What's On

Pop-up Santa’s grotto, festive food offers, and more at Printworks in Manchester this Christmas

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 15th December 2022

A whole host of festive events and food offers are taking over the Printworks this Christmas, and families are being encouraged to make the most of it.

With the Christmas season officially here, and the big day itself fast approaching, there’s still time to escape the chilly weather outside by getting yourself down to Manchester‘s landmark entertainment complex in the heart of the city centre for all sorts of festive fun.

There’s lots of indulgent festive food offers to take advantage of, as well as a handful of special discounted events packages.

Already proving to be proper success though is the venue’s pop-up Santa’s Grotto.

Held in partnership with the Once Upon a Smile charity, free to attend, and now open from 10am-12pm on Saturday 17, Sunday 18, and Wednesday 21 December, families can swap their Santa hats for sombreros at Chiquito and pay a visit Father Christmas and his favourite elf in a pop-up traditional grotto that’s been festooned in Christmas garlands, decorations, and a dash of faux snow.

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While little ones are queuing, there will also be an opportunity to write their letters to Santa and post them in the special letterbox that goes straight to the North Pole.

There’s a pop-up Santa’s grotto inside Chiquito at Printworks Manchester this Christmas / Credit: Printworks

Elsewhere at the venue, for those who fancy spending a bit more time with Santa before Christmas Day, then you can head over to Hard Rock Café for a special breakfast with the big man himself in what is always a hugely-popular event

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Families can enjoy a buffet-style breakfast along with festive fun and games from 8:30am-10:30am on 17, 18, and 24 December.

If it’s a cosy movie night that you’re after, then head over to Vue for festive showings of some Christmas movie classics, as the cinema will be screening family favourites like Home Alone, Elf, Muppets Christmas Carol, and The Grinch.

Or if it’s a panto you prefer, Vue Cinema will also be showing some theatrical performances on the big screen, including popular shows like Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story, and CBeebies Panto: Dick Whittington and His Cat. 

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There’s also a whole host of festive feasting offers to make the most of / Credit: Printworks

Treetop Adventure Golf is also an ideal place to hit up if you’re looking to enjoy a day of rocking around the tropical mini golf course with all kinds of delicious festive food and drink.

Speaking of food and drink, there’s a wide range of restaurants inside Printworks that are ready to cater to each families’ festive feasting needs.

Frankie and Benny’s is accepting bookings for family Christmas parties and will be serving up a Christmas special kids’ menu, including an Elf on a Shelf burger, and a Jack Frost Christmas Tree for dessert.

Nandos is bringing the festive cheer to families with new limited-edition flavours like the all-new maple and orange spice, PERi-PERi Chicken gravy, and Macho sprouts. 

A range of discount event packages are also on offer / Credit: Printworks

Yates has a new set Christmas menu for adults and a festive kids menu filled with classic dishes starting at £7.49 per child, while O’Neill’s is also cheffing up a Christmas party menu and festive buffet menu filled with all sorts of bite-sized delights.

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Planning a big festive get-together this month?

You’ll be able to make it hassle-free by enjoying a festive buffet Menu at Walkabout – with meals starting from just £9.99 per person and available in Gold, Silver, and vegan packages.

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Find out more about everything happening at Printworks Manchester this Christmas here.

Featured Image – Printworks

What's On

Kendal Calling drops massive line-up for 2025 festival, including Courteeners and The Prodigy

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Kendal Calling has revealed its 2025 festival line-up. Credit: Nat Argent

Kendal Calling has just revealed the line-up for its 2025 festival, as it gears up for its 20th year partying in the heart of the Lake District.

Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy and Kaiser Chiefs will all top the bill next summer, along with dozens more incredible acts.

The hallowed fields of Lowther Deer Park will be filled with brilliant live music, art installations and loads more between 31 July and 3 August.

Also on the bill will be Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Last Dinner Party, Travis and The Wombats, plus Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, The K’s, Lottery Winners and Maximo Park,

Kendal Calling has confirmed that its 2025 edition will bring together more than 80 incredible acts to celebrate the festival’s 20th birthday.

