Manchester’s got a lot to be proud of, and Vimto is one of those things.
Vimto is a much-loved Manchester-born soft drink that contains the juice of grapes, raspberries and blackcurrants – each in a 3% concentration – which is then flavoured with a selection of delicately-balanced herbs and spices.
If you’re unfamiliar with the backstory, Vimto was created in 1908 at 19 Granby Row in Manchester city centre – now part of The University of Manchester’s grounds – by John Noel Nichols, who was a wholesaler of herbs, spices and medicines that saw the market opening for soft drinks, due to the temperance movement and the passage of the 1908 Licensing Act.
It was originally sold under the name Vim Tonic, which Nichols shortened to Vimto in 1912.
It’s hard to believe it now, but Vimto was originally registered as a health tonic or medicine when it was first created, but was then re-registered as a cordial in 1913.
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As well as its continued popularity throughout the 20th and 21st century, Vimto has even taken on a life of its own as a flavour too in more recent years, and has spawned a number of other popular fruity variations, so it’s really come a long way from its origins.
But the history of Vimto is something that will always be rooted in Manchester.
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Nichols PLC
And so, to celebrate this impressive history, two furloughed friends have launched a “historical Manchester” Vimto-themed virtual escape room that takes you back to 1908 and challenges you to solve the theft of the city’s most iconic and top-secret recipe.
Mystery Escapades provide online escape room adventures “packed with puzzles” for groups of any size, so whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a bit of lockdown fun, this is a unique way for friends, families and colleagues to virtually “work together and flex that grey matter”.
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All escape rooms can be played by teams across households using video conferencing software, such as Zoom and Skype, but there’s one in particular that Mancunians might be most interested in.
The description for 19 Granby Row reads: “It’s 1908 and you’re in Manchester to investigate the theft of a secret recipe. John Nichols has spent his life perfecting the recipe to his new health tonic, and it has been stolen on the eve of its launch. Your job is to track down the thief by following his path around historical Manchester. Each puzzle you solve will give you a clue to unlock the next room, complete them all and get the recipe back to its rightful owner. You can get clues to help you along the way if you get stuck but everything you need is within the game”.
19 Granby Row is suitable for as many participants as you wish, but anywhere from two to six is advised for optimum game play.
There’s no time limit for this particular challenge either, making it perfect to play along with friends.
Speaking on the launch of 19 Granby Row, Mike Lee – co-founder of Mystery Escapades – told The Manc: “We started Mystery Escapades as a bit of fun, but actually we think they’re quite good and we’ve had great feedback from players [so] we’ve set one in historical Manchester, taking in the sights of streets and buildings that remain in the city today.
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“We’ve created this because we love the city,
“It’s where I was born and grew up and like any Manc, I’m staunchly protective of its place in the world”.
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19 Granby Row will set you back just £15 for a pass valid for one month.
You can book your tickets, find more information about the escape rooms and access the all-important FAQs via the Mystery Escapades website here.
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All three major Manchester Universities are teaming up for a historic Freshers season
Danny Jones
For the first time in history, all three major Universities in central Manchester are partnering for a landmark year of Freshers celebrations, and it’s going to be an unforgettable one for students.
Against all the odds, one company has managed to unite the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford to host a collaborative programme in and around the city centre for the soon-to-arrive class of 2026.
The organisers in question are Cool It Events, who have identified the issue of countless random parties and unofficial ‘ghost’ dates that often end up not even happening, before deciding to combat it by teaming up with the trio of local institutions for a definitive triple crown partnership.
In another first for our region, all three student unions are getting behind this, not only for the sake of ease and clarity on behalf of the new cohort set to attend, but to guarantee safety, legitimacy, and also value for money.
Of course, proper uni-sanctioned parties and so on have always been a part of Freshers’ week, but equally, the opportunistic ‘fly-by-night’ culture of others trying to get in on the action and rogue promotions simply trying to make a bit of money whilst ripping off young people is just old.
