Urban Playground has taken things to the next level, revealing three brand new games for thrill-seekers to sink their teeth into.

The Manchester Arndale entertainment venue, which is already home to an impressive array of games, has added even more fun to the line up.

From mini golf to arcade games and loads of food and drink, Urban Playground has everything you need for an incredible day out.

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They’ve now added three new games to The Cube Live experience, ahead of the upcoming Christmas party season.

‘Pass’, ‘Exit’ and ‘Locate’ are the three new nail-bitingly tense games, and you’ll recognise them all from TV.

In Pass, two players rapidly weave a foam brick back and forth between free-standing poles, avoiding knocking the poles over as they go – requiring agility and great communication.

Exit sees two players work together manoeuvring a ball out of a maze testing their patience to the max.

Manchester’s Finest Group

Lastly, Locate is a single player game where players must memorise an illuminated white square’s location, before placing a block on it while blindfolded.

They’re all deceptively straightforward, while also fiendishly addictive, and perfect for a team day out.

Get booked in HERE to try the new games for yourself.

MTV Music Week is coming to Manchester later this year, to showcase the best of our emerging artists and favourite venues.

The event will take place across some of Manchester’s most loved venues between November 5th and 9th, and will feature homegrown artists, performances and industry workshops.

It’s all leading up to the 2024 MTV EMAs, which will be taking place at Co-op Live on November 10th.

MTV franchises will take centre stage, including MTV Push Live, Club MTV and YO! MTV Raps.

Dead Pony

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, added: “Our music scene in Manchester is the stuff of legend and we’re known the world over for our brilliant musicians and iconic venues.

“MTV Music Week will be a great showcase for our city and the stage is set for an incredible Manchester music takeover.

“A boost for the industry, our economy, and fantastic opportunities for some of our best homegrown artists as well as unforgettable performances for audiences to enjoy. We’re excited, can’t wait.”

The full line-up for MTV Music Week:

Tuesday November 5th

MTV Gonzo on Tour | Rebellion | 7.30pm – 10.30pm 

“MTV Music Week kicks off at alternative music venue Rebellion with the epic indie and alternative music show MTV Gonzo on Tour. Bringing together some of UK’s best emerging indie rock bands and artists under one roof, the night will feature a line-up of exciting breakthrough artists including post punk trailblazers Dead Pony.”

Wednesday November 6th

MTV Push Live | Soup | 7pm – 10.30pm

“Ready to introduce fans to the hottest new breakthrough artists across Manchester’s thriving music scene, Wednesday will see MTV Push Live head to the award-winning live music venue, Soup. Featuring a co-curated line-up from Manchester music initiative Beyond the Music, the night will include unmissable performances from LARKINS, Phoebe Hall and more. The event sees the continuation of MTV Push and Beyond the Music’s partnership, which is set to kick-off with a team-up at Beyond the Music’s annual festival in October. At the festival, attendees will enjoy an MTV Push Live stage, plus MTV-curated panels.”

MTV x Ramona Radio Rave | Ramona | 7pm – 12am

“On the same night, Ramona will welcome some of Manchester’s hottest emerging dance music talents, with sets from Chunky, Ms Dee and Sno as part of a Ramona Radio MTV Takeover.”

Phoebe Hall

Wednesday November 6th – Friday 8th

MTV EMA: 30 Years | Aviva Studios, home of Factory International  | 10am – 8pm

“For music fans looking to reminisce and take a trip into the MTV EMAs’ legendary history, the MTV EMA: 30 Years exhibition will run at Manchester’s arts and culture venue Aviva Studios, home of Factory International. Featuring images from all past editions of the MTV EMAs, curated from Getty Images’ archive, the exhibition celebrates the artists, performances and pop culture moments that have created a cultural legacy for generations of fans across the globe.”

Thursday November 7th

MTV Push Live | Band On The Wall | 7pm – 11am 

“MTV Music Week continues with MTV Push Live at Band On The Wall, hosted by the electrifying Manchester DJ duo Shimrise. Delivering an evening featuring the city’s most exciting breakthrough talent, fans can expect a series of unique performances from alt-pop musician Nxdia, singer-songwriter Nina Cobham and R&B Soul artist Rumbi Tauro.”

