Magical Christmas Movie Experience Opens in Manchester

Manchester film fans are promised a festive treat with the announcement of the Magical Christmas Movie Experience opening in the city next month.

The pop-up cinema will showcase some of the best-loved Christmas movies in the surroundings of a beautifully transformed Mayfield Depot near Manchester Piccadilly, Cinema goers will enter a magical kingdom through a secret wardrobe, finding themselves in an enchanted forest full of festive surprises.

Running over four long weekends from November 23 to December 16, the festive film programme includes the Greatest Showman, Love Actually Weekend and two Christmas Classics weeks.

The phenomenon that is The Greatest Showman will be brought to life in colourful fashion with, stilt walkers, fire breathers and a fabulous choir creating a fully immersive experience. And there will also be sing-along screenings.

The Love Actually weekend takes the yuletide feelgood favourite, starring Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Martin Freeman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley and a whole host of other stars and adds the superb seasonal sound of a live gospel choir as well as some action surprises.

And the Christmas Classics weeks features a host of heart-warming, thrilling and hilarious favourites including Home Alone, The Holiday, Elf, Die Hard, The Polar Express and Gremlins.

Along with the seasonal blockbusters and family favourites, there will also be an array of festive installations along Temperance Street, close to Piccadilly Transport Hub, as well as a delicious selection of food hosted by some of the UK's finest restaurants and food trucks, live music and dancers, and a unique bar experience with a selection of exclusive Christmas Cocktails and mulled wines.

All the screenings take place under cover of Mayfield's three railway arches.

Entering the venue through a Narnia-inspired wardrobe, visitors will emerge into a magical enchanted forest which will transport guests to a fairy-tale cinema and street food venue.

In the cinema, a range of seating will include giant bean bags, and while people are encouraged to dress warmly for the winter weather, there will also be blankets on offer to snuggle under which will keep audience's toasty - and which will be donated to the city's homeless after the final screening.

Steven Matthews Event Organiser said: "Last Christmas Love Actually appeared in the same location, that was huge and really well received.

"This is something new for Manchester - it's the first experience of its kind with an enchanted forest and everyone's favourite festive flicks.

"Audiences can expect loads of surprises, and a totally unique experience."

Doors to the enchanted forest and food court open at 6pm on Thursdays, 5pm on Fridays and from noon at weekends.

Tickets for all the films start from £14.99.

For more details visit www.magicalchristmasmovieexperience.com

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