Manchester’s collection of giant inflatable monsters will be back this Halloween and they’re ready to invade rooftops across the city centre for the third year running.
Trick or treating may be off the cards this year, but Halloween will still be making itself at home in the city.
Created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas from Designs in Air, the MCR Monsters will be on display at seven locations across the city from 26th October to 1st November.
Launched as a single installation Monster Attack in 2017, the monsters have multiplied over the years to form a trail between some of the city’s best-known landmarks.
They’re now considered to be one of the highlights of Manchester’s Halloween in the City celebrations.
During this year’s event – which is organised by Manchester BID who represent over 400 city centre retailers and restaurants – the monsters will be appearing at Spinningfields, Moda Angel Gardens, Manchester Arndale, The Printworks, Selfridges, 111 Piccadilly and Great Northern Warehouse.
Visitors to the city centre will be able to see some old favourites – including Filthy Luker’s iconic giant tentacles – along with new commissions for this year and what’s more is that those who share their pictures of the monsters on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #MCRMonsters will also be in with a chance of winning a shopping weekend in Manchester too.
halloweenMCR / Manchester BID
If you’ve ventured into the city centre already over this past week or so, then you may have already seen Manchester awash with hundreds of pumpkin lanterns on Market Street, St Ann’s Square, St Ann’s Street, Spinningfields and First Street.
These fan-favourite lanterns have also returned as the city centre prepares to celebrate Halloween.
Speaking on this year’s Halloween in the City celebrations, Jane Sharrocks – Manchester BID Chair and General Manager of Selfridges Exchange Square – said: “Manchester BID are incredibly excited to bring this event back in what will be the first major calendar date we’re been able to celebrate in the city since the start of the pandemic.
“This is an incredibly challenging time and obviously we’ve had to make changes to this year’s overall event programme but we’re confident that the return of the Manchester monsters will be a fantastic and safe way to surprise and delight visitors and celebrate Halloween across the city centre.”
Whilst the monsters and pumpkins are once again returning this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the maze, parade and Trick or Treat trail will sadly not be returning for 2020’s celebrations.
You can find more information about Halloween in the Cityhere.
What's On
Council organises thousands of FREE activities for Greater Manchester kids this summer
Emily Sergeant
Thousands of free activities are planned ready for local families to take part in this summer.
With it only being a couple of weeks to go until schools right across Greater Manchester break up for the summer holidays, many parents, carers, and guardians will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained for the six whole weeks before the new term starts – and even better if those ‘ways’ don’t break the bank too much, either.
Thankfully, Manchester City Councilhas relaunched its Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) to help keep little Mancs active during the summer break.
From arts and crafts, to sportingevents and plenty other physical activities, there is a whole host of entertaining things for everyone to get involved with, no matter your budget, making sure no one gets bored over the holidays.
The Council has organised thousands of free activities for Greater Manchester kids this summer / Credit: Senjuti Kundu (via Unsplash) | Yan Krukau (via Pexels)
If you’re unfamiliar with HAF’s long-term goal, it’s to ensure that some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Manchester, aged between 5-16 years old, get the support they need when the school term is over.
Last year alone, the Council says it was able to support a whopping 29,224 local children in accessing nearly 4,000 holiday sessions.
Although HAF is usually reserved for those eligible for free school meals, an extensive range of these free or low-cost activities taking place in Manchester this summer open for everyone to join in with.
There are thousands of FREE places for children’s activities over the school holidays.
PLUS each booked place will include a FREE meal during the day.
For those families who are eligible and a part of the HAF programme, a free and nutritious meal will also be provided at these free events, ensuring that no child has to endure holiday hunger.
“We know the holidays can be a real pinch point for families, which is why schemes such as the HAF programme are so important,” commented Councillor Julie Reid, who is the Executive Member for Early Years, Children, and Young People at Manchester City Council.
“Providing free activities can be a real boost for children of all ages throughout the holidays, allowing them to meet new friends and try out new things – both hugely significant in terms of their personal wellbeing and mental health.
“There’s lots of great events that will be running over the summer holidays with a free meal or snack included, so if you have not already been contacted to take part, I’d urge families to have a look at our Loads to Do website and see what they think their child would enjoy over the break.”
Check out all the free activities planned on the Loads To Do website here.
Featured Image – Artem Kniaz (via Unsplash)
What's On
Mika announces first-ever arena gig in Manchester next year
Thomas Melia
Global popstar and certified hitmaker Mika announces massive gig in Manchester set for next year as part of a huge string of world tour dates.
If you hear the name Mika and don’t instantly scream out, “I could be brown, I could be blue I could be violet sky”, you’re definitely on the wrong side of history.
This star has been pumping out hits like no other with singles ‘Grace Kelly’, ‘Lollipop’, ‘Relax, Take It Easy’, and plenty more since entering the music scene back in 2007.
Back in 2013, the Lebanon-born performer even released a Wicked-inspired duet ‘Popular Song’ with honorary Manc, Ariana Grande, called ‘Popular Song’ – with the latter going on to play Glinda in the live action musical.
Mika is heading out on a world tour which visits Manchester next year.
Now, the global singer-songwriter is ready to head out on his biggest tour to date, and he’s playing a variety of venues, including our trusty 21,000 seater AO Arena.
The ‘Grace Kelly’ penman found himself hitting a career pinnacle back in 2022 when he co-presented one of the music calendar’s biggest highlights: the Eurovision Song Contest.
With six studio albums to his name and another LP on the way, this upcoming run of shows will be nothing less than impressive.
Our friends over at The Hoot got an exclusive preview of the title track from Mika’s upcoming album ‘Spinning Out’ when he played a special set as part of Sounds in the City at Millennium Square.
As well as being known for his smash hit singles, another big talking point is Mika’s extravagant stage, one we’re sure the Manchester crowd will be embracing with open arms.
The last time Mika paid Manchester a visit was just last year at one of the city’s many live music venues, O2 Apollo, on his ‘Apocalypse Calypso’ tour, and he’s clearly eager to see our lovely faces once again.
Mika is embarking on the ‘Spinning Out’ tour and paying a visit to AO Arena in Manchester on 11 February 2026, with tickets on sale from Friday 11 July at 10am HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
6th October 2020 
