Looking for something to do with the kids that’ll keep them educated and entertained before they go back to school next term?
With the rising cost of living crisis sadly continuing to make its impact felt nationwide, and with the festive season being a time that most of us feel our finances stretching more than usual, it’s fair to say that finding different ways to keep the little ones occupied while still sticking to a budget can be quite a tricky task.
Thankfully, there’s currently a world-renowned art exhibition happening right here in Greater Manchester, and for a limited-time-only, kids can visit for free.
Having taken over the 1,200 sq metre Piazza space in the heart MediaCityUK, the Art of Banksy has been celebrating the work of one of the world’s most famous artists since it opened at the end of October, and before the event waves goodbye to the North West on Sunday 8 January 2023, kids will get the chance to take a look around free of charge.
You can now take the kids to see the immersive Banksy art exhibition at MediaCityUK for free / Credit: Supplied
Presented in partnership with HOME, the Art of Banksy features 145 authenticated Banksy works from 2002 to 2017 – ranging from prints, and canvases, to limited-edition pieces, unique works, and fascinating ephemera.
They are all on display in a way that’s just not possible in a museum or gallery.
One of the standout pieces that visitors have been flocking far and wide to see is an extremely rare Banksy piece titled Leopard and Barcode, whichhas been donated to the exhibition by his ex-girlfriend, and hadn’t been publicly seen for more than a decade prior to this.
The piece was originally sprayed onto the side of a house near Bristol, but after being saved from demolition work by a local architect, it had spent years wrapped in a blanket under a spare bed.
The Art of Banksy has been showing visitors how art has the power to affect social change, inspire the public, and lay bare the undercurrents of social issues – with those who’ve already headed down to the exhibition saying it’s an “unmissable experience for culture lovers” or anyone who’s keen to learn a bit more about the artist.
The Art of Banksy is an “unmissable experience for culture lovers” / Credit: Supplied
Fancy it then?
All children under 16 can visit Art of Banksy at MediaCityUK for free with a paying adult before it closes on Sunday 8 January 2023.
Adult tickets will set you back just £19.50, with a range of concessions and VIP options available, and with advanced booking required, you can get your hands them either online at artofbanksy.co.uk or over the phone on 0343 208 1838.
Featured Image – Supplied
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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 -
21st December 2022 
