Manchester Comic Con is back for 2023 and while we’re sure you’ve heard this one before, it really is looking bigger and better than ever.
Taking place over at Bowlers Exhibition Centre Arena in Stretford, Mancs will once again get a taste of the world-famous comic book and pop culture convention right here on our doorstep.
Bringing together some of the best from movies, TV and gaming right now, not to mention welcoming a fair few big names through their doors, it’s going to be a brilliant weekend.
As if 2022 wasn’t a great turnout already, this year’s event is selling out fast and with all this stuff to do, it’s no wonder. Here’s what you can expect from Comic Con Manchester 2023.
Special guest appearances
Last year’s MCR Comic Con saw the likes of Zachary Quinto, Lord of the Rings‘ Gimli himself, John Rhys Davies, The Walking Dead‘s Chandler Riggs (a.k.a. ‘Corrrral’) and more, but this year is looking stacked with ever more famous faces.
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The names confirmed for 2023 include Chuck and Shazam! star Zachary Levi, The Walking Dead‘s Lauren Cohan, Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan; comedy legend Seth Green, Chace Crawford and Jessie T Usher from the hit Amazon show, The Boys, My Name Is Earl‘s Ethan Suplee and countless others.
You can see the full list HERE but, to be honest, that’s more than enough to convince us to come along.
As for the main attractions on the day itself (you know, other than the pretty celebrities), they’re really pulling out all the stops this year.
From a giant Transformers Megatron, a ‘Do not open, dead inside’ TWD door photo prop, the Tardis from Doctor Who, Del Boy’s sofa and Reliant Regal from Only Fools and Horses, to Hopper’s truck from Stranger Things, a Lord of the Rings hobbit hole and many more, there’s loads to choose from.
There’s even a Star Wars-themed Cantina Space Bar where you can grab yourself a drink, not to mention some top-notch scran from Mama’s Kitchen just round the corner. Don’t mind if we do.
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Credit: Comic Con Manchester (via Instagram)
Live music, entertainment and more
But it isn’t just things to look at and pose with for a photo, thanks to lead sponsors brsk — the superfast fibre broadband firm based in Greater Manchester — Comic Con Manchester 2023 will also have a massive video game zone for you to play some top titles against your mates and others at the event.
Beyond the other games available on the day, brsk have also put together their own virtual reality experience for this year’s convention. You know how we love a bit of VR.
You’ll also be able to enjoy fairground rides, get your hands on plenty of official merch (which we’re sure will complement your undoubtedly dynamite cosplays perfectly), as well as the chance to grab signed action figures, memorabilia and more courtesy of Action Force Toys.
Last but not certainly least, the event will be treated to a live performance from Yorkshire band, Lina and the Lions, who are absolutely experts when it comes to playing these cons and don’t just play some proper good tunes but fully immerse themselves in the culture.
Speaking ahead of this year’s event, brsk’s Regional Head in Manchester, Gareth Cornelius, said: “For us, building a connection goes far beyond our broadband” — which is already providing over 260,000 UK homes with high speeds of up to 900Mbps, by the way.
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“At brsk, we believe that sponsoring an event like Comic Con Manchester, in partnership with the team from Bowlers, is an important opportunity to get to know and support the community in which we operate. Also, having fun is part of our company’s culture and what’s more fun than a day of superheroes and cosplay?”
Comic Con Manchester 2023 at the BEC Arena runs from 9am-6pm on Saturday, 29 July and runs right through until Sunday with the same opening times.
You can grab entry tickets to the full weekend and the afterparty events, or if you simply want to grab a photo and an autograph with some of the famous faces, you can do so HERE.
We hope to catch plenty of you there and we expect to see you in your best cosplay, of course!
Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Family-friendly LGBTQ+ festival returns to Manchester Pride 2026
Danny Jones
Exactly what it says on the tin, Proud Fest returns to Manchester for 2026, promising plenty of fun for all ages away from the main hustle and bustle this summer.
Best part of all? It’s completely FREE.
Taking place in the heart of the city centre, it offers a viable alternative to many who want to avoid the major crowds that flock to Gay Village’s Pride party every year.
Just the second year that this LGBTQIA+ festival has been set up, making its colourful debut in 2025, there’ll be everything from live music, games and other interactive opportunities for all ages, arts and crafts, plus workshops and plenty more; there’s something for everyone here.
Championing “entertainment, family-friendly activities, music, creativity, and plenty of Pride spirit”, the 2026 edition of Proud Fest is set to be one of the biggest ever.
Based around Great Northern Warehouse just off Deansgate and Peter Street, it’s set to be hosted by drag queen ‘Aida H Dee’, as well as Sara Gosney-Hughes, best-known for her travel expertise and work as a broadcaster and producer at nearby station Hits Radio.
With both calling Manchester home, alongside lots of other organisers behind the free festivities, you can expect plenty of hometown passion and pride – pun very much intended.
Set up in partnership with Proud 2 b Parents (P2bP), mums, dads and more will also be able to enjoy the official Pride parade from a viewing area in the dedicated Community Hall, where they’ll get a perfect spot to watch the floats and performers go down the strip.
Canal Street is already gearing up for those sublime, sun-soaked evenings at the end of August.
Speaking ahead of the latest iteration of the annual festival, Founder and CEO of P2bP, Matt Taylor-Roberts, told us in a statement: “Proud Fest is about creating the spaces many of us wished existed when we first became parents.
“It’s a celebration of LGBTQ+ families in all their diversity and a reminder that every family deserves to feel seen, supported and celebrated.”
At its core, this is about creating a safe and friendly option for families to still feel connected to the queer community and play their part in the wider celebrations.
You can grab your completely complimentary tickets right HERE.
And if you’re looking for other great days out for the family in Manchester this summer, there’s another free event happening at Circle Square earlier in the month.
Danny Jones -
26th July 2023 
