Salford’s Box on the Docks is all about family fun this bank holiday weekend

The brand new Box on the Docks at MediaCityUK is all about fun for the whole family this bank holiday weekend, with a range of safe activities planned for all ages from Friday 28th – Sunday 30th August.

The new installation, which launched last month, consists of a number of ‘boxes’ – taking the form of deluxe sheds and greenhouses – placed outside the restaurants and cafes at MediaCityUK.

You can book one of the 30 self-contained boxes, which are serviced by the many bars and restaurants taking part, including Wagamama, Dockyard, Vertigo, The Botanist, and The Alchemist. 

MediaCityUK’s piazza has been transformed with socially-distanced vinyls mapped out in the shape of Box On The Docks sheds to encourage picnickers to grab a spot surrounded by plenty of space and have a bite to eat.

There’ll also be live music throughout the weekend, including Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, who will bring a colourful extravaganza to the piazza on Saturday. 

From midday until 7pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the piazza will welcome a number of local street food traders including pop ups from Korean Grub Club, and Manchester Street Food Trader of the Year 2019, Grandad’s Sausages, serving up hotdogs and sides.

And for those with a sweet-tooth, Spoon Desserts will be whipping up traditional crepes, cookie dough and churros.

For families, you might like to try the brand new CBeebies box, Everyone’s Welcome at CBeebies. Positioned just a stone’s throw from the Blue Peter Garden, pop into the bright yellow box and have a go at the CBeebies Spotting Game.

Families can also enjoy the Box On The Docks Art Trail, with a specially created activity book which can be downloaded for free. 

Or if you’re looking to unwind, you can try a free socially distanced yoga class, open to all ages and abilities. Classes will run at 12pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday and will take place on the MediaCityUK piazza. Booking is not required so just turn up with your own yoga mats.

Once you’re feeling tranquil and zen, check out Vertigo’s new restaurant for a revitalising smoothie bowl and green juice or try an oat milk flat white from Grindsmith’s coffee van.

The popular Makers Market at Quayside MediaCityUK will also be taking place on the plaza outside the shopping mall and Lowry Arts Centre on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Plus, you won’t even need to pay for parking. There is free parking available to those arriving before 5pm at Quayside multi-storey car park, just visit the information desk to validate your ticket by completing a quick survey and/or by showing a receipt from one of our participating restaurants.

“Box on the Docks has exceeded all our expectations, we have been delighted  to watch visitors safely return to MediaCityUK – our boxes are now almost fully booked, and we’ve even had our first socially distanced wedding!” says Josie Cahill from MediaCityUK.

“At MediaCity, we have plenty of outdoor space, we therefore wanted to extend our offering even further, complementing this weekend’s Maker’s Market at Quayside with the addition of sectioned areas for picknickers on the MediaCity Piazza, morning yoga and street food vendors, as well as specific activity for families such as the Art Trail and CBeebies box.

“We look forward to continuing to safely welcome you to MediaCityUK.” 

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