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MCRJourno The undisputed queen of burlesque, Dita Von Teese, is set to return to the UK with her most extravagant show yet - and she’s kicking things off right here in Manchester. Her brand new production, Nocturnelle, will take over the Manchester O2 Apollo on 26th and 27th January 2026, promising a dazzling display of vintage glamour, sensuality and high-art stagecraft. Described by Von Teese as her "most glambitious show yet," Nocturnelle blends old-Hollywood striptease with theatrical illusions inspired by 19th-century magicians. Expect lavish costumes, surreal stage magic, and the signature elegance that’s made Dita a global icon. The tour follows the success of her record-breaking Glamonatrix run - the biggest touring burlesque show in history - and marks a bold return to UK stages for the internationally celebrated performer, creative director and producer. Dita’s shows have become a magnet for celebrity fans, with recent audiences including Harry Styles, Jean Paul Gaultier, Tim Burton, Olivia Wilde, and Christina Hendricks, to name just a few. In addition to the Manchester dates, the Nocturnelle UK tour includes stops in London, Birmingham, Stockton and Edinburgh, running through January and February 2026. Tickets are now on sale with demand expected to be high. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of modern burlesque, this is a rare chance to see a true performance icon live in Manchester - complete with rhinestones, illusions and a whole lot of Teese. Tour Dates (Manchester): Monday 26th January 2026 - Manchester O2 Apollo Tuesday 27th January 2026 - Manchester O2 Apollo More info can be found here and tickets can be bought from Ticketmaster .

MCRJourno If you’re chasing relaxed summer vibes, sports and street‑food right in the heart of Manchester, Courts Club (St. John’s, Spinningfields) hits all the right notes. With its own outdoor tennis and basketball court that you can hire (prices from £15 - £30 per session), Courts Club blends city hub energy with leafy, open-air seating. Think deck chairs, bench dining, indoor bar space, all around a big outdoor screen. We tasted a good cross‑section of the Cantina & Margs vans menu as part of the Summer Series pop‑up run by Lucky Gyros and friends: Loaded nachos and cowboy caviar (basically nachos levelled up) - fresh, bold flavours Corn ribs - smoky, crisp, addictive Cheese quesadilla - gooey and satisfying Pulled pork quesadilla - hearty and well‑seasoned Tacos - flavourful and punchy, all around £7 - £10 per item, or part of a £10 lunch deal with a drink and sides Everything was prepared by a single chef working the food truck - not a big operation, so there was a short queue when it got busy, but the portions and flavour made it well worth the wait. For drinks, there’s a bar and a dedicated van serving summery sips - grapefruitcello and raspberry hugo among them - and they run a happy hour 5pm - 8 pm daily with two spritzes for £13, plus house lagers and other options. When the courts aren’t in use, the venue still thrives - Saturday HOOPS DJ nights, Sunday outdoor cinema screenings, quiz nights and other events make for a dynamic calendar of alfresco culture and sport. Bottom line - Courts Club is a unique, multi‑use hangout - book a court, enjoy bold street-food bites, sip spritzes by day or night, and catch live events on the big screen. A seriously good addition to Manchester’s summer scene.

MCRJourno Get ready: Y Not Festival 2025 returns to Pikehall, Derbyshire from Thursday 31st July to Sunday 3rd August - a long weekend packed with indie, rock, electronic and emerging acts in the heart of the Peak District. Headliners You Can’t Miss This year’s festival lineup features UK favourites The Prodigy, Courteeners, Madness and The Wombats, each delivering headline sets across the long weekend. Other highlights include Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand, Sigrid, The Last Dinner Party, Shed Seven, Maxïmo Park and over 160 more artists across multiple stages. What to Expect at Y Not Expect a boutique festival atmosphere with real ale, local food vendors, art installations, pop-up theatre, family-friendly zones and a legendary silent disco under the stars - Y Not isn’t just about music, it’s a full immersive experience. Insider Tips & Logistics Tickets: Officially sold out, but limited resale options and a waitlist are available via the festival site. Camping & Travel: Located at Green View Farm, Pikehall DE4 2PG. Arrival peaks Thursday 12pm - 3pm and Friday 9am - 2pm. Follow traffic signage as SATNAV may be unreliable due to event-related road closures. Festival App: Download the official Y Not app to see site maps, plan your schedule, access real-time updates and stage line-ups. Why Y Not 2025 Should Be on Your Radar Intimate indie music festival with big names: a rare combo of household headliners and fresh new acts. Peak District setting: scenic surroundings make it one of the UK’s most picturesque festival destinations. Community vibe: arts, comedy and family spaces make it inclusive and vibrant.