A major headliner – especially for those of us in Manchester, will be Manc band Courteeners, who had an unforgettable debut at Kendal Calling back in 2019.

Kendal Calling 2025 line-up has been revealed
Kendal Calling 2025 line-up has been revealed. Credit: George Harrison
Kendal Calling 2025 line-up has been revealed
Kendal Calling 2025 line-up has been revealed. Credit: Nat Argant

They’ll be back with their new album beside them, Pink Cactus Cafe, but are still to sure deliver a brilliantly nostalgic indie set of hits like Not Nineteen Forever and Are You In Love With A Notion.

Courteeners’ Frontman Liam Fray said: “Our set in 2019 was electric and was, so I’m told, one of the biggest singalongs Kendal Calling has ever witnessed.

“So it goes without saying that we can’t wait to get back on the main stage, playing to 40,000 of you lovely lot. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got 20 years of Kendal to celebrate, too. It’s going to be massive.”

Also headlining Kendal Calling 2025 will be Fatboy Slim, a dancefloor pioneer behind songs like Praise You, Right Here, Right Now, and The Rockafeller Skank.

The festival will be gearing up for a rave too with The Prodigy also topping the bill – the Firestarter techno group are one of the most influential electro groups ever to emerge from the UK.

Kendal Calling 2025 line-up has been revealed. Credit: Jess Huxham
Kendal Calling 2025 line-up has been revealed. Credit: Jess Huxham

The Prodigy are continuing the legacy of Keith Flint, now driven by Howlett and longtime member Maxim, reigniting their longstanding and loyal fanbase and introducing their sound to fresh ears and audiences.

Leeds favourites Kaiser Chiefs will be delivering an anthemic indie rock set filled with crowd-pleasing hits like I Predict A Riot, Everyday I Love You Less and Less, and Ruby.

The Last Dinner Party will make their Kendal Calling debut in 2025, after being named BRITs Rising Star 2024 and scoring a #1 debut album with Prelude to Ecstasy.

Legendary Scottish rockers Travis are heading to Lowther Deer Park, ready to perform anthems like Why Does It Always Rain on Me?, plus very special guest and long-time part of the Kendal family, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls who’ll bring folk-punk charm to the stage.

Frank Turner said: “I first played Kendal Calling all the way back in 2009, and they’ve had me back five times since, and now again for 2025, so I think they must like me.

“Which is a relief, because I bloody love them; the quintessential independent UK festival, great vibes, great people, great music, year after year. I’m beyond flattered to be there for the 20th instalment; long may they reign.”

Kendal Calling is back in the Lake District for 2025. Credit: George Harrison
Kendal Calling is back in the Lake District for 2025. Credit: George Harrison

Queen of the dance floor Sophie Ellis-Bextor is heading to Kendal Calling, plus Skindred with their reggae-metal sound, indie favourites Maximo Park, Wigan legends The Lottery Winners, indie icons Scouting For Girls, and soul queen Corinne Bailey Rae.

On the comedy front, Jason Manford will be delivering a side-splitting set.

The so-far-announced Kendal Calling 2025 line-up also features The K’s, Reverend & The Makers, The Pigeon Detectives, Daniel Bedingfield, Pixie Lott, Tim Burgess with the Royal Northern College of Music Orchestra, Inspiral Carpets Alfie Templeman, The Big Moon, The Royston Club, Nieve Ella, Lindisfarne, The Skints, and Sports Team.

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And Kendal Calling’s late-night offerings will keep attendees grooving until the early hours. Mr Scruff promises to take fans on a journey of his genre-blending mixes, dynamic mashups from DJ Yoda and the freshest live dance from local act Lowes.

Thom Rylance of The Lottery Winners said: “Kendal Calling was our first proper festival, many years ago. And I think we’ve played it every year since. Except maybe one year, and I’m sure everybody said that was the worst year in history.

