With over 1000 games, from Mario to Minecraft, PLAY Expo arrives this bank holiday weekend

From pixelated trips into videogame nostalgia to the latest in virtual reality, if you like gaming you’ll want to join the 25,000 like-minded souls who will be pointing their joysticks in the direction of PLAY Expo this bank holiday weekend.

Filling Manchester Central with over 1000 games, the North’s flagship event is back for its biggest episode yet: Fortnite, arcade cabs, pinball tables, retro faves, next-gen zones, indie gaming, VR, Minecraft…expect all this and more. There’ll also be live shows, special guest panels and YouTuber meet and greets.

Fancy dressing up as Sonic the Hedgehog or that purple piñata thing from Fortnite? Then you’re in luck, because cosplay is encouraged. Either way, the roaming costume displays make for a handy selfie opp…

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Those with a competitive streak can take part in gaming tournaments or eSports championships, with big money prizes up for grabs, while adrenaline junkies can try immersive live experiences like John Robertson’s critically acclaimed The Dark Room - in which participants are trapped in a retro video game.  

If you grew up in the late eighties and early nineties, you might be keen to don the helmet of justice as you finally fulfil your childhood dream of becoming a dungeoneer in Knightmare Live, the celebrated interactive stage adaptation of the cult TV show. 

Finally, there will be careers advice for those that take it all a bit too seriously and actually want to make a career of it.

Pew! Pew! Pew!

Tickets available from £14 child, £20 adult at playexpomanchester.com