Did you know that a massive interactive gaming experience has returned to Manchester for the first time in three years?
With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP is now back at the Science and Industry Museum in the heart of the city centre and it’s already been taking ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming.
ADVERTISEMENT
Everything from retro arcade games to state-of-the-art virtual reality are available to play at the hit event – and every ticket includes unlimited play all day too.
Power UP is taking place every weekend and school holiday up until December 2023.
From the Atari 2600 and the Dreamcast, to the Playstation 5 and the latest in virtual reality technology, Power UP is giving visitors of all levels the chance to live their best gaming life and experience first-hand how far games and gaming technologies have advanced over the years.
ADVERTISEMENT
Some of the other consoles at the museum include SNES, Wii, Mega Drive, N64, Xbox, and more.
Power UP is now back at the Science and Industry Museum / Credit: Science Museum Group
Visitors to the ultimate new interactive gaming experience can take a trip down memory lane by playing retro classics like Pong and Pac-Man, rocking out on Guitar Hero, and also trying their hand at the wildly-popular Fortnite.
ADVERTISEMENT
Power UP is also giving gaming fans the chance to follow the development of some iconic characters like Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog through the decades.
Visitors will also get to discover games made by winners and nominees from the annual BAFTA Young Games Designers Awards – which are open to children and young people, and celebrate the creativity, skill, and imagination of young games makers.
ADVERTISEMENT
The interactive experience has more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play / Credit: Science Museum Group
And new for 2022, you can also be inspired by the local people behind the games and companies who have made a splash in the world of gaming in the new section dedicated to Manchester’s gaming industry.
From early success stories like Ocean Software and Software Creations, to contemporary indie developers like Acid Nerve.
“Power UP has always been a big hit with our visitors,” said Mark Cutmore – Head of Commercial Experiences at the Science Museum Group.
“[The experience] offers a fun space to enjoy past and present gaming technology, experience the latest developments and reminisce about old favourites as the gaming industry is a key component of Manchester’s creative, digital and tech industries.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can experience first-hand how far games and gaming technologies have advanced over the years / Credit: Science Museum Group
“This interactive exhibition will help to inspire game designers and software engineers of the future.
“We’re excited to be giving so much time to enjoy and keep returning to this experience during its longest run ever at the museum [and] we’re also really proud to be showcasing our city’s amazing contributions to the industry through the new Manchester Made section.
Tickets to Power UP grant each person unlimited access to the gaming experience on the day booked.
Tickets will set you back £6 per child and concession, £8 per adult, £7 per senior, and there is a £1 discount per ticket for families.
Grab yours on the Science and Industry Museum website here.
A huge Irish festival with iconic music stars, markets, food and more is coming to Greater Manchester
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.
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.
Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary
Daisy Jackson
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 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.
Emily Sergeant -
31st August 2022 