“I’ve had some of my most emotionally overwhelming moments of pride on stages in that field. Core memories I’ll never forget. The first festival that ever took a chance on our band, for that we’re forever grateful. Weird to say a festival feels like a homecoming show, I know, but it really does.”

The Streets at last year's Kendal Calling. Credit: Nat Argent
The Streets at last year’s Kendal Calling. Credit: Nat Argent

Scouting For Girls said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to be asked back to Kendal Calling for their 20th anniversary. The crowds are always insane! Plus we are a band who love any excuse for a party so we’ll be bringing out all our big hits when we get onstage. A beautiful festival in a stunning location with a wonderful crowd – Cannot wait!!!!”

Andy Smith, Kendal Calling co-founder said: “I can’t quite believe that we’re about to celebrate twenty years of Kendal Calling.

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“From humble beginnings welcoming 900 party goers to Kendal’s Abbot Hall, to an astonishing 40,000 of you who turn out every year to revel in the sheer joy and excitement of the perfect party, a glorious gathering in the fields of Lowther Deer Park – wow.

“Reflecting on the journey so far, the moments made and the community created, it really is quite emotional and remarkably special. It’s also the perfect excuse for our biggest party to date! Let’s come together to celebrate 20 marvellous years, joined by headliners Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, Kaiser Chiefs and so many more.

“These are some of my favourite acts ever and I was thinking just last night, it might be Halloween but it feels like Christmas! I’m so excited to see you all next summer in the place we love to call home – the fields.”

Tickets for Kendal Calling are already on sale now, with more than 70% of tickets already sold. You can sign up to the pre-sale HERE.

The full line up (with more to come) for Kendal Calling 2025 can be found HERE. 

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Featured image: Nat Argent

What's On

Inside Archie’s Atomic as burger brand opens roller rink, arcade, diner and milkshake bar

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Archie's Atomic is ready to open at Trafford Palazzo

Beloved Manchester-founded burger brand Archie’s has revealed its latest venture – an all-pink roller rink, diner and arcade, Archie’s Atomic.

The huge new venue will officially open its doors to the public next week, but we have, of course, had a little sneak peek for you.

This exciting addition to Greater Manchester includes the north’s largest leisure roller rink, geared towards skaters of all abilities.

You’ll be able to rent a pair of Archie’s Atomic roller skates before going for a spin beneath a huge spinning disco ball on the bespoke bright pink rink.

There’s plenty of space around the sidelines for your mates to cheer you on (or laugh at you, depending on your skating ability).

This massive new 750-capacity entertainment destination also has a state-of-the-art arcade, including games like basketball hoops, prize grabbers, driving simulators, and dance machines, in partnership with SEGA.

An immersive gaming platform will let you challenge your pals in interactive competitions, with a soundtrack of 80s, 90s and 00s hits.

The huge pink roller rink at Archie's Atomic.
The huge pink roller rink at Archie’s Atomic. Credit: The Manc Group
Arcade area at Archie's Atomic. Credit: The Manc Group
Arcade area at Archie’s Atomic. Credit: The Manc Group

And it wouldn’t be Archie’s without burgers and shakes, would it?

The 5000sq ft Archie’s Atomic has a full diner with smash burgers and delicious sides.

For the first time ever, the new venue also has a dedicated milkshake bar serving shakes, waffles, coffee and ice cream by the scoop.

Passes for the roller rink, which get you an hour on the floor, start from £15, or a full any-time Skate Club membership is £60 per month.

Archie's Atomic has a full diner serving its signature burgers and shakes. Credit: The Manc Group
Archie’s Atomic has a full diner serving its signature burgers and shakes. Credit: The Manc Group
Archie's shakes are on the menu. Credit: The Manc Group
Archie’s shakes are on the menu. Credit: The Manc Group

There are party packages available for groups of more than eight people, starting from £25pp for children and £30pp for over-14s.

Archie’s Atomic is at the Trafford Palazzo, next to to Nerf Action Experience and Sea Life Manchester.

Doors will officially open at 10am on Thursday 7 November, with opening hours from 10am to 10pm seven days a week.

You can book your spot at Archie’s Atomic HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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