Printworks in Manchester is on a mission to create low-cost days out this summer, bringing a taste of the seaside and loads of free entertainment to the heart of the city.
The Summer of Fun will be running daily all the way through August, alongside special events every Thursday.
Printworks has installed a giant sandpit and deckchairs beneath Europe’s largest digital ceiling, where you can sit back and enjoy beach-themed content beamed onto the 1,000m² ceiling.
The screens will also show quizzes and games with a live leaderboard for both kids and grown-ups alike.
Families visiting Printworks this summer can enjoy a budget-friendly day out, taking part in high-energy digital games using just their smartphones, with no app required.
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These games are developed by Manchester-based gaming specialists Piing, and can accommodate up to 100 players at a time.
Every Thursday between 10am and 4pm, there’ll be free experiences like live DJs, the world’s largest Pac-Man, challenges, and giant games.
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A giant sandpit at PrintworksThe digital ceilingCredit: Jason Lock Photography
Visitors might have already popped in for soft touch archery, which allows little ones to try the sport safely – but there’s still plenty more to come.
Venues within Printworks will be getting stuck into the summer fun too, with free face painting every weekend at Treetop Golf, Kids Eat Free at Chiquito, £8 kids’ meals at viral sensation Big Licks, and Mighty Mornings at Vue where cinema tickets for children are just £2.49.
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We know the school holidays can be tough on families – both in terms of time and money – so we’re proud to offer a month of free entertainment for everyone. There’s something for all ages to enjoy without spending a penny.”
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Thursday schedule at Printworks
• Thursday 14 August – Giant Games Takeover, with super-sized versions of Jenga, Connect 4 and more.
• Thursday 21 August – Basketball Challenge, where guests can shoot hoops and compete with friends.
• Thursday 28 August – The return of the World’s Largest PAC-MAN, giving visitors the chance to play retro arcade games on a massive scale.
No tickets or bookings are required, but early arrival is recommended – some activities may be subject to capacity.
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For more information about Printworks Summer of Fun and its giant sandpit, head HERE.
Featured image: Jason Lock Photography
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The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed
Daisy Jackson
The road to one of the biggest nights in rugby league has officially been mapped out, with the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final set to return to Manchester’s Old Trafford this October.
Following the final round of regular-season action, the four play-off ties have now been confirmed as the battle for a place at the home of Manchester United enters its final stages.
And there’s plenty for Greater Manchester sports fans to get excited about.
Wigan Warriors have secured the League Leaders’ Shield after an emphatic 50-12 victory over Catalans Dragons, with Matt Peet’s side running in nine tries to finish top of the table.
The result keeps Wigan’s hopes of an incredible treble alive, having already lifted the Betfred Challenge Cup back in May.
They’ll now have a week off while the opening play-off ties take place, as will second-placed Leeds Rhinos.
The first eliminator sees Wakefield Trinity welcome Leigh Leopards on Friday 18 September, with kick-off at 8pm.
Then, on Saturday 19 September, Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5.30pm.
The winners of those games will progress to the semi-finals, while the losing sides will face the two highest-ranked teams in the competition.
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed. Credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
Leeds will host the highest-ranked eliminator loser on Friday 25 September at 8pm.
Then, 24 hours later, Wigan will welcome the lowest-ranked loser to the Brick Community Stadium for their semi-final, with that one kicking off at 5.30pm on Saturday 26 September.
For Wigan, it represents a huge opportunity to take another step towards an historic treble – and ultimately a return to Old Trafford.
The Grand Final itself takes place on Saturday 3 October, with the action getting underway at 6pm.
As ever, the biggest prize in Super League will be decided under the lights at Old Trafford, with the two remaining sides battling it out in front of what is expected to be another huge crowd in Manchester.
A 23-foot glowing floating Earth installation has landed at Trafford Palazzo
Daisy Jackson
Greater Manchester shopping destination Trafford Palazzo is now home to a giant 23 foot Earth replica, which will be enchanting visitors throughout autumn.
Trafford Palazzo is home to lots of different unique experiential leisure and retail offerings.. There’s SeaLife,P. Louise City, Legoland Discovery Centre and now this 200,000 square foot retail destination is now housing the actual Earth too.
Known more formally as Gaia, this 23 foot floating sculpture has been installed at Trafford Palazzo and will stay here throughout September and the beginning of October, with a whole host of events arriving alongside.
From Wednesday 9 September to Friday 2 October, you can expect everything from live music, wellness and fitness experiences, and a free Space School.
From Thursday 10 September, there will be a series of candlelit concerts with each night themed around popular artists like Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Oasis and Hans Zimmer.
A wellness session in collaboration with The Wellness Hub is coming on Sunday 20 September where anyone who takes part can unwind and slow down underneath the impressive floating globe.
W5, BelfastCredit: Roy Riley Photography 07816547063Gaia, a huge floating Earth installation, has arrived at Trafford Palazzo
Later this month, you’re encouraged to try out a 150-person HYROX workout, on Thursday 26 September, which will be led by qualified Everlast Gyms coach, with the first 50 attendees scoring a free goodie bag.
And, every Sunday throughout September, kids can enjoy a free and fun learning experience titled ‘Sunday Space School’, where there’s face painting opportunities and a create-your-own spaceship workshop.
Leandra Dwyer, Asset Manager at Peel Retail & Leisure, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting Gaia at Trafford Palazzo, adding another world-class experience to our destination.
Credit: Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbHW5, Belfast
“For one month, guests can observe this extraordinary artwork up close surrounded by our iconic Roman-inspired architecture and spectacular glazed dome, highlighting the unique setting we offer for a broad range of immersive events and installations.”
Created by Luke Jerram and officially unveiled in 2018, this touring artwork has attracted over 30 million visitors throughout its journeys across the world.
Gaia will be displayed inside Trafford Palazzo from 9 September to 2 October with a varied events programme to coincide – tickets and more info availableHERE.
Daisy Jackson -
11th August 2025 
