The world-famous Museum of Illusions is ready to open its doors in Manchester city centre, filled with optical illusions and interactive exhibits.
Inside the new attraction, which opens this week on Market Street, visitors will be able to dangle upside down on a Metrolink tram, have their minds blown in the Vortex Tunnel, and probably learn a thing or two while they’re at it.
This is the Museum of Illusions location in the entire UK, promising mind-bending illusions and curious games around every corner.
Taking over what was formerly the Sports Direct unit on Market Street, and set to open its doors this week, there are dozens of installations to explore.
There’ll be signature Museum of Illusions exhibits like the Walk-in Kaleidoscope, the Vortex Tunnel (where it feels like you’re spinning upside-down) and the Infinity Room (where clever mirrors make it look like there are hundreds of you).
ADVERTISEMENT
But also some brand-new, Manchester-exclusive installations, like The Reversed Room, which makes visitors look like they’re hanging upside-down from a Metrolink carriage; and The Building Illusion, where you can dangle, Spider-man-style, from a classic city brick terraced building.
Guests are even welcomed by an Alan Turing illusion, whose eyes follow you around the room as you pass by.
ADVERTISEMENT
Museum of Illusions Manchester has loads of different mind-bending installations. Credit: The Manc Group
And every illusion is explained as you make your way around the fully-accessible museum, explaining the intriguing science behind things that play tricks on our brains.
The Museum of Illusions has locations across 25 countries and draws in more than 15 million visitors every year across the globe, but this is its first UK location.
Steven Buchan, general ,anager at Museum of Illusions, commented: “We are delighted to have Manchester chosen as the first UK location for the Museum of Illusions, as it’s known for its vibrant cultural scene, rich history, and reputation as a hub for innovation and creativity.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Market Street, with its bustling atmosphere and central location, perfectly complements our mission to make interactive, educational experiences accessible to everyone.
“The Manchester location will offer a unique experience that blends our globally recognised exhibits with specially curated installations inspired by the city’s iconic landmarks and cultural heritage, making it distinct from our other locations around the world.”
The Museum of Illusions opens on Market Street in Manchester city centre on Friday 27 September – you can book your tickets here.
In pictures: Museum of Illusions Manchester
You can put your head into a kaleidoscope. Credit: The Manc GroupYou can put your head into a kaleidoscope. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Vortex Tunnel. Credit: The Manc GroupMerging faces at Museum of Illusions Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupYou can make yourself look giant or tiny in one room. Credit: The Manc GroupThere are loads of interactive exhibitions. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Infinity Room. Credit: The Manc Group
How much are tickets for Museum of Illusions Manchester?
Online / walk-in
Adult (15+) – £21.00 / £23.00
Child (5-14) – £17.50 / £19.50
4 and under – Free
Senior (+65) – £17.50 / £19.50
Student – £17.50 / £19.50
Blue light card holders – £17.50 / £19.50 (Police, Hospital, Firefighters – all service providers with blue lights)
Inside The Martlet, Rochdale Town Hall’s new restaurant with a northern twist
Thomas Melia
ADVERTISEMENT
The newest restaurant in Rochdale, The Martlet, is finally here, taking up a corner of the Rochdale Town Hall, and it’s being backed by some well-known names.
The much-anticipated restaurant has a smart menu packed with classic northern dishes, sourced locally, like Jackson’s rag pudding, and bacon chop with Bury Black Pudding and Denshaw egg.
And inside the stunning space, guests aren’t just treated to tasty delights, but visual delights too, with artwork adorning the eatery’s grand walls.
The Martlet is offering everything from seafood and meat and veggie dishes, sure to go down a treat with everyone who pops in to visit.
The leading powerhouses behind this remarkable venture are renowned chef Tristan Welch and award-winning chef Darren Parkinson, who have expertly crafted the menu for the establishment taking careful consideration of its location.
Parkinson has previously worked at restaurants not too far away in Halifax including Shibden Mill and The Fleece Inn, growing up in Heywood less than 15 minutes away from where The Martlet is situated.
Eager-eyed sweet-treat lovers may notice a familiar favourite from Grandpa Greene, a local ice cream parlour based in Delph, whose soft serve delicacy will definitely be a favourite with all dining guests.
Beef wellington (Front) and Cauliflower steak (Back) at The Martlet.Espresso martinis on hand at The Martlet.A lovely trio of Grandpa Greene’s finest ice cream.Inside The Martlet, the new restaurant at Rochdale Town Hall
There are a multitude of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink choices with standouts being the aptly-named ‘Peregrine’ whisky, named after the resident birds that have been nesting in the eye-catching clock tower since 2008.
Rochdale’s newest fine dining restaurant is named after a mythical bird, one which is featured in imagery of the town over the years and even on the borough’s coat of arms.
The Martlet holds a respectable 70 guests with its seating arrangements spread across a range of booths and tables.
A two course meal at this new food spot is £30 and those who are feeling a little more peckish can tempt their tastebuds to three courses for only £35.
The restaurant is a multifunctional space, so from 10am until 4pm on Monday to Fridays, it’s providing guests with a café luxe day-time menu and afternoon teas, which stay true to the dining destination’s northern roots.
Visitors wanting to enjoy The Martlet can come down on Friday and Saturday evenings from 27 September and will be greeted to a luxurious menu utilising local produce in its exquisite recipes.
Smash-hit Peaky Blinders-inspired theatre show returns to Greater Manchester next month
Emily Sergeant
ADVERTISEMENT
A Peaky Blinders-inspired theatre show that proved to be an absolute smash hit with Greater Manchester audiences is returning next month.
The pioneering stage production starring the world-renowned Rambert Dance Company first took to The Lowry stage back March 2023, following its world premiere in 2022, and it went on to stun theatre fans in Greater Manchester with a relevant and relatable piece of work that showcases new perspectives, all while still capturing the Peaky plot.
And now it’s all set to return to acclaimed venues across the UK once again this autumn, including here in Salford for its second run.
Written by beloved BBC series’ creator, Steven Knight, with choreography and direction by Rambert’s Artistic Director, Benoit Swan Pouffer, the thrilling stage adaptation sees the stunning Rambert dancers perform to an iconic soundtrack from a live on-stage band.
A smash-hit Peaky Blinders-inspired theatre show is returning to Greater Manchester next month / Credit: Johan Persson (via The Lowry)
As well as referencing popular storylines from the BBC drama series, starring Oscar-winning Cillian Murphy in the lead role of Thomas Shelby, this contemporary dance adaptation also includes some exclusive plot points too, as well as characters who have never been seen on screen before.
There’s also a specially-commissioned score by Roman Gian Arthur too, and it includes iconic Peaky tracks from Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi, The Last Shadow Puppets, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
“I’m absolutely thrilled the Peaky x Rambert collaboration has been such a resounding success,” commented Peaky Blinders writer and creator Steven Knight ahead of the show’s return to The Lowry next month.
“So many people came to see the show and so many of them were new to live dance, which is why we all wanted to do this, so I’m delighted that the show is back on the road after popular demand.”
Rambert Dance in Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby returns to The Lowry from Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 October, and you can still get tickets online here.
Daisy Jackson -
24th September 2024 
