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There’s a new drive-in cinema taking over the abandoned Camelot Theme Park this summer

Summer Knights is arriving this month, and it's set to be a "sun-soaked bonanza of fun".

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 11th May 2022

A new drive-in cinema screening some cult-classic films is set to take over the abandoned Camelot Theme Park this summer.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Chorley-based theme park, it made a name for itself entertaining the North West masses for nearly 30 years before it closed to the public for good back in 2012, and had sadly remained out-of-use and largely derelict ever since.

That was, until events company Park N Party – the team also behind sell-out seasonal drive-in events SecretCity, ScareCity, and ChristmasCity – brought the attraction’s abandoned rides and empty footpaths back to life earlier this year for the hugely-popular Camelot Rises, which saw visitors get to experience all the “sensations” that put them right in the middle of an apocalyptic event, with live actors, scene-setting lights and sounds, and so much more.

But now, Northern kids of the 80s, 90s, and 00s will truly be able to revisit their youth, as the abandoned park goes back to its days of Arthurian legend for the new Summer Knights drive-in cinema and entertainment attraction.

Event organisers are saying to expect a “sun-soaked bonanza of fun”.

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Summer Knights arrives at Camelot Theme Park this month / Credit: Park N Party

Arriving within the grounds of Camelot from the end of this month, visitors will get to watch a wide selection of great films at what Park N Party is calling its “brightest drive-in cinema yet”.

There’ll be themed nights dedicated to cult movies, chilling horror, joyful singalongs, romance, and family-friendly fun, so there’s definitely something for everyone.

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Kicking off on Friday 20 May with the absolute 70s classic that is Grease, some of the other film highlights in the genre-diverse lineup include Insidious, Superbad, The Greatest Showman, Anchorman, Dirty Dancing, and Disney’s newest smash-hit, Encanto, just to name a few.

Pitch Perfect, Mamma Mia, Fight Club, and more will also be screened over the summer.

Summer Knights is set to be a “sun-soaked bonanza of fun” / Credit: Park N Party

While the movies may be the main event, this isn’t your typical drive-in cinema experience, as you can expect everything from singing and dancing opportunities throughout, to classic cinema snacks, sweet treats, a beer garden, and plenty of outdoor seating too.

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Just like all other Park N Party’s previous events, there will be a fully-licensed bar and a number of street food vendors on site to choose from to make it a truly magical night.

Summer Knights will officially take over Camelot Theme Park from Friday 20 May, and is set to run right through to Saturday 25 June, with tickets currently on sale and setting you back just £25 per vehicle.

Grab tickets here.

Featured Image – Park N Party

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A completely free canal-side festival is coming back to Salford again

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia A completely free canal-side festival is coming back to Salford again

After a successful run last year, the Salford-based Middlewood Locks Fest is returning for a second time with the promise of an even bigger and better programme of entertainment, food and fun. 

Taking place on Saturday 10 May from 2pm-10pm, the free festival returns to Middlewood Locks..

Whether you’re local or just looking for a great day out, the festival will have something for everyone. There’ll be plenty of activities and pop-up stalls for you to get involved with, including a daytime market as well as children’s interactive workshops.

Get Living is proud to support the festival for the second year, which celebrates local creativity, community spirit and culture. The event is set to take place on the doorstep of New Maker Yards, Get Living’s canal-side neighbourhood.

With a range of one-three bedroom homes available for rent, New Maker Yards blends spacious, stylish apartments with green open spaces, complete with an on-site cafe and a strong community feel – all at the heart of the vibrant Middlewood Locks neighbourhood, where  the festival action is taking place.

For Middlewood Locks Fest, a Makers Market will be taking place throughout the day with items on offer from local makers, artisans, performers and creators, including plants, jewellery, artwork, clothes and produce.

The Canal & River Trust is organising explorer’s activities for kids and families alike, while St Philip’s CE Primary School has worked with artists to create bespoke decorations for the event too.

