A huge rooftop cinema is coming to Manchester’s Depot Mayfield
Backyard Cinema will build a purpose-built 330-capacity indoor winter cinema on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield, the long-standing derelict former Mayfield Railway Station.
The abandoned train platform at the top of Depot Mayfield will be converted into a huge rooftop cinema, complete with movie-grade sets and an Enchanted Forest this winter, it has been revealed.
The derelict railway tracks, original ticket office, waiting room, and signature cast iron roof structure, once used as overflow for Piccadilly train Station, will be turned into a unique cinematic set-up ready for the cold weather season.
Due to open in Manchester city centre this October, the new arrival comes from the team behind the Backyard Cinema.
So named because it originally began life in its founder’s garden, the ‘immersive cinema experience’ will come to Manchester for a limited 10-week run.
Backyard Cinema is coming to Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Following on from nine years of running huge screening events in the capital, this will be the first time that the cinema has hosted an event in the north of England.
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Tunnels of trees and magical doors will lead visitors on a journey of discovery as they head towards the Enchanted Forest and home of the Lost Theatre.
The purpose-built indoor cinema screening room itself will be filled with custom-made giant bean bag seating for guests to get cosied up in, with ushers offering table service for seasonal cocktails and sweet treats to save you getting out of your seat.
And that’s not all. As well as its magical cinema room and enchanted forest, the rooftop cinema will also feature two communal drinking areas, street food and a live music stage.
Kicking off on Friday 21 October, organisers say it will offer ‘an immersive cinema experience that is more than just the movies.’
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Screening a mixture of brand new releases and classics, film fans will be able to catch cult classics like E.T. and The Greatest Showman, brand new releases like Elvis and MInions 2.
Backyard Cinema will open on the rooftop at Depot Mayfield in Manchester city centre. Credit: Supplied
Then come Christmas time, there will be special screenings of heartwarming winter favourites including Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually and The Holiday.
The full film programme, which is set to cater for families, couples, kids and friends alike, will be announced in its entirety when tickets go on early release sale on Wednesday 7th September.
Speaking on the new arrival, Dominic Davies, Founder and CEO of Backyard Cinema, said: “We are excited to take our alternative cinema pop-up outside of London for the very first time and we are proud to be joining The Warehouse Project and Escape to Freight Island in one of Manchester’s most exciting regeneration projects at Depot Mayfield.
Tunnels of trees and magical doors will lead visitors to the rooftop cinema. Credit: Supplied
“Manchester is such a unique creative city with lots of cultural happenings and we look forward to being part of the community and offering the most magical cinema experience to all.”
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Simeon Aldred from Broadwick Live, said: “Backyard Cinema has built a first-rate reputation with audiences for creating immersive and exciting film experiences in landmark venues, and so it seemed like a natural partnership for Depot Mayfield.
“This building played a central role in Manchester’s industrial past, and is now a major driving force in the city’s booming cultural scene, as well as acting as a catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding area.”
Martyn Evans, Creative Director at U+I, said: “Backyard Cinema will be a fantastic addition to Mayfield’s evolving entertainment offer that has transformed a previously derelict part of Manchester’s city centre. It’s exactly the kind of creative, immersive and inclusive experience that is making Mayfield a place for everyone.”
You can register to unlock exclusive limited early bird access for 48 hours only ahead of pre-sale opening on Wednesday 7 September – visit backyardcinema.co.uk/manchester for more information.
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What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 9 – 15 December 2024
Emily Sergeant
The festive season is properly in full swing across Greater Manchester now, and we’re ABSOLUTELY here for it.
Of course, we have been talking about Christmas here at The Manc for weeks on end now, but the most wonderful time of the year has finally arrived, and that means there’s absolutely loads of events and activities for the whole family to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? We’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide to help you out.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
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Animal Crackers
Lyme Park
Friday 29 November – Tuesday 24 December
Credit: Chris Doyle
Lyme Park has recieved some new guests for the festive period with the arrival of some fascinating animal sculptures.
There’s an appearance from a turkey, a brown bear, a fox and many more animal companions which you’ll be able to spot and hunt down throughout the property.
The Lyme Park based event is interactive, suitable for all ages and is also a fun way to see some amazing artworks while spending time together as a family.
Find out everything you need to know about Lyme Park here.
Paul McCartney
Co-op Live
Saturday 14 December – Sunday 15 December
The living legend himself, Sir Paul McCartney is ready to play out to the crowds of Manchester not once but twice in the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live.
This will mark the icon’s first concert at Manchester’s newest live music venue with his last show in our lovely city all the way back in 2011.
With the phenomenal songwriter visiting during the Christmas month, he might make fans Christmas wishes come true by playing his yuletide classic ‘Wonderful Christmastime’.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away). Credit: Justin Sutcliffe
One of the most influential British artists of the 21st century, David Hockney, is taking you on a personal journey through 60 years of his art in the revolutionary Aviva Studios.
