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Massive spooky ice rink to return to Manchester city centre this Halloween

Scare Skate will see Halloween fans and fear-loving families take to the ice this half term.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 22nd September 2022

Monsters are set to descend on Manchester once again this year, as the city’s largest outdoor ice rink returns this Halloween.

As the cold air begins to draw in and with the spooky season right around the corner, a whole host of ghoulish monsters will soon begin to take over the city centre just in time for Halloween – and just as it has many years before, Cathedral Gardens will become home to one of the colourful creatures at its large outdoor ice rink.

Scare Skate will see Halloween fans and fear-loving families take to the ice for some “frightfully good fun” this October half term from Friday 21 – Monday 31 October.

Gearing up to be “a frightful experience to remember”, not only will the spooktacular rink see one of the iconic MCR Monsters take centre stage as part of the annual Halloween in the City event, but it will also be complete with Halloween-themed music and lighting.

Fancy dress is also massively encouraged and all part of the experience, with plenty of themed props for those all-important “Instagrammable moments” too.

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Monsters are set to descend on Manchester as the city’s largest outdoor ice rink returns this Halloween / Credit: Skate Manchester

“Halloween is always a spectacular time in Manchester,” said Rob Derry – Managing Director, Ice & Special Events at Skate Manchester.

“We’re thrilled to be part of the iconic monsters trail for another year, and in the beautiful setting of Cathedral Gardens, Scare Skate offers an exciting and unique activity that will bring all of the family together.”

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Tickets for Scare Skate are available to book now here.

Prices start at £14.50 for adults and £12.50 for children, with discounted family, group bookings and season tickets also available, and students and key workers able to get themselves a dedicated discounted ticket too.

Scare Skate will see Halloween fans and fear-loving families take to the ice / Credit: Skate Manchester

Is it too early to mention the big C word?

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Well, we’re going to – because in the true magic of Christmas, Cathedral Gardens will then transform into a winter wonderland following its Halloween-themed opening week, with a dazzling seven-metre tall Christmas tree in middle of a custom-made ice path taking the spot occupied by the MCR Monster.

Skate Manchester will then be open daily from 2 November 2022 – 2 January 2023, except for Christmas Day.

Featured Image – Skate Manchester

What's On

Eurovision 2024 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester next month.

Following the success of the first-ever live streams of Europe’s biggest party onto the big screen when it was held on British soil in Liverpool last year, cinemas up and down the UK are set to come together once again to celebrate 2024’s edition of the major night in the music calendar by hosting the ultimate viewing events.

The epic Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on Saturday 11 May will be broadcast live on BBC One, and streamed into more than 100 cinemas nationwide – including several in Greater Manchester.

Hosted by CinemaLive, the live stream events will allow Eurovision fans to gather under one roof and be “united by music” to share in the unbeatable experience of celebrating the brightest and boldest music party of the year on the big screen.

Eurovision 2024 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester / Credit: Cinema Live | Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)

You may remember that Sweden is hosting Eurovision this year, following the Scandinavian country’s well-deserved victory at the 2023 contest with the song ‘Tattoo’ performed by Loreen.

But thanks to these live stream events, you won’t need to make the trip to Malmö to get in on the action, as you’ll just need to nip down to your nearest participating cinema instead.

Not only will the long-awaited final of the show be streamed live onto the big screen in 5.1 surround sound, but fans are invited to bring their Eurovision parties from the front room to the cinema instead, as organisers say fancy dress is “heavily encouraged” as are enthusiastic sing-alongs too.

Speaking ahead of the event next month, John Travers from distributors CinemaLive, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring Eurovision’s grand final live into cinemas across the UK for the second year in a row.

“We want audiences to enjoy themselves, so come along in groups, get your fancy dress on, and join together to enjoy this incredible occasion on the big screen”.

Tickets are now live and available to book at your local cinema here.

Read more:

Some of the participating Greater Manchester cinemas include Vue Manchester Printworks, Everymans in Manchester city centre and Altrincham, The Light in Stockport, and Cineworld in Didsbury, among others.

Featured Image – Nick Robinson (via BBC)

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Beloved Thomas the Tank Engine replica is back travelling through Greater Manchester next month

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is once again making a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester next month.

And tickets are now on sale and already selling fast.

After delighting little Mancs and families throughout the region during countless successful events over the past couple of years, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that the Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back by popular demand, and will return to its tracks this Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

In case you aren’t too familiar with the beloved Day Out With Thomas experience, it’s said to be “a train ride like no other”.

Families will have the chance to hop onboard the replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns in a couple of weeks time for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester / Credit: ELR

The journey begins at Bury Train Station, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, meet Sir Topham Hatt, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station. 

The doors to Bury Transport Museum will also be open across the weekend and will be hosting loads of fun free activities.

There’ll be Thomas-themed stories, and engaging and interactive activities to make the most of, as well as amusing performances by Sodor’s mischievous station sweepers, Rusty and Dusty, who’ll be entertaining with singing, dancing, and laughter all day long.

Not only that, but you can also expect fun fair rides, face painting, balloon art, and so much more.

“As well as taking a trip through Lancashire on Thomas, visitors will also meet Sodor’s Rusty and Dusty and Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy a host of activities offboard, so the experience will be a fun day out for all the family.”

The ‘Day Out With Thomas’ experience is said to be “a train ride like no other” / Credit: ELR

“We’re thrilled to announce the return of Thomas the Tank Engine,” commented ELR’s Chairman, Mike Kelly, ahead of Thomas’ return next month.

“Day Out With Thomas events hold a special place in ELR’s calendar and remain one of our most beloved experiences, as Thomas is cherished by people of all ages and this makes the event a source of joy, not just for children, but also for parents, grandparents, and our volunteers.”

Day Out With Thomas tickets are now on sale for all events throughout this year, including the Early May Bank Holiday weekend – with prices starting at £13.70 for kids, and £22.70 for adults.

Read more:

Grab your tickets here.

Featured Image – ELR

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