Thousands of cinema tickets are being given away for free all across the UK next month, and you can get your hands on them now.
As part of Escapes – a project supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) and National Lottery funding giving everyone the opportunity to “enjoy the big screen experience” and “discover independent cinema” – tens of thousands of cinema tickets are now up for grabs in Greater Manchester and across the UK for completely free of charge.
The ultimate aim of the Escapes project is to “bring new audiences” to the cinema, whether you’re someone who always prioritises a trip to the cinema, someone who treasures a visit but only on a special occasion, or someone who’s just keen to discover more.
There is a slight catch though… these tickets are only to see one particular film.
You can get free tickets to see The Penguin Lessons starring Steve Coogan next month / Credit: Sony Pictures Classics
But as far as free tickets to cinema go, let’s just say you could do a whole lot worse than taking a trip to see the the new heartwarming drama-comedy The Penguin Lessons on Monday 17 March, before it gets its wider release to the public.
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The Penguin Lessons – which is inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who takes up a teaching post in Argentina in 1976 – tells the story of Tom, played by Steve Coogan, who arrives expecting an easy ride, however he quickly finds himself in a divided nation with a class of unteachable students.
After rescuing a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, Tom’s life is turned upside-down, leading to unexpected friendships and profound life lessons.
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From the director of the Full Monty and the writer of Philomena, and also featuring a performance from Jonathan Pryce, the film promises to be both “humorous and heartfelt” by combining comedy and drama, and is ideal for film-lovers looking for a story that will bring all the feels this March.
This is the second year Escapes is offering free cinema tickets, after already making a huge impact with more than 65,000 tickets claimed in 2024 alone.
All showings of The Penguin Lessons will be screened with descriptive subtitles.
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Escapes is partnering with leading cinema chains, as well as independent venues across the UK throughout 2025.
If a touching comedy-drama about a penguin doesn’t really sound like something up your street though, not to worry, as The Penguin Lesson is only the first film on the lineup in 2025, as Escapes is set to announce a range of other new films to preview all throughout the year.
You can find out more about Escapes, find out which Greater Manchester cinemas are participating, and grab your free ticket to see The Penguin Lessons on Monday 17 March here.
Featured Image – Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)
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Beloved Danish lifestyle retailer Søstrene Grene to move into Manchester Arndale
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Arndale is the latest to get the ‘Grene’ light, as a beloved Danish lifestyle and home decor brand will soon be opening.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
Founded in Aarhus in Denmark back in 1973 by Inger Grene and Knud Cresten Vaupell Olsen, and renowned for its distinctive shopping experience, Søstrene Grene – which translates as the ‘Green Sisters’ – is now led by Grene’s sons, Mikkel and Cresten Grene.
The brothers are making sure that while the brand continues to grow internationally, it still stays true to its family roots.
Søstrene Grene will be moving into to Manchester Arndale / Credit: The Manc Group
The popular retailer offers a wide assortment of homeware, kitchen items, craft supplies, soft furnishings, toys, gift ideas, seasonal décor, and everything in between.
Manchester Arndale says it’s ‘delighted’ to be welcoming the Scandinavian retailer to the shopping centre, as it prepares to open a 4,952 sq ft store at the North West’s leading retail destination.
The new Søstrene Grene follows a recent flurry of other openings and announcements at Manchester Arndale, including Sephora, Alo Yoga, PureSeoul, Represent, and more, and also comes after the lifestyle brand announced that it would be opening a new store in Stockport.
Beloved Danish lifestyle retailer is already a popular presence in Greater Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“We are very much looking forward to opening yet another store in Manchester, further strengthening our local presence and at such a prime location as Arndale,” commented Søstrene Grene’s co-owner and Group CEO, Mikkel Grene.
“We have been warmly welcomed by the local customers who seem to appreciate our aesthetically pleasing and affordable products and not least the store experience, so we cannot wait to open the doors and invite even more new and existing customers to explore Søstrene Grene’s wonderful world.”
Steve Gray, who is the Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, added: “[Søstrene Grene’s] unique offer and engaging store concept will add further variety to our retail mix, giving customers another reason to visit and stay longer.”
No opening date for the new store has been announced yet, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Peter Kay cancels shows to ‘rest and recover’ following routine surgical procedure
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has announced that he will be cancelling and rescheduling some of his shows following a routine surgical procedure.
The shows have been postponed to allow the Bolton comedian time to ‘rest and recover’.
The two shows that have been cancelled and rearranged for new dates are his upcoming weekend shows at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena – with the comedy legend set to grace the stage on both Sunday 5 and Monday 6 October.
Demand to see Peter Kay has been through the roof, so much so that several ticket sites crashed when the tour was first announced.
He first started his current tour back in December 2022, and shows were originally planned all the way into the middle of 2025, but late last year, he added even more shows to his lineup – with the new dates meaning that he would be delivering his side-splitting stand-up show all the way into 2026.
Peter Kay has cancelled shows to ‘rest and recover’ following a routine surgical procedure / Credit: BBC | Peter Kay (via X)
The 52-year-old already performed 100 stand-up shows at the AO Arena, breaking all attendance and performance records along the way, and he’s also the first artist in the world to perform a monthly residency at The O2 in London.
But sadly, all good things must come to a halt sometimes, as Kay has been forced to cancel some shows due to undergoing a ‘routine’ kidney stone procedure.
A statement confirming the cancellations of the two upcoming shows was shared by Kay’s team on his official X account today.
“We regret to inform you that due to a routine kidney stone procedure, Peter will be unable to perform his scheduled shows at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena on Sunday 5 October and Monday 6 October,” Kay’s team said in a statement.
“Following medical advice, Peter will be taking a period of time to rest and recover.”
Going on to thank fans and ticketholders for their ‘patience and understanding’ about the cancellations, Kay’s team then confirmed that the shows have been rescheduled to dates in mid-December instead, and that all tickets remain valid for these new dates.
The Sunday 5 October show has been rescheduled for Thursday 11 December, and the 6 October show has been moved to Friday 12 December.
Emily Sergeant -
27th February 2025 
