A rave event inspired by the smash-hit Netflix series Squid Game is set to arrive at one of Manchester’s most iconic venues next month.
South Korean survival drama Squid Game is all anyone seems to be talking about recently.
If you’re unfamiliar with the show, or you’re yet to give it to watch, it centres on a contest where 456 players, drawn from different walks of life but each deeply in debt, play a set of children’s games with deadly penalties for losing for the chance to win a 45.6 billion prize.
The nine-part series has been getting rave-reviews, widespread critical acclaim, and has gone on to become one of streaming platform’s most-watched programmes.
And now, it’s coming to Manchester.
ADVERTISEMENT
Well, not quite – but WARPED is hosting a themed event for one night only to celebrate the captivating series with its very own ‘Squid Rave’, and tickets are now on sale.
Taking place on Wednesday 11 November at the iconic Deaf Institute in the heart of Manchester city centre, a description for the highly-anticipated event explains that those who buy a ticket must arrive between 11pm – 12:30am dressed in “preferably green” tracksuits, and will be assigned a number on entry by the guards.
ADVERTISEMENT
VIP Ticket holders must arrive wearing their mask and immediately go to the exclusive designated area.
As well as some of the best disco, house, Nu Rave, R&B, and UK Garage tunes being blasted out the speakers, there’ll also be plenty of mini games, and plenty of random / cash prizes up for grabs throughout the themed-rave event.
More information will be revealed closer to the event, but WARPED has assured ravers that this is a nightclub event and “no one will be harmed during the night”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tickets are on sale now from £5.60, and £15.40 for VIP Tickets – grab yours here.
Featured Image – Netflix
What's On
Loads of legendary retro steam trains will be travelling through Greater Manchester next month
Emily Sergeant
History will be rolling through Greater Manchester next month as loads of legendary steam trains will be showcased.
East Lancashire Railway‘s (ELR) Legends of Steam event is back again for the second year after proving so popular last spring, and this time around, there’ll be loads of iconic locomotives with ties to both film and royalty on display.
Returning from Friday 14 – Sunday 16 March, as part of the heritage railway’s ongoing 200th anniversary celebrations, well-known historic steam trains such the LNER A1 Peppercorn Class 60163 ‘Tornado ’ and the LMS Black 5 45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’ will be on display, alongside a pair of ‘Bulleid’ light pacifics too.
‘Tornado’, which is the fastest steam engine to run since the 1960s, is also set to hit the tracks in a couple of weeks too.
This particular train has famously transported royals, and has appeared on TV shows and films, such as Top Gear and Paddington 2.
Fans of the ‘Jacobite’ steam train, which was made famous by its appearances over the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the much-loved Harry Potter film series, also have the chance to ride behind one of the regular locomotives from the Ian Riley fleet, 45407.
Rounding out the packed lineup is the instantly-recognisable pair of Southern Region Light Pacifics, 34092 ‘City of Wells’ and the recently-arrived Battle of Britain Class, 34081 ’92 Squadron’.
There’s also a number of dining experiences to make the most of too.
Rail enthusiasts can either enjoy an authentic ‘Golden Arrow’ menu on Friday 14 March aboard a traditional Pullman-styled carriage hauled by one of the Southern locomotives, or even take the unique opportunity to ride the iconic ‘Tornado on Saturday 15 March and indulge in fine dining options while travelling through the picturesque Irwell Valley.
East Lancashire Railway’s Legends of Steam festival will be back next month / Credit: ELR
“We are very proud to continue welcoming a great number of iconic locomotives to the ELR,” explained Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway.
“It is such a privilege to provide access to these express steam engines to the thousands of rail enthusiasts and families across the country, and also a great opportunity to introduce these legendary locomotives to first-timers wishing to experience the magic of rail travel.”
East Lancashire Railway’s Legends of Steam returns on Friday 14 – Sunday 16 March 2025.
Both day ticket and dining options available, and you can find out more information and grab your tickets on the ELR website here.
Featured Image – ELR
What's On
Iconic stage musical Mamma Mia! is coming back to Manchester next year
Emily Sergeant
Here we go again… one of the most iconic stage musicals of all time is coming back to Manchester next year.
There’s absolutely no denying that Mamma Mia! has millions of fans right across the globe, after all, when you take all of ABBA’s greatest hits and put them into one all-singing all-dancing show, it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
Going from the West End to becoming a global phenomenon, this irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world for more than two decades.
Now in its 26th year, Mamma Mia! has been watched on stage by over 11 million people in more than 10,000 performances just in London’s West End alone, as well as its UK and international tours having visited 42 countries in the past 20 years, performing more than 3,750 shows, and being seen by over 7.3 million people.
Join us at MAMMA MIA! and enjoy the ultimate feel-good factor at the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical in Manchester for three weeks only!
Oh, and who could forget, it’s also been turned into two record-breaking movie adaptations with all-star casts – the first in 2008, and the sequel in 2018.
The sensational feel-good musical is returning to the stage where it belongs next spring though, as it embarks on an all-new UK tour – including stopping off to visit the Manchester‘s legendary Palace Theatre from 3-26 March 2026.
Casting for the UK tour is set to be announced in due course.
Iconic stage musical Mamma Mia! is coming back to Manchester next year / Credit: Brinkhoff Mogenburg
While we wait to see who the stars will be, what we do know is that the music and lyrics for the show are provided by none of than ABBA’s very-own by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, while it’ll be directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast.
Tickets for the highly-anticipated show are expected to be snapped up super fast when they go on sale in a couple of days time on Wednesday (26 February) at 10am.
Emily Sergeant -
12th October 2021 
