A Summer of free pop-up events for all

MediaCity is set for another busy summer on the waterside piazza, with a host of free activities running from June to August – ‘Box on the Docks presents’ a series of free pop-ups from a Family Weekender to Pop-Up Pride, all of which will lead towards MediaCity’s most ambitious free event yet, We Invented the Weekend.

This summer season, Box on the Docks is returning to the MediaCity gardens, presenting a rotating programme of independent food and drink vendors in partnership with Salford-born SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO. From tasty authentic gyros to boozy ice cream, they will be serving up the best pop-ups Salford and Manchester have to offer with an aim to give a platform to both emerging and established local brands.

Continuing its aim to support local artists, Box on the Docks will also be partnering with Salford-based design and artist duo Mikesian Studio to commission brand new artwork. The duo will be adding their magic touch to the SEVEN BRO7HERS bar with a unique new mural.

Mikesian Studio said: “We’re really excited to be working with MediaCity again this year to transform the Box on the Docks space for summer 2022. We wanted to create something that brightened up the space with bold colours and graphic forms, with a mural that focused on the return of people and communities – and celebrated that feeling of togetherness that we’ve all been missing.”

On Saturday 9^th and Sunday 10^th July, Box on the Docks presents Wimbledon Picnics. Family and friends alike are invited to enjoy the open outdoor space of the piazza whilst sitting back to celebrate the very best of British tennis with the return of the Wimbledon Finals live on MediaCity’s giant screen. Tennis fans of all ages can head down to the piazza for free admittance, grab a deckchair or picnic blanket and enjoy a special Wimbledon Picnic box from Beigel.

Ahead of Manchester Pride, Box on the Docks presents Pop Up Pride in support of the Proud 2b Parents, an organisation for LGBT+ parents/ carers and their children across Greater Manchester. Don your most colourful outfit and come down to the piazza on 16th and 17th July. All ages are invited with activity for everyone to enjoy – including silent discos for kids, glitter artists and face painters, live DJ’s, and even Drag Queen Storytime.

The fun doesn’t stop there either. This August, Box on the Docks presents the Family Weekender celebration marking the end of the Summer on 20 and 21 August. The event boasts a whole host of fun with a weekend filled with giant lawn games including family favourites such as; Jenga, Connect 4 and Dominoes. Challenge your family to a competitive game or just sit back and enjoy the music with free entertainment from kids entertainers, musicians, craft activities and storytelling with the Salford Literacy Trail.

This summer, visitors can also enjoy a host of further activity including free Yoga mornings on Sundays on the MediaCity piazza with Carly Tong as well as visits to the Imperial War Museum, The Lowry Theatre and art gallery where plenty of free family focussed events are taking place. Over at Quayside MediaCity, there’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Jungle Challenge, and of course regular Makers Markets.

Josie Cahill, MediaCity’s Creative Director said of the summer programme: “There’s a real buzz of excitement as we open MediaCity to another summer season working with local partners to bring independent food and drink pop ups and free events for all to enjoy. We’re thrilled to be partnering with SEVEN BRO7HERS this year for Box on the Docks, as well as bringing a host of events across the summer which build towards We Invented the Weekend, a new festival for MediaCity and Salford Quays and our most ambitious event to date.”

For more information please visit:

Mediacityuk.co.uk and weinventedtheweekend.com

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