One of Manchester’s most iconic charities is bringing back its most iconic fundraising challenge.
After We Love MCR Charity went on to make history back in 2021 with what was the first – and what it thought at the time was “probably the last” – firewalk on St Peter’s Square in the heart of Manchester city centre, the organisation has now confirmed its bringing the “one-of-a-kind” event back for more in just a couple of months time.
After all, when more than £15,000 was raised for the charity’s vital work supporting Manchester communities last year, then why not go for round two?
ANNOUNCEMENT 📢
The #WeLoveMCR Sponsored Firewalk returns! Join 100 brave 'soles' on 700 degree coals & fundraise for #Manchester causes in this one-of-a-kind event! 🔥🔥🔥
📌 historic St. Peter's Square 📅 Thursday November 2nd 🎟️ REGISTRATION OPEN 👇 https://t.co/616xJ58mfP
And if having 50 “brave soles” walk over 700-degree hot coals with dozens of spectators cheering them on wasn’t impressive enough last time round, this year, the We Love MCR Sponsored Firewalk is set to be bigger and better than ever before.
That’s because the charity‘s upping the stakes by putting on not one, but two, lanes of fire for walkers to conquer – if they’re brave enough, that is.
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A ‘one-of-a-kind’ charity firewalk event is return to Manchester city centre / Credit: We Love MCR Charity
Part of an ongoing series of ‘mind-over-matter’ challenges, this isn’t the first time We Love MCR Charity has turned heads and raised eyebrows with its fundraising missions as of late, as over the last 18 months, the charity has persuaded hundreds to complete Manchester’s longest-ever abseil off a 22-storey tower block, and even take an ice-cold dip in Sale Water Park.
With the Firewalk set to make its grand return to the city centre on Thursday 2 November, Mancs are now being encouraged to, quite literally, “step out of their comfort zone” and onto hot coals, as sign-ups are now open.
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With specialist training provided for all participants, just like last year, places for this exclusive event are limited to 100 sign-ups on a ‘first-come first-serve’ basis, with a 16+ age limit, and an entry fee of £20 to cover expert provider costs.
Firewalkers are also asked to set a minimum sponsorship target of £200.
Daredevil Mancs are “brave soles” are being encouraged to sign up / Credit: We Love MCR Charity
“I wasn’t quite sure what I was letting myself in for,” admitted 2021’s top firewalking fundraiser, Ruth Denton, “But I can honestly say the We Love MCR Firewalk has been one of the best things I’ve done in a long time and I’d encourage anyone looking for a challenge to sign up.
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“It’s amazing to think I’ve raised so much money for such an amazing charity, and I have witnessed first-hand the amazing work We Love MCR does.”
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum announces FREE programme of space-themed activities
Emily Sergeant
National Space Day is coming up, and you can celebrate with a bunch of free space-inspired activities in Manchester this bank holiday.
Ever wondered what astronauts eat in orbit? How they use the loo in zero gravity? Or why crumbs are bad news on the International Space Station? Well, to celebrate National Space Day – which is taking place this year on Friday 1 May – you’ll now get to discover the answers to those questions and so much more down at the Science and Industry Museum early next month.
The popular Manchester city centre-based museum has unveiled a programme of free ‘out-of-this-world’ events and activities this upcoming May bank holiday weekend.
The programme of free events are set to accompany the museum’s latest special exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos – which you do have to pay for – and will give visitors more ways to explore the ‘wonders and weirdness’ of space.
The Science and Industry Museum has announced a free programme of space-themed activities / Credit: Drew Forsyth / Science Museum Group
Launching on National Space Day (Friday 1 May) and running through to Monday 4 May, the special bank holiday weekend programme is especially timely following the recent return of Artemis II astronauts from their history-making mission around the moon.
Families can get a taste of space during new live shows by sampling real foods used to feed astronauts, and discover more about how humans live and work beyond Earth, while budding space explorers put their skills to the test in interactive activities designed to ‘spark curiosity’ and ‘stretch imaginations’ to the moon and back.
Stargazers can enjoy the night sky as its projected across super-sized screens, or get creative by crafting their very own constellations and designing a mission patch for an astronaut’s spacesuit.
The events accompany the museum’s latest special exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Drew Forsyth / Science Museum Group
“2026 has already been a stellar year for space,” commented Tash Camberwell, who is the Interpretation and Content Developer at the Science and Industry Museum, as the programme of free events was announced this week.
“We’ve been so inspired by the amazing Artemis II astronauts, so I’m especially excited to bring space back down to Earth with an action-packed programme for the May bank holiday.
“Just like the exhibition, our holiday activities have been created for young people and their grown-ups to enjoy together by blending humour, hands-on science and spectacular experiences to spark curiosity in space and inspire the next generation of space explorers.”
More information on the bank holiday weekend activities can be found on the Science and Industry Museum’s website here, and free general admission tickets, as well as £10 tickets to Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, can also be booked online too – with under threes going free.
Following what was a popular spring school holidays, museum staff say early booking is ‘advised’.
Featured Image – Drew Forsyth / Science Museum Group
What's On
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.
Emily Sergeant -
6th September 2023 
