For just one day only next week, both new and returning students can make the most of a whole host of unmissable offers – with over 120 stores inside Manchester Arndale and across the city centre dishing out discounts.
There’ll also be live entertainment, competitions and games to get involved in, and so much more.
Students who make their way into the heart of the city centre between 12pm – 7pm next Thursday 219 September can get their hands on up to 30% off in over 120 stores – including Levi’s, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, River Island, Monki, Pretty Green, Mango, Superdry, Kick Game, Jack & Jones, Office and Schuh.
Attention all students… MCR Student Social is back!🔊
Head into Manchester city centre to enjoy an exclusive day of special discounts, live entertainment, competition, games and more🙌
Not only that, but if all the shopping has got you working up an appetite, then there’s also up to 50% off on food and drink at places like Döner Shack, Archie’s, Pizza Hut, Pan-n-Ice, Wolf Italian Street Food, and Slim Chickens.
The Cube, and Putters at Urban Playground are also offering up to 50% off too.
And on top of all those incredible deals, there’ll be plenty of free entertainment to enjoy throughout the Arndale and city centre.
Here’s everything you can expect.
MCR Student Social is back for one day only on Thursday 29 September / Credit: MCR Student Social
Manchester Arndale
As the main hub of the MCR Student Social 2022, head inside Manchester Arndale to spin the wheel at the ‘Student Digs’ for a chance to win some prizes, both big and small, that are perfect for your new home – with everything from toilet roll, to gift cards up for grabs.
You can also challenge your mates to a nerves-of steel ‘Giant Human Buzzer’ game, where the loser has to put the bins out for a month
Make sure to keep an eye out for the ‘Roaming Roulette’ team too, where you’ll need to stick your hand in the roulette box and guess what the weird and wonderful textures are for a chance to take home some more prizes.
Manchester’s student shopping event is back and “bigger than ever” next week / Credit: Jason Lock Photography (via MCR Student Social)
Play Zone
Exchange Square
If you make your way over to Exchange Square, then you’ll be able to try your hand at Foam Axe Throwing, Pong, Crazy Golf and Virtual Bowling with Printworks.
Plus there’ll also be a table football tournament, giant games, and more from Manchester BID.
New and returning students can make the most of unmissable offers / Credit: Jason Lock Photography (via MCR Student Social)There’ll also be live entertainment, competitions and games to get involved in / Credit: Jason Lock Photography (via MCR Student Social)
Party Zone, Info Zone & Food Zone
Market Street
Market Street is not only the city’s main shopping thoroughfare, but it’s also home to the MCR Student Social Party Zone, Info Zone, and Food Zone this year.
The Party Zone is where you’ll find Urban Playground’s The Cube, a chill-out area, free samples from Nordic Spirit, aerial performers, dancers, and games, as well as The Manc’s DJ Truck playing the finest hip-hop, funk and party anthems throughout the day.
Over at the Info Zone, you can tke on challenges from King Street Gym and Canal River Trust, sign up with MINT Hospitality & Events people, hear from the Manchester Science Festival, and chat to the team from Nationwide.
Then at the Food Zone, you can enjoy some free pizza from Franco Manca, giveaways from Döner Shack, prizes from Barburrito, and so much more.
Featured Image – MCR Student Social
Sponsored
Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.