MCRJourno On Friday night, we headed to Sixes Manchester expecting the usual batting fun and fast-paced social atmosphere, but ended up leaving genuinely impressed by their newest addition: Catch & Throw, the UK’s first immersive cricket fielding game. Already known for its high-energy batting cages and food-and-drink-fuelled cricket sessions, Sixes has now added a whole new challenge into the mixm- one that tests your reflexes, reaction speed and aim in real time. Catch & Throw lets you dive, grab, and launch balls at glowing targets with different difficulty settings, ranging from Beginner to World Class. It’s a workout and a competition, but above all, it’s a lot of fun. Think of it as batting’s livelier cousin - with a healthy dose of chaos. You can switch between batting and fielding within the same net, which keeps the pace of the evening fresh and varied. Whether you’re trying to beat your own score or just laughing along with friends, it’s the kind of group activity that brings everyone in. The Sixes venue in Manchester, set against the lively backdrop of the city’s nightlife, offers the perfect setting - energetic staff, a solid food and drink menu, and a vibe that manages to be both laid-back and competitive at once. If you’re looking for a social night out that’s a little different - something that gets you moving, laughing, and maybe even unleashing a hidden talent for diving catches - Sixes’ new Catch & Throw game is well worth a go. Bookings are open now and the fielding game is available across all Sixes venues.

MCRJourno Canalside bar and kitchen Roby 1844 has unveiled a bold new Pan-Asian afternoon tea and an all-day brunch menu just in time for summer. Known for its waterside views and inventive food offering, the award-winning Manchester venue is putting a fresh twist on a British classic. The new Afternoon Tea features a unique selection of savoury and sweet dishes inspired by Asian flavours, priced at £22.95 per person with tea or coffee included. Savouries include pork belly brioche buns, chicken baos, sesame prawn toast, vegetable gyozas, and tempura courgettes. Desserts include cinnamon crème brulee, spiced chocolate tart, mini waffles with whipped cream and pineapple, raspberry and coconut cake, and coconut bread pudding. The new menu is designed for sharing, making it a perfect choice for summer catch-ups by the canal. In addition to the Afternoon Tea, Roby 1844 has introduced a new brunch menu available from 11am to 2pm on open days. Guests can enjoy any brunch dish with a cocktail for £16.95. Brunch options include smashed avocado with garlic mushrooms on toast, American pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, and steak and eggs with chimichurri. Other highlights include mozzarella and tomato croissants and poached eggs with bacon, tomato, and chilli oil. Sophia Kopacz, Marketing Executive at Roby 1844, said the new Afternoon Tea is all about reinvention. "The Pan-Asian flavours offer something completely different and unexpected - it’s a real talking point." "We know our customers love a brunch offering, so we’ve added a menu that suits lazy mornings by the canal." Roby 1844 is open Thursday to Sunday with outdoor seating across a two-floor terrace on Manchester’s historic canal. Opening hours are 12-8pm Thursday, 12-11pm Friday and Saturday, and 12-7pm on Sundays.

