A completely COVID-safe and socially-distanced Ultimate Grotto Experience is arriving in the heart of the Northern Quarter next week.
We all know by now that the festive season is gearing up to be a little different this year, with the UK government having sadly conceded that “Christmas cannot be normal” amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and while it has been announced that up to three families can form a Christmas bubble between 23rd – 27th December, it just won’t be the same as it usually is for many.
But luckily, The NQ Grotto is still adamant on bringing some festive cheer to Manchester as safely as possible.
Both children and adults alike are invited to be taken on “a magical 60-minute journey through Christmas” next week by visiting “a fairytale land called Mancunia” tucked away in the majestic basement of the Northern Quarter’s iconic Hilton House.
The NQ Grotto is promising a “meet Santa experience like no other”.
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Included in the Ultimate Grotto Experience ticket price, you’ll get to meet & greet the Ice Princesses and Ice Queen, listen to some magical story telling with Mrs Claus, enjoy a spot of socially-distanced fun with elves Holly & Ivy, and of course, have the chance to wave to the big man himself, all from the comfort of your own private box with your household / social bubble.
Up to six people from the same household / social bubble will be permitted in a single box.
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With safety of “paramount importance” at The NQ Grotto, all boxes will be fully disinfected between sessions, hand sanitiser will be available throughout the building, face coverings must be worn at all times – not required for children under 11 or for those legally exempt – and all guests must remain seated and in their box for the full duration of the session.
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You are asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to your session and remain on Hilton Street in the queue which will be clearly marked ‘The NQ Grotto’, and once your session is over, prompt vacation of the building is encouraged so that staff are able to prepare for the next session.
Track & Trace will also be required by the lead guest before entering the building, and where possible, it is asked that prams and pushchairs are not brought to the event.
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Up to 30 guests maximum will be in the building during any one session.
The NQ Grotto is taking place in 60-minute sessions throughout the day on Saturday 19th – Thursday 24th December, with tickets setting you back £80 per single household / bubble box.
There’s still plenty of time to grab your tickets and suitably get into the festive spirit before the big day rolls around, but it’s advised to act fast if you want to secure your spot as dates and sessions are being snapped up quickly.
The NQ Grotto, Hilton House, Hilton Street, Manchester, M1 2EH
What's On
Manchester’s big wheel is returning to Exchange Square for the summer… sort of
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to reach new heights, as the big wheel that once stood proudly in the city centre is making a comeback this summer.
Well… sort of.
That’s because it’s not quite the same big wheel that many will remember from its glory days in locations like Piccadilly Gardens and Exchange Square throughout the 2000s, and more recently Albert Square during last year’s Manchester Christmas Markets – but it is a big wheel and it’s a big wheel that you’ll be able to hop on for a ride.
Celebrating the launch of its new Cloud Frappuccino blended drinks range, Starbucks’ Summer in the Clouds arrives in Exchange Square next Friday and Saturday (24 and 25 July), inviting people to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy panoramic views of the city below from a big Ferris wheel.
The two-day takeover will give customers the chance to unlock a ride on the big wheel with the purchase of any Grande or Venti iced drink from participating Manchester city centre Starbucks stores.
Both in participating stores – which in Manchester are Starbucks stores in the Arndale, City Tower Offices, on Market Street and on Fennel Street – and at the Ferris wheel itself in Exchange Square, you can expect complimentary Cloud Frappuccino-inspired candy floss, live music from DJ and presenter Ethan Porte, and a free photobooth with digital and printed photos.
Alongside the big wheel ride, there’ll also be the chance for members to win exclusive Starbucks merchandise across the two days too.
A limited number of additional ferris wheel ride tokens will also be available to win via the fairground-style Plinko game on site.
The new Starbucks Cloud Frappuccino blended drinks range includes a range of bespoke creations like the Strawberry Matcha Cloud Frappuccino, the Brown Sugar Cloud Frappuccino, and the Caramel Mocha Cloud Frappuccino.
With skyline views and summer sips, Starbucks says its Summer in the Clouds is set to be one of Manchester’s must-visit experiences this month.
Starbucks’ Summer in the Clouds arrives in Exchange Square next Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July.
Featured Image – Cédric Dhaenens (via Unsplash)
What's On
Road to Victory is all set to turn Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl into the latest World Cup fan zone
Danny Jones
Manchester’s smash-hit Road to Victory is hoping to bring its first-ever open-air World Cup fan zone to the city, as the event is set to take over Castlefield Bowl – on one condition.
It’s just the simple matter of if/when* we make it through.
The famous amphitheatre might be in the middle of their 2026 edition of the annual Sounds of the City festival, but given that England have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 tournament, they’ve naturally decided to make some changes.
It might not be in time for this next game against Norway, but should we make it past the Scandinavian side, Castlefield Bowl will be welcoming roughly 9,000 fans for the semis and (touch wood) the final.
Announced this week, the Road to Victory (RtV) team – backed by production company and promoters AIX Live, who specialise in multi-sensory, immersive fan experiences – is pledging to move into their latest Manc venue for the upcoming fixture at the very least.
Having started over at Depot Mayfield before moving to the likes of Diecast and most recently AO Arena, they’re planning to make the most of the ongoing heatwave by securing the beloved Bowl.
With the Manchester Storm ice hockey team returning to the Arena, they’ve had to vacate ahead of preparations, but it could mean that we’re now looking at one of the biggest outdoor supporter parks in the country, let alone the North West.
Once again, we’ve already had The K’s, Wet Leg and Johnny Marr play the multi-date music series this year, and there are more concerts booked, but some understandable exceptions are now being made.
Obviously, how many Road to Victory dates we get here all depends on whether or not Thomas Tuchel’s side make it past Haaland and co., but it’s sure to be a memorable night nonetheless.
Should the boys make it to the semi-final, tickets for the supporter park right after the match and, unsurprisingly, the demand is expected to be huge. For context, more than 40,000 joined the party for the 2022 World Cup, and the previous Euros final in 2024 sold out the AO Arena. Wow.
With that in mind, we’d say be quick on the draw and get down early with doors from 5pm, as the Road to Victory pre-show will kick things off pronto, alongside live DJs, entertainment and bars – all of which promise to deliver an unparalleled festival-like matchday atmosphere.
You can get ready to register your interest and grab yours as soon as they go on sale right HERE; in the meantime, if you’re still wondering where the best places to watch England vs Norway in Manchester are, look no further:
Emily Sergeant -
16th December 2020 