This will be a real sensory encompassing experience, from the grand and vibrant projections on the walls to the sound system which will be playing throughout the exhibition
Hockney opened this installation in London and this is the first time these pieces of art have left the country’s capital to be viewed by even more spectators.
Wicked at the Palace Theatre, Manchester – the musical EVERYONE is talking aboutWicked The Musical / Credit: Jennifer DiNoia / Limited Engagement
Wicked The Musical has landed in Manchester and has taken over the iconic Palace Theatre stage for the festive season.
Sure, there may be a major motion picture adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande currently on in the cinema right now, but if you’re keen to see the beloved musical production on stage in the way it was originally intended, then you can head on down to the Palace Theatre to see the story of Elphaba and Galinda live.
Of course, this has been one of the hottest tickets in town for quite a while now, but there’ll still some last-minute seats left to get your hands on, so keep your eyes peeled.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with hundreds of stalls across several sites all lining the streets of our city centre.
Visitors are able to tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 here.
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Bar Hütte
Kampus & Great Northern
Monday 9 December – onwards
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Bar Hütte / Credit: Supplied
Bar Hütte’s legendary karaoke cabins are back in Manchester once again.
Bringing Alpine vibes, cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks to two city centre locations from this Thursday onwards, dozens of cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under twinkling lights are now open down at both Kampus and Great Northern Square.
There’s also a handful of other events on the lineup throughout the festive season, including live music and DJs, wreath making workshops, and movie nights.
Skate Manchester 2024 / Credit: Matt Eachus (via Supplied)
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2024, Skate Manchester is festive staple, and this year, skaters can glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
Families, friends, and festive fun seekers will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The Grotto at the Trafford Centre / Credit: Supplied
The main man is making our northern city his new home at one of Greater Manchester’s biggest shopping centres this winter time.
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Running all the way up until Christmas Eve, Santa is swapping the cold air of the North Pole for the cloudy skies of Manchester, as he starts his annual journey around the world by making a visit to our region.
Not only is Santa travelling with his grotto, he’s also giving visitors the chance to experience the world of the North Pole as he brings the chilly destination to the Trafford Centre.
East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials’ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
The magnificent grounds of Tatton Park have been transformed into a ‘glittering winter adventure’ for the festive season.
Families will be whisked away into a world of folklore, enchantment, and enthralling performances as they enter the gardens of the stunning Tatton Park in Cheshire for an immersive, festival-like experience known as Yuletide.
Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a “truly magical experience” where folklore stories come to life through storytelling and live music.
Spectrum: A World of Illumination / Credit: Supplied
A brand-new Christmas attraction to get us all in the festive spirit has now opened.
Just outside of Manchester, titled ‘Spectrum: A World of Illumination’, this spectacular never-seen-before trail is lighting up Cheshire with a month-long residency in Knutsford, and will be running every day in December besides Christmas Day, plus a few extra dates in November.
The immersive maze features moving giant candy canes, overhead Christmas-inspired installations like a laser show, and tunnels of light.
Not enough light trails on this list for your liking?
As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, light trails are pretty much a given every time the festive season rolls around, and luckily, there’s plenty of them dotted across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and across the North West this year.
If deciding which immersive experience to head on down to over these next couple of weeks is a tricky task for you though,
A brand-new festive hub has arrived in Spinningfields, and you’ll be able to visit a new ice rink, drink cocktails in a snow globe-like rooftop dome, and get merry in a yurt.
Winter Assembly at Courts Club is home to the city’s newest, fully-independent ice rink, On Ice, as well as lots of different food traders serving up winter gyros from Lucky Gyros, festive grilled cheeses, boozy hot chocolate, German BBQ specials, and so much more.
Christmas Screenings at King Street Townhouse / Credit: KSTH
Elf, Love Actually, and Home Alone are just some of the classic Christmas films hitting the big screen at a hidden cinema in Manchester.
Film fans looking for some wholesome festive fun are being invited to get themselves down to one of Manchester’s most popular hotels, King Street Townhouse, in the run-up to the big day itself, as it’s very-own exclusive cinema will be screening a jam-packed lineup of fan-favourite festive films over the next couple of weeks.
Cheshire Oaks’ beloved grotto is back for 2024, and the big man in red and his trusty elves are taking to the skies once again this year.
Running on the Designer Outlet’s Big Wheel every Thursday to Sunday throughout December, the ‘Santa in the Sky’ experience is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas as a family this winter, and make memories to last a lifetime.
Looking for something else to do at Cheshire Oaks this month? There’s plenty of other festive events happening in the run-up to Christmas.
With alpine lodges, festive drinks, Yorkshire pudding wraps, and of course, a helter skelter, The Winter Village is now open at Cheshire Oaks.
