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A guide to 2023’s incredible Manchester Animation Festival showcase

One of the coolest arts and cultural events on the annual calendar at some of the city's best venues. What's not to like?

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 10th November 2023

The Manchester Animation Festival is back for 2023 and the six-day showcase of all things wonderful in the world of moving pictures is set to deliver one of its best offerings to date.

First founded back in 2015, this annual festival is the biggest of its kind anywhere in the UK and has gone on to become a favourite among lovers of TV, film, art and culture in general, showing off everything from talks with industry experts and panels with special guests to family events and workshops throughout the week.

However, they always have something special up their sleeve and this year’s Manchester Animation Fest (MAF) promises not only to deliver all the usual favourites but special movie previews, exclusive screenings and even an animation-themed pub quiz.

Based out of their central hub at Manchester’s beloved HOME theatre and arts centre, the festival is spread out across several other city centre venues and will also be hosting lots of online screenings and virtual events. That being said, it’s a big old affair this, so we thought we’d pick out a few must-see bits for you.

Manchester Animation Festival top picks

Taking place from Sunday, 12 November to Friday, 17 November, there really is something for everyone at MAF 2023 — but let’s start with something for all ages.

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Family Day

To kick off things, the Manchester Animation Festival’s ‘Family Day’ on opening day (Sunday 12 November) is all about capturing that childhood sense of fascination with moving pictures that we all experienced and getting the little ones’ eyes open to the wonderful world of animation.

As well as free screenings of kids’ films old and new screening and LEGO/Claymation workshops where they can see how some of their favourite animated films and shows are made, there will also be a celebration of Magic Light, the studio behind family favourites The Gruffalo and Stick Man.

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There’s even the 2023 Young Animator of the Year Awards, where you can watch some of the UK’s youngest up-and-coming talents showcase their exciting work.

Exclusive screenings

Now, if you’re looking for more of a simple visual experience where you can just sit back and enjoy yourself, MAF is also boasting some seriously exclusive screenings of some of the most highly anticipated releases of the year.

In addition to a special preview of the long-awaited Chicken Run sequel, Dawn of the Nugget, is also the only non-London-based preview of the legendary Studio Ghibli’s new movie, The Boy and the Heron, in the UK, as well as showing the adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s beloved, Kensuke’s Kingdom.

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Among countless other animations and shorts that very few people have seen, they’ll also be showing the brand-new Scott Pilgrim Takes Off anime series before it arrives on Netflix on 17 November — which also happens to be the final day of the festival. Yep, these lot have got some serious pull.

manchester animation fest home mcr
chicken run 2 screening manchester
Credit: Supplied

Trans storytelling showcase

Next up, we’ve got a truly stirring and educational exploration of transgender identities and the LGBTQIA+ community through the medium of animation.

As a city with Pride at the very heart of what we’re all about — making people from all walks of life feel welcome and accepted — ‘Divert, Delight, Defy: Animating Trans Identities’ is an 18+ event that doesn’t just look to inform audiences but challenge them and touch on the tough subjects that are sadly all part and parcel of the trans experience.

You can grab your tickets to the screening at Home on Tuesday or the Oden on Friday HERE.

Character design and storyboarding workshops

Next up is a great one for students or anyone looking to learn more about how animation works or get into the industry.

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With character design workshops and roundtables at the Leonardo Hotel Conference Suite and Anthony Burgess Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as masterclasses on storyboarding and bringing those characters to life.

It’s not always about seeing the shiny finished product: sometimes it’s even more fascinating to get a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so this year.

MAF 2023
Manchester Animation Festival 2023

Animation-themed pub quiz

On Wednesday, you’ve also got the Skwigly Quiz being held in HOME’s main Event Space. Hosted by its namesake online magazine authors and podcast hosts, Steve Henderson and Ben Mitchell, you’ll be pitting your wits and animation knowledge against fellow festivalgoers with a good old quiz.

Make sure your phones have plenty and you bring all of what you once thought was merely pointless trivia, as there are fabulous prizes to be won — provided you get the better of your fellow animation nerds, of course.

