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WTF Is An NFT: An immersive digital art exhibition is coming to the Manchester Art Fair for the first time
We’re giving away FREE tickets to the digital exhibition
A groundbreaking immersive digital art exhibition will be coming to the Manchester Art Fair for the very first time, and will give Mancunians the chance to delve into the promising world of NFTs.
But firstly, let’s clear one thing up; What exactly is an NFT?
Well, being none the wiser myself, I decided to delve into the complex (and somewhat scary) world of NFTs to see what the heck all the fuss is about, and here’s what I found; An NFT – or non-fungible token – is a ‘one-of-a-kind’ asset in the digital world that can be bought and sold like any other piece of property.
To break it down even further, a ‘fungible’ asset is something with units that can be readily interchanged, like money. However, if something is ‘non-fungible’, it is a completely unique property, meaning it is impossible to be swapped or interchanged.
NFTs can be anything in a digital form, such as paintings, drawings and music, but most of the excitement surrounding them these days is the staggering amount of money they can be sold for – I’m talking hundreds of thousands of pounds and even millions, in some instances.
Though it is worth mentioning that you will need a cryptocurrency wallet to be able to purchase or invest in your own NFT (cryptocurrency is basically a digital form of currency in that you exchange your pounds for, such as Bitcoin and Dogecoin etc.).
And don’t worry if you’re still feeling a bit lost; NFTs are notoriously complex to wrap your heads around so it may take some time to get to grips with things.
But let’s get down to the exciting stuff; for the first time ever, the Manchester Art Fair will be hosting an NFT event courtesy of KnownOrigin and Manchester’s Finest’s digital exhibition, ‘WTF Is An NFT‘.
The collaborative exhibition booth will give attendees the opportunity to talk to the KnownOrigin team about everything there is to know about NFTs and also get a bit of much-needed advice on how to get started in this emerging digital space.
The groundbreaking exhibition will feature KnownOrigin’s crypto-art by artists such as David-Koblesky, Anna Natter and Lucho, alongside Manchester’s Finest own curated artists, Numan, and LeiMai LeMaow.
Manchester’s Finest’s collection will focus on the utility of NFTs, which will give collectors a set of benefits with the purchase – therefore, anyone who buys one of the digital artworks by the Manchester’s Finest collaborative artists will be able to redeem a supper club with the artist in question through an invite that will be airdropped to them at some point in the near future.
Attendees will also be able to get their hands on an exclusive POAP (Proof of Attendance Protocol), a digital gift to prove their attendance to an event and a much sought-after and valuable asset in the NFT community.
Steven Pankhurt, Creative Director at Manchester’s Finest, said: “The ‘utility’ or ‘added extra’ side of NFTs and the fact the artist benefits from commission on any resales is something we at Manchester’s Finest really want to champion.
“The additional ability to link unique perks, gifts & events direct to the holders of these NFTs allows us to also generate revenue for our independent food & drink partners. NFTs will span every aspect of people’s lives in years to come, this is just the start.”
WTF is an NFT? A Disruptive Exhibition will be at the Manchester Art Fair 2021 from November 19th – November 21st.
To get FREE tickets to the exhibition, use our discount code ‘WTFNFT’ here.
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Manchester to transform into HUGE interactive playzone for free family festival this February half term
Manchester will be transformed this half term
Manchester is launching The Super Duper Family Festival in February, a new free un-ticketed family event spread over four days.
There’ll be various activities that will transform the city into a giant, interactive playground from Saturday February 15th to Tuesday February 18th 2025.
Families can explore unique play zones scattered across Manchester, with everything from giant mazes and steam-powered carousels to retro video games and family raves.
The family festival will feature six key zones across the city, including The Garden in Exchange Square, featuring an 18m x 18m real hedge maze reaching two metres high.
Then there’s The Carnival in St Ann’s Square, a steampunk spectacle of old-school carnival games, including a traditional Victorian Carousel, a mind-bending Hall of Mirrors, and Test of Strength stand.
Other zones include The Playground with Waterloo Road, where popular schoolyard games come to life on New Cathedral Street in collaboration with BBC’s Waterloo Road, gaming at The Arcade in the Printworks, The Sports Hall at Great Northern Warehouse, and The Party at Aviva Studios.
