Manchester’s newest cinema is set to open on the roof of Depot Mayfield next month, as Backyard Cinema brings its immersive movie going experience to the north for the ver first time.
Coming to Manchester for a limited 10-week run, it will feature way more than a cosy purpose=built cinema room, coming complete with an Enchanted Forest, two bars, street food trucks and a live music stage to boot.
Due to open on Friday 21 October, the 330-capacity indoor cinema has just released its upcoming films for the Autumn / Winter season and there are some absolute crackers in there.
Movie fans should expect a mixture of brand new releases including the acclaimed Elvis biopic starring Tom Hanks (2022), the new Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and The Batman (2022), plus cult classics and Christmas hits later in the year.
Image: supplied
The team has just teased out a list of cult classics too, including E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Die Hard (1988), Hocus Pocus (1993), Addams Family Values (1993), Beetlejuice (1988), plus other favourites such as The Greatest Showman (2017), Frozen 2 (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017).
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Elsewhere, there’ll be a run of family favourites showing including The Greatest Showman (2017), Frozen 2 (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017), and the brand new Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022).
Then come Christmas time, organisers are planning to go all-out with screenings of festiva favourites like Elf (2003), Home Alone (1990), Love Actually (2003), The Holiday (2006), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)and Miracle on 34th Street (1947).
Audiences can expect to be transported on a magical journey to a cinema like no other, with waiter service inside the cosy screening room ensuring they don’t need to miss a second of the action.
Filled with custom-made giant bean bag seating for guests to get cosied up in with ushers serving seasonal cocktails and sweet treats to create the most magical place to watch a movie, this is one winter experience you won’t want to miss.
Backyard Cinema will open from Wednesday to Sunday, starting from 21 October until 4 December, and from Monday to Sunday, from 5 December until 2 January. Show times are 12pm, 4pm, and 8pm, although these will vary depending on the day.
Visit the Backyard Cinema website here to check screening times and buy your tickets.
Feature image – The Art of Banksy / Supplied
City Centre
Uber has officially started trialling driverless taxis in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
It’s official… driverless taxis have hit the streets of Manchester.
As the leading transportation company looks to bring robotaxis to other major cities around the UK, it has been confirmed that a trial of autonomous vehicles is now underway in Manchester – with the services being operated using the technology of Uber’s partner firms, Pony and Verne.
Uber said it was ‘excited’ to take this first step toward ‘making this technology accessible’ to people across the UK.
The three companies first collaborated on the deployment of a commercial robotaxi service back in March of this year, combining Pony.ai’s autonomous driving system, Uber’s global mobility platform, and Verne’s service ecosystem and operational framework.
At this time, there has been no official application to launch passenger services in Manchester, according to The Guardian.
However, posts on various social media platforms – such as X, LinkedIn, and Instagram – by each of the companies this week have confirmed that trials are underway in the city.
“New technologies play an increasingly important role in the growth of our city region,” TfGM said. “But they need to be introduced responsibly, safely and with real thought about what it means for our residents.
“Safety will always be our top priority, and we will need strong assurances that no vehicles will operate on our roads that pose any risk to residents.”
Manchester, we’re on our way! Today, we’re announcing that we’re partnering with @Verne_robotaxi and @PonyAI_tech to pilot autonomous vehicles in Manchester. Building on our service together in Zagreb, Gen-7 Robotaxis are now testing in Manchester.
We’re excited to take this first step toward making this technology accessible to people across the UK. 🇬🇧
“By bringing together Pony.ai’s proven autonomous driving technology, Verne’s operational and market expertise, and Uber’s global platform, we’re taking an important step toward making autonomous ride-hailing available to more riders in more places.”
Featured Image – Uber Investor
City Centre
Printworks is hosting a FREE ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling next month.
Aiming to ‘bring Bonfire Night to life’ next month, Printworks has announced it’ll be hosting a dazzling evening of lights, music, stories, and Manchester spirit, as the iconic venue transforms Europe’s largest digital ceiling into a spectacular celebration for all the family.
Kicking off from 4:30pm, the free event will begin with an incredible display of ‘Manchester Stars’, where hundreds of stars will appear across the ceiling, each carrying the name of a real Manchester hero, creating a unique celebration of the people who make the city shine.
Members of the public can nominate someone to become a star, whether it’s a child, parent, grandparent, friend, colleague, community champion, or simply someone who deserves a little extra recognition. Nominations can be made here.
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)
Two cosy story time sessions with BBC Radio One and former CBBC presenter, Katie Thistleton, and children’s favourite, Hacker T Dog, will follow the star display, and each child will receive light-up headphones to enjoy the sessions in a dedicated chill-out zone.
Then comes the main event, Printworks’ digital ceiling will take centre stage for two firework displays between the story time sessions, including a dedicated SEN-friendly display at replacing the traditional loud noises with incredible visual effects, designed to offer a more accessible and welcoming way for families to enjoy the festivities.
The main fireworks and music experience will follow at 6:15pm, before the fun continues on into the evening with a live choir.
If you get a little peckish throughout the evening, there will also be a pop-up dessert cart serving Bonfire Night-inspired sweet treats, while Barney’s Coffee offers up an autumn drinks menu featuring seasonal favourites, such as pumpkin spice lattes and chocolate orange hot chocolates.
“We’re really excited to welcome back Printworks’ Bonfire Night event for the third year running,” explained Sophie Rooney, who is the Marketing Manager at Printworks.
“With fewer bonfire and firework displays taking place in the city, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to come together and enjoy an evening of celebrations right here at Printworks.”
Printworks is promising an ‘immersive evening’ for all the family, free of charge. Find out more information and timings HERE.
The Manc -
14th September 2022 
