Horror favourite Insidious and singalong classic Grease are just some of the films on show at the North West’s newest drive in cinema this weekend.
Summer Knights has officially arrived for a “sun-soaked bonanza of fun”, and it’s just in time for schools to be out this half term.
In case you haven’t heard, the region’s newest immersive event has taken over the abandoned Camelot Theme Park – a legendary Chorley-based attraction that made a name for itself entertaining the masses for nearly 30 years before it closed to the public for good back in 2012, and had sadly remained out-of-use and largely derelict ever since.
It comes after events company Park N Party – the team also behind previous sell-out seasonal drive-in events SecretCity, ScareCity, and ChristmasCity – brought the attraction’s abandoned rides and empty footpaths back to life with live actors, scene-setting lights and sounds, and more earlier this year for the hugely-popular Camelot Rises.
And now, Northern kids of the 80s, 90s, and 00s can truly revisit their youth, as the park has gone back to its days of Arthurian legend for the new entertainment attraction.
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Summer Knights has taken over Camelot Theme Park / Credit: Park N Party
Having kicked-off at the mythical land of Camelot last week, Summer Knights is already looking like Park N Party’s “brightest drive-in cinema yet”, and visitors are being given the chance to catch a wide selection of great films across four large screens once again this extended weekend.
There’ll be themed nights dedicated to cult movies, chilling horror, joyful singalongs, romance, and family-friendly fun.
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Fright Night commences with a screening of 2010 supernatural horror, Insidious, on Friday 27 May, and then lovers of a singalong can catch 2012’s smash-hit musical comedy, Pitch Perfect, starring Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson on Saturday 28 May.
Rounding out the week is the 2016 family-favourite animated musical, Sing!, on Sunday 29 May.
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Insidious and Grease are just two of the films screening this weekend / Credit: Paramount Pictures | Universal Studios
While the movies may be the main event, Summer Knights isn’t your typical drive-in cinema experience, as you can expect everything from singing and dancing opportunities throughout, to classic cinema snacks, sweet treats, a beer garden, and plenty of outdoor seating too.
Just like all of Park N Party’s previous events, there will be a fully-licensed bar and a number of street food vendors on site to choose from too to make it a truly magical night.
With Summer Knights set to run right through to Saturday 25 June, some of the other film highlights in the genre-diverse lineup include Superbad, The Greatest Showman, True Romance, and Disney’s newest smash-hit, Encanto.
The King’s Man, Mamma Mia, Fight Club, and more will also be screened over the summer.
Summer Knights is already proving to be a “sun-soaked bonanza of fun” / Credit: Park N Party
Tickets for Summer Knights are now on sale, setting you back just £25 per vehicle.
The Liquor Store is putting together the perfect package for Oasis fans heading to Heaton Park
Danny Jones
Manchester bar The Liquor Store is putting together the ultimate pre and post-gig package ahead of the Live ’25 Oasis reunion shows, perfect for anyone heading to Heaton Park for the momentous series of shows.
The brilliant Manc boozer, which borders Blackfriars Street and the edge of Deansgate, has been a popular spot both before and after nearby concerts for years, so it’s no surprise that they’re getting involved with the shows of the century.
With Oasis set to play a whopping five nights at Heaton Park this summer, people are already trying to figure out their plans for the big day(s), with fans flocking from all over the country to see them wherever they could manage to get tickets, especially at this massive outdoor show.
Good job the Liquor lads and ladies have you sorted.
Set to run ‘The Masterplan’ service (very good) for each of Oasis‘ huge hometown shows throughout July, The Liquor Store are making sure gig-goers get to the venue without any trouble and get plenty of time to get in the mood beforehand.
As well as a good old party afterwards, of course.
Offering a comprehensive concert package, complete with coach travel to Heaton Park, not to mention bottomless beer and pizza from 2-3pm when you’re in the bar itself, this music-obsessed bar is set to be the perfect place to fuel and carry on the Britpop party afterwards.
Littered with music memorabilia and images of local bands like the Burnage boys themselves, plus an absolutely unreal playlist of Oasis classics all day and all night, it’s the ideal setting to get you in the mood for the day.
There’ll also be a DJ set from much-loved local Jon Lowe from midday onwards. Oh yeah, and complimentary bucket hats and tambourines for wristband holders should help the good vibes along too.
Better still, even for those not buying ‘The Masterplan’ ticket – which includes the bus to the location and as much suds and scran as you can muster – entry to the venue for the before and after-parties is completely free. After all, it’s still a popular city centre watering hole whether Oasis are in town or not.
As for the coach, the service will depart at 4:30pm and is set to leave Heaton Park around 11:15pm, heading straight back to The Liquor Store, of course.
Ticket holders will be issued with a wristband that will allow them entry onto the coach and access to the bottomless scran and bevs. If you’re not on that bus 10 minutes before they set off, you will be left behind, unfortunately.
With that in mind, tickets are very limited, with less than 50 spots to secure, so if you want to be a part of the ultimate pre-drinks and post-gig party, you’d better act fast.
You can grab yours and find out the full terms and conditions HERE.
The massively underrated rooftop terrace in Manchester with great views and top cocktails
Daisy Jackson
Manchester city centre is generally STARVED of outdoor space, but we’ve found the perfect sun-soaked oasis where you can enjoy a bit of fresh air and a whole lot of great food and drinks.
Tucked up on the sixth floor of the award-winning boutique hotel King Street Townhouse, you’ll find a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the city’s skyline.
As Manchester buzzes along beneath you, you can tuck in to everything from full charcuterie grazing boards to seasonal snacks and small plates, all served alongside an impressive wine and cocktail list.
This often-overlooked local spot is a firm favourite of those in the know, thanks to its sheltered location that basks in the sun all afternoon.
And although it’s in a prime city centre location, just a stone’s throw from Deansgate, St Peter’s Square and Market Street, it’s a luxurious escape from it all – as is the entire boutique hotel it’s part of.
Whether it’s a post-work social, a relaxed date night, or a cheeky afternoon cocktail, the King Street Townhouse Terrace is open to the public and available for walk-ins or bookings when it isn’t privately hired.
On the menu you can expect locally-sourced dishes like Pollen sourdough served with whipped butter, a meat or cheese grazing board loaded with British produce, and larger plates like a beef and bone marrow burger or a fried fish roll topped with crisps.
British charcuterie grazing boardSpritzes on the King Street Townhouse terrace
Pairing perfectly with a spritz or a beer are snacks like deep-fried Gordal olives, stuffed with fennel sausage, and a brioche garlic bread packed with cream cheese.
The hotel has a cocktail list that celebrates classic drinks and a few of their own signature concoctions, and it doesn’t feel much more luxurious than when you treat yourself to a glass of sky-high champagne with views like this.
The South Terrace can also be hired privately for leisure or corporate events, with tailored catering options including summer BBQs.
And you can ramp up your trip to this oasis by staying overnight in one of the boutique hotels’ rooms, or visiting the King Street Townhouse ESPA spa for a treatment.
Find out more about the terrace at King Street Townhouse HERE.
The terrace at King Street Townhouse hotelThe terrace at King Street Townhouse hotelDeep-fried olivesGarlic bread with creamed cheeseKing Street Townhouse hotel
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2022 
