Top Picks
Guides
What’s on
Where to go
See all

Run Wild, Child 2015: An epic family adventure across Manchester

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Exclusively for families, Manchester is about to run wild for one day only, in a free, magical adventure across the city as part of Dig the City 2015.

We have heard rumours that beneath the Manchester we know so well, vines twist around the subterranean canals, and wildness lives hidden below the streets. Once a year, the secrets of the city are revealed – but only to families. Intrigued? So are we. An anarchic adventure is coming for one day only, run by Wild Rumpus (producers of the Just So Festival) for the fantastical finale of Dig The City 2015.

On Thursday 6 August, families should prepare to run amok – for free. Arm yourself with a magical map from the Information Point (on Exchange Street), keep your wits about you and you’ll meet the creatures of the wild from 10am onwards. Discover their secrets, find your way through their tricks, mysteries and clues to discover a clandestine location and join them at a revelry of gigantic proportions at 3pm. Come expecting anything, prepared to get muddy and, in particular, wet.

On Thursday 6 August, families should prepare to run amok – for free

There will be clues at different locations across the city, and bizarre beetles, bumblebees, grasshoppers and dragonflies to meet. Discover secret passages, swop nature in exchange for information, encounter surprising happenings and mysterious messages that appear in unexpected places. Don’t miss a photo opportunity at The Botanical Collection of Curiosities, investigate the most curious Bureau de Change and watch the public premiere of The Restoration Agency, a bizarre pop-up theatre installation staffed by eccentrics determined to return lost property to their rightful owners.

Best of all, you can start your adventure now. Follow curious clues, receive secret messages, dress and reading inspiration on Twitter, through both Wild Rumpus and Dig the City. Join the Run Wild Child Facebook page here, and share your experiences and photos on the day to help others follow the trail, discover the secret location and see the creatures of the wild’s annual moment of revelry. Good luck!

Destination Guides

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Culture Guides

A man and a woman stood in front of a window at night look into each others' eyes
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we head into the new year.

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.