For the first time in history, all three major Universities in central Manchester are partnering for a landmark year of Freshers celebrations, and it’s going to be an unforgettable one for students.
Against all the odds, one company has managed to unite the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford to host a collaborative programme in and around the city centre for the soon-to-arrive class of 2026.
The organisers in question are Cool It Events, who have identified the issue of countless random parties and unofficial ‘ghost’ dates that often end up not even happening, before deciding to combat it by teaming up with the trio of local institutions for a definitive triple crown partnership.
In another first for our region, all three student unions are getting behind this, not only for the sake of ease and clarity on behalf of the new cohort set to attend, but to guarantee safety, legitimacy, and also value for money.
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Of course, proper uni-sanctioned parties and so on have always been a part of Freshers’ week, but equally, the opportunistic ‘fly-by-night’ culture of others trying to get in on the action and rogue promotions simply trying to make a bit of money whilst ripping off young people is just old.
Furthermore, as Cool It puts it: “In a digital age where predatory ‘unofficial’ wristbands often lead to overbooked venues or events that simply don’t exist, these partnerships offer a rare peace of mind.”
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It also means that those trying to put on a genuinely good day and/or night out aren’t simply relegated to some vague second tier of back-up options; this way, it’s clear who is taking part (UoM, MMU and University of Salford), doing what, and where.
Their approach to this next-level Freshers festival started in 2025, and with a presence in other locations like Liverpool, Chester and Bolton, their reputation just keeps growing.
Naturally, they’re aiming to make this year the biggest and best yet, by not only teaming up with the big unis but also by locking in what they and so many dub the “gold standard of venues.”
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Places taking part include:
The O2 Ritz
Factory 251
Gorilla
Joshua Brooks
Popworld
Manchester Academy
Brickhouse
Kable
The Grovesnor
And that’s just a handful, with more still to be confirmed.
For instance, ‘We Love Wednesdays’ at Ark on Deansgate Locks – widely regarded as the city’s biggest weekly student night – will also be getting involved in a big way.
Credit: Cool It Events (supplied)
Given that market analysis has also shown that the unofficial ‘Freshers Packs’ can often cost upwards of 50% more than the official versions, not to mention offering no concrete guarantee of entry or SU backing, this is also a way to help students save money on their arrival into the city.
Put simply, the Universities and Cool It Events have done all the work for you, curating an excellent introduction to the best nightlife and student culture in the North, period – minus the risks.
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If this sounds like a bit of you, or you have family heading to uni in Greater Manchester this coming term, you can find all the information on their website, including via your chosen University’s student union portal. Last but not least, if you’re already sold, you can grab your tickets to all the events right HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Cool It Events)
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Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic returns this summer with ‘iconic’ headliners
Emily Sergeant
Boney M, The Cheeky Girls, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK stars are all on the lineup at Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic this summer.
As this summer marks 15 years of Pride in Salford, Salford Pride has announced a whole host of exciting events to celebrate – including the return of The Pink Picnic, its biggest family-friendly celebration yet, with headliners like 90s and 00s music icons, community talent, and even a ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone for 2026.
Returning to Peel Park once again, The Pink Picnic brings together LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and friends for a day built around community, joy, and belonging.
For 2026, Salford Pride is expanding the experience further with even more to do across the park than ever before.
The Pink Picnic has been part of Salford’s Pride story since 2011, but this year’s 15th anniversary addition is set to be one for the history books, as alongside a headline lineup featuring Boney M, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Kyran Thrax and Paige Three, The Cheeky Girls, Big Brovaz, Booty Luv, and Baby D, a strong programme of community acts will also be spotlighted.
Some of the exceptional community acts already named on the lineup so far include Tallulah Guard, Fear of Marko, and John Tucker.
Across the day, visitors can also shop from dozens of community stalls and market traders, take part in or watch the much-loved annual dog show, and visit the ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone that’s designed to help young people feel seen and celebrated.
“Celebrating 15 years of Pride in Salford feels really special, and we wanted 2026 to feel like a proper thank you to the community that’s built this with us” said Scott Turzański, who is the Head of Marketing and Brand at Salford Pride.
“The Pink Picnic is a family event – it’s welcoming, it’s joyful, and it’s about making space for everyone.”
The Pink Picnic returns to Peel Park in Salford next month on Saturday 13 June, and you can find out more and book tickets online here.
Featured Image – Salford Pride (via Facebook)
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Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum unveils programme of FREE family fun for half term
Emily Sergeant
Little Mancs can climb aboard a miniature train and set off on a journey of discovery at the Science and Industry Museum this half term.
As schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term at the end of this week, and parents and carers gear up to entertain the little ones, the Science and Industry Museum has, thankfully, just announced a wide range of events and activities especially for the holidays – with many activities free to get involved in.
The popular cultural hub in the heart of Manchester city centre is promising visitors a May half term full of hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and imagination.
The main event, which is kicking off this weekend (Saturday 23 May), invites families to ‘explore the playful side of power’.
From climbing aboard a miniature steam railway and taking part in interactive engineering sessions, to seeing steam-powered traction engines, live demonstrations, and performances inspired by the sounds of industrial Manchester, visitors will be transported back in time to play the role of passenger.
Almost 200 years ago, this was the site of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway – the world’s first inter-city passenger railway – and May half term will bring this story to life again, as families take a ride around part of the museum’s newly reopened outside space.
Hosted by Little British Rail, rides are priced at £4 (with those under one-year-old going free) and can be booked in advance by visiting the museum’s website here.
The Science and Industry Museum has unveiled its programme of free family fun for the half term / Credit: Science Museum Group
Expert Explainers will be on-hand throughout the half term hosting Curiosity Stops, so you can discover how water becomes steam, see what powers a piston, and explore how our bodies mirror the mechanics of machines.
The final weekend of the holiday (5-7 June) will also see members of Urmston & District Model Engineering Society steaming onto site with its early 20th century Fowler Showman’s traction engine and Foden steam wagon.
Elsewhere at the museum over the half term, you can take a look around the historic Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery, which has recently reopened to the public, and you can take part in interactive workshops with Manchester-based percussion group, Drumroots – giving visitors the chance to experiment with rhythm, movement, and music inspired by the sounds of historic steam engines.
And, of course, half term is the perfect chance to go on out-of-this-world adventure across the Solar System and visit the new Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition, if you haven’t already. Or visit the ultimate gaming experience, Power Up, instead during its extended holiday opening hours.
For the full programme of daily events throughout half term, and to book tickets for difference experiences in advance, head to the Science and Industry Museum website here.
Danny Jones -
8th April 2026 
