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.
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.
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.
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.
A giant sandpit and free events have come to Printworks in Manchester this summer
Daisy Jackson
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.
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.
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.”
Thursday schedule at Printworks
• Thursday 14 August – Giant Games Takeover, with super-sized versions of Jenga, Connect 4 and more.
• Thursday 21 August – The return of the World’s Largest PAC-MAN, giving visitors the chance to play retro arcade games on a massive scale.
• Thursday 28 August – Basketball Challenge, where guests can shoot hoops and compete with friends.
No tickets or bookings are required, but early arrival is recommended – some activities may be subject to capacity.
For more information about Printworks Summer of Fun and its giant sandpit, head HERE.
Featured image: Jason Lock Photography
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Manchester Arndale is slashing prices on food and drink across the shopping centre
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest is back – and that means there are some absolute bargains to be had on food and drink right across the shopping centre.
Throughout the month of August, restaurants, cafes and kiosks within Manchester Arndale will be offering some serious offers and deals.
This ranges from 25% off to buy-one-get-one-free deals, plus free meals for kids and plenty more.
Venues taking part in the Summer Scran Fest include Archie’s, Subway, Barburrito, Pizza Hut, HOP Vietnamese, Michaels Coffee House and plenty more.
And the leisure destinations within Manchester Arndale are getting stuck in too – think free drinks, combos and more at venues including King Pins and Urban Playground.
There are plenty of Manchester-born businesses getting involved and offering bargains to us all, like Archie’s giving out free soft serve when you spend £10, Barburrito offering a £10 meal deal (burrito, tortilla chips and a soft drink), and Lazy Sundae giving a free scoop of ice cream with any large drink purchase.
Big brand deals include a £5 meal deal at McDonald’s (4 Chicken McNuggets, Cheese burger or Mayo chicken; fries; and medium cold drink), and 25% off at Pizza Hut.
There’s 20% off at Sides in the Manchester Arndale Summer Scran FestLazy Sundae will do a free ice cream with a large drink purchase
Then there are newcomers to Manchester Arndale taking part in the Summer Scran Fest.
HOP, a new Vietnamese street food venue on Market Street, is doing 25% off, while Michaels Coffee House will knock 15% off their seasonal favourites like an Iced Maple Oat Matcha or an Iced Rose Coconut Matcha.
There’s also a 20% discount at Sides, the chicken shop backed by YouTube sensations Sidemen.
And as for leisure destinations – Urban Playground is doing 18 Holes of putters tech-infused mini golf, plus any three small plates from The Butcher menu for £28.20.
Kind Pins has 20% off food and drink, and Immersive Gamebox will do 20% off plus a free drink when you book a 60 or 30 minute gaming session.
Pick up a voucher booklet in the centre or download your offers from the Manchester Arndale website from 1 August.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2022 
