MediaCityUK is gearing up to hostVan Gogh Alive next month, and tickets are already being snapped up fast.
It’s “the world’s most visited immersive, multi-sensory experience” that exhibits the life and work of the seminal Dutch artist and after having welcomed over eight million visitors in 70 cities around the world – including sell-out runs in London and Birmingham – the art and culture experience is now destined for Salford.
Van Gogh Alive takes people on a trip through the periods of Van Gogh’s life that defined him as an artist and showcases 3,000 images, including some of his most iconic works like Starry Night and Sunflowers, and lesser-known paintings inspired by his love of Japanese woodprints.
Created by Grande Experiences, Van Gogh Alive has been called a “glorious, stunning, but also very moving” exhibition.
It’ll feature a state-of-the-art gallery technology set to an evocative classical score delivered via a 3D sound system, and an interpretive area where visitors can learn more about Van Gogh’s life, as well as interactive art stations that let people create their own art with the help of expert video tutorials.
ADVERTISEMENT
The exhibition is also home to a life-sized walk-in representation of Van Gogh’s ‘Bedroom in Arles’ painting and a ‘Sunflower selfie room’ – a 360° mirrored space complete with hundreds of sunflowers.
Van Gogh Alive has been called a “glorious, stunning, but also very moving” exhibition / Credit: Van Gogh Alive
Van Gogh Alive is supporting The Christie charity and is using the experience as a platform to help raise vital funds so the charity can continue its incredible work leading the way for cancer care, research, and education.
ADVERTISEMENT
Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to make a donation to The Christie charity either when purchasing tickets, or while at the exhibition.
Speaking ahead of Van Gogh Alive’s arrival at MediaCityUK next month, Bruce Peterson – Owner of Grande Experiences – said: “After mesmerising a global audience of over eight million people and selling-out cities all over the world, including Rome, Sydney and of course our most recent location at Kensington Gardens in London, we’re incredibly excited to be bringing Van Gogh Alive to MediaCityUK.
“This is an unforgettable cultural experience for all the family.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Marie Toller – Head of Major Relationships at The Christie charity – also said the experience “looked absolutely stunning”.
“This is an unforgettable cultural experience for all the family.” / Credit: Van Gogh Alive
“We are delighted that Van Gogh Alive has chosen to support The Christie charity,” she stated.
“The Christie relies on the support and donations from the public to provide our patients with the very best care, treatment and access to research options. Monies raised from the Van Gogh Alive exhibition will go towards making life that little bit easier for cancer patients and enhancing their experience while at The Christie hospital.”
“It’s wonderful to be welcoming such an impactful art experience as Van Gogh Alive to Salford’s MediaCityUK,” added Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor.
“Communities have really missed experiencing arts and entertainment, with the hospitality and creative industries being amongst the hardest hit from the impacts of COVID-19, so it is brilliant to be seeing the creative industries launching new and innovative experiences for all to enjoy within a safe framework [and] I look forward to being transported into the fascinating world of Van Gogh.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Van Gogh Alive takes people on a trip through the periods of Van Gogh’s life that defined him as an artist / Credit: Van Gogh Alive
Van Gogh Alive opens its doors from 22 October 2021 – 23 January 2022 at MediaCityUK, and tickets are on sale now.
Tickets are priced at £22 for adults and £15 for children, with concessions and school group discounts available.
Albert’s Schloss is hosting a massive Y2K-inspired New Year’s Eve party
Danny Jones
Albert’s Schloss, home to some of Manchester’s biggest and wildest nights out, is hosting one massive blowout to celebrate New Year 2025.
Known for their big, Bavarian-themed events, live oompah bands, fantastic alpine food and drink, not to mention plenty of dancing on tables, the Peter Street favourite located just off Deansgate never does things in half measures.
In fact, the partying is beyond tried and tested, as plenty of Mancs plan to visit Albert’s Schloss for NYE annually, so it’s a good job they’re getting ahead this year, with tickets already on sale now.
They’re also no stranger to theme, and this time they’re looking to ring in the New Year by looking back at one of the biggest dates in modern memory: the turn of the Millennium.
Come curtains up, this is gonna be the biggest night of the year. (Credit: Press shot via Albert’s Schloss)
Yes, with the Y2K style back in vogue, be it the fashion, music, hairstyles and more, Manchester Albert’s Schloss is capitalising on the moment with a full-on revival that would put even the best of late ’90s/early noughties clubbing through its paces.
