There’s loads of festive film favourites showing at Manchester‘s huge new rooftop cinema right through until Christmas.
In case you haven’t heard, Backyard Cinema has brought its immersive moviegoing experience to the north for the first time ever, and it arrived on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield in the heart of the city centre at the end of last month
Here in Manchester for a limited time only, the impressive 330-capacity indoor cinema venue not only features a cosy purpose-built cinema room, but it also comes complete with an Enchanted Forest, two bars, a whole host of different street food trucks, and even a live music stage too.
Having popped-up on what was the 150-year-old former Mayfield Railway Station platform, the whole magical Backyard Cinema experience transports you to a theatrical land – using film sets, themed tunnels, and live actors to bring it all to life.
Manchester’s huge new rooftop cinema is showing loads of festive film favourites / Credit: Backyard Cinema
The station’s old waiting room has been converted into a pizza and pints bar, while a huge fairytale-style shopping street now takes up most of the platform space with snow-covered shop windows, and a Tavern bar with a castle turret jutting out of it – including Dr Portelli’s Antiques and Curiosities, which is a mock-shop filled with colourful glass bottles and trinkets.
Inside the cinema itself, audiences are taken on a magical journey to a cinema like no other.
The cinema room is filled with custom-made giant bean bag seating for guests to get cosied up in, and there’s even ushers walking around serving seasonal cocktails and sweet treats to create the most magical place to watch a movie.
If all of this didn’t sound exciting enough as it is, there’s of course a full lineup on the agenda to suit absolutely everyone.
Backyard Cinema has brought its immersive moviegoing experience to the north for the first time ever / Credit: Supplied
Movie lovers have already been able to catch a series of brand-new releases, including the acclaimed Elvis biopic starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks (2022), the new Top Gun: Maverick (2022), and The Batman (2022) – but, with the festive season right around the corner, the cinema has now begun showing everyone’s favourite classic Christmas films.
During these last few weeks of November and throughout December, you can settle down to watch screenings of cult-classic Christmas films like Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Muppet’s Christmas Carol, and Miracle on 34th Street.
Die Hard, The Grinch, Gremlins, Bad Santa, The Best Man Holiday, and The Greatest Showman are also all on the agenda during the festive season.
Backyard Cinema Manchester at Depot Mayfield is open every right through until 2 January 2023, with screening times at 12pm, 4pm, and 8pm – although these will vary depending on the day.
Northern Quarter favourite The Pen and Pencil announces massive 10th birthday party and huge offers
Daisy Jackson
The Pen and Pencil, an absolute staple for brunches and drinks in the Northern Quarter, is celebrating a major milestone this month with a huge party and some unbeatable deals.
The bar and restaurant will be marking 10 years on Tariff Street in September – and it’s only right that we all pile in to celebrate with them.
This spot is one of the city’s original bottomless brunch venues and is similarly famed for its happy hour offerings, and opened in 2015 to bring a taste of Manhattan to Manchester.
Pen and Pencil took its name from the infamous New York City bar that was seen in Mad Men.
And now as it turns 10 years old, it’ll be throwing one big party on Saturday 27 September, featuring 10 hours of DJs, free pints of Red Stripe at 10pm, and a special bottomless brunch offering.
Those DJing on the day will include Drag Race UK’s Banksie, as well as Les Croasdaile, Mark Hogg, Danny Ward and A Deeper Groove.
Pen & Pencil has amazing deals for its 10th birthdayPen & Pencil is a Northern Quarter OG
The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party will kick off from 2pm and run until late – but if you can’t make that one, there’ll be celebrations all week (and, indeed, month) long.
On Tuesday 23 September, you’ll be able to play for double prize money in The Pen and Pencil quiz, as well as enjoying happy hour drinks all night.
Then on Friday 26 September, it’ll be an all-night happy hour, with free tequila shots at 10pm and music from DJs Nev Johnson and Gareth James from 7pm.
All September long, there’ll be 50% off food every Monday, two-for-£10 cocktails every Wednesday, £10 burgers every Thursday, happy hour all night on Fridays, 10 dishes for £10 and two bloody Marys for £10 on Sundays, plus DJs on Fridays and Saturdays.
There’s a new colourful art installation outside the venue inspired by the bar’s New York roots.
Owner Kevin Connor said: “We’re really excited to be celebrating being part of the Manchester community for ten years!
“New York’s Pen and Pencil was a classic steak and cocktail joint, and we’re proud to have created our very own iconic Northern Quarter hangout. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating ten years on Tariff Street.”
Walk-ins are welcome for The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party on Saturday 27 September, but booking is encouraged – book your spot HERE.
Featured image: The Manc Group
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Strictly Come Dancing favourite Oti Mabuse is hosting a free dance class in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
One of Strictly Come Dancing’s best-loved professionals, Oti Mabuse, is going to be hosting a free family dance class in Printworks this month.
The two-time Strictly champion will be getting Mancs jiving and waltzing with a fun and inclusive workshop, geared towards all ages and abilities.
Whether you’ve got a little one desperate to boogie or have two left feet yourself but love to dance, this event is for you.
Oti will be bringing her world-class moves and infectious energy to Printworks, dancing beneath Europe’s largest digital ceiling just in time for the show’s glittering premiere, screened on the huge gaming screen.
After your own dancing workshop you can watch Strictly Come Dancing’s first show as the new cast of celebs and professionals hit the famous dance floor.
The evening will kick off at 6.10pm on Saturday 20 September, with a dance class led by Oti followed by the launch episode screened on the giant Printworks gaming screen.
Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse. Credit: Michael WharleyOti will lead a dance class beneath the digital ceiling at Printworks
Ahead of the event, Oti Mabuse said: “I’m so excited to be coming to Manchester’s Printworks! It’s such an iconic venue, and I can’t wait to feel everyone’s energy and see how the city comes alive here – show me what you’ve got!”
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “Printworks is the ultimate city centre destination for anyone ready to catch the Strictly fever.
“Europe’s largest digital ceiling will feature bold, bright and energy-inducing content to compliment the unique dance class led by the dancing queen herself Oti Mabuse, it’s set to be an unforgettable experience.”
Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the UK’s most celebrated (and twice-decorated with the glitterball trophy) performers – book your spot HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
21st November 2022 
