A General Election ‘all nighter’ where the results will be streamed live onto a big cinema screen is happening in Manchester next week.
Are we about to see the end of 14 years of Tory rule? Could it be a night to celebrate for Labour? May the Lib Dems, the Greens, and ever-growing raft of independent parties across the UK gain themselves some new constituencies? And, most importantly, will Count Binface finally grab that seat in the Houses of Parliament?
All these questions will (hopefully) be answered on General Election day next Thursday 4 July.
And if you fancy following along with all the action live from the second the polls close right through to the final results being revealed, then there’s a popular city centre venue hosing an ‘all nighter’ watch party event especially for it.
Happening at Cultplex – which is one of Manchester‘s favourite indie cinema venues, tucked away inside GRUB in the Green Quarter – politics fans will want to make sure they get themselves down there from 9:30pm sharp so they can grab a seat ahead of the exit polls and make their way through the many, many hours of crushing and dramatic announcements.
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A full bar, a stocked-up supply of snacks, and “monumental amounts of coffee” will be on offer as the results are beamed live in 4k onto the venue’s full-sized cinema screen.
In a bid to try and keep everyone awake during the dull moments, the event will have its very-own host throughout the night, and, apparently, there’s also plenty of audience interaction planned too – including polls to enter, and optional tasks to complete, like putting in letters of ‘no confidence’ in the presenting skills of the BBC’s leading political figure, Laura Kuenssberg.
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A Manchester venue to host General Election ‘all nighter’ with results streamed live onto a big screen / Credit: Lauren Hurley | Jessica Taylor (UK PARLIAMENT – via Flickr)
There’ll also be a second screen showing all the memes and ‘hot takes’ from social media too, so you won’t miss a thing.
And if you’re one of the brave souls who’s signed up to count the votes at the nearby AO Arena, then you can grab your first pint for free, if want to swing by the venue after your watch has ended.
Fancy it then? Tickets to Cultplex’s General Election 2024 LIVE are now on sale at a ‘pay-what-you-can’ rate, with a suggested donation of £6, and 100% of all ticket sales will go directly to the Trussell Trust.
Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Emily Sergeant -
27th June 2024 
