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.
Giant inflatable monsters descend on Manchester again next month for their BIGGEST celebration to date
Emily Sergeant
Halloween in the City returns next month with its biggest celebration ever to mark a decade of monster mayhem.
Organised by Manchester BID and sponsored by British confectionery maker, Swizzels, Halloween in the City will be back in Manchester city centre next month once the spooky season arrives – bringing a free weekend of family-friendly fun and spectacular street entertainment.
To mark a decade of monster mayhem, the two-day celebration will bring the city to life with walkabout performers, party games, live DJs, spooky storytelling, and a spectacular roaming procession.
There’s also set to be brand-new birthday bake off this year to celebrate the big 10, and everyone is invited to join the party
But, of course, at the heart of the celebrations will be giant inflatable monsters.
The MCR Monsters are back next month / Credit: CityCo & Manchester BID
The MCR Monsters have been a staple in Manchester’s Halloween celebrations for a decade now, and this year, they’re going all out across the city’s iconic buildings and landmarks.
Created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, and brought to life by Designs in Air, the giant inflatable creatures will make their way into the city for their longest trail to date, celebrating eight days of monster mischief over October half term from Saturday 24 to Saturday 31 October.
Visitors can expect a city-wide monster invasion at locations – including Exchange Square, Manchester Arndale, Selfridges Exchange Square, Corn Exchange Manchester, Printworks, Science and Industry Museum, The Royal Exchange Manchester, Treehouse Hotel Manchester, AO Arena, KAMPUS, Mayfield Park, and Medlock Square.
It’s set to be the biggest celebrations to date to mark a decade of monster mayhem / Credit: Supplied
Then, the big Halloween in the City Weekender will take place on Saturday 24 October from 10am-6pm and Sunday 25 October from 10am-5pm.
Some of the activities on the Weekender lineup this year include a live storytelling performance by Z-Arts in Manchester Arndale, a big Monsters Disco over in Exchange Square, a Rave Yard with resident evil DJs in St Ann’s Square, the Swizzels Spooky Sweet Stop on New Cathedral Street – which is new for 2026 – and then the main event, The Monsters Party Procession.
Designed and created by Walk the Plank, The Monsters Party Procession will ‘bash, boogie, and stomp’ its way through Market Street and Manchester Arndale, so expect dancing monster puppets, towering stilt walkers, and a six-piece brass band suitably spooky soundtrack.
And, of course, no monster birthday would be complete without a Halloween dress-up, which everyone is encouraged to join in with.
Halloween in the City returns from Saturday 24 October, and you can find out everything happening over the eight-day period online here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Things To Do
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
Danny Jones -
5th May 2023 
