Manchester’s gaming scene continues to get bigger and bigger every year and now one of the UK’s biggest VR arcades is coming to the city centre too.
Starting out in 2017 as London’s first and largest virtual reality arena, DNA VR are now making their way to Manchester with their latest location and it promises to be next-level (gaming puns are unavoidable with this stuff, leave us alone).
Promising some of the best and most immersive ‘alternative’ activities you’ll find anywhere in 0161, DNA VR’s arcade is packed out with an impressive library of games, over 100 virtual arcade challenges and even virtual escape rooms.
From surviving a zombie apocalypse to visiting the Great Pyramids, exploring the depths of the ocean, fighting off dragons or defending the Earth from an intergalactic disaster, there’s a wide range of genres on offer at DNA VR Manchester. We sincerely want to bring our arachnophobic friends along for this:
With the capacity to host up to 16 various virtual sessions (19 people) all at one time, each offering true escapism and unparalleled immersion, this place is sure to become a go-to for works dos, birthday parties, family days out and more.
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It doesn’t have to be a group event either, visitors can experience this place either solo or as part of a team, with virtual reality modes on offer across 70 different games, each providing hours of gameplay in a truly unique entertainment experience.
But it doesn’t stop there: you can even enjoy a free-roam arcade, offering explorative experiences, more escape rooms and horror game modes for up to four players, such as Hospital Of Horror, Space Station Tiberia and Depths Of Osiris.
Credit: DNA VR
Now, on the subject of horror, those requiring a little dutch courage can also enjoy a tipple both before and after the game if you need to decompress from fighting off a horde of monsters, as DNA VR Manchester will be fully equipped with a minibar, serving an array of drinks in their futuristic foyer.
You had us at tipple.
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Many famous faces have already come through doors down south — everyone from Idris Elba, KSI and Chris Hemsworth — and this place is sure to fill up from the second launch day hits. Speaking of…
DNA VR Manchester’s grand opening is taking place on Wednesday next week (22 March) and the best part is, even for those looking to try it from out of town, the new venue is right in the city centre and just a 15-minute walk away from Piccadilly Station.
With two Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards to their name in just a few years of being open and regular crowds piling into their Camden, Hammersmith and Battersea sites, it’s clear these lot know what they’re doing and we can’t wait for DNA’s VR Masters to repeat their winning formula up north.
Situated in the Core building on Brown St, M2 1DH, you can book your first-ever DNA VR experience HERE. Vouchers for Christmas bookings are already available and you can even use the discount code MANCHESTER10 for 10% off your first visit. Say no more.
You can step inside a fashion show with Vogue’s immersive ‘Inventing the Runway’ show in Manchester
Thomas Melia
A Vogue immersive show titled ‘Inventing the Runway’ has arrived Manchester, and it’s even co-created by Anna Wintour herself.
Ever fancied learning more about the fashion world? Well, now’s your chance to hear everything you need to know from global fashion leaders and lifestyle magazine Vogue.
The Anna Wintour-approved immersive experience comes alongside the announcement of Factory International‘s Winter lineup, which features another new event all about voyaging to the moon.
Vogue: Inventing the Runway incorporates interviews, visual media and more to help attendees visualise fashion shows of the past, present and future.
Visitors will be surrounded by incredible visuals on all sides (including underfoot), fully stepping inside the world of high fashion.
As well as understanding how fashion shows became the pinnacle of a designer’s vision, this runway-themed display also includes looking back at iconic moments of fashion and pop culture.
‘Inventing the Runway’ by Vogue is focusing on outfits worn by models and A-listers alike, with narration from the one and only Cate Blanchett.
A glimpse inside Vogue: Inventing the Runway. Credit: The Manc Group
You can expect to see curated pieces by significant creative minds in fashion history like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and lots more.
Throughout the Vogue experience, as well as coming visually face to face with fashion, you will also hear a soundscape that perfectly reflects this innovative industry with a fusion of classical and pop music.
This fashion exhibition uses the same Lightroom technology behind the impressive David Hockney experience that opened back in December.
Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue said: “At Vogue, we’ve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves.”
“This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first-hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.”
You can experience Vogue’s ‘Inventing the Runway’ immersive show from 18 December to 10 January.
Find out more information and grab your tickets HERE.
Manchester favourites hosting a heartwarming festive social for those alone this Christmas
Danny Jones
Beloved Manchester bar and cafe, Haunt, have announced that they will be hosting a special social to spread some much-needed seasonal cheer to those who are spending Christmas apart from their families and/or friends this year.
Wholesome stuff from a wholesome bunch.
That’s right, friendly neighbourhood ghosts Haunt will be putting on a little free shindig for the 2025 festive period in an effort not only to share the typical kindness with locals based in and around the city centre but to help create “a sense of community, no matter what your situation”.
Announcing the completely open-to-the-public Christmas Eve party over the weekend, the team are looking to provide those who might otherwise be lonely or struggle during the holidays with a warm, arms-wide welcome, plus plenty more.
Writing on their social media account this past Sunday, bar manager JJ said: “People, it’s time to connect this Christmas! We will be providing free coffee and sweet treats from 12-5pm on Christmas Eve, as well as some games and workshops.
“We’ve put a lot of work into this, so it would be amazing to see as many of you there as possible! Also need this to reach the people that need an event like this most, so please share and repost.
“As always, look out for your people, I wouldn’t be anywhere without mine – JJ xoxo”
Come on, who doesn’t love seeing heartwarming stuff like this on their feed, especially when it comes to a time of year where so many suffer quietly amid the majority having a good time?
This isn’t the first time they’ve held a pop-up that’s caught our attention in 2025, either; it was only last month that we were surprised to stumble on a mini padel court in the middle of the room.
Once again, there’ll be brews and fresh bakes, as well as plenty of other activities to keep people entertained on the night.
As described in their post, Christmas can be tough for a lot of people, and if they can make even just one person looking for some kindness and companionship feel better for a few hours this year, then they’ll have done above and beyond their job.
It goes without saying that we love seeing local businesses taking the social and community side of their work like this to heart and putting in serious effort to make a difference.
Well done to JJ, the Chosen Family support group, and everyone at Haunt for setting this up; if you know anyone who might be interested in coming along, please do pass on the information.
You can grab your free tickets via Eventbrite right HERE, and maybe we’ll see some of you there.
Danny Jones -
16th March 2023 
