Top 5: Scary films to get you in the mood for Halloween

The nights are getting colder and darker, there’s a spooky chill in the air…and it’s time to celebrate.

We suggest lots of sweet treats, a pair of cat ears, your favourite drink, and a scary movie marathon. If you need some inspiration, take a look at our favourites below and grab yourself a cushion to hide behind (Mwah-ha-haaa)…

 

Midsommar

Ok, this one definitely isn’t for the faint hearted. Midsommar tells the tale of Dani (Florence Pugh) who, after the death of her entire family, tags along on a trip with her boyfriend and his friends to an ancestral commune in Sweden (like you do!). A bizarre series of events ensues, each as horrific as the next, as Dani navigates her trauma amongst the rituals of the commune. Very symbolic and beautifully shot, you’ll need some serious light relief after watching this one, and you’ll be thinking about it for days afterwards – approach with caution!

 

Death Becomes Her

The least scary, scary film of the lot, this cult-classic sees rivals Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep drink a youth potion and survive for years looking as glamorous and gorgeous as ever – need we say more! This fantasy/comedy also features Bruce Willis as their hapless love interest Ernest.

 

The Shining

An absolute classic from Stanley Kubrick – if you haven’t seen The Shining you’ll probably know the story it’s been parodied so many times. Adapted from a novel by Stephen King, The Shining centres around Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a position as the off-season caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. Cut off from civilisation and influenced by ghostly apparitions, Jack is slowly driven mad and decides to take it out on his own family, ‘Here’s Johnny!’

 

Get Out

Our favourite of the bunch, Get Out is a stunning and disturbing film by writer and director Jordan Peele that follows Chris on a trip to meet his girlfriend’s parents for the first time. If you haven’t seen it, we don’t want to give too much away, but the film bubbles with social commentary whilst drawing your attention to frightening truths rooted in contemporary society.

 

Hocus Pocus

Another great option for people who don’t do scary-scary, Hocus Pocus is a fantasy/comedy featuring Sarah Jessica Parker and Bette Midler as evil witches who are executed in 1693, before returning 300 years later to seek their revenge. The highlight of the film is a cover of ‘I put a spell on you’ sang by Midler. A fun, nostalgic classic!

 

Have we missed your favourite? Let us know over on Instagram.

Broadside for Pride

In celebration and support of Manchester Pride Festival, which takes place across the last Bank Holiday in August, we’ll be putting on our own event on Saturday 28th August – Broadside for Pride. Our aim is to create space for residents to get together and raise money for LGBT causes and issues in Manchester and beyond.

The event will take place on A Block Roof Terrace and there are some fun activities you can get involved in:

  • 9:30am: Free contemporary dance class with Ina Colizza
  • 11am-3pm: DJ set with Devarnio
  • From 12pm: Free food from Ornelas & Paradiso served on the pavilion
  • Raffle with fabulous prizes up for grabs – vouchers for Beer Moth, Northern Lights, Whistle Punks and more!
  • After Party at Sammy’s Bar Manchester with a discounted first drink

Any money raised will be donated to the LGBT Foundation, a national charity based here in Manchester that delivers advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities. They’re on a mission to change LGBT lives for the better and secure a safe, equal and healthy future for all LGBT people, and we’re very glad to be supporting their work.

We’ve set up a Just Giving page here if you’d like to make a donation to the charity. Every £2 donation equates to one raffle ticket, so be sure to leave your name and we’ll pop your tickets in your post box.

We’d like to get a rough idea on numbers, so if you’re thinking of attending the event, let us know at hello@broadsidemcr.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

Freedom Day

Today, all Covid restrictions were officially lifted.

And whilst it’s great news that we’re getting closer to normality, we’re also very aware of the threat that Covid still poses, especially for vulnerable people.

Here at Broadside, our staff will continue to wear masks when conducting viewings and we ask that all visitors do the same for the time being. Residents are free to do whatever makes them feel most comfortable, but we ask you to be mindful of others around you.

We’re thrilled that we can now open all our communal areas without restrictions and are busy planning a calendar of events for Broadsiders.

You can now use all of the areas at your leisure, including the Fitness Studio, which is open 6am-10pm on a drop in basis – no need to book!

We’ll be monitoring the situation and doing whatever we can to keep you safe and feeling comfortable.

If you’re feeling a bit anxious about the changes (that’s completely normal!) or just fancy a chat, grab any of the Broadside staff and we can talk it through, or email us at: hello@broadsidemcr.com

Top 5: Places in Manchester to enjoy the heatwave

It’s hot. VERY hot. So let’s get out and enjoy the lovely weather while it lasts. There are loads of great outdoor spots in the city centre and beyond where you can enjoy the sun (or shade) with a drink or a picnic. Take a look at some of our favourites…

 

St John‘s Gardens

You’ll find these beautiful, manicured gardens on Lower Byrom Street, just off the hustle and bustle of Deansgate. Once the site of St John’s Church and Graveyard, the gardens are always blooming with seasonal flowers and there are benches and grassy areas where you can sit and relax. A must-visit in the city centre.

 

Vimto Gardens

A nice peaceful green space right on the edge of the city centre on Granby Row just near Piccadilly station. Relax in the shade of the trees and admire the famous Vimto monument, which pays homage to the drink that was invented right here in Manchester.

 

Escape to Freight Island

If you fancy your sun with a side of fantastic food, drinks and live music, then look no further. Whether you’re a sun worshipper or a shade babe, Escape to Freight has a variety of outdoor seating, from comfy booths to their garden-themed Glasshouse. Enjoy the rays with a selection of food and booze from Manchester’s finest food and drink outlets.

 

Cutting Room Square

The hub of all Ancoats’ activity, Cutting Room Square is perfectly placed, surrounded by some of the very best bars and restaurants in the whole of the city like Rudy’s, The Jane Eyre and Elnecot (to name just a few!) It’s a proper sun trap during the day, with a busy, friendly vibe that lasts well into the evening.

 

Broadside Roof Terraces

We couldn’t leave this one out, could we! Head up to A or B block roof terrace to enjoy some of the best views in Manchester. There’s plenty of seating for you to meet with friends and enjoy food and drinks as you watch the sun set over the city.

 

Have we missed one of your favourite sunny spots? Let us know over on Instagram!