MCRJourno The Greatest Showman inspired musical Barnum is heading back to the stage with West End star Lee Mead in the iconic role of P.T. Barnum. The all-singing, all-juggling Broadway classic will land at Manchester Palace Theatre from 10th - 14th February 2026, as part of a major new UK tour. Presented by Bill Kenwright Ltd, this fresh production follows a five-star run at the Watermill Theatre and promises an explosion of circus thrills, big band energy and theatrical magic. Known for his breakout on Any Dream Will Do and acclaimed roles in Joseph, Wicked and Legally Blonde, Mead will take centre stage as Barnum - the larger-than-life 19th-century showman who built a spectacle out of sheer ambition and imagination. The tour kicks off in Windsor in February before travelling to Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre and Birmingham Hippodrome in spring. Joining Mead is a cast of over 20 actor-musicians, alongside international circus artists, all directed by Jonathan O’Boyle with choreography from Oti Mabuse (Strictly Come Dancing). Expect high-flying acrobatics, a live orchestra playing over 150 instruments, and all the beloved songs including Join the Circus, Come Follow the Band, and The Colours of My Life. With a creative team stacked with award-winning talent, this new staging aims to honour the magic of the original while dazzling a new generation. Barnum plays at Manchester Palace Theatre from 10th February 2026.. Tickets will be available via ATG Tickets and selected box offices.

MCRJourno Children from a SEND school in Stretford had a day to remember thanks to a surprise visit to PAW Patrol Live! at the AO Arena - organised by Manchester United Foundation and the touring stage show’s team. Youngsters from The Orchards Special School, a Manchester United Foundation partner school, were invited as VIP guests to The Great Pirate Adventure, a new live show filled with music, dancing and high-energy fun starring Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups. The trip was made even more special after the children were surprised with the news at a themed lunch party hosted by the Foundation at Old Trafford earlier in July. Pup-themed crafts, party food and a visit from Fred the Red helped kick things off, before the pupils found out they’d be heading to the arena for the main event. Five-year-old Harris said: "I loved the Paw Patrol party. I’m very happy and excited to go to PAW Patrol Live! I can’t wait to see Chase! I feel very lucky." Ian Maitland, SEND Officer for Manchester United Foundation, said: "This has been a wonderful experience for our young people. "Many of the children have complex needs and don’t always receive the same opportunities as others, but experiences like this create memories that really matter." The initiative is part of the Foundation’s wider work with over 42,000 children and young people each year, using football to support mental health, education, confidence and inclusion across Greater Manchester. PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure visited Manchester AO Arena on Sunday 20th July, as part of a national tour.

MCRJourno Some things are made to be savoured slowly, a sunny afternoon, a picnic with friends, and - as it turns out - a really good truckle. We tried a selection of Clawson Farms’ wax-coated cheeses and were genuinely impressed by the range and quality. Each truckle has a distinct personality, both in flavour and design, with hand-drawn characters bringing a playful edge to this traditional format. My personal favourite was Captain Bulldog, a proper premium vintage cheddar with depth, bite and a satisfyingly sharp finish. Truffle Seeker brings something a little more indulgent, pairing rich truffle with sweet honey - the kind of cheese that disappears mysteriously fast from the board. For something on the fruitier side, Dormouse’s Delight is a bold little blend of Wensleydale, cranberry, elderflower and orange marmalade. It’s sweet but balanced, ideal for pairing with oatcakes or just nibbling with a glass of fizz. The best part? These truckles don’t need to be refrigerated straight away, making them ideal for picnics, gift hampers or travel snacks. The wax coating keeps them fresh, and the size means you can mix and match flavours without committing to a huge block. Perfect for gifts, weekend picnics or just upgrading your midweek cheeseboard - these are a great example of traditional cheese with a fresh, modern twist.

MCRJourno Trafford Centre’s popular Summer Fair is back from 19th July to 31st August promising family-friendly fun, outdoor attractions and creative activities for all ages. Open daily from 12pm to 8pm the fair will feature returning favourites like the giant beach, children’s splash park and high-energy rides including the Star Flyer, Sea Storm and a giant inflatable zone. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food stalls offering Cheshire ice cream, Belgian waffles, chocolate-covered fruit and marshmallows, burgers, hot dogs and churros. New for 2025 is the Summer Activity Zone - a free undercover tent area designed for children to get hands-on with crafts and creative projects. Each week features a different themed activity, with options such as painting, baking, building and experimenting, regardless of the weather. The full schedule is available here. Entry costs £3.50 on the gate or £3 online plus a booking fee, which includes access to the fairground, beach, splash park and activity zone. Ride tokens are sold separately at £1 each. Families planning multiple visits can purchase an unlimited summer wristband for £120 per person, allowing daily fair entry and unlimited rides throughout the summer. These wristbands are available from Guest Services at the Trafford Centre. Simon Layton, centre director at Trafford Centre, said: "We know how much families look forward to our Summer Fair, and this year we’re thrilled to bring even more value and creativity with the new Summer Activity Zone."

