Printworks is helping parents keep kids this busy for the rest of the Easter holiday by hosting a totally free and family-friendly gaming event this Thursday, 4 April.
Fresh from the £21 million refurbishment of the iconic Manchester entertainment venue and leisure destination, which now includes the largest digital ceiling anywhere in Europe, Printworks will be putting their new and improved tech offerings to use through a giant interactive gaming screen.
Having already been unveiled as part of their relaunch party last month, the open area now known as the Pumpyard will see their very own gaming referee, Chris Dresden, hosting a huge interactive game that will see anywhere between 30 and 100 players take part at a time.
Able to play simply by joining through your smartphone, participants will compete in two easy-to-play, interactive multiplayer games created by Manchester-based, crowd-gaming specialists, Piing. We’ve already had a go and trust us, it’s a good laugh.
With the whole thing being shown on Printworks’ new gaming screen as visitors use their smartphones as the controllers, you just have to scan a QR code to get involved. It’ll be taking place between 12pm-4pm on Thursday and it’s sure to attract a big crowd.
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There’s no app to download or sign up necessary, you just join the screen and play – though we’d definitely recommend getting the Printworks app for more benefits throughout the year.
As for what people will be playing, gamers can try out Rebound – a ping pong game where players aim to keep the ball on the court – as well as Buggy Race: a classic racing gamer where you can steer around the islands and chicanes on a fast-paced F1-style circuit.
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A new gaming challenge will take place every 15–30 minutes as part of the family-friendly event, with the winner of each round able to select a fantastic prize from Printworks’ lucky dip, including vouchers for in-house restaurants and leisure destinations, chocolate fountains, footballs and plenty more.
Credit: The Manc Group
Better still, families can also take advantage of a variety of half-term offers with Printworks’ popular venues over the next two weeks, including Easter menus with Chiquito and Frankie & Benny’s, free face painting and balloon modelling events on weekdays with Treetop Golf and lots more.
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We’re so excited to host our first gaming event here at Printworks on our new gaming screen.
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“As part of the recent relaunch following our extensive refurbishment, this gaming event will not only bring free fun for families during the Easter break but will also offer an experience like no other, where they will be surrounded by mesmerising content on our giant digital ceiling.”
The screen isn’t just there as something to look at and to light up the internal street, Printworks is also planning a variety of free content scheduled to run throughout the next year, with families able to marvel at stunning ‘Out of Space’ scenes this school holidays. We can’t lie, it’s pretty bloody impressive.
Beloved play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time set to return to the stage in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage plays of the 21st Century is returning to Manchester.
Based on the celebrated 2003 novel of the same name that captivated readers worldwide, and inspired a groundbreaking National Theatre production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is returning to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in early 2027 as part of a major UK tour.
The new play is adapted from Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling novel by acclaimed Playwright Simon Stephens, and will be directed by Ned Bennett.
Taking over the Manchester Opera House stage in March 2027, critics have described the production as ‘inventive, gripping, and moving’.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story to create an ‘unforgettable’ theatrical event.
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If you’re not familiar with the plot, the play tells the story of Christopher Boone – a gifted child with a brilliant mind for numbers, but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life.
When a neighbour’s dog is killed, he finds himself under suspicion, but determined to prove his innocence, Christopher becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue he uncovers.
What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, ultimately forcing him to confront truths that will test his courage, his family, and his understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“The journey of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an extraordinary adventure,” commented Playwright Simon Stephens, as the new adaptation was announced this week.
“It has taken me all over the world. From church halls to enormous auditoria, and from school drama clubs to Wembley Way.
“I am thrilled that Christopher Boone is about to head out again through the United Kingdom. He is a boy defined by his determination and his bravery. This feels like a time when those characteristics are more urgently needed than ever.”
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester Opera House as part of its UK tour from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 March 2027, and tickets go on general sale next Friday (21 November) at 10am.
Lightwaves returns to Salford Quays next month with mesmerising FREE outdoor light trail
Emily Sergeant
One of the North West’s most mesmerising light art festivals is returning to Salford once again this festive season.
After having successfully lit up MediaCity like never before in recent years, and going on to become an undeniable winter season highlight in Greater Manchester, Lightwaves Salford is set to return for another year early next month, and will be joining the growing list of light trails already in place across the region and beyond.
Presented by Quays Culture, the popular festival is returning for its twelfth year, and there’ll be 12 illuminated artworks along a 1.5km fully-accessible trail around MediaCity and Salford Quays.
The mesmerising immersive experience will include installations of different scale, all making use of light, sound, and technology in innovative ways.
The themes of the artworks vary from celebrating the nostalgia of a seaside arcade, to highlighting climate change and our connection to the natural world all set to represented, aiming to offer people a sense of optimism and togetherness.
Organisers are calling this year’s festival their ‘most interactive yet’.
“This year the focus is on artworks that visitors can engage with on a more human scale,” explained Rachel Candler from Quays Culture, “so we’re looking forward to seeing playful moments and even some dancing.
Lightwaves returns to Salford Quays next month with a mesmerising FREE outdoor light trail / Credit: Dave Sloan | Liz West
“Year on year, Lightwaves delights audiences of all ages, and we’re sure that 2025 will be no exception.
“For many of our visitors, Lightwaves Salford marks the start of the festive period, getting together with friends or family for a dazzling evening of light art as we head into the winter months.”
Danny Jones -
3rd April 2024 
