A huge Batman experience is swooping into Manchester this summer, offering fans a chance to see real props and costumes from the Warner Bros. archives.
The exclusive event will bring the cinematic world of Batman to life, through a series of themed rooms, exhibitions and a comic book and gaming area.
Batman Unmasked will be packed full of items from this iconic character’s film history, including (to name just a few) The Dark Knight, Joker, and The Batman.
Visitors will wander through a series of themed rooms that will bring Gotham City to life here in Manchester, with the massive Batman experience taking over Depot Mayfield this summer.
Batsuits worn by actors Robert Pattinson, Christian Bale and Michael Keaton will be displayed, alongside an extensive collection of original props and memorabilia.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fans will even be able to see original vehicles from the hit franchise, including Tumbler and Batpod from The Dark Knight (2008), and the Batmobile and Batcycle from The Batman.
Then after passing through a series of walkways inspired by the various criminals of Gotham, you’ll arrive at The Rogue’s Gallery, a space devoted to DC Super-Villains.
ADVERTISEMENT
The BatbikeBatman Unmasked, which is coming to Manchester this summerThe free-roam comic zone at Batman UnmaskedThe Batcave at Batman Unmasked, which is coming to Manchester this summer
Here there’ll be suits, props and weapons, like Uma Thurman’s Poison Ivy ensemble, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn costume, Jim Carrey’s Riddler outfit and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze suit.
Heath Ledger’s infamous nurse uniform from The Dark Night, and Joaquin Phoenix’s red suit from Joker, will also be on display.
And as for younger Batman fans, there’ll be hidden facts to seek out, photo opportunities, and a free-flow comic book and gaming area.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Batcave at Batman Unmasked in Manchester
Exclusive Batman Unmasked merchandise will be on sale at the retail store, including special Batman 85th Anniversary items alongside classic Batman items.
Batman Unmasked is coming to Manchester to mark the 85th anniversary of DC’s Caped Crusader, and will take place from 16 July until 26 August.
It will then head down to London’s Covent Garden, where it will be in residence through Batman Day on 21 September.
Ticket prices include discounted concession rates as well as savings for small groups of four, or larger groups of 10.
Mancs wanted to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World
Emily Sergeant
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? This might just be your calling then.
The BBC is currently casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The broadcaster has announced that the BAFTA-winning hit show is set to return to our TV screens later this year, and producers are now on the look-out for “intrepid duos” of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
BBC is looking for Mancs to take part in next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, “the physical journey is only half of the story”.
That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.
Applications for the massively-popular show are now open / Credit: BBC
“Maybe you’re looking to change something in your life? Or are keen to share the journey with someone special like a family member, best friend, or someone you’ve lost touch with. You may even have a very personal reason for wanting to travel at this time in your life or explore a particular part of the world.”
Fancy it then?
Applications for the third series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 6 April 2025, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
All Greater Manchester buses are now under local control following ‘historic move’
Emily Sergeant
History has been made, as all buses in Greater Manchester are now back running under local control this week.
It’s been a long time coming, but in a move that has been described as “heralding in a new era” of public transport and set to “transform” how people get around the region, all bus services in Greater Manchester are under local control and are accountable to the people and businesses within our communities.
This makes Greater Manchester the first area in the UK to do this in 40 years.
History made! 🐝🚌
Hear from some of the people who helped make it happen, as all Greater Manchester’s buses are back under local control.#BeeNetworkpic.twitter.com/PKPGXSGYRV
According to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), our region has taken several significant steps to reverse decades-long decline and deliver improved services, better buses, and more affordable fares in recent years.
This includes making changes to around 75 different routes to provide earlier, later, more frequent, and better-connected services, improving punctuality of services to be consistently 80% of above, introducing hundreds of new, greener and more-accessible buses, and reducing the average ticket costs by around 15%.
TfGM says Greater Manchester “setting the blueprint for others to follow”.
The completion of bus franchising marks the end of the first phase of the Bee Network, while the next step will be to bring eight priority train lines under public control by 2028, as well as deliver the first new stations in more than 20 years and significant upgrades to make more stations accessible.
Despite all of the challenges – legal and meteorological – we did it!
After 40 years of damaging deregulation, Greater Manchester has this morning successfully retaken control of the whole of its bus network. 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/nlrGHZWQ6O
“This is a historic moment for Greater Manchester,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“We are proud to be the first area in England to complete the re-regulation of buses and to have done it on time and on budget.
“From today, every community in Greater Manchester will be served by cheaper, cleaner and greener buses, and run in a way which puts people before profit. We are now ready to help other areas looking to follow suit and improve their bus services after decades of decline.
“Whilst this is a nationally significant moment that we can all celebrate, it’s by no means job done.
“We’ll have an unrelenting focus this year on delivering a truly integrated, London-style transport system across bus, tram and train – the next chapter of the Bee Network’s story.”
Daisy Jackson -
6th June 2024 