Then there’s The Rave, bringing family raves and parties featuring a world-class sound system and dazzling lighting displays to the Great Northern Warehouse.
Venues like the National Football Museum, Stoller Hall, People’s History Museum and Castlefield Viaduct are also set to host their own exciting activities.
And families can experience the launch of CBBC’s Operation Ouch: Brains, Bogeys and You at the Science and Industry Museum.
Supported by the city’s hoteliers, Manchester Accommodation BID, the festival has been created in partnership with Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, Manchester City Council, Marketing Manchester, Aviva Studio, Great Northern Warehouse and Printworks.
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 a free un-ticketed event, find out more HERE.
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The new FREE Christmas night market with over 40 traders from across our region
Get in the festive spirit!
Get in the festive spirit with a brand new FREE Christmas makers night market, with over 40 traders and small businesses from across the region.
Brought to you by Renaker, the Manchester Made Christmas night market is coming to New Jackson, Deansgate Square from Friday December 6th to Sunday December 8th.
Following on from a successful summer market in May, the Manchester Made Market is returning bigger and better than before but with a Christmassy twist.
Manchester Made Market
Expect a ‘cosy and magical’ Christmas night market experience, with food, drink, live music and even a grotto for visits to Father Christmas.
There’ll be Christmas trees galore, glittering with lighting, with one huge show-stopping tree taking centre stage.
Bringing together over 40 artisanal traders and small businesses from across the region, the three-day event will showcase a plethora of food produce, homewares, crafts and creations.
Manchester Made Market
Visitors will be sure to find unique Christmas gifts that support local businesses, including from The Cole Men and their award winning sauces, Moon & Sixpence’s handmade jewellery, and fine art photography by Craig Barker.
There’ll be live music from a 20-piece choir, playing Christmas classics, cocktails from Manchester Gin and Gooey’s sweet treats.
The experts from Millington Hall Farm in Altrincham will be bringing a taste of their Wild Grill experience, including live sausage making demonstrations and an array of German sausages served from a festive BBQ trailer.
Manchester Made Market
Families with children can visit the Christmas grotto, where Father Christmas himself will be waiting in a cosy tipi – kids will get a gift from Santa, and bookings can be made online for £8.50 per child.
Manchester Made Market will be open from 4pm to 9pm on Friday December 6th, and 1pm to 9pm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th – pre-register for a free guest list ticket and 50% off a hot chocolate HERE, or book the Christmas grotto HERE.
What's On
Free one-day Christmas festival returning to Stockport to kick off festive season
Get in the festive spirit in Stockport!
Stockport’s free, one-day Christmas festival is returning this festive season, with 200 performers and more than 50 shows.
Spectacular Sunday will return to the town on November 17th at various sites and venues.
Following the success of last year’s event, hundreds of performers will take over Stockport, with everything from giant roller-skating presents to a living snow globe and roaming Christmas dolls.
There will also be street theatre, including grumpy Christmas grandads, a gigantic balloon man and water show.
Matthew Nichol Photography
Produced by carnival arts organisation Global Grooves and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement.
Events will be happening in iconic Stockport locations like Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.
A grand finale in Merseyway will bring together the brass bands of Stockport, ending the day with a huge flash mob and rendition of All You Need Is Love.
Cirq Delight
Cllr Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, said: “We’re so excited to bring this event back after last year’s amazing success.
“It’s such a fun way to get everyone in the festive spirit and really shows off what makes Stockport special – our sense of community and joy.
“With loads of free performances and activities, plus a chance to enjoy the newly improved areas of Merseyway, it’s a perfect day out for families.
“Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday is all about having fun, making memories, and starting the holiday season in style.”
Spectacular Sunday is happening from 11am to 5pm on Sunday November 17th – find out more HERE.
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Manchester to transform into HUGE interactive playzone for free family festival this February half term
The VR gaming experience at airport where you can escape reality
The new FREE Christmas night market with over 40 traders from across our region
Free one-day Christmas festival returning to Stockport to kick off festive season
Simmons Bar opens first Northern site in Manchester with free drinks at launch party
