Super Duper Family Festival this February half term

MCRJourno

Manchester is launching a brand-new four-day celebration filled with imagination, creation and free family-friendly activities that will transform the city into a giant playground.

Taking place from Saturday 15th - Tuesday 18th February families can explore unique play zones scattered across Manchester’s most iconic spaces.

With all zones completely free to experience, families will be able to escape the winter blues at a magical wonderland of play with no hassle, and pure playtime.

Supported by the city’s hoteliers, Manchester Accommodation BID, the festival has been created in partnership with Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, Manchester City Council, Marketing Manchester, Aviva Studios (home of Factory International), Great Northern Warehouse and Printworks.

Creators are aiming to show off some of the best locations in the city whilst sparking imaginations and creating incredible memories for families.

The family festival will feature six key zones across the city:

• The Garden - Inspired by nature, this play zone will offer everything from street art by the mastermind behind the iconic MCR Monsters, Filthy Luker, to roaming performers like The Hedgemen, who will spring to life for the perfect photo snap by Exchange Square.

• The Carnival - St Ann’s Square transforms into a steampunk spectacle of old-school carnival games and modern-day madness. Complete with a traditional Victorian Carousel, side-show stalls with a mind-bending Hall of Mirrors, Test of Strength stand and maddening brain games by the Museum of Illusions.

• The Playground with Waterloo Road - Relive the joy of classic schoolyard fun with games like hopscotch, tig, giant chess, and giant snakes and ladders, or take part in a mini sports day featuring egg-and-spoon races and more at New Cathedral Street.

• The Arcade - Families can step into the future and relive the past at this electrifying digital playground, featuring everything from retro arcade machines like The World’s Largest Pac-Man and the fast-paced Batak, to modern gaming on the giant screen using your phone in the chill-out zone at Printworks.

• The Sports Hall - where families can unleash their competitive, gaming spirit, and enjoy everything from funky football games in The Stadium to table tennis in The Ping Hub at Great Northern.

• The Party - at Aviva Studios there will be world-class DJs, a pumping sound system, and dazzling lighting, this is the ultimate family rave.

Kumar Mishra, Manchester Accommodation BID Chairman said: "This festival is a fantastic opportunity to draw families into the heart of Manchester, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture, creativity, and its status as a world-class destination."