The city’s first dedicated Ice Curling Rink is arriving at Manchester’s newest social experience Escape to Freight Island at Depot Mayfield next month.
Escape to Freight Island is “so excited” to announce this morning that ‘Ice Curling Lanes’ will be arriving at the brand new Winter Island in just two weeks time, and it’s set to be Manchester’s first dedicated ice curling rink in the heart of the city centre, so if you’re looking for something a little different to do this winter, this’s surely got you covered.
Opening 12th November through to 23rd December, Winter Island Curling Lanes will be open Wednesday to Sunday, with sessions lasting 50 minutes.
There will be a number of COVID-secure procedures in place, including all lanes separated and socially-distanced – with a maximum of six people from one household/bubble only – and curling stones being thoroughly sanitised after each use, so you can “unleash your inner tiger”.
Prior curling experience is not required, but spikes and brushes will be provided, so you just need to bring the will to win.
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BOOK NOW FOR WINTER ISLAND CURLING!❄️💧
We’re so excited to launch Winter Island Curling on 12th Nov! Lanes are open Wed through to Sun & bookings last 50 mins.
Go one on one, or split into teams. Follow our rules, or don’t.
Winter Island will be the UK’s largest fully-outdoor, heated winter seated market and it arrives at Escape to Freight Island on Thursday 12th November.
It will take over the outdoor space of Platform 15 – where more than 80,000 people have visited safely since it opened in July – and it adds to the site’s recently-announced Ticket Hall annex, which has been the much-anticipated second phase for the outdoor food market and entertainment space, and is heralded as a carefully-planned and exciting expansion towards the “true vision” of what is fast becoming the most talked about and innovative venue in the UK.
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The industrial space we all associate with Depot Mayfield has been filled with buzzing bars and restaurants.
And, for the festive season, a 45ft Christmas tree will be installed as the centrepiece, there’ll be a Christmas light projection in the circle area of Winter Island, and a very special installation feature by Lightopia – the stunning light festival from Heaton Park – will extend into Escape To Freight Island for a one off collaboration.
The installation of a new 1500 sqft heated Garden Tent at Winter Island also means you can sit underneath a picture-perfect festive setting.
The Safe + Social Manifesto means ‘Winter Island’ at Escape to Freight Island has been designed as a space where you are able to socialise safely with your party, maintain social distance from others, and remain alert to the risks of coronavirus (COVID-19), while being part of the overall urban festival atmosphere.
You can find more information about Winter Island and book your tickets in advance via the Escape to Freight Island website here.
New stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House to arrive in Manchester this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
A brand-new stage adaptation of a bestselling horror novel and TV series is coming to Manchester this Halloween.
Following the critically acclaimed Netflix hit series that introduced a new generation to the eerie masterpiece, author Shirley Jackson’s famous The Haunting of Hill House is being turned into a brand-new stage adaptation later this year, and will be taking to one of Manchester’s most iconic stages at the spookiest season of all.
Written by Olivier and BAFTA award-winner Stef Smith, and directed by Martin Constantine, the new production is set to conjure the iconic supernatural thriller on stage.
It will be making its world premiere with a UK tour this autumn, stopping off in several major towns and cities along the way.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, The Haunting of Hill House follows a group of daring investigators who take on the mystery of Hill House, before their curiosity quickly descends into fear.
A new stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House is coming to Manchester this Halloween / Credit: Supplied
“The Haunting of Hill House is one of the greatest supernatural novels of the last hundred years and to have the chance to adapt it for the stage is a true privilege,” explained writer Stef Smith, as the UK tour was announced this week.
“I find Shirley Jackson’s world intoxicating, thrilling and gut-wrenching.
“I believe there is something so deeply theatrical at the heart of Hill House. From the spooky, to the surreal, through heartache and hope. I hope that our cast of characters will take the audience along for a ride quite unlike anything else. Above all we will examine that the biggest horrors are usually human.”
The brand-new stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House will arrive in Manchester and take to the stage at Manchester Palace Theatre from Tuesday 27 October right through to Halloween itself (Saturday 31 October 2026).
The full cast and creative team for the new production is set to be announced shortly, so keep your eyes peeled.
Tickets go on pre-sale tomorrow at 10am, before general sale begins on Friday (20 February), again at 10am, and you book your place here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Adults-only ‘after hours’ event returns to Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum next month
Emily Sergeant
A popular adults-only ‘after hours’ event is returning to Manchester next month.
Fancy releasing your inner child? If you need an excuse to leave the little Mancs at home, then one of Manchester’s most visited museums might have just what you’re looking for, as the Science and Industry Museum has announced that its popular After Hours event especially for adults is returning for one night only next month.
You’ll get to celebrate the energy that ‘sparked a revolution’ with an evening of interactive games, live music, and unique experiences as you explore the Museum once it’s closed for the day.
It’s your chance to be among the first to explore the newly re-opened Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery after dark, and experience the sights, smells, and sounds of engine-driven ideas that started in Manchester and went on to change the world.
An adults-only ‘after hours’ event is coming to Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum next month / Credit: Science Museum Group
The Museum’s permanent galleries and displays will also be open after hours, so you can get hands-on with science in Experiment, meet mighty machines in the Textiles Gallery, and discover Manchester‘s rich legacy of industrial innovations, creativity, and world-changing ideas in Revolution Manchester.
You’ll also be embrace your inner child with free access to the brand-new world premiere exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, which just opened last week in time for half term, and of course, indulge your playful side in Power Up – with more than 150 consoles to choose from in the ultimate gaming exhibition.
Especially for this particular evening, you can look forward to some very special one-off events, as well as the chance to take part in a whole host of high-energy interactive games.
There’ll be an ‘unforgettable’ performance from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Viola, celebrating all things power with a spectacular combination of violin and vocals, as well as a set from musician Mike Cunningham who’ll light up the evening with bold and colourful LED drumming inspired by the sounds of Manchester’s industry and creative spirit.
And of course, as this is an adults-only event, the museum’s events bar will be popping up on the night, and will be serving up a wide range of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks to wet your whistle while you’re looking around, with some delicious food to accompany too.
Emily Sergeant -
30th October 2020 