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Of course, this is just a small taste of the countless things going on at MAF 2023, where there’ll also be a keynote address from Orion Ross, Vice President of International Animation at Disney, conversations with countless other industry heavyweights and so much more.

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Better still, the annual celebration doesn’t just stop once the event is started as there’ll be a tonne of other events to be enjoyed online from 18-30 November as well.

You can see the full Manchester Animation Fest schedule in full and secure your place at the various ticketed events HERE.

See you there!

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

Featured Image — Supplied

What's On

Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Peter Kay statement after Co-op Live gigs cancelled for the second time

Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.

The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.

He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.

Co-op Live has also postponed The Black Keys, who were set to perform on Saturday.

Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.

He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”

He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”

The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.

Can always count on a comic to make the joke everyone else is thinking.

The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.

“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).

“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.

“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.

“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”

Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”

They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.

Touch wood.

This could back to bite them. It already has once before.

“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.

“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.

“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.

“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.

“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”

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

Featured Images — Press Images/The Manc Group

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You can ‘run and rave’ as part of this new charity-driven social in Manchester city centre

Danny Jones Danny Jones Run The Streets MCR running social event Manchester city centre

If you’re looking for a fun new way to spend a night out or thinking about getting into running but maybe haven’t quite found the right way in for you just yet, this new Manchester run social that starts and ends with a good old-fashioned party might be right up your street.

Run The Streets MCR is a community-led and charity-driven fitness and social event that recently launched in Manchester and has already developed a bit of a cult following in the space of only a couple of months.

The concept is simple: it’s a running social where you can meet new people whilst getting your yards in, just not quite as you know it. Instead of people turning up for a 5k and then heading home, the fun carries on at a host venue where people can keep chatting and mingling whilst having a boogie.

And the best part is that not only is it more of a causally paced, low-pressure jog and crucially social-first, but it’s all for a good cause too.

How it began and the purpose behind the event

Started out by East Manchester locals and lifelong mates, Liam Parker-Worsley and Sarah Edwards, (‘Sezzle’ to those who know her among the Manc running circles), Run The Streets started out as a running social concept at its very core but has now become truly bigger than the sum of its parts.

While the ‘run and rave’ idea has been done before, this particular event is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and after facing some serious obstacles to get it off the ground and plenty of adversity at the very first hurdle – for lack of a less punny phrase – they’ve managed to turn it into a force for good.

After pivoting the model at the start of 2024 to be completely non-profit, the monthly event is now helping bring people together for a good time, from the tarmac to the tiles, all whilst raising money for the likes of The Running Charity (TRC).

Not only do all the proceeds from the super affordable tickets – we’re talking the same price you’d pay for a decent pint in town these days – go straight back into running the next social, but they also help fund the chosen charity for that month.

Be it national causes like TRC, which recently received huge support from the incredible ‘Hardest Geezer‘s run across Africa, or charities strictly local to Manchester, everyone involved is striding towards a goal – quite literally.

What is Run The Streets MCR?
Meet the team behind the new non-profit run social in Manchester.

Offering a different kind of night out

Speaking to The Manc, co-creator Sezzle says the mission statement is simple: “Everyone’s welcome and you can meet new people whilst running but at the same time we’re giving back to the community.

“We’re supporting local charities, artists and DJs, as well as local running clubs who want to get involved. Essentially, it’s just about bringing people together, which is what run clubs do, but we’re also in a big city and not everyone wants to go out and just drink at a bar all night.

“You want to keep fit, it’s good for your mental health, but you also still want to be social and enjoy yourself. Run The Streets is that Mancunian through and through but everyone’s invited.”

Sober for five months now, she acknowledged that outlets like this are crucial, insisting: “I don’t want to stop going out and having a good time or meeting new people, so this is a way that you can still go out on a Friday night and enjoy a party atmosphere with no pressure to drink”.

run the streets manchester running social
This is what the start of a night in trainers, hi-vis and glow sticks looks like. (Credit: Supplied)

The ‘by Manchester for Manchester’ ethos

Her partner in crime Liam echoed that party-run description, reiterating that whilst people can still get a bit boozy if they like, it’s all about “providing an alternative for anyone who doesn’t want to drink and want to be included but might have felt a little alienated otherwise”.