MTV Presents: Piri & Tommy | New Century | 7pm – 11pm 

“MTV Presents: Piri & Tommy arrives at New Century for a night of uplifting drum and bass, inspired by the UK’s student basement club culture. The pair, who first formed the band during COVID, were last year included in MTV Push’s Top 10 Artists list and made the longlist on BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2023. Piri & Tommy’s latest track ‘99%’ marks the group’s first release in a year.” 

Shimrise

Friday November 8th

Yo! MTV Raps: NQ Rated | Freight Island | 7pm – 11pm

“The show that first gave rap and hip hop a global stage, YO! MTV Raps comes to Freight Island for an exclusive YO! MTV Raps x NQ showcase. A must-see live music experience, the Manchester label behind the acclaimed Northern rap scene has partnered with MTV to host a line-up including headliner Nemzzz, 163Margsand more.” 

Saturday November 9th

MTV x Homobloc Brunch Royale | DieCast | 12pm – 3pm

“Those looking for the perfect Homobloc pre-party need look no further, as the storied LGBTQ+ event teams up with MTV for a mega brunch party at DieCast. Expect a spectacular show featuring special guests and led by some of Manchester’s most celebrated Queens Banksie & Lil, and a battle on the catwalk from Ghetto Fabulous presenting Black Peppa, Coco Canell, Shanika Sunrise & Verry Cherry, soundtracked by Gaydio’s Jackie P & Gina Breeze.”

MTV x Homobloc | The Roof Terrace at Depot Mayfield | 4pm-11pm

“Continuing the Homobloc celebrations, MTV is also hosting The Rooftop at Manchester nightlife institution Depot Mayfield featuring stage collaborations with local LGBTQ+ parties Homoelectric and Make Me Feel. Artists appearing across the  roof terrace stages include Nicky Siano (Studio 54), Prosumer, ShyOne, Grove b2b Tash LC, Ruby Savage and local favourites Meme Gold and Kath McDermott, plus a fabulous collection of queens.”

Club MTV Presents: salute | Hidden | 10pm – 4am

“A pivotal city in the dance music revolution, Manchester’s cutting-edge dance scene is renowned across the globe, and what better way to close the week-long city takeover than with a night that celebrates one of the city’s most exciting emerging DJs, plus mega headliner salute. Named ‘Best Club’ in DJ Mag’s Best of British Awards in 2023, Hidden has become a staple in the Manchester clubbing scene and the premier destination for electronic fans.”

You can grab tickets HERE.

Live From The Grill is returning in 2024 for a third year, bringing with it next level barbecue food, drinks, live music and DJs.

Deansgate Square will once again host a weekend of BBQs from some of Manchester’s best restaurants, including Hawksmoor, who will be serving up the ultimate steak sandwich.

Also serving up some top scran will be Knight’s Caribbean BBQ, Japanese robata by Kitten, Food Sorcery Cookery School, and Chit ‘n’ Chaat with Indian street food.

Manchester’s Finest Group

Plus, there’s £3.50 pints all day and other drinks deals exclusively for Manchester’s Finest subscribers – so make sure you get signed up.

The free event is taking place on Saturday August 31st and Sunday September 1st, down at one of the city centre’s most exciting new neighbourhoods, New Jackson. 

Both Saturday and Sunday’s day-long parties are free to attend with tickets. Saturday will feature Rinse.FM residents Habitat, DJ G2 & Friends, soulful drum and bass from Rare Groove, and Manchester’s longest-running club night, Funkademia.

Manchester’s Finest Group

Sunday is curated by Gigpig and is all about the bands, including rising jazz superstar Kemani Anderson, electro-soul singer Yemi Bolatiwa, 60s and 70s-inspired blues duo Corduroy Moustache, singer-songwriters Ruby J and Grace Kelly, as well as a set from DJ Lenny.

Live From The Grill 2024 is happening at Deansgate Square, New Jackson, M15 4TN, from 12pm till 8pm both days.

Tickets are free, grab them here.