Just in time for the October half term, the jaw-dropping multi-sensory experience has already captivated eight million people in a whopping 75 cities right across the world, and has proven to be just as exciting for children as it is for adults – perhaps even more so.
With 3,000 images from the seminal Dutch artist’s renowned body of work digitally emblazoned onto supersized backdrops, and paintings that are ready for little ones to literally climb right into, Van Gogh Alive is so much more than a visit to a gallery, or a ‘don’t touch’ museum trip.
Organisers assure that it’s “immersive, interactive, and inspiring” for people of all ages.
Thinking of checking it out? Here’s five reasons why babies, toddlers, kids, and teens should be first in line for half term week when the purpose-built venue lands at MediaCityUK on 22 October.
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Van Gogh Alive has been called a “glorious, stunning, but also very moving” exhibition / Credit: Van Gogh Alive
1. It’s the world’s most visited multi-sensory experience
We weren’t kidding – eight million people have already flocked to Van Gogh Alive when it’s visited other cities across the world.
It’s a feast of sight, sound, and scent set to an evocative score that will help younger visitors to understand the emotion and tone of each artwork as they explore the space, while also enjoying the authentic fragrance of Provence wafting through the air.
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Even the most hard-to-please teenagers are bound to be entertained by the larger-than-life imagery and a mirrored room filled to the brim with sunflowers – which makes for a cracking photo opportunity.
2. It’s fun, educational, and interactive
No one will be shushed, no one will be told not to touch, and no one will be bored – this is the kind of awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience that parents desperately search for.
Van Gogh is one of the world’s most important artists of all time, and throughout this experience, young visitors will discover his work, his life, his descent into madness, and his legacy, meaning it’s pretty much the best art, history, and geography lesson they could ever hope for.
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Whether the idea of learning excites your kids or not, they will learn – and they will love it.
Not only will you be able to step straight into Van Gogh’s world, both kids and adults alike can try their hands at using his techniques and learning his craft, with three graded tutorials on offer at the dedicated Art Activity Area, and even the opportunity to recreate some of the artist’s most famous works.
So you can leave the grey Manchester skies outside, and step into a world of kaleidoscopic colour and 360-degree delight.
The jaw-dropping multi-sensory experience has already captivated eight million people / Credit: Van Gogh AliveIt’s a feast of sight, sound, and scent set to an evocative score that will help younger visitors to understand the emotion / Credit: Van Gogh Alive
3. Climb into an actual painting
This is your chance to, quite literally, climb inside of an actual painting.
There’ll be a life-sized recreation of ‘Van Gogh’s Bedroom’ – one of his most famous pieces – truly bringing art to life at the installation, and families can sit on Van Gogh’s bed, his chair, use his mirror, and pose for a photo in one of the most recognisable bedrooms in history.
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Where else does a painting spring out into life sized, touchable, three-dimensional reality?
It’s another layer of magic that the whole family will love.
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Van Gogh Alive opens its doors from 22 October 2021 – 23 January 2022 at MediaCityUK, and tickets are on sale now.
It’s £22 for adults and £15 for children, with concessions and school group discounts available.
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Event organisers are hoping to raise vital funds for The Christie charity to help it continue its incredible work leading the way for cancer care, research, and education – and visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to make a donation either when purchasing tickets, or while at the exhibition.
Controlled visitor capacities and managed visitor flow mean visitors can easily respect any COVID-19 guidelines and enjoy the experience safely.
New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Trafford Centre reveals Halloween events lineup with ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and more
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is nearly upon us, and the Trafford Centre has now announced its lineup of Halloween activities to get stuck into.
With not long to go until schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term, and with Halloween within touching distance, the major shopping centre has revealed an exciting collection of events that’ll be happening over the next couple of weeks – and there’s activities for people of all ages.
From creepy crafts, to hair-raising rides and eerie evening entertainment, there’s something for every brave soul.
Back by popular demand from 25 October is the Halloween Fair, which will pop up outside The Great Hall featuring nerve-shredding rides, a spine-tingling atmosphere, carnival vibes, and loads more, right through until 2 November.
Brand new for 2025 is Fright Night at the fair, which is a truly immersive scare experience for daring teens and adults.
The Trafford Centre has revealed its Halloween events lineup for 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Fright Night will bring three evenings of pure horror from 30 October – 1 November, as creepy characters roam the fairground once the sun’s gone down.
For families wanting half term fun but looking for a gentler kind of magic, there’s a chance to join characters Wanda Web and Jack O’Lantern for some creepy crafts like relaxing pumpkin decorating, eerie face painting, and making your own witches and wizards hats to take home.
The legendary Big Wheel will also be returning for the festive season so you can ascend into the misty night sky high above the Trafford Centre for eerie nighttime views.
And to top it all off, Gandeys will be bringing back the fan-favourite ‘Spooktacular’ for 2025.
There’ll be ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and loads more to get involved with / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year for us at Trafford Centre, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“From spine-chilling rides and late-night scares to pumpkin painting for the little ones, we’ve created an experience that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome families, friends and thrill-seekers alike for a Halloween celebration like no other.”
Emily Sergeant -
8th October 2021 
