Al Fresco (& Family Friendly) Film

The insider guide to family holidays and things to do with kids – including this, the UK’s only family film festival

If your idea of the great outdoors only occurs so long as shops, cafes, bars and galleries remain within scrambling distance, may we point you towards the Family Friendly Film Festival? For 17 days, the UK’s only such event stages screenings all over the city, from an outdoor cinema (plus picnic) at Spinningfields to spooky films shown in some of the city’s oldest buildings – including the neo-Gothic grandeur of The Manchester Museum.

There’s also a Harry Potter Day in the of the Hogwarts-like setting of John Rylands Library (rumour has it that magic lessons will be enhanced by the presence of real owls), 4D cinema at MOSI and special screenings for the under 5s (where the odd scream, mini-tantrum and sweet-chucking episode counts as acceptable behaviour – a bonus for anyone with a toddler who can’t remember the last time they saw the inside of a cinema…). Nothing costs much over a fiver, with many events free. On top of that, the Festival has been lauded by the likes of the Guardian and Charlie and Lola’s Lauren Child. It all makes the Family Friendly Film Festival something of a hot ticket – so book now or prepare to be mithered mercilessly for missing out.

While you’re mooching about in the city centre, The Jazz Festival and 24:7 Theatre Festival also run in unusual and often outdoor locations (the Jazz Festival has a stage in St. Ann’s Square, for example, right in the heart of the shopping district). Clearly, these are two festivals more geared up for grown-ups but there’s no denying that listening to live music or watching live theatre is an experience even ankle-biters can enjoy. Well, tolerate at least. Family Friendly Film Festival: 30 July-15 August. Venues across Manchester. Many events free.

> Win tickets to the Family Friendly Film Festival! We are offering tickets as part of a luxury family break in Manchester this August. Simply fill in your details on our downloads page before 15 July to stand a chance of winning.

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Images courtesy Family Friendly Film Festival.