If you don’t believe that Manchester is the gaming capital of the UK, then the press surrounding MeetspaceVR over in Trafford will convince you otherwise.
After opening up over in Trafford Park at the back end of 2022, Meetspace wasn’t the only place you could enjoy virtual reality in the city, but it was the only site you could find full-fledged free-roam VR experiences — and it still is.
That being said, it’s no wonder that the reviews for MeetspaceVR are nothing short of incredible, with Gizmodo calling it “the best, most captivating, immersive and present virtual reality experience [they’ve] ever tried” and Forbes dubbing it “the world’s most advanced, free-roaming virtual reality”.
In fact, CNET went so far as to call what’s going on in the unassuming warehouse in Trafford, “the future of video games, arcades and amusement thrills all in one” and, in case you didn’t guess already, we tend to agree.
Following the success of their original venues in London and Manchester, MeetspaceVR has now expanded into a total of seven different sites across Guildford, Thatcham, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol, Wembley and, of course, right here in Trafford.
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On top of that, they’ve also added some seriously impressive new games to their overall selection, including Far Cry: Dive Into Insanity and a brand new VR Escape Room, Huxley. Oh yeah, did we mention they have VR escape rooms too? Well, they do.
Better still, MeetspaceVR Manchester is the only location where you can play their groundbreaking Zero Latency VR titles, the industry-leading developers behind their free-roam VR experiences.
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With seven different Zero Latency games, 13 different escape rooms and literally dozens of VR Arcade games, not to mention the likes of Mario Kart and many other console classics to play when you need a break from the virtual world, there really is something for everyone. We’ve been back multiple times since our first visit and we still haven’t got through everything on offer.
The thing we love most about MeetspaceVR is that it isn’t like most other virtual experiences in Manchester or anywhere else in the country for that matter: i.e. stood on the spot with your headset on and just waving joysticks around, often on your own. This place is like no other.
The reason MeetspaceVR Trafford is so mind-blowing is that not only does it offer fully free-roam experiences but it’s also built for multiplayer, with sessions available for up to eight people per arena at a time, making it the perfect venue for away days with work, birthday parties, stag dos and more.
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Whether you fancy fighting off hordes of zombies, becoming an archer in a medieval fantasy world, competing against your mates in a futuristic PvP shootout, or trying your hand at any of their other incredible VR experiences, we guarantee it’ll be the best day out you’ve had in a long time.
You can book yourself in for a life-changing VR experience HERE.
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
Things To Do
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Danny Jones -
5th May 2023 
