No one sits on the fence in the great ‘Blur or Oasis’ debate – and now one of music’s greatest rivalries will be brought to the stage in a brand-new theatre show.
Heading to Manchester next year will be the brand-new comedy play, The Battle.
Audiences will take a trip back to 1995, when Britpop heavyweights Blur and Oasis were battling it out on the airwaves – and throwing more than a few jibes at each other along the way.
The Battle follows that moment in time where both bands – one our beloved Northern brothers, the other that clean-cut art-school band from the South – released singles on the same day.
The ensuing ‘battle of Britpop’ saw rivalries flare, friendships fracture, and a media mania that defined the era.
ADVERTISEMENT
Highlights of the play will include the Brit Awards, the war on the charts, and legendary personalities.
The Battle promises ‘filthy language and razor-sharp dialogue in this cut-throat new comedy that puts you right at the heart of the feuding, the fame, and the fallout’.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Battle is the debut stage play from screenwriter and Sunday Times best-selling novelist John Niven, and will be directed by Matthew Dunster.
John Niven said: “1995: a time long before music splintered into a billion different Tik Tok feeds. When music was so central to the culture that two pop groups could dominate the entire summer, the evening news and the front page of every newspaper in the country.
“We’re going to take you back there. I’ve never written for the stage before, and it has been an absolute blast to do so for the first time with a producer as supportive as Simon and a director as talented as Matthew.”
Director, Matthew Dunster, added: “I remember the Battle of the Bands. I remember the charts that week. Music mattered.
“I remember being in my twenties in 1995. What a wild time. Full of energy, naughtiness and hilarity. Just like John Niven’s play.
“I’m so delighted to be working with John on such a punchy, hilarious and revealing comedy about two of the best bands of all time, Blur and Oasis.”
Producer, Simon Friend, continued: “Throughout my sister’s teenage years, she had an enormous poster of Damon Albarn on her wall, and I remember her falling out with friends over which band they loved more.
“Ever since, this story has been in the back of my mind, and I was delighted that John Niven agreed to write it because there is no more qualified or hilarious chronicler of this world, and combined with Matthew Dunster directing, we have a fearless team recreating the sweaty mid-‘90s carnage of The Battle of Britpop.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The Battle will make its world premiere in Birmingham next year before heading out on an extensive UK tour, including a run of shows here in Manchester.
The Battle will be at the Opera House Manchester between 17 and 21 March 2026.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 2 May at 10am – grab yours HERE.
Manchester parks are hosting loads of FREE Halloween-themed activities this month
Emily Sergeant
Parks across Manchester are set to host loads of Halloween-themed activities this month.
With October half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, Manchester City Council has unveiled a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ activities that’ll be happening at parks across the borough this month.
Manchester’s parks will ‘come alive’ this October half-term with a packed programme community-focussed free activities for children – including a range of lantern making workshops delivered by the parks’ teams.
There will also be pumpkin carving throughout the week, with everything provided to create a suitably scary masterpiece to take home, as well ‘Hidden Horror’ trails across 13 parks with lots of spooky characters to be discovered.
Other highlights included guided walks, cycling along the Yellow Brick Road in Debdale Park, helping to create a giant haunted house using recycled materials at Alexandra Park, and a Halloween Party at Grounded Cafe in Cringle Park.
Manchester parks are hosting loads of free Halloween-themed activities this October half term/ Credit: Max Burchill | Pierre Bouyer (via Unsplash)
And fireworks won’t be the only attraction on Bonfire Night either.
Activities on the day begin from 3pm with the chance for little ones to enjoy magical storytelling experiences from Z Arts, with hands-on crafting inspired by the story.
Dazzling fire performers will light up the event with a mesmerising display of flames, fiery choreography, and captivating skills, and the Lantern Parade prior to the main fireworks display is not to be missed.
Are you ready for spooky season with a fully decorated house, pumpkin spiced candles and themed PJs – or are you too busy processing the whiplash from heatwave to hot water bottles?
Either way, there are absolutely tonnes of events happening all over Greater Manchester, from scary zombie trails to Halloween-inspired museum takeovers.
You’ll even find spooky film fests, Halloween-themed nights out, and of course, the trail of inflatable monsters all across Manchester city centre.
Here is a carefully compiled list of the best activities to help get us in the spirit (get it?) for Halloween – it’s round the corner whether you like it or not.
This trail of non-stop scares operates within the abandoned Camelot theme park, offering thrillseekers a fully immersive experience. Through foggy forests, claustrophobic corridors and derelict buildings with actors waiting at every turn – this isn’t for the wimps among us.
Even the food and bar experience, ‘Rest Bite,’ offers no guarantee of safety.
Saturday 26 September – Saturday 7 November 2026 | Camelot Theme Park, Chorley
Museum of Illusions’ Weird Wonders
Halloween at the Museum of Illusions in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
The Museum of Illusions is transforming five of its exhibitions this Halloween to accommodate Weird Wonders, where nothing is quite as it seems.
There will be plenty of themed illusions throughout the museum including 3D-printed faces inspired by Einstein, Frankenstein and Count Dracula to explore alongside the Bone Throne, Web of Faces, Echo Cave, and Spider Clone Table and more.
While you’re there, why not explore the Illusion Quest? This added experience takes visitors on a trail exploring the museum, following clues and uncovering hidden surprises.
Weird Wonders is filled with twists, photo opportunities and fun for the whole family this half-term.
Every child ticket holder will leave with both a sweet treat and complimentary brain puzzle from the Illusion Shop, while adults gain a free treat upon purchasing two adult tickets.
Saturday 2 – Sunday 31 October 2026 | Market Street, City Centre
Science and Industry Museum After Hours
Ever fancied going to the museum after dark? Now’s your chance.
