Once Christmas is over and the hustle and bustle of the festive season has died dow, there’s often not a great deal to look forward to in January.
But this time, Manchester’s very-own GRUB has got you covered.
If you’re unfamiliar with what GRUB is, it’s a street food market space that’s located just outside the city centre at the Red Bank Project in Cheetham Hill, and it’s known for having a wide range of rotating food vendor pop-ups provide foodies in Manchester with some of the best eats from right across the globe.
The world cuisine hub also has a full calendar of events that take place every week all throughout the year too.
Think street food takeovers, vegan markets, and so much more.
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But, despite what the name suggests and even though that may be what it’s best-known for, GRUB isn’t just about food – there’s everything from cocktail masterclasses, to craft workshops, puppy parties, and film screenings regularly on the agenda too.
And, to properly see in the new year in style, GRUB is hosting its very-own seasonal beer festival next month, so Manchester beer lovers can sip creations from some of the best local breweries.
The popular event was due to take place once again back in 2021, but sadly had to be postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions introduced newly-introduced at the time.
Now, it’s making its much-anticipated return – and GRUB says it is “delighted”.
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Over the course of the three-day festival, there’ll be plenty of local brews to taste test, with brewery bars courtesy of some of the region’s best – Beatnikz Republic, Blackjack Brewing Co, Rivington Brewing Co, The Runaway Brewery, and Squawk Brewing Co.
That’s not all either, as there’ll also be over 20 guest taps too.
Not a big beer lover? You can also expect a street food market, hot toddies, a mulling bar, DJs, pop-up tasting events, and so much more over the extended weekend.
There will be plenty of local brews to taste test, with brewery bars courtesy of some of the region’s best / Credit: Instagram (@runawaybrewery) | Instagram (@beatnikz_nq)
Fancy it then?
Tickets for event will set you back just £5, and include entry to the festival, access to the full range of beers – including all the brewery bars and guest taps – as well as branded glass to take home with afterwards.
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Tickets are now on sale, and you can grab them from the GRUB website here.
Top Manchester attraction Museum of Illusions has been transformed by spooky Halloween surprises
Daisy Jackson
A spooky new Halloween experience has arrived at Manchester’s Museum of Illusions, and it’s perfect for half term.
The top attraction is getting a spooky makeover, with strange surprises, mind-bending tricks and plenty of photo opportunities taking over this October.
Running until Sunday 1 November, Weird Wonders is transforming some of the museum’s best-loved exhibits into a Halloween-inspired experience, making it a fun option for families, friends and anyone looking to get into the spooky spirit.
And with the whole experience taking place indoors on Market Street, it’s a dream option for those unpredictable Manchester autumn days when the weather has other plans, and a perfect spot to fill a day of the half term holidays..
Five of the attraction’s most popular exhibits are getting a Halloween transformation, giving visitors even more reasons to question what they’re seeing, strike a pose and get some seriously strange photos along the way.
Among the spooky highlights is the Bone Throne, where visitors can take their seat on a suitably eerie chair that warps your perspective, while the Spider Clone Table promises a creepy twist on one of the museum’s classic illusions.
There’s also the Web of Faces, where a giant kaleidoscope multiplies your face (now with added cobwebs), alongside the Echo Cave, offering another opportunity to step into a world where your senses can be deceived.
And the museum’s Hollow Faces experience features 3D-printed faces inspired by Einstein, Frankenstein and Count Dracula – bringing together science, classic horror and a little optical trickery.
Halloween at the Museum of Illusions. Credit: The Manc Group
There’s more to Weird Wonders than spooky photo opportunities, too.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without a few treats. Every child ticket holder will receive a complimentary brain puzzle from the Illusion Shop, plus a sweet treat to take home at the end of their visit.
Adults haven’t been forgotten either, with a free treat available when purchasing two adult tickets.
Weird Wonders is running at the Museum of Illusions Manchester from 3 October to 1 November 2026.
Tickets and further information are available HERE.
Science and Industry Museum announces programme of FREE ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s best museums has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular science’ activities for October half term.
With half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, the Science and Industry Museum has got you covered.
With only a few weeks to go until schools in Greater Manchester are out for October half term, the massively popular museum in the heart of Manchester city centre has unveiled a jam-packed lineup of free events.
Families are being told to get ready for ‘spooktacular’ science, hands-on activities, and loads of interactive fun, all inspired by the popular Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition.
You can storyboard and then animate your own extra-terrestrial character inside the Animation Studio, let your imagination run wild and design your own alien species, or even go on a galactic treasure hunt around the museum and build your own interstellar spaceship with a giant rocket building kit.
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities / Credit: Science Museum Group
In the mornings, you can take a break from your cosmic adventures and enjoy family-friendly sci-fi screenings in Revolution Manchester.
You’ll also then be able to put your skills to the test with classic space-themed games on the big screen every day in the afternoon.
And don’t forget, this half term is your only chance to meet Albert Slime-stein – a larger-than-life monster who’ll be popping up in the Upper Yard as part of the annual Halloween in the City MCR Monsters trail.
If you’re planning on visiting on actual Halloween day itself, then the museum is inviting you to come dressed in your best costume so you can get properly stuck into all the spooky fun.
The unveiling of the October half term events programme comes after the museum also announced that its popular adults-only ‘after hours’ event would be returning for one night only later this month, also with a Halloween twist.
Museum After Hours is happening on Thursday 29 October from 7pm-10pm, with tickets setting you back £12 each or £6 for concessions. Find out more here.
Science and Industry Museum’s October Half Term Programme is running from 24 October to 1 November. Entry to the museum (except the exhibitions) is free of charge, but it’s advised that you book your admission in advance, as it’s expected to be busier than normal.
Emily Sergeant -
16th December 2021 
