Pong & Puck has quickly become one of our favourites ever since it popped up in Deansgate and now the Great Northern spot is seriously upping its special events game.
Nearly a year on from their opening back in March, Pong & Puck is hosting its first-ever bingo night but it’s not like any other: this one is a bottomless drag bingo party. Yes, you heard us right.
We know there’s a lot to unpack in that sentence and we’re sure you have plenty of questions but, lucky for you, that’s what we’re here for.
First things first, it’s still the same game of bingo with prizes to play for and the rest of it, only this one comes with the added bonus of bottomless drinks, pizza, a comedy show; sing-offs, catwalks and more — all of which will be hosted by legendary Manchester drag queen and comedian, Miss Ginger Hunter.
The Canal Street queen is a cult favourite not only in Manchester but the UK drag scene, in general, and is set to sashay her way to Great Northern Warehouse on Friday, 31 March.
As well as plenty of sass and style, you can expect big hair and even bigger prizes, not to mention stand-up and songs from Ginger herself and the ultimate queens of pop.
The prizes will range from bar tabs, free food and lots more that we obviously can’t spoil for you — all you need to know is that it’s going to be a bloody good laugh.
Starting from 7pm, you’ll get a welcome drink on arrival, slices from a pizza of your choice and bottomless drinks including selected cocktails like the ‘Holy Puck’, ‘WHAM! WHAM!’ and the ‘Simmer Down and Pucker Up’ sharer.
Then, from 7:30 onwards, prepare for non-stop party vibes and action under Pong & Puck‘s lovely neon lights, all from just £40 per person.
They’re also one of several wonderful places showing the Six Nations in the city centre this month, with just two weeks of fixtures left to play in this year’s tournament.
With casual sporting staples like table tennis, beer pong, shuffleboard and more all part of what makes this Pong & Puck so fun, not to mention the bottomless bingo party itself, there’s a lot of fun to be had there this month.
You can book your tickets for the 31 March HERE and be sure to catch the rugby there if you get the chance.
Featured Image — The Manc Group/Ginger Hunter (via Instagram)
What's On
Trafford Centre’s massive student night returns next month with up to 30% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 30% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students set to start arriving for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities over the next couple of weeks, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month, and there’ll be lots of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Shopping UK, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 20% off at Levi’s, 20% off at Tommy Hilfiger, 20% off River Island, 20% off at All Saints, 25% off at Boux Avenue, and 15% off at both Hotel Chocolat, and Monica Vinader at Selfridges.
Rituals, Flying Tiger, New Look, and Office are just a couple of the other shops you can head to for some savings.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too, with 20% off at places like Wagamama and Barburrito, 25% off The Real Greek, and £5 pizzas and exclusive discounts at the new Franco Manca.
You can also tuck into cut-price foodie feasts at Yo Sushi, KFC, and Costa, while places like Gymshark, Boots, Paradise Island Adventure Golf, and Selfridges are some of the places doing giveaways, workshops, offering freebies and prizes, and more.
And, if all of that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, you can expect live music to entertain you whilst you shop – with DJ blasting tunes all night long.
Trafford Centre’s massive student night returns next month with up to 30% off on big brands / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Our annual Student Night is always hugely popular,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“This year we’ve secured some amazing deals and exclusive savings from many of our stores and restaurants.
“With frequent tram services from Manchester city centre on Metrolink’s Trafford Park line, plus regular buses from all over the region, now’s your chance to experience the unique vibe of the Trafford Centre.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 2 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online here.
Featured Image – Trafford Centre
What's On
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam trains are back again this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas, and tickets are already on sale… genuinely.
Sure, it’s literally only the second week of September, and we’ve technically still got the rest of summer, and the small matter of Halloween and Bonfire Night to get through first, but East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is already looking ahead to the most magical time of year.
The heritage railway has announced that its popular ‘Santa Specials’ steam train rides are back once again from late November.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West.
You can already grab tickets for Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides this Christmas / Credit: ELR
And in recent years, the much-loved event has been even bigger and better than ever before.
ELR’s ‘Santa Specials‘ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make ‘enchanted memories’ that last a lifetime.
The truly special Christmas day out starts as you make your way through a winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station.
You’ll first get to meet some old favourites and new characters, including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus, and ELR’s very own Ice Princess, all before before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears.
The festive fun then continues on the Santa Special steam trains themselves, with an 80-minute ‘enchanting voyage’ through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
And, of course, you can expect a special visit from Santa while you’re on board.
The famous East Lancashire Railway ‘Santa Special’ steam train / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (via ELR)
After you’ve grabbed a selfie or two with the big man himself, the grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and festive tipple, while little Mancs can enjoy a soft drink, some chocolate, and take a festive-themed activity pack home with them.
East Lancashire Railway’s famous Santa Specials are running on weekends and selected weekdays from Saturday 22 November – Wednesday 24 December.
Tickets now on sale starting from £22.50 for kids and £23 for adults.
Danny Jones -
1st March 2023 
