A free, four-day family festival is heading to Manchester for the February half-term, creating a ‘city-wide playzone’ featuring a Victorian steam carnival, family raves, old school arcades and even a hedge maze, right in the city centre.
The Super Duper Family Festival will take place at multiple locations, from Saturday 15 to Tuesday 18 February, 2025.
It will be made up of six zones – The Garden, The Carnival, The Playground, The Arcade, The Sports Hall and The Party, transforming the Great Northern Warehouse all the way to Printworks.
The Garden will take over Exchange Square, with an 18m x 18m hedge maze, street art from the folk behind the Halloween monsters, roaming performers, flower stalls and garden games.
At The Carnival, St Ann’s Square will go full steam punk, with an old fashioned Victorian carousel, sideshow stalls, a hall of mirrors, tests of strength and games from the Museum of Illusion, as well as free circus skills workshops.
On New Cathedral Street, there will be a huge playground, featuring giant games created by play experts Playful Anywhere, with colourful shipping containers packed with games, giant chess and draught boards and even art classes.
The Arcade will take over Printworks, with the world’s largest Pac-Man, retro arcades, and giant touch screens, as well as treats for the 90s gamer.
The Sports Hall, at Great Northern Warehouse, will encompass everything from ‘funky football games’ in The Stadium to table tennis in The Ping Hub, alongside Scalextric in the Grand Prix Zone and even a trophy podium for family pictures.
Finally, The Party will happen at Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, with DJs, sound systems and dazzling lighting shows to accompany daily ‘family raves’, alongside dance workshops, dance-themed movie screenings and storytelling sessions.
Other spaces getting involved include the National Football Museum, Stoller Hall, the People’s History Museum, Castlefield Viaduct and the Science and Industry Museum, which will be launching CBBC’s Operation Ouch: Brains, Bogeys and You.
Manchester Accommodation BID Chairman, Kumar Mishra 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.
“With iconic attractions like the National Football Museum, the Science and Industry Museum, and the breathtaking Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester offers an unparalleled mix of history, innovation, and entertainment. By transforming the city into a playground of creative experiences and offering free fun for children of all ages, we’re not only celebrating the best of Manchester, but also inspiring families to explore, stay, and create lasting memories in one of the UK’s most dynamic and exciting cities.”
The festival is supported by the city’s hoteliers, Manchester Accommodation BID, and 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.
The festival is a free, un-ticketed event (with the exception of The Party at Aviva Studios), so for more information head to the Super Duper Family Festival website and follow them on Instagram for updates.
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