The Super Duper Family Festival
Shekina Rose, Families Editor
Manchester’s Super Duper Family Festival is transforming the city into a gigantic super duper playground this February half-term. Enjoy a brand-new celebration featuring six play zones that are all free and jam-packed with fun! Here’s what to expect…
Inspired by nature? Visit The Garden where nature meets play at Exchange Square with a maze (don’t get lost!), street art from MCR Monsters’ Filthy Luker, and performers like The Hedgemen. Enjoy workshops by Clocktower Florist, see beautiful flower stalls, and take part in garden games.
Maybe you just want to have some carnival-themed fun. Step into a steampunk-inspired carnival at St Ann’s Square, where a Victorian carousel, a mind-bending Hall of Mirrors, and classic side-show games await. Watch out for the Big Mob – a trio of giant, slinky tubes appearing over the weekend and test your skills in circus workshops and games to make you think!
Feeling a tad nostalgic? Re-live classic schoolyard games on New Cathedral Street, brought to life by BBC’s Waterloo Road. Play hopscotch, tig, and giant chess, or join a mini Sports Day. Try on school blazers in the dressing up area, design your own locker in the Waterloo Road Art Class, and show off your moves at a mini school disco.
Gaming fanatics can head to The Printworks to experience gaming nostalgia with retro arcade machines like The World’s Largest Pac-Man, modern mobile gaming on a giant screen, and high-speed reflex challenges.
And for sports lovers – visit the Great Northern Warehouse, with football, table tennis, curling, and racing simulators.
Finally for those ravers and party-goers! Aviva Studios is hosting daily pop-up family parties with world-class DJs, craft workshops, dance-themed films, and storytelling sessions.
There’s enough here to keep you entertained all week, but you can pick and choose and do whatever takes your fancy. The perfect way to enjoy half-term with your family without breaking the bank.