Christmas films like Home Alone, The Grinch, and The Polar Express will also be screened in the lodge, and plus, did you know that Cheshire Oaks is home to the UK’s largest Christmas tree, that you can actually go inside?
Find out more and grab tickets to any events here.
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Featured image: Justin Sutcliffe
What's On
Bicep present Chroma AV DJ set at The Warehouse Project 2024 – tickets, lineup and more
Danny Jones
Another big night at The Warehouse Project is just around the corner as Bicep return to Depot Mayfield for what is set to be an incredible night with a whole host of top guests in tow.
The Bicep presents Chroma AV (audiovisual) DJ set is arguably one of the biggest dates on the entire WHP 2024 calendar, with the Belfast duo sitting comfortably at the top of the current electronic scene.
It may have been more than three whole years since their sensational sophomore record, Isles, but as part of the ‘CHROMA’ project launched back in January, the new label, event series and hybrid live-DJ show has given us our first taste of new music from the pair along with producing partner, Hammer.
So, if you’re heading to Warehouse for Bicep and co. instead of Sam Fender this Friday – hopefully, you’ve got tickets for the latter on Saturday – here’s everything you need to know.
Bicep at The Warehouse Project gig guide
Bicep smashing Repercussion 2023 (Credit: Supplied via Graham Joy)
Are there tickets left for Bicep at WHP?
If you’re still looking to have a night jam-packed with tunes and some of the best light shows you’ll find anywhere in Machester, there are still tickets left to catch Bicep at Warehouse Project.
Early entry tickets (before 9pm) start from £29.50 + booking and handling fees, with standard full-price tickets clocking in at £43.35 with all service charges included.
There are also VIP passes available if you fancy being bougie. Whatever your preferred option, you can grab yours HERE.
The CHROMA lineup for WHP 2024
For their return to the Warehouse, Bicep have attracted a fantastic collection of names to see throughout the night before they headline the whole shebang.
With Aussie favourite Mall Grab, aforementioned collaborator Hammer, as well as British DJ icon SHERELLE (Sherelle Camille Thomas), to name but a few taking part, it’s going to be a brilliant night.
You can see the full lineup down below:
Bicep Present Chroma AV DJ Set
Mall Grab
Daphni
Helena Hauff
Bubble Love (Ross From Friends)
SHERELLE
Elkka – Live
Moxie
Effy
LCY
Hammer
Denham Audio
Machine Woman
Space Afrika
Giulia Tess
Cameo Blush
Swoose
Bakey
Bicep WHP stage splits
As for where you can find these dance and electronic pioneers playing, WHP will once again be split up across the main Depot room, the equally popular Concourse stage and the Archive room.
With an overall capacity of roughly 10,000, the place is sure to be packed out but you just need to figure out which area suits you best.
Stage times for Bicep presents Chroma – Manchester
As for when you get to catch each of these incredible acts, we’ve broken down Bicep’s WHP set times in a handy little table for you.
That being said, you can access all of these times easily on the night by downloading the WHP24 app.
DEPOT
CONCOURSE
ARCHIVE
Hammer b2b Swoose – 8-10pm
Giulia Tess – 8:30-9:30pm
Cameo Blush – 8:30-9:30pm
Moxie – 10-11pm
Effy – 21:30-22:45pm
Space Afrika – 9:30-10:45pm
Elkka – Live – 11:05pm-12:05am
Mall Grab – 22:45pm-12am
Machine Woman – 22:45pm-12am
Bubble Love (Ross From Friends) – 12:05-1:05am
SHERELLE – 12-1:15am
LCY – 12-1:15am
Daphni – 1:05-2:15am
Helena Hauff – 1:15-2:30am
Denham Audio b2b Bakey – 1:15-2:30am
Bicep – 2:15-4am
n/a
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Transport and how to get to The Warehouse Project
Just an eight-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly or a 20-minute walk from Manchester Victoria Station, it’s super easy to get to Warehouse Project on foot or via public transport.
You can catch a train or multiple tram lines from Victoria and various other points around the city centre which will drop you off at Manchester Piccadilly; better still, a tram journey will only set you back £1.90 and not much more for the train.
Taxis are also widely available across Manchester city centre starting from £5 upwards from Manchester Victoria to Depot Mayfield or £4 and above for a ride to the venue from Piccadilly.
Final things to remember
Credit: Graham Joy
There are multiple free drinking points inside as well as free cups of water behind the bar. Stay properly hydrated and you’ll be able to rave well into the early hours.
Please also note that multiple amnesty bins can be found on your way into the building. We urge everyone to stay safe and look after one another.
Lastly, anyone wearing a football shirt will not be accepted into the venue but other than that, have an absolutely incredible time.
You can find the rest of the WHP24 programme below:
Georgina Pellant -
31st August 2022 
