Manchester’s well-known outdoor venue, Freight Island, is taking New Year’s Eve into their own hands and kicking 2025 off with a bang, hosting a big fireworks display to remember.
The already impressive Twilight Trail, which gained a cult following online thanks to how fascinating it looks, is now becoming the home for Freight Island’s ‘Fireworks Extravaganza’.
Taking place in Mayfield Park, as soon as dusk hits, this 6.5-acre greenland site turns into a twinkling paradise fit for anyone who
At this highly anticipated event, marking the close of the illuminated trail for this year, kids even get free sparklers and marshmallow roasting to enjoy during their time at the park.
Sparklers at the ‘Firework Extravaganza’ at Mayfield Park.Watching the firework show at Mayfield Park.Soaking up the fun with lots of activities on this light trail.Mayfield Park gets super magical at this time of year. (Credit: Supplied)
There’s even music soundtracking your walk around the incredible environment courtesy of a Coronation Street star and Manchester-based collective, La Discothèque.
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Not only will you be visually treated, but you’ll also have a soulful soundtrack that sits easy on the ears too. Craig Charles is providing his ‘Trunk Of Funk, Volume 3’ compilation to send your eyes and ears on an unforgettable journey.
After immersing yourself in all that culture and exploration, taking yourself on a culinary experience is definitely overdue and Freight Island have made sure food is in large supply.
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All of the usual vendors currently in situ at Freight Island have come to check out the lights too with names like Burgerism, Voodoo Ray’s, Lazy Tony’s Lasagnaria and Oh My Cheesecake.
The firework show is taking place for 10 minutes at 8pm with a party event lined up straight after for those who want to enrich themselves in even more New Year celebrations.
Titled ‘The Little Disco’ and achieving a headline slot from Girls Of The Internet, the atmosphere is set to be electric at Freight‘s mainstay location just next door.
When purchasing your tickets for the initial firework show you automatically guarantee yourself an invite to the afterparty for free!
Tickets for Freight Island’s ‘New Year’s Eve Fireworks Extravaganza’ are already live and you can find them HERE.
Until then, if you’re looking to make the most of the festivities this holiday season, we’ve also put together a round-up of the best light trails in and around Greater Manchester. Enjoy!
Manchester Cathedral to be lit up with ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection this winter
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Cathedral is set to be lit up with ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection show this winter.
After captivating more than a million spectators globally and illuminating dozens of the world’s most extraordinary historic landmarks over the past couple of years, LUMINISCENCE is set to make its highly anticipated UK debut this winter – and Manchester Cathedral has been chosen as the lucky location for this dazzling event.
Combining 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special, visitors will be invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling.
LUMINISCENCE is set to pay tribute to Manchester’s rich cultural heritage through specially arranged orchestral renditions of iconic anthems – with the setlist including songs by Oasis, The Verve, Joy Division, and Elbow, just to name a few.
Manchester Cathedral is set to be lit up with a ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection this winter / Credit: Supplied
A brand-new script has been written for the show by BAFTA award winning writer Tim Whitnall, while narration will be provided by legendary local actor, Christopher Eccleston.
The show will be brought to life further by Manchester Collectives Gospel Choir, who’ll add a soaring choral dimension to what sounds set to be an already-powerful immersive experience.
Light from a battalion of high-power projectors becomes the storyteller inside the Cathedral, transforming the ancient architecture into a vast living canvas where every statue, carving, pillar, and stained-glass window comes to life.
LUMINISCENCE takes over Manchester Cathedral from Wednesday 14 January through to 26 March 2026, and audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid missing this unique experience as there’ll be strict capacity during the limited run.
Audiences can choose between Gold and Silver ticket tiers, offering options to suit every budget.
Gold tickets include fast-track entry and a glass of fizz on arrival, while Silver tickets for adults start from £29 (including a 10% booking fee), with concession prices available too.
Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 18 November, and you can book them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Comedy sensation Matt Rife announces new arena tour with Manchester show
Daisy Jackson
Comedian Matt Rife has just announced a brand-new world tour, with an arena show in Manchester on the cards.
The American comic, who has a whopping 11m followers on Instagram and 20m on TikTok, will be performing a night at the AO Arena on his extended Stay Golden World Tour, with tickets on sale Friday.
It’s one of 40+ new dates across North America and Europe, on a tour which will feature a 360 degree in-the-round stage at select venues.
The record-breaking comedian had already announced shows across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Canada, and performed shows across the States.
He’s been the youngest comedian to ever sell out New York’s Madison Square Garden – and he did two sold-out nights.
He’s shattered ticket sale records at arenas right across the USA, too.
Matt Rife has become one of the hottest names in comedy thanks to his razor-sharp crowd work and massive social media following, with over 44.6 million followers and more than three billion views globally, as well as chart-topping Netflix specials.
The 30-year-old entertainer will release a new Netflix special – Matt Rife: Unwrapped – on 2 December this year.
The ‘Christmas Crowd Work Special’ will ‘explore gifts, traditions and who’s made it on the naughty or nice list this year’.
Matt Rife will be at the AO Arena in Manchester on
Tickets for Matt Rife in Manchester at the AO Arena will go on sale from Wednesday 12 November for artist presale, and general sale will begin from 2pm on Friday 14 November – you can get your tickets HERE.
Thomas Melia -
28th November 2024 
