A brand new nightlife venue is opening in Manchester’s iconic Printworks this year, offering music quizzes, live music, karaoke, and food and drink.
Spider Box Manchester promises to be beyond your everyday live music venue, and will be home to the UK’s first digital human DJ, Dex.
The newest edition to the city centre’s legendary entertainment complex has something for your mind, body and soul.
If you think your music knowledge can compete with Popmaster’s Ken Bruce or you have a voice that would put Mariah Carey to shame, then Spider Box Manchester is the place for you.
The venue will be bringing a revolutionary new form of music quizzing – players will have the chance to take part in their own music quiz panel show in Spider Box’s unique tech-centric booths.
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Everything is ‘All About You’, as the 2003 McFly classic says, with customisable rounds which are updated regularly with new challenges and games to suit seasonal moments and trends.
Think you can ‘Dance The Night’ like Dua Lipa at Glastonbury or put on a ‘Supersonic’ show as iconic as Oasis in Knebworth? Spider Box has bookable karaoke booths where you can not only sing along but also create an atmosphere with changeable backdrops including music videos and headline slots at music festivals.
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After all that singing and dancing you’re sure to be ‘Hungry Like the Wolf’, much like the 1982 Duran Duran hit, and with an incredible food and drink offering, Spider Box really does have all the boxes ticked.
Players can take on music quizzes inside special booths at Spider Box Manchester
The menu at Spider Box Manchester will feature Middle Eastern classics and Southeast Asian dishes, there’s sure to be something for all palates.
The hangout also features a dedicated space for fans of all interests with a state of the art racing suite where you can emulate the career of legendary driver Lewis Hamilton. The simulated technology provides a first-person virtual POV to the best tracks and circuits in the world placing you in the driver’s seat of some of the fastest cars.
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Rob Hetherington, CEO of Spider Entertainment said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Spider Box Manchester to Printworks this September.
Artist impressions of how Spider Box will look in Manchester
“We have considered multiple locations across the UK for our first Spider Box venue, and we are delighted to be opening the first in Manchester, a city rich with music, culture and entertainment.
“We believe we have an immersive entertainment offering like no other and guests can expect an unforgettable day or night with each visit. We will have even more information to come over the next few months so watch this space.”
Dan Davies, Printworks’ Centre Manager, said, “This year marks a transformative period for us as we significantly expand our entertainment offerings following a £21 million refurbishment.
“Spider Entertainment, with its unique concept, will provide our customers with exceptional entertainment for all ages. Additionally, it will offer fantastic food and drink that will stand out in Manchester’s vibrant culinary scene.”
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You can sign up here for updates on Spider Box in Manchester, and follow them on Instagram here too.
You can also get a proper glimpse inside with this video.
Sensory-friendly Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Emily Sergeant
This week marks the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference, according to the most recent statistics, and Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16-20 March 2026) highlighting the importance of championing, raising awareness of, and accommodating neurodiverse people.
And Printworks is marking the occasion in its own special way, with a series of new initiatives designed to create a more ‘inclusive’ and ‘sensory-friendly’ environment.
You may already know that the popular indoor entertainment complex in the heart of Manchester city centre is home to more than a dozen bars, restaurants, and leisure activities – including one of the largest IMAX screens on the continent – and Europe’s largest digital ceiling too, of course, but this week’s experience is unlike anything the venue has welcomed before.
Throughout the week, Printworks will be transforming its digital ceiling with calming Northern Lights and constellations which have been specifically designed to create a relaxed, sensory-friendly atmosphere for visitors with additional sensory needs.
Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week / Credit: Supplied
As part of a long-term commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Printworks is also introducing a weekly sensory-friendly hour every Sunday too, where lighting throughout the venue will be dimmed, and music and SFX volumes reduced for a reduced-stimulus environment.
200 free sensory packs – which can be collected at Vue cinema – with a pair of ear defenders and sensory-friendly toys, designed to support visitors who may benefit from sensory tools while enjoying the venue, are also on offer throughout the course of the week.
On top of this, there’s also a range of autism-friendly cinema screenings taking place on the last Sunday of every month at 10:30am.
An additional autism-friendly screening will be taking place with a showing of Hoppers this Sunday 22 March at 10:30am, with tickets now available from Vue’s website.
“Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an important time for brands and venues to recognise and support the diverse ways visitors and audiences experience the world,” commented Dan Davis, who is the General Manager at Printworks.
“We endeavour to ensure that all visitors feel comfortable and welcome when spending time at Printworks.”
Find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week on Printworks’ website here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Lovely last-minute Mother’s Day ideas from Selfridges in Manchester
The Manc
Mother’s Day is this Sunday – and if those words have just sent you into a blind panic, just take a breath and head straight across to Selfridges.
The huge department store has come up with all sorts of things that make for perfect last-minute gifts and experiences.
That includes a carefully curated selection of gifts available in-store, plus a very special Morning With Mum beauty workshop so you can spend some quality time together on Mother’s Day.
Selfridges can be your one-stop shop for the big day.
In both Exchange Square and Trafford Centre stores, you can pick up lovely gifts like feast-filled hampers, fabulous accessories, luxury chocolates, candles, and even cards.
As always, there are gifts you can have personalised in-store for a sentimental present for the mother figure in your life.
If you’re really stuck, you can pop along to the Beauty Concierge and book her an experience.
And over in Selfridges Exchange Square, you can pick up a beautiful fresh bouquet from The Royal Exchange Florists.
Selfridges has loads of last-minute Mother’s Day ideas
There’s rarely a gift more precious than quality time together, which is why Selfridges will be hosting a special Mother’s Day floor-wide beauty event on Saturday 14 March.
Ticket-holders will receive expert beauty advice from your favourite brands, while enjoying complimentary drinks and sweet treats.
There’ll also be plus exclusive gifts with purchase available, and giveaways on the day, and you can redeem the £20 ticket price against products purchased on the day.
You can even grab an artist print for mum at the vending machine.
Tickets for the Morning With Mum beauty workshop are on sale HERE.
You could also share a moment over a glass of champagne at San Carlo in both locations, or grab a sweet treat from the bakery in the Trafford Centre store.
Thomas Melia -
16th July 2024 
