This summer, Manchester comes alive with Music for the Senses – a vibrant city-wide celebration of art, music and culture. Running until 31st August, the interactive trail features 48 unique guitar artworks displayed across 41 locations, alongside major new murals, immersive sound installations and instruments donated by legendary artists including Oasis, Elbow, Busted, Pixies, New Order and more.

Great Northern Warehouse is proud to be part of the trail, with its own custom-designed guitar installation visible on Deansgate. A striking new mural Sonic Bloom has been unveiled at the Warehouse overlooking Peter Street. The work by .EPOD, commissioned by @wildinart for Music for the Senses, takes inspiration from Manchester’s cultural and music heritage.

Visitors who unlock the Great Northern guitar using the official trail app will unlock exclusive offers at three much-loved local venues: The Lions Den, The Mews Bar, and The Life Centre.

Find The Lions Den just up the painted steps on Deansgate Mews… This relaxed live music bar features regular gigs, a sunny outdoor terrace and a great pint. As part of the trail, The Lions Den is offering app users:
20% off your first bar bill
£3.50 pints, small wines and spirit and mixers

Offers are valid during regular opening hours, typically Tuesday to Sunday.

The Mews Bar is also located on Deansgate Mews, offering a fantastic outdoor terrace, small plates and a wide range of drinks. Trail participants can enjoy:
20% off food and drink

Offer excludes already discounted or package items such as fondue and happy hour promotions.

The Life Centre yoga studio is also joining the trail experience. Located at the base of the painted steps on the corner of Deansgate and Great Bridgewater Street, the centre is offering:
40% off a drop-in yoga class (normally £17, discounted to £10.20)

To redeem, head to reception and quote the code STARGUITAR. Offer valid for one class per person.

To access offers and experience the full trail, download the Music for the Senses app on the App Store or Google Play

FREE SANDPIT AT GREAT NORTHERN

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Keeping children entertained for free this summer is easy with the sandpit back at Great Northern Warehouse. Featuring 50 tonnes of soft sand, wooden logs to climb on, and buckets and spades to borrow, it provides the perfect space for little ones to get creative while parents can relax and enjoy the sunshine.

No booking is required; families can simply turn up and start playing! The sandpit is located in the amphitheatre on Deansgate, right in the city centre. Great Northern welcomes families to visit anytime this summer for free, fun outdoor play.

LITTLE NORTHERNERS – FREE FAMILY PLAY SPACE

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Looking for an easy, free way to keep little ones entertained this summer? Little Northerners is a welcoming, drop-in play space designed especially for pre-schoolers – though families of all ages are welcome.

Here you’ll find a constantly evolving range of things to explore and play with – a dolls house, a tepee, Lego, construction blocks, and more. Plus, it’s conveniently located just next door to our Book Nook, making it perfect for story time sessions!

Open daily from 9am to 3pm, this unstaffed area sparks imagination and keeps kids busy. Every Tuesday, Little Northerners is hosted by our Play Facilitator, Haylea, who runs creative activities and is on hand to chat with visitors. Little Northerners can be found at The Great Northern Warehouse, Deansgate.

THE BOOK NOOK – MANCHESTER’S FREE COMMUNITY LIBRARY

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Need a breather? Head to The Book Nook inside The Atrium at the Great Northern Warehouse. Open daily from 9am to 4pm, it’s a cosy, free community space to unwind with a book – or donate one for someone else to enjoy.

Perfect for half-term downtime: bring a book, take a book, and enjoy a quiet corner away from the chaos. The Book Nook can be found at The Atrium, Great Northern Warehouse, Deansgate.