A completely free canal-side festival is coming back to Salford again
A completely free canal-side festival is coming back to Salford again. Credit: Karen Wright

If that wasn’t enough for you, how about a special appearance from a canal-side regular as a giant Canadian goose puppet will also be making an appearance to meet festival-goers.

Everything really is catered for here. On top of the makers market and masterclasses, there will also be live music courtesy of a brass band – that sounds like music to my ears.

There’s even the opportunity to go on the water yourself as a handful of rafted canoes will be in use for activities throughout the day.

And of course food is in safe hands too. Street food vendors including Taka Taka Mam will be bringing all the flavours of the Mediterranean and stuffing them into their famous hearty gyros, while city favourites Ginger’s Ice Cream Emporium is popping up from Afflecks to soak up the sun and provide dreamy desserts direct from the canal-side pop-up.

Middlewood Locks Fest in Salford
Middlewood Locks Fest in Salford
Middlewood Locks Fest, a canal-side festival in Salford. Credit: Karen Wright Photography

And when the sun’s out it would be rude not to treat yourself to a tipple, so good thing that the Adams & Rose Bar is making an appearance to fill up your glass with the finest gin and rum selection.

As the night comes to an end, you can dance the night away to some epic tunes thanks to a live DJ while being surrounded by a mesmerising fire and sound installation to close this spectacular celebration.

Kim Quickfall, Regional Director at Get Living, said: “Last year’s Middlewood Locks Fest was
a huge success and we’re excited to be supporting the event again in 2025.

“Bringing people from across Salford and the wider area together, the day will celebrate the best of local culture, enterprise and creativity with activities and events for all.”

Middlewood Locks Fest is returning to Salford on Sunday 10 May from 2pm to 10pm and more information can be found HERE.

For those that can’t make the festival fun, there are plenty of other things to see and do in the area. From the delicious treats at 97 Degrees Coffee to the landmark Aviva Studios cultural hub,  there is plenty to discover in this buzzing neighbourhood.

Explore the 1-3 bedroom homes for rent at New Maker Yards and discover more at getliving.com.

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Featured image: Karen Wright Photography

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A theatre adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy film North By Northwest is coming to Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Alfred Hitchcock’s much-loved spy classic, North By NorthWest, is hitting the stage and visiting one of Manchester’s most celebrated theatres. 

This new, riotously funny production will be visiting HOME theatre for a run of shows kicking off this week. 

The show reworks Hitchcock’s film of the same name, following one man who accidentally lands himself in the middle of a Cold War conspiracy. 

Now adapted for the stage by Emma Rice, North By Northwest follows an unfortunate mix-up where a mistimed phone call to his mother lands Roger Thornhill in a spot of bother. 

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy film North By Northwest is hitting the stage in Manchester / Credit: Steve Tanner (via Supplied)

Audiences will see this unlikely (and reluctant) hero head on the run, dodging spies, airplanes and a femme fatale. 

For the theatre production at HOME, the classic spy film (that starred Cary Grant) has been turned on its head and stars just six shape-shifting performers. 

There’s a fabulous 1950s soundtrack to go with it too – and, apparently, a lot of suitcases. 

Tickets are now on sale, and it’s already being described as a must-see / Credit: Steve Tanner (via Supplied)

North By NorthWest promises ‘glamour, romance, jeopardy and a liberal sprinkling of tender truths’.

Artistic director Emma Rice has already adapted and directed products for Wise Children including The Buddha of Suburbia, Blue Beard, and Wuthering Heights, plus worked as artistic director for Shakespeare’s Globe. 

The cast is made up of Mirabelle Gremaud as Anna; Patrycja Kujawska as Eve Kendall; Kary Owen as The Professor; Simon Oskarsson as Valerian; Karl Queensborough as Phillip Vandamm; and Ewan Wardrop as Roger Thornhill.

North by Northwest is a co-production with Wise Children, York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, and is currently on a UK tour. 

Read more:

You can catch it at HOME between 29 April and 10 May – see more and book tickets HERE.

Featured Image – Steve Tanner (via Supplied)

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