BINGO! It’s back, it’s retro and it comes with a twist at Gala Bingo’s “All The Calls Galary” event this weekend.
Art and entertainment collide in a delightful and unique manner as Gala Bingo presents the “All The Calls Galary”, set to grace Manchester on February 17th and 18th, 2024 at Smolensky Gallery in the Spinningfields area.
This one-of-a-kind pop-up exhibition promises an immersive experience that seamlessly blends the world of art with the excitement of bingo, offering attendees a chance to win big while indulging in a sensory playground of creativity.
This ingenious twist on classic bingo will have attendees tasked with matching 90 bingo calls to corresponding pieces of artwork, ranging from traditional paintings to avant-garde sculptures and performance art. It’s an interactive experience that not only celebrates the game we all know and love, but will get you laughing and smiling in a playground of art, from paintings to sculptures.
Image: supplied
Image – supplied
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It’s free to enter for curious passersby or you can sign up via the Eventbrite page, the Galary invites everyone to participate in the fun. We want to see a “Full House”!
Picture this: you stroll into the Galary, greeted by the sight of eager attendees armed with bingo cards and pencils, ready to embark on an artistic adventure like no other.
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As you peruse the gallery, attempting to match 90 bingo calls to their corresponding artworks, you can’t help but chuckle at the sheer absurdity of it all. Who knew that “Two Fat Ladies” could inspire such imaginative interpretations?
Afterwards, pop your cards into the ballot box for a chance to win a £2,500 gift card in the draw. Everyone can leave as a winner, as smaller prizes will be up for grabs too for those who can’t commit to the full challenge.
Image: supplied
As Manchester continues to evolve as a cultural hub, events like the All The Calls Galary serve as a testament to the city’s creative spirit and its ability to merge tradition with innovation. Beyond the allure of prizes and games, the Galary symbolizes something deeper—a celebration of Manchester’s cultural vibrancy and the spirit of inclusivity.
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So mark your calendars, Manchester residents, because the All The Calls Galary is not to be missed. Whether you’re vying for the chance to win a £2,500 gift card or simply looking to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and fun, this weekend promises to be a memorable one.
Please note, the event is only for people over the age of 18.
The All The Calls Galary will be free to enter for curious passersby for one weekend only, and visitors can also sign up HERE.
Where: Smolensky Gallery, Building 21, 23 Quay St, Manchester M3 4AE
Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Featured Images — CGI (via Arrowsmith Management)/Gerald England (via Geograph)
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Greater Manchester’s ‘Stroll for Salford’ walking event returns for its second year in 2026
Danny Jones
Following its successful debut last year, Greater Manchester’s now much-loved Stroll for Salford (SfS) event is back for 2026 this autumn.
We’d like to think everyone from around here is filled with hometown pride, but you ask anyone from Salford, and they’ll quickly remind you that this place is its own city, and that it quite rightly deserves celebrating all of its own.
And that’s exactly what the SfS is all about: not just toasting it as the region’s so-called ‘second city’, but as the culturally abundant place that it is and has been for more than 100 years.
Yes, with this sophomore edition following on from the borough celebrating its official Centenary, what better time to hail all things Salfordian.
Stroll for Salford is back🚶🧡
We are delighted to announce the return of the popular fundraising walk back for its second edition on Saturday 19th September as part of Salford's Centenary Year celebrations!
— Salford City FC Foundation (@SalfordCity_FDN) July 30, 2026
Set up by Salford City FC and the partnered charity arm, Foundation 92, the inaugural walk raised more than £3,000 for charity with its maiden event.
Thousands got behind the cause, be it through volunteering and/or donating, as well as talking on the walking route itself back in October.
It’s actually happening a little earlier this time, with the second Stroll for Salford scheduled for Saturday, 19 September.
Kicking off from 10am, those taking part will be setting out on foot for a six-mile journey across the city, starting at the likes of the Civic Centre in Swinton, before passing through other key towns and finishing, of course, at Salford’s AIG Stadium on Moor Lane in Kersal.
The local League Two side continues to do plenty of important work in and around the community – this is just one of many recent, well-received initiatives.
As mentioned earlier, those getting involved will not only receive a special Salford t-shirt following the event alongside a finisher’s medal, but even a complimentary ticket to go and see ‘The Ammies’ in action at their home ground this season.
Not a bad deal at all.
For anyone uninitiated interested in coming along the journey, the route will also pass several key landmarks and a real sense of local history – all while doing your bit for a good cause.
You can help raise important funds for the local area and sign up for the Stroll for Salford 2026 HERE.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, another wholesome all-ages event is fast-approaching this August, too; keep on reading to find out all about it…
Daisy Jackson -
16th February 2024 
