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!?
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’.
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.
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.
You can book tickets for Barbie at Backyard Cinema Manchester here and find out more about the experience here.
Manchester Arndale is hosting FREE workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe
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.
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.
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
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
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?”
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.
Daisy Jackson -
1st August 2023 
