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Munich comes to Manchester for ‘Manctoberfest’ event this autumn

As well as performances from tribute acts, Manctoberfest will also feature foot-stomping sets from Clint Boon and a live traditional Oompah Band.

The Manc The Manc - 20th August 2021

A special event designed to put a Mancunian spin on the world-famous Bavarian beer festival has been confirmed for the Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC) this autumn.

Described as “Oktoberfest with a Mancunian twist”, Manctoberfest will be serving up steins of authentic German lagers to a northern soundtrack provided by local tribute acts for Oasis, The Stone Roses, New Order, Happy Mondays and The Courteeners .

German food market stalls will also be in attendance serving up festival-style grub throughout the event such as pretzels and bratwursts.

Hosted by JBM Music & Manchester Adored, Manctoberfest will see Trafford Park adorned in traditional Oktoberfest decorations over two days to “provide a taste of the most exciting Bavarian extravaganza.”

The event will run on October 1 and October 3 with Friday’s party beginning at 6pm and continuing deep into the night – finishing at 2am.

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After a brief break, the event will return to the arena on Sunday afternoon from 2pm until 11pm.

As well as performances from tribute acts, Manctoberfest will also feature foot-stomping sets from Clint Boon and a live traditional Oompah Band.

Tickets are available to book now. Find more information on Skiddle.

What's On

Giant inflatable monsters descend on Manchester again next month for their BIGGEST celebration to date

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Halloween in the City returns next month with its biggest celebration ever to mark a decade of monster mayhem.

Organised by Manchester BID and sponsored by British confectionery maker, Swizzels, Halloween in the City will be back in Manchester city centre next month once the spooky season arrives – bringing a free weekend of family-friendly fun and spectacular street entertainment.

To mark a decade of monster mayhem, the two-day celebration will bring the city to life with walkabout performers, party games, live DJs, spooky storytelling, and a spectacular roaming procession.

There’s also set to be brand-new birthday bake off this year to celebrate the big 10, and everyone is invited to join the party

But, of course, at the heart of the celebrations will be giant inflatable monsters.

The MCR Monsters are back next month / Credit: CityCo & Manchester BID

The MCR Monsters have been a staple in Manchester’s Halloween celebrations for a decade now, and this year, they’re going all out across the city’s iconic buildings and landmarks.

Created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, and brought to life by Designs in Air, the giant inflatable creatures will make their way into the city for their longest trail to date, celebrating eight days of monster mischief over October half term from Saturday 24 to Saturday 31 October.

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Visitors can expect a city-wide monster invasion at locations – including Exchange Square, Manchester Arndale, Selfridges Exchange Square, Corn Exchange Manchester, Printworks, Science and Industry Museum, The Royal Exchange Manchester, Treehouse Hotel Manchester, AO Arena, KAMPUS, Mayfield Park, and Medlock Square.

It’s set to be the biggest celebrations to date to mark a decade of monster mayhem / Credit: Supplied

Then, the big Halloween in the City Weekender will take place on Saturday 24 October from 10am-6pm and Sunday 25 October from 10am-5pm.

Some of the activities on the Weekender lineup this year include a live storytelling performance by Z-Arts in Manchester Arndale, a big Monsters Disco over in Exchange Square, a Rave Yard with resident evil DJs in St Ann’s Square, the Swizzels Spooky Sweet Stop on New Cathedral Street – which is new for 2026 – and then the main event, The Monsters Party Procession.

Designed and created by Walk the Plank, The Monsters Party Procession will ‘bash, boogie, and stomp’ its way through Market Street and Manchester Arndale, so expect dancing monster puppets, towering stilt walkers, and a six-piece brass band suitably spooky soundtrack.

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And, of course, no monster birthday would be complete without a Halloween dress-up, which everyone is encouraged to join in with.

Halloween in the City returns from Saturday 24 October, and you can find out everything happening over the eight-day period online here.

Featured Image – Supplied


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A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia The Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back

One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.

MCR Student Social is heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.

This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander round Manchester Arndale and the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.

Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.

This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.

If you’re after carrying that Zara Larsson energy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.

No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.

Look out for our Audio North truck on Market Street
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market Street
The Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
The Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back

There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.

Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.

The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.

And, our very own Audio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.

MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official website HERE.

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Featured Images – The Manc Group

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