MCRJourno Manchester is set to sizzle this July with a packed calendar of live music, family festivals, fairs and cultural celebrations. Whether you’re into outdoor gigs, adrenaline-fuelled funfairs or art-filled weekends, there’s something for everyone across the city. Here’s your guide to the best events in Manchester this month. Live Music and Big Names Kicking things off is MCR Live 25, a free city-centre concert series running every weekend from 3rd July to 28th August. Expect live performances across multiple venues celebrating Manchester’s music scene. The AO Arena is also bringing the heat, with major acts like Kool & The Gang hitting the stage on 11th July while Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 50-year celebration tour arrives 15th July featuring Blackberry Smoke. Festivals and Cultural Events The beloved Manchester Mega Mela returns to Platt Fields Park on 12th - 13th July. This free celebration of South Asian culture features food stalls, traditional dance, music and crafts for all ages. Family Days Out Zip World at Heaton Park launches 17th July with treetop swings and high-adrenaline courses for thrill-seeking families. The adventure attraction runs through to the end of August. Plus Trafford Centre brings the summer fun with its Summer Fair  running now until August. The Wythenshawe Summer Funfair brings classic rides and games from 25th July to 3rd August. July also welcomes the return of the Manchester International Festival (MIF), bringing global art, music, and theatre to stages across the city. Check individual event websites for tickets, times and accessibility information.

MCRJourno A new comedy night championing women, trans, and non-binary comedians is coming to Jimmy’s in Ancoats tonight - 1st July. Hosted by Manchester’s HellCat Creative Collective, the event will run from 7pm to 9:30pm and features rising stars and seasoned performers from across the UK. The night celebrates underrepresented talent in stand-up, offering a high-energy evening of laughter, connection, and community. HellCat: Comedy Night provides a platform for bold and brilliant voices too often left out of mainstream line-ups. Held at Jimmy’s on Blossom Street in Ancoats, the event aims to amplify marginalised performers and create an inclusive space for comedy lovers. Audience members can expect a diverse and dynamic line-up, with sets that span sharp observational humour, surreal wit, and powerful storytelling. Tickets are open to the public and available now via the link in @hellcatcreativecollective’s Instagram bio. The event is part of HellCat’s wider mission to shake up Manchester’s creative scene through events, workshops, and community collaborations. Jimmy’s Ancoats is known for its intimate atmosphere and has become a go-to spot for alternative live events.

MCRJourno Hope Mill Theatre has announced major expansion plans, including the return of its award-winning community hub, as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations. The venue has launched a fundraising campaign to help support the redevelopment. The community hub, which closed in early 2024 due to rising costs, will be relocated and reopened within the Hope Mill building. Previously based on Pollard Street, the hub was home to outreach programmes like the Theatre School, Community Choir and Orchestra, and Play Reading Club. It was also used by local charities, community groups, and theatre companies for rehearsals and events. The new space will be housed in the front of the building, doubling the venue’s square footage. Hope Mill Theatre currently occupies the rear ground floor of the 200-year-old mill in Ancoats. The expansion will add accessible dressing rooms, backstage toilet facilities, a large community room, a dance studio, rehearsal spaces, and additional office areas. Creative workspace and studios will be shared with AWOL Studios, Hope Mill’s longtime neighbours. Co-founder and CEO William Whelton said closing the hub was a tough but necessary decision at the time. Despite the closure, outreach programmes have continued in temporary locations across the area. Whelton said the team is excited to bring all community work under one roof again. "The new space will be connected through our current bar area and allow us to expand with more rehearsal and office facilities," he said. "Celebrating 10 years, we could never have imagined how far Hope Mill would come. We now have the opportunity to grow in our current building - and it just feels right." The theatre is seeking support through both corporate sponsorship and individual donations.