Over 100,000 people have been to visit theVan Gogh Alive experience since it arrived at MediaCity UK a couple of months back.
Van Gogh Alive is “the world’s most visited immersive, multi-sensory experience”.
It exhibits the life and work of the seminal Dutch artist, and after having welcomed over eight million visitors in 70 cities around the world – including sell-out runs in London and Birmingham – the art and culture experience pitched up at Salford Quays towards the end of October.
It takes people on a trip through the periods of Van Gogh’s life that defined him as an artist and showcases 3,000 images, including some of his most iconic works like Starry Night and Sunflowers, and lesser-known paintings inspired by his love of Japanese woodprints.
Created by Grande Experiences, Van Gogh Alive has received rave reviews since arriving up North and has been called a “glorious, stunning, but also very moving” exhibition.
In case you haven’t heard of the exhibition, or you haven’t had the chance to head on down to visit it yet, then it features state-of-the-art gallery technology set to an evocative classical score that’s delivered via a 3D sound system, and an interpretive area where visitors can learn more about Van Gogh’s life, as well as interactive art stations that let people create their own art with the help of expert video tutorials.
The exhibition is also home to a life-sized walk-in representation of Van Gogh’s ‘Bedroom in Arles’ painting and a ‘Sunflower selfie room’ – a 360° mirrored space complete with hundreds of sunflowers.
“This is an unforgettable cultural experience for all the family,” said Bruce Peterson – Owner of Grande Experiences – ahead of the exhibition’s arrival.
Van Gogh Alive is “the world’s most visited immersive, multi-sensory experience” / Credit: Van Gogh Alive
Also speaking on the importance of the exhibition’s arrival to the area, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett added: “Communities have really missed experiencing arts and entertainment, with the hospitality and creative industries being amongst the hardest hit from the impacts of COVID-19, so it is brilliant to be seeing the creative industries launching new and innovative experiences for all to enjoy within a safe framework.”
But next month, after hundreds of thousands of people have set their eyes on it, the critically-acclaimed event will be waving goodbye to Greater Manchester.
And this is your last chance to book tickets.
Over 100,000 people have visited the exhibition since it arrived at MediaCity UK a couple of months back / Credit: Van Gogh Alive
Van Gogh Alive will close on 23 January 2022 at MediaCityUK.
Tickets are priced at £23.50 for adults and £16.50 for children, with concessions and school group discounts available.
Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to make a donation to The Christie charity either when purchasing tickets, or while at the exhibition, with Marie Toller – Head of Major Relationships at the charity – adding: “The Christie relies on the support and donations from the public to provide our patients with the very best care, treatment and access to research options.
“Monies raised from the Van Gogh Alive exhibition will go towards making life that little bit easier for cancer patients and enhancing their experience while at The Christie hospital.”
Aspiring artists can get their work displayed on one of the biggest digital screens in Manchester
Danny Jones
Are you a budding artist looking to get your work seen or know some who is? Well, you might want to pay attention because there’s an opportunity to have your creation seen by countless passers-by and on one of the biggest displays in the entire UK over at the Printworks.
If you’ve passed through the much-loved hospitality and leisure complex over the past year or so, you’ll have noticed their roof is now no longer a roof at all, really; the striking ceiling is now a constantly moving image and the largest of its kind in all of Europe.
Meaning that anyone who got their artworks on there would effectively be securing one of the biggest displays and public installations on the continent.
As Printworks themselves put it: “This isn’t just a screen; it’s an artistic stage viewed by millions of visitors every year, with the power to turn a single artwork into a 360-degree sensory experience.”
With that in mind, they’re giving one lucky individual the chance to grab the spotlight and see their creative expression plastered on the 1,000m² wraparound LED canvas.
“Supporting emerging talent and seeing fresh, creative perspectives is always inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what these young artists bring to the table! It was so surreal seeing my artwork on the digital.”
Past installations have included the ‘Spaces Up-Above’ exhibition by world-renowned light artist, Rupert Newman, as well as an International Women’s Day showcase by Heitzman herself, as a fellow Manchester-based creative.
In case you need a better idea of the sheer scale of this screen and why this is such an exciting opportunity for up-and-coming local artists, here’s how they celebrated Oasis returning to Manchester for their Heaton Park reunion gigs this week:
Synchronised with sound and added motion effects, the competition is now open to students who are currently enrolled in college, university or art school.
Better still, you don’t even have to be from or based in the area to take part – this is a nationwide competition hoping to spotlight the best talents in the UK.
All you have to do to enter this exciting competition in Manchester is simply provide Printworks your details and upload your artwork of choice HERE by Sunday, 3 August.
Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Daisy Jackson
An iconic ready-to-drink favourite has launched back into the UK – oh yes, Breezer is back.
First launched in the 1990s, Breezers – then pitched as an ‘alcopop’ – were a staple on dancefloors and at barbecues right across the UK.
And now Bacardi has decided to bring these delicious, fruity, easy-drinking bottles back to British shores.
There are three new flavours to try as Breezers return to your fridges – Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime, and Crisp Watermelon.
And Breezer launched back into Manchester last night with a suitably memorable party, turning a spot in the Northern Quarter into a corner shop.
The ‘local Cornerbop’ was stacked with your usual essentials, plus shelf after shelf of these colourful glass ready-to-drink bottles.
Inside the Breezer ‘Cornerbop’ corner shop in ManchesterBreezer is back, in three new flavours
The Breezer relaunch party saw Tarsza and Rennie Peters spinning nostalgic anthems with a modern twist at a pop-up party in a corner shop.
Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK, and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer.
“RTDs are booming, however, the Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages category could do with a bit more excitement. By bringing back Breezer we’re definitely putting the fruity taste into FAB.”
The iconic ready-to-drink classic is back – and better than ever.
Emily Sergeant -
20th December 2021 
