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There’s a Christmas-themed Horrible Histories stage show happening in Manchester on Boxing Day

Horrible Histories is brining "the terrific tale of Christmas" to the Bridgewater Hall.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 18th December 2023

You can discover the story of how Christmas came to be what it is today in a new Horrible Histories stage show in Manchester next week.

With the festive season officially upon us, and Christmas soon to be here before we know it, parents and guardians who are keen to keep the kids entertained but still educated while schools are out over the winter break can grab tickets to a special Horrible Histories production that’s taking to the stage in Manchester next week.

Oh, and did we forget to mention it’s festive themed? Well it is, and it’s setting out to tell “the terrific tale of Christmas”.

Horrible Histories Christmas is currently out on a UK tour, and it’s stopping off at The Bridgewater Hall here in the heart of Manchester city centre on Boxing Day – with tickets currently on sale, and a few still remaining if you’re in need of some last-minute bank holiday plans.

There’s a Christmas-themed Horrible Histories stage show happening in Manchester on Boxing Day / Credit: Horrible Histories On Stage

The impressive stage show is described as a festive celebration in the most “wonderful, funny, and moving way you’ll ever see”.

For many of us, when we think of Christmas, the magic of family, joy, goodwill, presents, and more usually come to mind – but how about Oliver Cromwell? Or even Henry VIII?

When Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young courageous boy to save the day – but can he rescue Christmas? From Victorian villains, to medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, you can join the Horrible Histories presents cast on a hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas.

Tickets are still available to grab from as little as £21.50 / Credit: Horrible Histories On Stage

You’ll be in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII ,and St Nicholas as they all join forces to save the festive season.

Horrible Histories Christmas is coming to The Bridgewater Hall on Tuesday 26 December at 3pm, and, as mentioned, there’s still time to get your hands on tickets – which will you back anywhere from £21.50 – £35, depending on your choice of seats.

Read more:

You can grab yours here.

Featured Image – Horrible Histories On Stage

What's On

Manchester Arndale is hosting FREE workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Is your wardrobe feeling a little bland? Need to make some changes, but your bank account isn’t quite on the same wavelength? This event is here to help.

Those looking for some new ways to get creative with their style and put a spin on the clothes they already have are invited to head down to Manchester Arndale this weekend, as the Reimagine Your Fashion event is set to be a fun hands-on weekend celebrating personal style, smart choices, and sustainable ideas.

Whether you’re into upcycling, love yourself a styling session, or you just fancy doing something different in the city this summer, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into this weekend.

You can expect creative workshops, curated fashion rails, live styling tips, and a chance to give your pre-loved clothes a second life.

Oh, and did we mention it’s all free to take part in? Perfect.

There’s a collection of free ‘REWORK’ workshops taking place over the two-day event on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July, where you can learn how to turn old into gold – from patchwork denim makeovers, to scrunchie making, custom tote design, and loads more.

There’s no need to be a sewing pro either, as the workshops are beginner-friendly and designed to be relaxed and creative with all tools provided, so all you have to do is bring along the clothing items you want to upcycle.

Clothing rack
Sewing machine
Manchester Arndale is hosting free workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe this weekend / Credit: Priscilla Du Preez | Ashley Diane Worsham (via Unsplash)

At the ‘RESTYLE’ sessions, Rosie, who is the stylist behind Manchester Arndale’s summer campaign, will break down this season’s biggest trends and show you how to style what’s in store now, as well as being on-hand for styling tips and outfit advice.

And finally, there’ll also be a ‘RECYCLE’ station and drop-off point where you pass on your clean pre-loved clothes to two brilliant local charities doing vital work right here in Manchester – MASH, which supports women involved in sex work and those facing homelessness or gender-based violence, and Mustard Tree which works to tackle poverty across Greater Manchester.

“Your clothes could be someone else’s fresh start,” a spokesperson for Manchester Arndale said ahead of the event.

Read more:

Reimagine Your Fashion is taking place at Exchange Court in Manchester Arndale on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July running from 12pm, and you can find out more information and the times of the free workshops online here.

Featured Image – Sarah Brown (via Unsplash)

What's On

New immersive Race Across the World Experience comes to Manchester this summer

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Hit BBC TV show Race Across the World is launching an interactive experience in Manchester this summer, inspired by the series.

After five original series and two celebrity spin-offs, it was only a matter of time before the huge TV show materialised into ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’.

Just like the real programme, you will be sent on a mission across the heart of the city centre where you will have to complete tasks and reach various checkpoints to be crowned champion.

The missions will see players visiting Manchester hotspots, lesser known locations, renowned pubs, and distinctive landmarks across three hours.

Teams will rely on our trusty Bee Network as they take a trip on our vibrant yellow trams and buses to get around the city as they make their way to each puzzle and activity.

At each puzzle destination, participants will complete a challenge to guide them to their next location, all of which is pre-planned and spread across a five kilometre city-wide voyage.

For Mancs and anyone further afield, ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’ offers a whole new way to explore Manchester and gives you the chance to see some of the city’s best hidden gems, even if you are on a time limit.

This sounds like a great idea for friends and family alike, and based off the amount of times we’ve had to sprint down to Platform 14 at Manchester Piccadilly, I think us Mancs were born for this challenge.

In true Race Across the World style, the team who manages to finish not just with the fastest time but with the most budget remaining too, will be the ultimate victor.

Cast of BBC's Race Across the World / Credit: BBC / Studio Lambert
Cast of BBC’s Race Across the World / Credit: BBC / Studio Lambert

Tom Rymer, Founder of CityDays, said: “Following an outstanding debut month in London that has thrilled fans of the show, both old and new, we are bringing the Race Across The World Experience to Manchester.

“New puzzles, new characters, new decisions and new discoveries, all coming soon over three new thrilling legs. Manchester, are you ready for your race?”

Read more:

A launch date for ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’ is yet to be released but eager entrants can sign up to the official waitlist and find out even more information HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image – BBC / Studio Lambert

Thumbnail – @richardstorey_photography (via Instagram)

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