And it’s doing so in a way that only Point Blank knows how by giving visitors the chance to book shooting simulation sessions for free all day every day when you spend over £15 per head on food and drink at the Manchester and Newcastle branches.
This unmissable offer isn’t sticking around for long though, so you’ll have to be quick on the draw and head down there this week if you want to take advantage of it.
Not only that, but for the first time ever, it is opening its doors to those under 18 years of age and offering free shooting over the half term break to experience a family-friendly and COVID-secure day out that is quite literally like nothing else in the country, let alone Manchester.
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If you’re looking for somewhere completely different to occupy the kids’ minds and let off some steam during the school holidays, then you really need look no further.
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Unfamiliar with the concept of this unique venue? Haven’t heard of Point Blank before?
This newly-established player in the city’s activity and hospitality scene – which arrived with a bang last summer and has sold out almost every Friday and Saturday that it has been open since – is the UK’s first fully-immersive shooting simulation range based on Deansgate.
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It offers customers the chance to experience the very latest first-person firing technology, but that’s only half the story.
While there’s no doubting it’s certainly a hive of activity for thrill-seekers, it’s also a spot for the cocktail crowd looking for something new, a den for the foodies hoping to try a different spin on classic night-time cuisine, and in a time pre-COVID, it was also quite the popular pre-drinks space for the party people looking to warm up before the nightclub.
And now, you can add family-friendly day out destination to that list too.
Point Blank
As well as it’s impressive Prohibition era-inspired bar serving an eclectic collection of tipples and mocktails, Point Blank’s extensive menu takes inspiration from our transatlantic cousins.
It specialises in hot wings, hot dogs and hot cheese nachos – which remain firm-favourites among customers – and there’s also mac and cheese nuggets, lemon sole bites, BBQ belly pork, and wide selection of top-notch veggie and vegan dishes to get stuck into as well.
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With all of this on offer, and the free shooting sessions available for a limited time only this week, you’re going to want to get your slot secured now as Point Blank has said that the ranges are booking up fast.
To book your slot in advance of your visit, head to the Point Blank Manchester website here.
What's On
A new documentary about football ultras is coming to a Manchester city centre cinema
Danny Jones
A new documentary about football ultras and the world surrounding the sport’s most avid and sometimes controversial fans is coming to a cinema right here in Manchester.
I mean, obviously – it’s the spiritual home of football, after all.
Seriously though, whether you bit or not, Greater Manchester has, is and always will be a region obsessed with the beautiful game, so what better place to screen such a film?
Covering the often crazy and all-consuming nature of ultra culture, the aptly-titled feature-length doc will be shown here in the city centre next month as part of this year’s Manchester Film Festival.
It was previewed last year, but is now set for theatrical release.
ULTRAS is the work of Swedish filmmaker Ragnhild Ekner, who has travelled all over the world in search of understanding these super passionate footy fans.
Herself a die-hard IFK Göteborg supporter, Ekner looks at it not just artistically but as one of their own; she’s another football-obsessive like so many of us all around the globe, making her an ideal person to get across the lifestyle.
Covering matchgoers and punters from the likes of Argentina and Indonesia to Morocco, Italy and more, she covers a total of eight different countries across four continents.
The director and her producers have put things plain and simple for those curious: “This isn’t a critical review, it’s a tribute.”
As mentioned, it also happens to form part of the wider Manchester Film Festival 2026, which is kicking off this week and ends on 29 March.
You can find out what else is on the MFF programme this month down below.
Just some of the faces on show at this year's @mcrfilmfestival. 🎞️
So, if you’re a football fan, a cinephile, or just fancy going along to learn more, ULTRAS will be showing at the Odeon cinema inside Great Northern Warehouse exclusively on Sunday, 22 March from 5:30pm.
It’s also happening on the same day as the Carabao Cup Final between Man City and Newcastle, so if you’re a Red or just not a blue, it’s a very viable bit of alternative football-based entertainment.
Now, speaking of wider football culture, another fervently followed aspect of the people’s game is fashion, especially on the vintage side of things…
Oasis are back…in surreal new Britpop comedy ‘The Battle’ at the Opera House Manchester
Clementine Hall
The greatest pop rivalry of all time has been turned into a quick-witted, razor-sharp comedy.
And do you know what? It’s a proper laugh.
Oasis vs Blur, north vs south… it really is a tale as old as time, and one that symbolised a divided nation back in 1995.
This new play, written by past record industry bod John Niven, explores the testosterone-fuelled tantrums that came after the decision to release Blur’s Country House singlealongside Oasis’ Roll With It.
Image: Supplied (Helen Murray)
We’re plunged into backstage Britpop bickering right at the very start at none other than the Brit Awards, which is quite apt for a Manchester audience who have just witnessed the city hosting the awards for the first time.
From the offset, Paddy Stafford and George Usher who played Noel and Liam Gallagher, proved themselves as standout performances.
The physical mannerisms, the vocal nuances, they both had it down to an absolute T and looked exceptional in parkas, might I add.
Images: Supplied (Helen Murray)
By portraying such icons, in Manchester no less, you’re opening yourself up to a lot of criticism but their performances, which could’ve been perceived as awkward impressions, were the highlight of the evening.
The first act explores the rivalry between the two bands in depth, featuring countless slinging matches that are peppered with quick-witted remarks and plenty of swearing.
The between-scenes animations by John O’Connor portray radio DJs stoking the hysteria with the latest gossip, which is a nice way to keep the audience in check with whats going on amidst the chaos.
Image: Supplied (Helen Murray)
But it’s in the second act when things start to get really, really weird – and equally as fun.
I’m not going to spoil it for you, because that’s the whole point.
But what I will say is if you’re going for an Oasis singalong then you’re not going to get it, but you may want to brush up on your Take That lyrics.
The Battle is on at the Opera House Manchester until Saturday 21 March and you can get your tickets here.
Emily Sergeant -
15th October 2020 
