Manchester City Centre BID & Manchester Arndale:
MCR Student Social

  • CityCo

MCR Student Social

The MCR Student Social  is an annual event produced by Manchester Arndale in partnership with Manchester City Centre BID.

This student-focused extravaganza takes over the shopping centre and BID district, welcoming Manchester’s 100,000 new and returning students to the city. The event also supports over 200 local businesses, boosting footfall and generating positive social media engagement.

During the event, students can enjoy retail offers and discounts, explore Market Street stalls, and experience live entertainment, brand pop-ups, and interactive activations.

Held on the first Thursday of Freshers Week each year, the MCR Student Social is promoted through an integrated marketing campaign, including branding, digital, social media, influencer marketing, print, outdoor advertising, and PR.

The event and its campaign are delivered in partnership with a range of suppliers and media partners, including The Manc.

2026 MCR Student Social

2025 Event Highlights

  • 130 offers across brands including Apple, Accessorize, Adidas, Barbour, Boots, Bravissimo, Caffe Nero, Claire’s, Clarks, Dr. Martens, EE, Foot Locker, French Connection, Greggs, HMV, Holland & Barrett, Hollister, Hotel Chocolat, JD, Kenji, Krispy Kreme, Levi’s, Lush, Mango, Natwest, New Look, Office, Pandora, Pizza Hut, Popeyes, Rituals, River Island, Ryman, Sephora, Schuh, Size?, Space NK, Starbucks, Superdrug, Timberland, The Body Shop, The North Face, Urban Outfitters, Urban Playground, Vodafone, Waterstones
  • In Manchester Arndale: Silent Disco hosted by Super Star MCs
  • Market Street Party Zone: games, prizes and giveaways from Fusion, Hollister, Iolla, King Pins, PureGym, Sostrene Grene, Urban Playground
  • Food and Drink Zone: treats from Barburrito, Creams, Franco Manca, entertainment from GFF Damian Dance Studio
  • Info Zone: stalls from 42nd Street, Manchester Central Library, National Football Museum, Natwest, Recycle for Greater Manchester
  • The Manc DJ Truck: with student DJs from dBs Institute Manchester

2025 Success Stats

  • +6% uplift in footfall on Market Street v 2024 on the day
  • +4% uplift in footfall in Manchester Arndale v 2024 on the day
  • Coverage highlights: The Manc, I Love MCR, About Manchester, Manchester’s Finest
  • Manchester Arndale – Paid Digital Impressions: 1,459,942

2025 Event Brochure
Download

Event Photography
instagram
C: Manchester Arndale

Event Videography
instagram
C: Manchester Arndale

MCR Student Social: Galleries