There’s a new interactive experience dubbed the ‘real life Squid Game’ coming to a remote location in the North West – and you can now apply to take part.
Given the popularity of the show, this was pretty much inevitable, right?
South Korean survival drama Squid Game is all anyone seems to be talking about recently, but if you’re unfamiliar with the show, or you’re yet to give it to watch, it centres on a contest where 456 players, drawn from different walks of life but each deeply in debt, play a set of children’s games with deadly penalties for losing for the chance to win a 45.6 billion prize.
The nine-part series has been getting rave-reviews, widespread critical acclaim, and has gone on to become one of streaming platform’s most-watched programmes.
Viewers captivated by the brutal drama will likely have spent plenty of time plotting the tactics they would whip out during each game on the show and weighing up their chances of making it all the way to the end – but now, you can actually put your money where your mouth is by tackling the “real life version”.
Just like the premise of the series, in the real life version, contestants will be competing for a cash prize worth at least £500 – which is considerably less than was on offer on the hit-show – but of course, it should go without saying, that you won’t get executed if you’re eliminated from the game.
‘Squid Game Live’ will see up to 40 contestants take on five rounds of intense challenges / Credit: Netflix
That said, contestants who want to take part will have to sign ‘medical disclosures’ to be sure they are fit to participate in the games that require some mental and physical challenges.
‘Squid Game Live’ will see up to 40 contestants take on five rounds of intense challenges – some of which are inspired by the show – and they will be provided with a uniform to wear during their experience, as well as being fed a “hearty meal”.
Live actors will also attend the events to add an extra layer of fear and uncertainty to the games, and there will be some live scenes that parody the series too.
Again, also in-keeping with the show, organisers have not revealed where ‘Squid Game Live’ will take place, and contestants will be picked up by coach from a meeting point in the North West, before being taken to a remote location to participate in the challenges.
Speaking ahead of ‘Squid Game Live’, Creative Director, Max Fox, said: “We want to make sure our experiences are safe, but still as riveting as the games seen on the Netflix smash Squid Game, but due to the violent nature of the hit show, we want to be cautious that the events don’t attract unstable people.”
Contestants will be picked up by coach from a meeting point in the North West, before being taken to a remote location / Credit: Netflix
He continued: This is a pain-free experience – there will be no paintballs, guns or otherwise, but don’t be afraid of getting wet.
“We want to make the games as realistic as possible, without the risk of injury. Some of our games you won’t have seen before, but there needs to be an element of surprise and mystery so people really don’t know what they’re letting themselves in for.”
Fancy it then?
Entry to ‘Squid Game Live’ will set you back £45, and the first event is taking place on 27 November, so if you’re keen to apply, either call 01325 777843 or visit the website here.
Featured Image – Netflix
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Salford City FC have signed an exciting Under-20 World Cup winner on loan
Danny Jones
Salford City FC have quietly done arguably one of the best little bits of business this summer with their new signing, picking up an exciting youth forward and Under-20 World Cup winner on loan.
Announced this week, 21-year-old striker Nicolás Siri has joined Salford City on a season-long loan deal from Montevideo City Torque.
That same season, he scored 10 goals in a total of 30 games across all competitions, before going on to play his first minutes in Europe last term – and now he’s getting a first taste of English football.
Siri, who began impressing at an early age as part of the under-15s national team, began his club career at Danubio FC in 2020.
Joining Montevideo a year later, he secured a loan move to Belgian side Lommel SK, scoring twice in just 10 appearances, becoming a first-team starter.
After being scouted by Salford, who are hoping to have a resurgent campaign, with co-owner Gary Neville targeting promotion to the Championship over the next few years, he is one of several signings made in this ambitious transfer window.
Taking the number 27 shirt, he’s made his first cameo against Cheltenham Town, being subbed on in the 67th minute as the Ammies went on to score a late equaliser thanks to a Kadeem Harris header in the 93rd minute of stoppage time.
Speaking of numbers and stats, Siri boasts a very impressive one; he’s in good company with it, too.
Sitting down with club media after his arrival at the Peninsula Stadium on Thursday, the youngster said: “I’m pleased to be here and I can’t wait to start playing. I’m a player who likes running into space, who constantly tries to hit the target and looking to score as much as I can.
“Lommel was a great opportunity, I really enjoyed it, and it helped me prepare for my next career step in Europe. I believe being here is a great opportunity that I am going to make the most out of, and that I am going to enjoy.
“If you do well at this level, you can set yourself up to have a great career. That’s my goal, and that is what I want to achieve here.”
He speaks with plenty of sense for his age. You can see his first full interview in Salford red down below.
A new music showcase is taking place at a beautiful and historic Stockport venue
Danny Jones
A new live showcase is coming to Stockport town centre as part of a wider music, art and cultural celebration next month.
And by new, we mean the artists; if you went to the last edition, you’ll know it delivers some serious talent.
Teaming up with the likes of Manchester-based music magazine and promoters, The Rodeo, as well as ticketing platform Skiddle, Stockport is set to welcome the return of Mercury Climbing Festival.
This week-long celebration of music, art and culture around parts of the Greater Manchester borough’s historic old town, and there are some exciting names on board already.
As for Mercury Climbing 2025 itself, the multi-day festival spread across several locations boasts the best in native and Northern music, visual arts, and comedy.
Popping up across a total of eight different spaces, including the likes of the brand-new Stockroom, pubs, and headline music venue St Mary’s Church – quietly one of the coolest places we’ve ever seen a gig – you have plenty of reason to be excited about this one.
Speaking of St Mary’s, while artists such as local legends Badly Drawn Boy, Manc indie outfit The Covasettes and Riding The Low – fronted by actor Paddy Considine – are set to play the stunning ceremonial space, The Rodeo is also hosting its own dedicated stage at the church.
Highlighting emerging new talent on Saturday, 20 September, Manchester-based solo indie project Better Joy is set to headline, with Denver County Council (who featured on our Manc artists of the month round-up), Henry Webb-Jenkins, Katie & the Bad Sign, plus more to be announced in support.
The last time we saw a ‘Live at St Mary’s’ event, we can’t stress this enough: it was nothing short of an unforgettable experience.
You don’t get to enjoy a ‘religious’ gig experiences like this often…
Taking place from Friday, 19-26 September, the festival as a whole will transform Stockport’s historic Old Town into a vibrant cultural hub.
And it isn’t just music: there are local food and drink traders getting involved, artwork from the one and only Stanley Chow, as well as plenty of other entertainment.
Above all else, the event is not only steeped in SK and Greater Manchester’s rich heritage, but it’s a great way of supporting new art coming out of the region.
The Rodeo’s St Mary’s stage gets underway from 4pm and is scheduled to finish at 10:30pm, but the wider Mercury Climbing programme is an all-day festival that won’t end until late. You can grab your tickets right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd October 2021 