Be prepared, this isn’t going to be any usual trip to the museum – with out of this world performances from drag queen Anna Phylactic and the Robotic Man, huge interactive spaced themed games and the Power Up gaming experience – it’s your chance to properly be a big kid.
For one night only you can also gain after-hours, free access to the newly opened Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition, as well as the usuals including the Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery, Textiles Gallery, Revolution Manchester and Experiment.
ADVERTISEMENT
Oh and the museum’s bar will be serving up a wide range of wines, beers, and soft drinks to enjoy while you explore, along with some delicious food to accompany too.
This event is adult-only and runs from 7pm-10pm, with tickets costing £12 each or £6 for concessions.
Thursday 29 October 2026 | Liverpool Road, City Centre
MCR Monsters Trail
MCR Monsters 2024 / Credit: The Manc Group
This October, we are celebrating The MCR Monsters turning 10, with some free monster mischief.
ADVERTISEMENT
Throughout Manchester the public will be able to follow a trail, uncovering the giant, inflatable monsters and their inventive hiding places in some of our beloved shopping spots from the Printworks, Arndale, and Selfridges, all the way to Medlock Square, the Science and Industry Museum, and even at the AO Arena.
Whether they are up on the rooftops or down on the ground, head on over and see how many you can spot.
Don’t forget to share your pictures with or tag @HalloweenMCR#MCRMonsters.
This event is FREEto attend and no ticket is required. Click HEREto find out more.
Saturday 24 – Saturday 31 October 2026 | City-wide
You can expect all of the chaos typical to a night at Bongo’s Bingobut with a freaky twist.
Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun is promised to be a night filled with bingo (of course), dance-offs, rave rounds, crazy prizes and plenty of Halloween themed surprises.
Fancy dress is highly encouraged.
Don’t hang about – tickets are now on final release for Halloween. Get yours HERE.
Saturday 31 October | Albert Hall
ADVERTISEMENT
CULTPLEX’s STAB Horror Film Festival
The North’s largest annual horror extravaganza has finally arrived, bringing all sorts of creepy classics to the cinema, allowing viewers to watch some hauntingly good favourites, all throughout October.
That’s right – CULTPLEX’sSTAB Horror Film Season is upon us, so if you’re too much of a scaredy cat to watch horror films alone, this is your chance. Their carefully crafted programme, includes films from a range of genres, to keep all of you fear fanatics happy.
Nothing quite gets you in the mood for Halloween like watching back-to-back horror films on the big screen, to gain that all-round eerie experience, that only surround sound can truly provide.
Go on, book your tickets and hide behind your hands with some other fellow horror lovers.
Tickets are now on sale for £6.66 (rather fitting!)
ADVERTISEMENT
Check out the full film line-up and book your ticketsHERE.
Thursday 1 October – Saturday 31 October | Green Quarter
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Credit: Avery Brunkus
Disney classic, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas light trail, is coming to the UK for the first time ever and it’s set to completely transform Arley Hall and Gardens into a Halloween Town, this autumn.
Amongst the historic grounds, visitors are invited to step inside the beloved film, through an immersive light display. This experience promises to bring iconic Tim Burton characters to life, through a combination of music, 3D-printed sculptures, interactive video projections, and over 1,700 light installations.
This illuminated trail filled with familiar faces and spooky surprises, along with seasonal food and drinks, is bound to get you and the family in the mood for Halloween.
ADVERTISEMENT
It will also be running throughout the winter, making it the perfect outing for the lead up to Christmas too.
Get your tickets HERE from £32.00 for adults and discounted tickets for children and seniors.
From Thursday October 22nd – Sunday 3 January | Northwich
Scarecrow Festival at Quarry Bank
Quarry Mill has lots going on this autumn – perfect for families during the October half-term.
This year’s festival has something for everyone, with a range of activities from the Sally Scarecrow Trail, spooky storytelling and scarecrow-making workshops, to themed games and crafts, as well as the usual indoor play space for little ones.
ADVERTISEMENT
As if it couldn’t get eerier – there will be Apprentice House Spooky Tours following a ghoul guide through the house, to uncover the stories of the ghosts that inhabit the halls, among some other surprises.
Whilst there visitors can also discover the new Stranger Folk interactive British folklore adventure, angled at children aged 7–12, with games featuring the quirky creatures lurking in the National Trust historic houses.
Albert’s Schloss Viva Slash Vegas. Credit: Supplied
Are you still stuck on how to celebrate Halloween this year? Look no further – Albert’s Schloss has got you sorted, with the ultimate Halloween party.
ADVERTISEMENT
This year they are bringing us Viva Slash Vegas, with live music, DJs and plenty of exciting performances, as part of its signature seven nights of showtime – each with a spooky twist.
You can expect killer showgirls, shotgun weddings and casino games, along with creepy cabaret shows and their own Studio Fifty-Gore, playing plenty of twisted tracks.
No ticket is required for the event but you can book a table HERE to avoid disappointment.
Monday 26 October – Sunday 1 November | Peter Street
All aboard the Scream Train to help solve the Swamp Monster mystery.
ADVERTISEMENT
Just when you thought the current public transport climate couldn’t get any scarier – this Halloween, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) are bringing their eerie ghost trains back, showing off their brand new haunted makeover.
Brace for heart rate rising sounds, faulty lights, creepy surprises and the odd unwelcome visitor climbing aboard. As you pass through the spectacular Greater Manchester autumnal countryside, you must help solve the mystery with the help of various spooky characters you meet along the way.
Oh but the thrills don’t start there – no, that would be far too easy. Before you reach the platform, you must pass through the Halloween Walkthrough, equipped with plenty of jump scares.
Fancy dress is encouraged for families and each child will be rewarded with a goody bag, if they make it to the end of the experience.
Daisy Jackson -
29th April 2025 