From 7pm onwards, guests can look forward to the usual Haus bands, DJs sets and all-star showtime cast delivering live music, dancing and pure, unfiltered joy.
As per an official press release, strap-in for a night full of “pop anthems, disco classics, and a few guilty pleasures as the haus transforms into a glitter-soaked time capsule of millennium madness.”
You have our attention – carry on…
With three other locations around the UK, including Birmingham, London and Liverpool’s Albert’s Shenke’s, we can vouch for Manchester’s very own being the best.
If the scenes from their Octoberfest celebrations are anything to go by, this event won’t disappoint and in-line with the rest of the festive period, bookings for their Christmas parties are also open.
Of course, guests are encouraged to embrace the theme; crop tops, cargo pants, bucket hats and double denim are all encouraged. As they put it, “Whether you’re channelling Britney, Bowie or the Backstreet Boys, this is your chance to party like it’s 1999.”
General Admission tickets start from £50 and include a glass of prosecco on arrival. Entry is from 7pm, with the last entry window closes by 10:30pm. This also a strictly 21+ only event.
There’s also a special Albert’s Schloss NYE set menu offer to, priced at £90 per person and including a glass of prosecco, canapés on arrival and midnight snacks to keep the party fuelled into the early hours.
Expect a three-course feast made up of a bier onion soup and beef carpaccio, sauerbraten beef short rib and roast chicken supreme, as well as a choice of milk chocolate mousse and vanilla crème brûlée.
Secure your place at one of the biggest parties while you still can – you can grab your tickets HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Albert’s Schloss)
What's On
A noughties fashion throwback is returning to Manchester and handing out freebies – including tattoos
Danny Jones
Beloved nineties and noughties clothing band Bench is at the beginning of a renaissance, and as they prepare to hand out free samples and even tattoos as part of their ‘Revival Collection’ sale, they’re returning to where it all started: Manchester.
Toasting the Y2K trends that have come back into style, the locally-founded label – started here in our city circa 1989 – is once again looking to make inroads and remind everyone why they were such a cult favourite name to begin with.
Preparing to reinstate its position in the Manc streetwear scene, Bench is set to make its comeback with a massive sample sale right here in Manchester, and there’s plenty of discounted stuff plus complimentary bits up for grabs.
We’re about to dance and dress like it’s 1999.
@bench.official Your first look at our AW25 Revival collection, available exclusively at Bench. Open House at the @Manchester Social this Thursday 6th November 👀 Shop samples old and new (yep, there’s even more available) for exclusive prices at our Manchester city centre sample sale event 💸 #samplesale#manchester♬ original sound – Bench Official
Spread across three whole floors, the ‘Bench Open House’ and Y2K Revival Collection will be on show at The Manchester Social tattoo studio.
Featuring timeless staples like oversized tees, vintage wash and classic turn-of-the-century style denim, big, baggy sweats and low-slung trousers re-designed for a new era.
Promising “extra goodies” from brands like Isovibe and Sunday Rain to the first 50 purchases on the day, you can expect plenty of familiar makes on show.
Being housed at Manchester Social too, the first 25 guests to book in will get a free flash tattoo on the night, courtesy of the studio’s talented fine-line artists; bookings can be made online or over the phone in advance for this directly.
And that’s no way near all there is on offer…
Those coming along can also enjoy retro gaming, nostalgic beats from live DJs supplying ’90s house party vibes, as well as cool photo ops, cocktails from Zubrowka (bison grass vodka brand), Baby Beer shots by Licor 43, plus non-alcoholic rum cocktails from Caleño. Immaculate energy all night long.
We’re personally loving how much late 1990s/early ’00s fashion is doing the rounds again. (Credit: Press shots)
Most importantly of all, the full proceeds from the sale will be donated to the native homeless charity Mustard Tree, which helps support people across the region.
Joanne Reidy, Head of Marketing at Bench’s parent group Apparel Brands, commented: “At Bench, Manchester isn’t just our home, it’s helped shape our identity.
“We’re proud that every sale from the Open House sample sale will go directly to Mustard Tree, supporting their vital work helping people across the city.”
Jack Barton, Head of Communications at the non-profit organisation, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to be the beneficiary of this event. Our mission is to combat poverty and prevent homelessness – it is down to the goodwill of our Greater Manchester partners who make this possible.
The Bench Open House and sample sale event takes place from 6-10pm at Manchester Social (9 South King Street, M2 6DG) this Thursday, 6 November. It’s completely free entry, but those looking to cop one of the selected designs can book in now.
Emily Sergeant -
9th September 2021 