A fellow Tameside native, he explained how Run The Streets has already partnered with zero-alcohol brands like Clean Break for their inaugural event back in March and now alcohol-free favourite Lucky Saint for their sophomore social this month.

They’ve also already managed to get sports brands involved in the event, offering giveaways, running shoe try-ons and more, most notably hosting the Fight Day 5k across the city centre in partnership with Matchroom Boxing.

“It’s not about the financial aspect for us”, says Liam, “we only charge for tickets to sustain the event and pay for the talent, hiring spaces and so on… It might be different venues, different charities etc., but as long as we focus on core issues to Manchester with a cultural element that’s important to us, we’re happy with that”.

Sez couldn’t agree more, adding: “At the end of the day, we’re Mancs, we’ve watched the city grow into what it is today. When it comes down to it everyone knows about the Manchester spirit, it’s a hard-working area and there’s such a community to this place – we want to make sure everyone feels welcome.

“We look out for each other. That’s how it’s always been.”

Their recent running event with Matchroom ahead of the Gill vs Barrett fight at AO Arena. (Credit: Run The Streets MCR)

Roots in the running and wider Greater Manchester community

Chatting with Tom Lewis, founder of Manchester’s annual 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness and Chairman for the Run The Street’s official host club, Manchester Road Runners, he said that they became interested because they “really liked the idea of sponsoring different charities every month”.

Confessing that it felt like “a natural crossover” given MRR’s size and ethos, as well as their own non-profit work with the British Heart Foundation and Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, he said the “overall response from the first event was incredible – everyone just loved it”.

“There were people dancing on the streets as they saw us come past and there were so many videos on social media. That sort of stuff can really help get people into running who wouldn’t necessarily consider it in the first place.”

“I think it’s going to grow really quickly; the first event sold out and I think the next ones will too, definitely. It’s great to see what just a random group of friends can accomplish when we come together.”

This massive Manchester running club where jogs finish at the pub is the best
Manchester Road Runners is helping bring huge numbers to the event already.

Liam himself couldn’t speak highly enough of the Castlefield-based group, insisting that “me and Sez find a lot of happiness and solace” at MRR.

While they are affiliated with others like KOKO (Keep On Keeping On’s Manchester arm) and Stretford Run Club that they want to help promote, the hope is that events like this might help people who run but don’t attend a club might give them a try in the future.

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Regular ambassador and volunteer at both organisations, Natasha Barclay – who herself is over a year into her own sobriety journey – described the flagship event as “such good fun, really welcoming” and filled with plenty of people who had never even run before.

Nat also urged people not to be scared if they’re first-timers to run socials or running full stop, reassuring that “no one gets left behind; even if you can’t really run, you’ll always make it back, have a good time and meet others in the same boat”.

She went on to add: “Run The Streets MCR is all about giving back to the running community which I think can often get overshadowed by social media and certain brands. The spirit can sometimes get taken out of it but this run social puts its straight back in whilst helping Manchester business and DJs.”

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When we asked the guys to sum this whole experience up in three words or less that weren’t ‘rave and run’, they came up with some pretty telling answers too. “Community, soul and fun”, “alternative Friday fun” and our personal favourite: “Simply for Manchester”.

It’s also worth reiterating that these guys have done it completely off their own backs and are doing so on an entirely voluntary basis on top of their full-time jobs, sometimes juggling two or three different roles. It’s been built over countless late nights and dinner hours, all for the love of running and the city.

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The second ever Run The Streets MCR running social and party kicks off this Friday, 26 April from 7pm at Joshua Brooks, with a light 5k around our lovely city centre starting at 7:30pm before heading back to the venue for more tunes, dancing, glowsticks and general good vibes from 8pm onwards.

You can grab the last few remaining tickets HERE and we hope to see a few of you there on the night.

guy running with a speaker in manchester
Come rain or shine, there’s always tunes to keep you going.
run the streets mcr deaf institue
The turnout at the last Run The Streets Manchester social at The Deaf Institute.
Credit: Supplied/The Manc Group

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Run The Streets MCR

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