School’s are out for half term in Greater Manchester at the end of this month and there’s plenty of “fang-tastic fun” for all the family to be getting up to at Great Northern.
Just like everything else amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the spooky season is gearing up to be a little different this year, but with the nights drawing in and Halloween just around the corner, you can still make the most out of October half term at Great Northern.
With offers and events suitable for days out with family, or evenings with your social bubble, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at “Manchester’s ultimate leisure destination”.
What can you expect then?
Well, in what is sure to be one the highlights of the week, the Halloween in the City monsters are back. These giant inflatable creatures have become a real stand-out in Manchester’s Halloween celebrations over the years, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll see a tentacled monster reaching out across the Great Northern Square from 26th October – 1st November.
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You can also head to the Odeon to enjoy one of the many blood-curdling blockbusters that are currently screening, including the family-friendly Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, or you can leave the kids at home instead and prepare to be scared out of your wits with spine-chilling horrors like Saint Maud or Unhinged.
With tickets starting at just £5, everyone can indulge in a spooky season scare.
Trick or treating as we’ve come to know it is unfortunately off the cards this year, but for a trick or treat that the whole family will love, you can head to Alex’s Bakery at Great Northern instead for an afternoon tea that consists of a spookily-delicious assortment of savoury snacks and sweet treats.
With three price tiers starting from £9.90 per person, it’s a no brainer.
Or why not treat yourselves to some award-winning chocolate from Dormouse, which recently won an International Chocolate Award for its eerily good Guara Estate 75% dark chocolate, or for an even more spooktacular treat, you can dine at cult-favourite burger joint Almost Famous, which is home to some of Manchester’s biggest and best burgers.
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The menu stand-out at the moment sees little ones get to celebrate in style with the Home Alone cheeseburger, from the kids menu, which is topped with frazzles, mac and cheese and a strawberry pop tart for the ultimate Halloween feast.
You can find more information on October activities via the Great Northern Warehouse website here.
What's On
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
A Medieval Faire with birds of prey and live demonstrations is coming to Manchester’s oldest building
Daisy Jackson
Manchester is going back to the Middle Ages this month as the city’s Medieval Faire returns to Chetham’s Library for a day of history, live entertainment, and family fun.
The free event is taking place on Saturday 26 September, with the grounds of the historic building transformed into a medieval celebration from 11am to 4pm.
And with Chetham’s medieval buildings dating all the way back to 1421, there probably aren’t many more fitting places in Manchester to spend the day pretending you’ve stepped back several centuries.
Visitors can expect plenty going on throughout the day, including walking tours of Manchester’s Medieval Quarter, birds of prey, specialist stalls, and live demonstrations showing what life was like during the medieval era.
There’ll also be historical re-enactors from Historia Normannis, bringing the sights, sounds and characters of the Middle Ages to life.
The event is being staged in partnership with the University of Manchester and Manchester Cathedral, with organisers hoping to get people of all ages interested in the city’s often-overlooked medieval history.
Julianne Simpson, Librarian at Chetham’s Library, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Medieval Faire back to Chetham’s.
The Manchester Medieval Faire returns this month
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to discover Manchester’s medieval heritage through hands-on experiences, live performances, and historical demonstrations.
“Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a fun family day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Best of all, entry is completely free and you don’t need to book.
If you fancy going a bit deeper into Manchester’s history while you’re there, guided tours of Chetham’s Library will also be available to book on the day for £8.50 per person.
The tours offer visitors the chance to explore one of the UK’s most significant historic libraries and discover more about its collections, characters and stories.
So, if your weekend plans involve less brunch and more medieval re-enactments, birds of prey and wandering around one of Manchester’s oldest buildings, this one’s worth putting in the diary.
Emily Sergeant -
14th October 2020 
