Things To Do

Manchester’s new shuffleboard bar is handing out hundreds of prizes in town this week

Deansgate's new addition is welcoming Mancs in the best way possible: freebies.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 19th June 2024

Electric Shuffle, the newest and only dedicated shuffleboard bar in Manchester, is giving away hundreds of prizes to people in the city centre this week – including bottomless brunch bundles, free games and much more.

Wait until you hear the big prize that’s up for grabs…

Officially launching to the public in Manchester city centre this Friday, this is Electric Shuffle’s first location in 0161 and just the second in the North, but it’s already made a name for itself down in London and over in the US.

Its arrival in town was first announced back in March but the brand has now revealed that they’re celebrating the grand opening with these exciting giveaways, and you still have time to get your hands on them.

shuffleboard deansgate
places to play shuffleboard in manchester
Electric Shuffle is giving a whole host of prizes in Manchester for just one more day. (Credit: The Manc/Electric Shuffle via IG)

After quietly handing out the first round of prizes today (Wednesday, 19 June), Electric Shuffle has confirmed that the team will be once again gifting prizes tomorrow (20 June), hoping to surprise even more Mancs with a freebie.

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To win, all you fine people need to do is simply keep your eyes out for them, as members of the newest venue will be posted along Deansgate, Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens.

Prizes on offer include bottomless brunch tickets, shuffleboard sampler vouchers, bottles of Prosecco and even a whopping £500 bar tab for one very lucky winner.

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We’re so ready to spend all of Thursday pacing up and down the streets of Manchester.

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While there are other places to play the popular bar activity in the area, Electric Shuffle is the only purpose-built shuffleboard place in Manchester and they’ve gained a glowing reputation at their various other locations. Trust us, we heard it straight from our friends over at The Hoot.

Delivering the most high-tech take on the social game you’ll find on the market, plus some great offerings when it comes to food, drink and entertainment, it’s looking like it’s going to be one of the best games and activity bars in Manchester.

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In fact, given the fact that it’s the sister brand of the ever-popular Flight Club darts bar franchise, we’re already pretty confident it will be.

You can get a first glimpse of Electric Shuffle Deansgate down below:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Electric Shuffle

Things To Do

Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail to take over Stockport town centre this summer

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant SmileyWorld® Art Trail

Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail takes over the town.

Following huge success in London and North Tyneside, Stockport visitors are being told to get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures each inspired by the SmileyWorld icons.

Kicking off from the start of next month, the trail will be making its North West debut in Stockport, and organisers say it’s guaranteeing family fun during the school summer holidays.

Oh and best of all, it’s completely free to attend. 

Created by the trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld – a lifestyle brand that’s dedicated to true emotional expression – the trail will feature 15 playful sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.

Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail is taking over Stockport town centre this summer / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography

Perfect for all ages, the trail will be spread across the town centre, with sculptures featured everywhere from the Merseyway Shopping Centre, to Stockport Underbanks, Viaduct Park, The Plaza, and more.

Designed as a self-guided experience, the sculptures will reflect a broad range of human feelings and will invite people to connect as they explore Stockport’s key locations and landmarks using free trail maps, complete with games, puzzles, and doodles for kids, all of which will be available to download ahead of time.

Printed copies will also be available for pick up in local businesses and public venues.

“We are delighted to be able to bring the SmileyWorld Art Trail to Stockport,” commented Charlie Langhorne, who is the Managing Director and co-founder of Wild in Art.

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“Exploring the trail is a fun activity to do with friends and family and it’s free to visit. It’s a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and take a stroll around Stockport town centre while discovering some truly unique and inspiring art.”

The SmileyWorld® Art Trail is taking over Stockport from 4 July through to 15 September 2025, and you can find out more here.

Featured Image – Scott Kershaw Photography

Things To Do

Co-creator of Manchester-Blackpool bike ride hoping to reunite with fellow founders for special anniversary

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester to Blackpool bike ride 40th anniversary 2025

One of the co-creators of the much-loved Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride is looking to reunite with some of his fellow founding members for a very special anniversary of the heartwarming event.

Way back when, Tony O’Dwyer was one of just six original riders who embarked on the bike ride from Manchester – Media City in Salford Quays, more precisely – to the Blackpool seafront, which has gone on to become a beloved and regularly frequented fundraiser.

Fast forward four decades later and not only is the annual cycling event approaching its 40th anniversary, but O’Dwyer himself is looking to take it on yet again, just four days before his 70th birthday.

Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning he’s done it every year since the beginning – including solo during the pandemic. Simply incredible.

manchester to blackpool bike ride
Go on, Tony, lad! (Credit: The Christie Charity)

To make things even more memorable, the Wigan-born bike-riding legend is calling on his fellow Manchester-Blackpool bike ride founders to join him in a momentous reunion that is both a personal celebration and one that champions the famous fundraising endurance challenge.

It may have started out as little more than half a dozen blokes setting off from Albert Square in Manchester city centre on a pretty ambitious voyage, but it’s gone on to become a North West tradition and a powerful way to support vital causes, not least of all charities like The Christie Foundation.

This year, Tony will be riding once again to raise funds for The Christie in honour of his late father, Franco O’Dwyer, who was cared for by the specialist hospital and research centre after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Franco sadly died 10 years ago, and Tony has been a passionate supporter of the organisation ever since, taking various fundraising challenges even beyond his usual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Tony said: “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we first did it. Back in 1985, it was just a group of mates, a few bikes, and the road to Blackpool – we didn’t have the gear, just grit and a bit of madness!

manchester blackpool cycling event
tony odwyer
Credit: Supplied

“We passed through Leigh, Standish, Preston, and St Annes, stopping at pubs and windmills along the way, just enjoying the journey. I’d love to reconnect with the original group – Mike, Barry, Susan, John, Margaret and Christine – it would be brilliant to see where life has taken them.”

“The first time I did the bike ride, I was in fancy dress as a lion, and I’ve done it every year since. I even did it during COVID on my own when the event was postponed, and there were others on the way doing it themselves too, which was amazing to see!”

Crediting The Christie with prolonging his father’s life and giving his family that extra precious time, he’s now proud to fly the flag for the foundation, and they have just as much love for him.

Mass participation events officer Josh Hughff added: “Tony is an incredible ambassador for the Charity and for this event. His dedication over four decades is inspiring, and we’re honoured he continues to ride in support of The Christie Charity.

“His story is a reminder of the lasting power of community, memory, and giving back.”

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For anyone who’d like to join Tony and be part of ‘Team Christie’ 2025 as they head towards the seaside town’s South Promenade, you can sign up HERE.

As for those pioneers who first took on the challenge all those years ago, if you were part of that original group or know someone who was, please contact Maggie Doyle at The Christie Charity on 07717 532195.

Fingers crossed we can get the gang back together.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Chrisite (supplied)/Leo C. Owen (Pexels)

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