The summer season is starting to set in – and the award-winning Bongo’s Bingo is “incredibly excited” to be back at its Manchester spiritual home next month.
Now that the government’s “irreversible” roadmap for lifting England’s current national lockdown is well underway – with ‘Step Three’ set to commence from 17th May, which crucially sees hospitality resume indoor service – a return to normality is firmly on the horizon, and Bongo’s Bingo is back at the Albert Hall Manchester on Saturday 5th June.
This “overdue” opening summer show will be a brunch special, with food and drink from midday to 2pm, followed by the main Bongo’s Bingo event from 2pm – 5pm.
Pizzas are supplied by Manchester’s cult-favourite neapolitan pizzeria, Rudy’s Pizza.
Just as fans of the ever-popular event have come to expect, there’ll be plenty of celebrity cardboard cut outs, fluffy pink unicorns, crowd renditions of Mr Brightside, dance offs, many hands-in-the-air moments, and a mobility scooter thrown in for very good measure when Bongo’s Bingo hits the iconic hall next month.
Bongo’s Bingo combines the much-loved quaint pastime of bingo with a “mesmeric live show”, crazy antics and weird and wonderful prizes for a night full of madness, mischief and shared euphoria, with dancing and cheering to hits from across the ages all night long.
Bongo’s Bingo
Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Bongo’s Bingo continuously sold out shows in over 50 UK locations and more around the world, often seeing dates fully booked-up in advance and coming close to selling two million tickets.
Speaking ahead of the return to the Albert Hall next month, founder Jonny Bongo said: “We are gearing up for a fantastic Bongo’s Bingo summer and the guys cannot wait to be back in Manchester [as] it’s one of our all time fave locations for what we do and being back in the city will be so special.
“We know it has been such a difficult time for so many and want to bring some smiles back and give everyone some much needed fun.
“It’s great to be coming back”.
Tickets go on sale at midday tomorrow, and you can grab yours via the Bongo’s Bingo website here.
Featured Image – Bongo’s Bingo | Thumbnail – @manc_wanderer
What's On
Manchester Arndale is hosting FREE workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe
Emily Sergeant
Is your wardrobe feeling a little bland? Need to make some changes, but your bank account isn’t quite on the same wavelength? This event is here to help.
Those looking for some new ways to get creative with their style and put a spin on the clothes they already have are invited to head down to Manchester Arndale this weekend, as the Reimagine Your Fashion event is set to be a fun hands-on weekend celebrating personal style, smart choices, and sustainable ideas.
Whether you’re into upcycling, love yourself a styling session, or you just fancy doing something different in the city this summer, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into this weekend.
You can expect creative workshops, curated fashion rails, live styling tips, and a chance to give your pre-loved clothes a second life.
Oh, and did we mention it’s all free to take part in? Perfect.
There’s a collection of free ‘REWORK’ workshops taking place over the two-day event on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July, where you can learn how to turn old into gold – from patchwork denim makeovers, to scrunchie making, custom tote design, and loads more.
There’s no need to be a sewing pro either, as the workshops are beginner-friendly and designed to be relaxed and creative with all tools provided, so all you have to do is bring along the clothing items you want to upcycle.
Manchester Arndale is hosting free workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe this weekend / Credit: Priscilla Du Preez | Ashley Diane Worsham (via Unsplash)
At the ‘RESTYLE’ sessions, Rosie, who is the stylist behind Manchester Arndale’s summer campaign, will break down this season’s biggest trends and show you how to style what’s in store now, as well as being on-hand for styling tips and outfit advice.
And finally, there’ll also be a ‘RECYCLE’ station and drop-off point where you pass on your clean pre-loved clothes to two brilliant local charities doing vital work right here in Manchester – MASH, which supports women involved in sex work and those facing homelessness or gender-based violence, and Mustard Tree which works to tackle poverty across Greater Manchester.
“Your clothes could be someone else’s fresh start,” a spokesperson for Manchester Arndale said ahead of the event.
Reimagine Your Fashion is taking place at Exchange Court in Manchester Arndale on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July running from 12pm, and you can find out more information and the times of the free workshops online here.
Featured Image – Sarah Brown (via Unsplash)
What's On
New immersive Race Across the World Experience comes to Manchester this summer
Thomas Melia
Hit BBC TV show Race Across the World is launching an interactive experience in Manchester this summer, inspired by the series.
After five original series and two celebrity spin-offs, it was only a matter of time before the huge TV show materialised into ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’.
Just like the real programme, you will be sent on a mission across the heart of the city centre where you will have to complete tasks and reach various checkpoints to be crowned champion.
The missions will see players visiting Manchester hotspots, lesser known locations, renowned pubs, and distinctive landmarks across three hours.
Teams will rely on our trusty Bee Network as they take a trip on our vibrant yellow trams and buses to get around the city as they make their way to each puzzle and activity.
At each puzzle destination, participants will complete a challenge to guide them to their next location, all of which is pre-planned and spread across a five kilometre city-wide voyage.
For Mancs and anyone further afield, ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’ offers a whole new way to explore Manchester and gives you the chance to see some of the city’s best hidden gems, even if you are on a time limit.
This sounds like a great idea for friends and family alike, and based off the amount of times we’ve had to sprint down to Platform 14 at Manchester Piccadilly, I think us Mancs were born for this challenge.
In true Race Across the World style, the team who manages to finish not just with the fastest time but with the most budget remaining too, will be the ultimate victor.
Cast of BBC’s Race Across the World / Credit: BBC / Studio Lambert
Tom Rymer, Founder of CityDays, said: “Following an outstanding debut month in London that has thrilled fans of the show, both old and new, we are bringing the Race Across The World Experience to Manchester.
“New puzzles, new characters, new decisions and new discoveries, all coming soon over three new thrilling legs. Manchester, are you ready for your race?”
A launch date for ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’ is yet to be released but eager entrants can sign up to the official waitlist and find out even more information HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
7th May 2021 