Furthermore, as Cool It puts it: “In a digital age where predatory ‘unofficial’ wristbands often lead to overbooked venues or events that simply don’t exist, these partnerships offer a rare peace of mind.”
It also means that those trying to put on a genuinely good day and/or night out aren’t simply relegated to some vague second tier of back-up options; this way, it’s clear who is taking part (UoM, MMU and University of Salford), doing what, and where.
Their approach to this next-level Freshers festival started in 2025, and with a presence in other locations like Liverpool, Chester and Bolton, their reputation just keeps growing.
Naturally, they’re aiming to make this year the biggest and best yet, by not only teaming up with the big unis but also by locking in what they and so many dub the “gold standard of venues.”
Places taking part include:
The O2 Ritz
Factory 251
Gorilla
Joshua Brooks
Popworld
Manchester Academy
Brickhouse
Kable
The Grovesnor
And that’s just a handful, with more still to be confirmed.
For instance, ‘We Love Wednesdays’ at Ark on Deansgate Locks – widely regarded as the city’s biggest weekly student night – will also be getting involved in a big way.
Credit: Cool It Events (supplied)
Given that market analysis has also shown that the unofficial ‘Freshers Packs’ can often cost upwards of 50% more than the official versions, not to mention offering no concrete guarantee of entry or SU backing, this is also a way to help students save money on their arrival into the city.
Put simply, the Universities and Cool It Events have done all the work for you, curating an excellent introduction to the best nightlife and student culture in the North, period – minus the risks.
If this sounds like a bit of you, or you have family heading to uni in Greater Manchester this coming term, you can find all the information on their website, including via your chosen University’s student union portal. Last but not least, if you’re already sold, you can grab your tickets to all the events right HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Cool It Events)
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A live orchestral football chant concert is coming to Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Yes, you heard us right: a whole live concert revolving around the world of football chants is coming to Manchester city centre.
And better still, you don’t have to wait long for it to come around either.
Teaming up with the National Football Museum, our city’s well-renowned Manchester Camerata chamber orchestra will be doing what they do best and putting a twist on some of the most famous songs sung at stadiums around the world.
Being MC’d by Classic FM and sports presenter Karthi Gnanasegaram, the unique show will see the soundtrack of the beautiful game brought to life and to the people in a whole new light.
From local terrace chants like ‘Blue Moon’ and ‘Glory, Glory, Man United’ that are regularly belted at full volume every weekend in our city, to ‘Three Lions’ and other iconic England anthems, die-hard footy fans have helped score (pardon the pun) the sport as we know it for nearly two centuries.
Moreover, they will continue to do so for generations to come – and it’s live, musical spirit that these performances are looking to capture in a fully-fledged orchestral fashion.
The oldest football chant on record is thought to have been written by composer Sir Edward Elgar way back in 1898, who wrote ‘He Banged the Leather for Goal’ in tribute to the once beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, Billy Malpass.
Great last name for a player, by the way.
Speaking ahead of the perfect springtime event, host Karthi recently gave us a better insight into the exclusive show; you can find out more down below.
Spanning all the way from the foundational song by Elgar to more modern-day examples like ‘Wavin’ Flag’ by K’naan, written for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, it’s an oral journey through a big sport of not just sporting culture but countries all over the world.
‘The Beautiful Game’ at the National Football Museum aims to “celebrate the drama and passion of the nation’s most beloved sport”, with the classical arrangements to be conducted by Enyi Okpara.
Fresh off being appointed as Fellow Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra for the 2026/27 season, you couldn’t ask for a better pedigree – especially with all the talents that make up the Manchester Camerata itself.
Taking place over the duration of two shows on Friday, 24 April 2026 at 6:30pm and 8pm, Gorton residents can get tickets from just £3, only a fiver for students, and under 30s at just a tenner.
Emily Sergeant -
11th March 2021 
