And it’s doing so in a way that only Point Blank knows how by giving visitors the chance to book shooting simulation sessions for free all day every day when you spend over £15 per head on food and drink at the Manchester and Newcastle branches.
This unmissable offer isn’t sticking around for long though, so you’ll have to be quick on the draw and head down there this week if you want to take advantage of it.
Not only that, but for the first time ever, it is opening its doors to those under 18 years of age and offering free shooting over the half term break to experience a family-friendly and COVID-secure day out that is quite literally like nothing else in the country, let alone Manchester.
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If you’re looking for somewhere completely different to occupy the kids’ minds and let off some steam during the school holidays, then you really need look no further.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGSJM1wgsPK/
Unfamiliar with the concept of this unique venue? Haven’t heard of Point Blank before?
This newly-established player in the city’s activity and hospitality scene – which arrived with a bang last summer and has sold out almost every Friday and Saturday that it has been open since – is the UK’s first fully-immersive shooting simulation range based on Deansgate.
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It offers customers the chance to experience the very latest first-person firing technology, but that’s only half the story.
While there’s no doubting it’s certainly a hive of activity for thrill-seekers, it’s also a spot for the cocktail crowd looking for something new, a den for the foodies hoping to try a different spin on classic night-time cuisine, and in a time pre-COVID, it was also quite the popular pre-drinks space for the party people looking to warm up before the nightclub.
And now, you can add family-friendly day out destination to that list too.
Point Blank
As well as it’s impressive Prohibition era-inspired bar serving an eclectic collection of tipples and mocktails, Point Blank’s extensive menu takes inspiration from our transatlantic cousins.
It specialises in hot wings, hot dogs and hot cheese nachos – which remain firm-favourites among customers – and there’s also mac and cheese nuggets, lemon sole bites, BBQ belly pork, and wide selection of top-notch veggie and vegan dishes to get stuck into as well.
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With all of this on offer, and the free shooting sessions available for a limited time only this week, you’re going to want to get your slot secured now as Point Blank has said that the ranges are booking up fast.
To book your slot in advance of your visit, head to the Point Blank Manchester website here.
What's On
Manchester favourites hosting a heartwarming festive social for those alone this Christmas
Danny Jones
Beloved Manchester bar and cafe, Haunt, have announced that they will be hosting a special social to spread some much-needed seasonal cheer to those who are spending Christmas apart from their families and/or friends this year.
Wholesome stuff from a wholesome bunch.
That’s right, friendly neighbourhood ghosts Haunt will be putting on a little free shindig for the 2025 festive period in an effort not only to share the typical kindness with locals based in and around the city centre but to help create “a sense of community, no matter what your situation”.
Announcing the completely open-to-the-public Christmas Eve party over the weekend, the team are looking to provide those who might otherwise be lonely or struggle during the holidays with a warm, arms-wide welcome, plus plenty more.
Writing on their social media account this past Sunday, bar manager JJ said: “People, it’s time to connect this Christmas! We will be providing free coffee and sweet treats from 12-5pm on Christmas Eve, as well as some games and workshops.
“We’ve put a lot of work into this, so it would be amazing to see as many of you there as possible! Also need this to reach the people that need an event like this most, so please share and repost.
“As always, look out for your people, I wouldn’t be anywhere without mine – JJ xoxo”
Come on, who doesn’t love seeing heartwarming stuff like this on their feed, especially when it comes to a time of year where so many suffer quietly amid the majority having a good time?
This isn’t the first time they’ve held a pop-up that’s caught our attention in 2025, either; it was only last month that we were surprised to stumble on a mini padel court in the middle of the room.
Once again, there’ll be brews and fresh bakes, as well as plenty of other activities to keep people entertained on the night.
As described in their post, Christmas can be tough for a lot of people, and if they can make even just one person looking for some kindness and companionship feel better for a few hours this year, then they’ll have done above and beyond their job.
It goes without saying that we love seeing local businesses taking the social and community side of their work like this to heart and putting in serious effort to make a difference.
Well done to JJ, the Chosen Family support group, and everyone at Haunt for setting this up; if you know anyone who might be interested in coming along, please do pass on the information.
You can grab your free tickets via Eventbrite right HERE, and maybe we’ll see some of you there.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Haunt (via Instagram)
What's On
The full lineup for the Strictly Live tour has been revealed
Danny Jones
Yes, ballroom lovers, it’s here: the full lineup of dancers for the ‘Strictly Come Dancing Live’ tour has finally and officially been revealed.
It feels like fans have been waiting ages to find out the entire roster for the Strictly Live tour next year, with only limited waves having been released thus far.
However, the patience has paid off, and we now know who’ll be starring both on the stage and on down on the floors of some of Britain’s most beloved venues, including our very own AO Arena.
You can see the latest raft of additions down below.
As you can see, the final four couples who complete the next Strictly Live tour lineup for 2026 are social media personality George Clarke, Emmerdale face Lewis Cope, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and another actor in Layton Williams.
This quality quartet will be paired up with Alexis Warr, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley and Nikita Kuzmin, respectively; it has already been confirmed that much-loved trio Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood will be returning as judges, with Janette Manrara remaining as host.
Strictly‘s still ongoing season – the 23rd in the show’s history – is due to conclude this weekend, following the final on Saturday night (20 December), and it remains to be seen which of the current cast will be crowned champion, with several of those above and below now signed up for the live tour.
The rest of the Strictly Live dancers for 2026 here:
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka ‘Nitro’
Alex Kingston
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Balvinder Sopal
George Clarke
La Voix
Chris Robshaw
Ellie Goldstein
Thomas Skinner
Vicky Pattison
Stefan Dennis
Ross King
Karen Carney
Lewis Cope
Amber Davies
It isn’t guaranteed that each of these contestants will be taking part in EVERY single one of the tour dates, but either way, you’ve still got ‘The Professionals’ to come next spring, too.
The annual Strictly Come Dancing UK tour has become a firm fan favourite, not only among die-hard viewers of the BBC show but lovers of live entertainment in general.
Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and others confirmed the dates for their live shows earlier this year, with the AO set to host the two days’ worth of moves across Saturday, 31 January and Sunday, 1 February.
Hosting both normal evening shows as well as matinee slots, it’s simply up to you at what time of day you fancy panto-booing Craig…
If you’re interested in securing tickets for the typically fabulous festivals, you can grab yours HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
15th October 2020 
