Barbie fever has fully gripped Manchester, with pink displays in every window, pink cocktails and bakes appearing on menus, and everyone digging out their best pink outfits.
The film, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has already been a record-breaker and screenings across the city have been selling out.
But why would anyone choose to go and sit in a regular old cinema when you could watch the Barbie masterpiece in a venue decorated almost entirely in pink?
Who would opt for a bog-standard chair when you could recline on a plush beanbag-style seat?
And who on earth says ‘yes’ to a normal floor when you could watch Barbie on a sandy beach!?
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Backyard Cinema arrived back in Manchester a few weeks ago, this time styled as a Miami Beach-inspired wonderland, and the programme is packed full of Barbie screenings.
The rooftop experience is the perfect setting for the film – nostalgic, playful, colourful, and the ideal place to practice the very important job of ‘beach’.
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The former platform area of the long-lost Mayfield train station has been transformed into an impressive movie-grade set, creating the exterior of an art deco Miami Beach hotel.
Guests are greeted by ‘hotel porters’ at Backyard Cinema in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupA Miami Beach hotel has been built on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield in ManchesterPalm tree-shaped cocktails on hand for Barbie screenings at Backyard Cinema. Credit: The Manc GroupThe retro pink paradise of Backyard Cinema is perfect for Barbie. Credit: The Manc Group
On arrival, you’re greeted by enthusiastic hotel porters, blasting tunes from the ‘check-in desk’ and dressed in retro shades of pink and turquoise.
Cocktails like daiquiris and mojitos are served in palm-tree shaped vessels, alongside branded bags of popcorn to take into your screening with you.
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As you head into the main auditorium of the Backyard Cinema experience, past a Barbie box photo opportunity, you’ll find the closest thing to a beach you can get in Manchester.
Rows upon rows of comfy custom-made seating are laid out on a bed of real sand. In the corner stands an American-style lifeguard hut. There’s even a jet ski wedged in the corner.
Even before the film starts rolling at Backyard Cinema, the experience is extraordinary – and then comes the world of Barbie.
The enormous hype surrounding Greta Gerwig’s latest creation is proving itself justified, with positive reviews from critics and legions of cinema-goers flocking to immerse themselves in Barbieland.
And if you’re going to lean into her world, there’s nowhere better than Backyard Cinema.
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You can book tickets for Barbie at Backyard Cinema Manchester here and find out more about the experience here.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 30% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Oasis announce extra 2027 tour dates – including TWO MORE Knebworth shows
Emily Sergeant
Oasis have announced a run of additional tour dates for 2027, including two more Knebworth shows.
In case you need bringing up to speed a little, it was announced last week, following the unprecedented success of the reunion tour, Oasis Live ’25, last year – including five nostalgia-drenched gigs at Manchester’s Heaton Park – Oasis would be hitting the road once again in 2027, and this time around, they’re going BIG.
We’re talking 11 nights at the Etihad Stadium and a return to the iconic grounds of Knebworth for four special shows there too, kind of ‘big’.
The iconic Manchester band will also be taking to a range of other world-famous stages across the globe, including five nights at Glasgow’s Celtic Park, and major cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, and Las Vegas.
And now they’ve added some extra dates into the mix due to popular demand.
While there’s no additional Manchester dates on the lineup this time (11 is quite a lot to begin with, after all), they have doubled up on Knebworth instead.
That’s right – the Gallagher brothers and co have now announced two further Knebworth shows on 25 and 26 September, on top of the already-announced dates of 11, 12, 18 and 19 September.
Tickets are being sold through a strict fan registration process this year, with no general onsale and only successful registrants even invited to try and buy them.
Prices will be fixed, however, meaning fans will be able to snap up a ticket for as little as £74.60 for seated tickets, with seats then costing up to £266.60, including fees.
Daisy Jackson -
1st August 2023 
