In case you hadn’t realised, this upcoming Friday falls on 13 May, and a little cinema in Manchester city centre is marking it in probably the most appropriate way possible.
We all know by now that as part of Western superstition going all the way back to the early 19th century, Friday 13th is considered to be the unluckiest days – with the unfortunate event happening at least once, but can unfortunately sometimes occur up to three times within the same calendar year.
The superstition of the day is so engrained in our culture, in fact, that it gave way to the classic Friday the 13th film franchise, which so far includes 12 horrifying flicks, as well as several TV series, novels, comic books, and video games.
Unfamiliar with Friday the 13th? The franchise mainly focuses on the fictional character Jason Voorhees, who was thought to have drowned as a boy at Camp Crystal Lake due to the negligence of the camp staff, and then decades later, the lake is rumoured to be “cursed” and is the setting for a series of mass murders.
Jason is featured in all of the films, as either the killer or the motivation for the killings.
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Friday the 13th film franchise is the highest-grossing horror / Credit: Paramount Pictures
The original Friday the 13th film completely shocked audiences to their core when it was first released back in 1980, before the series went on to be one of the highest-grossing horror franchises of all time and make over $468 million at the box-office worldwide – and it sounds it’s set to scare audiences all over again this week.
For those brave enough to head on down to Ducie Street Warehouse’s much-loved ‘Mini Cini’ in the heart of Manchester city centre, you can catch a Friday the 13th double billing this Friday 13 May.
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Hosted by Manchester’s dedicated horror film festival, GRIMMFEST, the Friday the 13th Double Bill will kick off with Friday the 13th Part II at around 6:30pm, before Friday 13th May Part 3 is screened in 3D at 8.30pm.
Special 3D glasses handed out to everyone before the showing starts.
A Friday the 13th double billing is happening this Friday 13 May / Credit: Paramount Pictures
The ‘Mini Cini’ is a retro cinema screen tucked away inside the popular Ducie Street Warehouse / Credit: Ducie Street Warehouse
Ducie Street Warehouse’s ‘Mini Cini’ is a retro cinema screen tucked away inside the popular city centre entertainment and social hub, with only a very limited number of seats.
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The little exclusive cinema benefits from having an eclectic food offering of small plates, light bites, pizzas, salads, and more, as well as a bar directly outside the screen that serves up a wide selection of beers, cocktails, spirits.
Each seat in the cinema even has a QR code for moviegoers to scan to order food and drinks directly to your seat before and during the films.
Fancy it then? You can find out more and grab tickets here.
Featured Image – Paramount Pictures
What's On
Beloved stage musical Billy Elliot to return to Manchester for 2026 Christmas season
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage musicals of the 21st century has confirmed its return to Manchester for the festive season.
Based on the highly successful film of the same name, seen by more than 12 million people across five continents, and the recipient of over 80 awards internationally – including 10 Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards – Billy Elliot The Musical is heading back out on tour this year, and making its long-awaited return to one of Manchester‘s most legendary stages.
If you’re unfamiliar with the musical, the show is set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.
Billy Elliot The Musical is returning to Manchester this Christmas / Credit: Supplied
Since its debut on stage all the way back in 2006, the show has been massively acclaimed by audiences and critics alike – with 125 boys having now played the iconic title role on stage worldwide.
The upcoming Manchester production will be brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film, including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling, and of course, they’ll be joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score.
“Creating Billy Elliot the Musical was one of the most joyous and inspiring moments of our careers, so to bring the show back for a UK tour and a season in the West End for the first time in over a decade is both incredibly emotional and exciting,” commented Elton John and Stephen Daldry.
Tickets officially go on sale early next month / Credit: Supplied
“It’s bold, it’s British, it’s full of heart and the story feels more relevant than ever. We can’t wait for a whole new generation to experience it.”
Billy Elliot The Musical is taking to the Manchester Palace Theatre stage from 2 December 2026 through to 9 January 2027, before it does a run in the West End shortly after, and tickets officially go on sale in early March.
Tickets go on sale to ATG+ members on Thursday 5 March at 10am, and general on sale begins on Monday 9 March at 10am here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Manchester’s popular board game festival returns this month with hundreds of games to play
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s popular board came festival is set to return later this month, with hundreds of games free to play.
Manchester Board Game Festival is set to kick off 2026 in style, returning for the first festival of the year with a full weekend of board games, role-playing games, indie traders, and community-led fun in the heart of the city.
The festival features a huge board game library, giving fans access to hundreds of games to try out across the weekend – with ‘Library Bees’ on-hand to help people find games, learn the rules, or jump into sessions with other players.
There’ll also be bookable sessions, like RPGs and Blood on The Clocktower, and seminars to take part in over the three-day event.
Manchester’s popular board game festival returns this month with hundreds of games to play / Credit: MBGF (via Facebook)
As well as gaming, visitors can browse the festival’s popular Geek Fayre too, open on the Saturday and Sunday of the event, which showcases indie traders, artists, and tabletop creators from across the UK. From games and accessories, to artwork and geeky gifts, it’s a chance to support small businesses all while discovering something new.
Running from Friday 27 February through to Sunday 1 March, this opening weekend festival marks the start of five events planned throughout 2026.
Events are designed to bring together players of all experience levels for three days of tabletop gaming and social play.
“There’s something really special about the first festival of the year,” commented festival organiser, James Oxley.
“People are excited, they’re ready to play, and there’s a real buzz in the room. Manchester Board Game Festival has always been about bringing people together through games, and we can’t wait to see everyone back in the halls enjoying themselves.
“Whether attendees come for a single afternoon or the full weekend, the focus is on playing at your own pace, meeting new people, and enjoying games in a relaxed and friendly setting.”
Further festivals will follow throughout 2026, including themed Halloween and Christmas editions later in the year, so keep your eyes peeled, but until then, February’s event marks the first chance for players to roll some dice, discover new favourites, and start the year with a table full of games.
Manchester Board Game Festival takes place from Friday 27 February through to Sunday 1 March at Sachas Hotel in the Northern Quarter, with tickets starting from just £13.
Emily Sergeant -
10th May 2022 
