, which put on a super slick opening afternoon, with plenty of live music, refreshments, bleacher seating, not to mention merch to grab for those who really want to look the part.

Besides the usual trickle of famous faces you regularly see at pro-am events across the country, they even had sports commentator Sam Matterface on the mic to add that extra bit of live flair to the action.

We expect no less for day two tomorrow.

We were lucky enough to catch everyone from last-minute sign-ups and people who have never picked up a racket before to the literal number ones, including UK no.1 Christian Medina Murphy (born in Preston to Mancunian parentage) and even Agustín Tapia, currently ranked the best player in the world.

The men’s exhibition to round off day one at Manchester Padel Club – which saw these two come face to face with separated partners – showed just how fast the best of the best play, demonstrating a frightening level of talent; you can watch the full livestream HERE.

But, to be honest, we were pretty blown away by the high standards from the off, even among the so-called ‘amateurs’ the sports nutrition brand assembled. They certainly didn’t look it to us…

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mcr padel club
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Credit: The Manc

Sarah Horrocks, who heads up the Padel Foundation and partnered sports apparel brand, Palair Sport, was made up with the “family-friendly atmosphere” they’ve managed to deliver on opening day, too.

“It’s very much been a ‘bring anyone along’ approach”, she told The Manc, “and that’s exactly what communities need when it comes to sport. The turnout’s been amazing, especially on Monday.

“You can always fill a padel court these days, but lots of people will have never seen this level before, so having everyone here is special, and hopefully, it’ll inspire the kids and adults here to keep playing and influence that next generation.”

We also got to chat with Team GB padel player, Nikhil Mohindra, who spoke about how impressed he was with the calibre of talent on show even before the pros stepped out.

“It’s such a privilege to be involved with Sci-Mx and the Manchester Padel Club. It’s a very professional put-together event. It’s also exciting to see Sarah and the Foundation continuing to give people who’ve never had the chance to play sport full stop, let alone just padel, in underprivileged areas.

“Getting to not only play and film some content with the best players in the world, but also teach and instruct some of these younger players how to actually hit these shots – it’s a really unique opportunity to do that, so it’s an honour to be involved.”

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Sarah and Nikhil
sci mx padel series
Credit: The Manc

As absolutely useless beginners ourselves, we also asked him for some useful tips to help us get started.

“I think in tennis you try and hit through the ball, whereas here, the softer you play, the better, as it’s a much more tactical sport; it’s about positioning, and because the courts are only 20×10, it’s about finding those gaps. The lob is the main shot here, so get used to using that and the glass as early as possible.”

Asking the pair what it is that they think has inspired this ongoing padel phenomenon and boom in courts opening across the North West, they believe it has a hugely “wide appeal”, with everyone from youngsters, ex-pros and even current athletes looking for something to mix up their schedule.

They also think a key part of its rapid growth here in the UK also comes down to how quickly people can improve, with Nikhil quipping that once people go online and check out the points, they’re often easily “tempted to come and give it a go for themselves.”

As for Sci-Mx, locally-born owner Sandy Chadha made it clear how key that element of access and the aim of making it for everyone was a core pillar of the event. Speaking ahead of the first ball, he said: “This is a massive coup for the Manchester Padel Community.

“We are bringing top-class talent to the region and throwing the doors open for two unforgettable days of world-class talent. It was important to me that accessible to all fans, whether you’re a first-timer or play every week; the aim is to bring everyone together in this state-of-the-art facility to watch the best players on the globe face off in my hometown.”

best padel players in the world
Some of the best on planet
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And quite literally the best in the world, Agustín Tapia

After seeing the rapturous applause from the intimate but packed-out crowd at Manchester Padel Club on a random Monday evening, we can confidently say we’re more keen to try our hand at it than ever.

Last but not least, if you fancy doing your bit for a good cause, you can donate to the Padel Foundation’s ‘Sport For Everyone’ fundraiser right HERE.

Can’t wait to do it all over again tomorrow.

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group

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Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest returns with the best foodie deals all month long

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest is back, and there’s some absolute foodie bargains to be had right across the shopping centre throughout the month.

Looking for the best foodie deals in Manchester city centre this summer?

Summer Scran Fest is back, bringing a month-long celebration of tasty food, refreshing drinks, and unbeatable offers over at Manchester Arndale.

It’s the Arndale’s annual food and drink festival, giving visitors exclusive access to limited-time offers, with a mix of high-street favourites, local foodie hotspots, and even leisure experiences taking part, meaning eating out in the city centre is more affordable ever – whether you’re here for lunch, fuelling a family day out, or just popping in for a mid-shop treat.

Running right through until 31 August, there’ll be discounts across 30+ restaurants, cafes, kiosks and leisure venues, all under one roof.

Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest has returned with the best foodie deals all month long / Credit: The Manc Group

This year’s lineup includes a balance of Manchester’s most-loved chains and local indies.

Think household names like McDonald’s, Krispy Kreme, and Subway taking part, alongside local gems like Archie’s, Michael’s Coffee House, and Coffee Break, as well as the Arndale’s newest residents like Wingstop and Joe & the Juice joining in the fun this year too.

Shoppers can expect everything from buy one get one free deals, up to 25% off menus, kids eat free promotions, and more exciting ways to save.

No matter whether you’re craving burgers, pizza, milkshakes, matcha, or something in between, Summer Scran Fest has your cravings (and your bank balance) covered.

As mentioned though, ‘scran’ might be in the name, but it’s not just foodie offers you can look forward to this month, as there’s also deals on at leisure venues too – including mini golf and burger combos, free drinks with gaming sessions, and plenty more to keep everyone entertained.

Read more:

Summer Scran Fest is currently on at Manchester Arndale until 31 August, and you can find a full list of all the offers here.

Featured Image – The Manc Group

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