The Council will invest £190k into neighbourhood funding to ensure that young people and children across the city can access to free entertainment and activities during half term holidays.
There will be loads to do across the city in Leisure centres, libraries, galleries and community centres – with a jam-packed program of free family friendly activities this half term, using funding that was initially set aside for bonfire night events.
From spooky skating to Guinness World Records, breakdancing events and science festivals there’s something to appeal to children and young people of all ages this October half term. As part of 2022 Our Year, the Council has ensured that there is something for everyone this October half term.
Guinness World Record
On Saturday 29 October, residents are invited to Platt Fields Park to attempt to break a Guinness World Record. Residents must dress as ghosts and ghouls as the park aims to break the Guinness World Record for the greatest number of people dressed as ghosts. Participants are being asked to meet at Platt Fields next to Grangethorpe Road at 11am for a 12pm start.
To register your interest, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guinness-world-record-the-largest-gathering-of-people-dressed-as-ghosts-tickets-425722155427
Window of Creativity – We Made It Art Trail
Kicking off the half term holidays will be the ‘Windows of Creativity- we made it’ art trail throughout the city. The citywide art trail, delivered by Wild in Art, will celebrate the creativity of young Mancunians and will feature artwork that’s been painted, photographed and created by young people from across the city. The showcase will be hosted in venues across the city such as Central Library, HOME, Mayfield Park and the Town Hall Annex.
Breakdancing at Mayfield
For youngsters who like to move, there will also be a breakdancing event held on 28 October in Mayfield Park, to celebrate Manchester hosting the European Breakdance Championships in early November. The event will feature demonstrations from professional dancers and will launch a competition for young people with the chance of winning £200.
Halloween
Over October half-term Halloween will descend on the city and the MCR Monsters will take over the city’s rooftops, streets and shops. The Halloween fun continues with Scare Skate arriving in Cathedral Gardens and, the Monster’s Rock! Party procession through the city on 29 Oct complete with monster puppets, stilt walkers and all things ghoulish. Family friendly Halloween activities will also be taking place in parks across the city from spooky trails and pumpkin carving to arts and crafts sessions.
Leisure
There is also free swimming for young people across Manchester’s leisure centres and, the newly opened Wythenshawe Cycle Hub is open for children to enjoy and keep active throughout the break.
Science festival
In addition, from 21 October to 30 October Manchester returns to the Science and Industry Museum with an unmissable program of events for children and families throughout the half term break. A special pop-up event at Central Library will be taking place this year as part of the festival. Future Manchester will be a week of family fun and hands-on activities as part of 2022 Our Year celebrations.
For more information, please visit: https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/manchester-science-festival/2022-programme?f%5B0%5D=age_range_msf%3A62
For more information on free events happening in the city please visit: https://loadstodo.co.uk/schoolhols
Councillor Garry Bridges, Executive Member for Early Years, Children & Young People, said:
“We’ve organised a bumper programme of events for young people all over the city, that kicks off next week. From spooky Halloween fun to art exhibitions and family events – there’s activities for all young people in the city. All of this has been made possible by the Council reprioritising its neighbourhood projects to focus on more local, community-based activities.
“This year is 2022 Our Year, a year-long campaign run by Manchester City Council to create a year of opportunity for children and young people across the city. From providing opportunities, to amplifying their voices, 2022 Our Year is a chance for young people in the city to have their talents recognised and is a chance for young people to make up for all the lost opportunities due to the pandemic.
“We know that many families in the city will be worried about the Cost of Living crisis at the moment, that’s why these activities are free to attend and accessible to all children and young people in Manchester. Be sure to visit one of our parks, libraries or sports facilities during the mid-term break and make the most of everything on offer.”
Loads to do is part of 2022 Our Year, an exciting year-long programme of activities, events, opportunities and experiences for children and young people living in Manchester.
