What's On

Inside Manchester’s brand new ‘Battle Bar’ at the Printworks

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 17th June 2022

Manchester has got a new competitive gaming experience, as Boom Battle Bar opens its doors.

The UK-first new attraction has taken over a 10,000 sq ft site in the Printworks.

Inside across two floors, there are neon-bathed axe-throwing cages, plus arcade games, pool tables, shuffleboard, and beer pong tables.

Punters will also be able to have a go at augmented-reality darts, where state-of-the-art technology has been used to create different game modes to the pub classic past-time.

There’s also SINGA-powered karaoke booths and a menu of street food like chicken tenders and nachos.

ADVERTISEMENT

The bar serves Battleground-themed cocktails like the Long Island Iced Tee, a Tiki-inspired Ship Faced, and an Axepresso Martini.

Boom Battle Bar has taken over the old Lazy Lizard nightclub right in the heart of the city centre.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more: The latest on Manchester’s New York-style ‘sky park’ on Castlefield Viaduct

Boom Battle Bar CEO Richard Harpham said: “We’re delighted to be opening bookings for our epic-new Manchester venue.

“Spanning across multiple levels and packed full of our most sort after games including axe throwing, augmented reality darts and karaoke booths which fit up to 15 people, we just know the people of Manchester are going to love this venue and the ultimate competitive thrill BOOM has to offer.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Boom Battle Bar is open from 17 June – bookings are now open here.

Featured image: The Manc Group

What's On

Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic returns this summer with ‘iconic’ headliners

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Boney M, The Cheeky Girls, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK stars are all on the lineup at Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic this summer.

As this summer marks 15 years of Pride in Salford, Salford Pride has announced a whole host of exciting events to celebrate – including the return of The Pink Picnic, its biggest family-friendly celebration yet, with headliners like 90s and 00s music icons, community talent, and even a ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone for 2026.

Returning to Peel Park once again, The Pink Picnic brings together LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and friends for a day built around community, joy, and belonging.

For 2026, Salford Pride is expanding the experience further with even more to do across the park than ever before.

The Pink Picnic has been part of Salford’s Pride story since 2011, but this year’s 15th anniversary addition is set to be one for the history books, as alongside a headline lineup featuring Boney M, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Kyran Thrax and Paige Three, The Cheeky Girls, Big Brovaz, Booty Luv, and Baby D, a strong programme of community acts will also be spotlighted.

Some of the exceptional community acts already named on the lineup so far include Tallulah Guard, Fear of Marko, and John Tucker.

Across the day, visitors can also shop from dozens of community stalls and market traders, take part in or watch the much-loved annual dog show, and visit the ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone that’s designed to help young people feel seen and celebrated.

“Celebrating 15 years of Pride in Salford feels really special, and we wanted 2026 to feel like a proper thank you to the community that’s built this with us” said Scott Turzański, who is the Head of Marketing and Brand at Salford Pride.

Read more:

“The Pink Picnic is a family event – it’s welcoming, it’s joyful, and it’s about making space for everyone.”

The Pink Picnic returns to Peel Park in Salford next month on Saturday 13 June, and you can find out more and book tickets online here.

Featured Image – Salford Pride (via Facebook)

What's On

Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum unveils programme of FREE family fun for half term

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Little Mancs can climb aboard a miniature train and set off on a journey of discovery at the Science and Industry Museum this half term.

As schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term at the end of this week, and parents and carers gear up to entertain the little ones, the Science and Industry Museum has, thankfully, just announced a wide range of events and activities especially for the holidays – with many activities free to get involved in.

The popular cultural hub in the heart of Manchester city centre is promising visitors a May half term full of hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and imagination.

The main event, which is kicking off this weekend (Saturday 23 May), invites families to ‘explore the playful side of power’.

From climbing aboard a miniature steam railway and taking part in interactive engineering sessions, to seeing steam-powered traction engines, live demonstrations, and performances inspired by the sounds of industrial Manchester, visitors will be transported back in time to play the role of passenger.

Almost 200 years ago, this was the site of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway – the world’s first inter-city passenger railway – and May half term will bring this story to life again, as families take a ride around part of the museum’s newly reopened outside space.

Hosted by Little British Rail, rides are priced at £4 (with those under one-year-old going free) and can be booked in advance by visiting the museum’s website here.

The Science and Industry Museum has unveiled its programme of free family fun for the half term / Credit: Science Museum Group

Expert Explainers will be on-hand throughout the half term hosting Curiosity Stops, so you can discover how water becomes steam, see what powers a piston, and explore how our bodies mirror the mechanics of machines.

The final weekend of the holiday (5-7 June) will also see members of Urmston & District Model Engineering Society steaming onto site with its early 20th century Fowler Showman’s traction engine and Foden steam wagon.

Elsewhere at the museum over the half term, you can take a look around the historic Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery, which has recently reopened to the public, and you can take part in interactive workshops with Manchester-based percussion group, Drumroots – giving visitors the chance to experiment with rhythm, movement, and music inspired by the sounds of historic steam engines.

Read more:

And, of course, half term is the perfect chance to go on out-of-this-world adventure across the Solar System and visit the new Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition, if you haven’t already. Or visit the ultimate gaming experience, Power Up, instead during its extended holiday opening hours.

For the full programme of daily events throughout half term, and to book tickets for difference experiences in advance, head to the Science and Industry Museum website here.

Featured Image – Science Museum Group

More What's On

Meadowcroft Farm Alpacas

Bury

The family-run farm in Bury where you can walk adorable alpacas in the countryside

Art & Culture

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 18 – 24 May 2026

Trafford

A Kellogg’s exhibition celebrating all things cereal has opened in Greater Manchester

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches