The MCR Student Social is an event produced by Manchester Arndale in partnership with Manchester City Centre BID.
This student extravaganza takes over the shopping centre and BID district, welcoming Manchester’s 100,000 new and returning students to the city.
The event supports over 200 local businesses, boosting footfall and driving 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 annually, MCR Student Social is promoted through an integrated campaign spanning branding, digital, social, influencer marketing, print, outdoor advertising, and PR.
The event and its promotional campaign are delivered with a range of suppliers and media partners – including The Manc.
2026 MCR Student Social
- Thursday 24th September 2026
- To take part, email events@cityco.com
2025 Event Highlights
- 130 offers across leading 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
- +4% uplift in footfall in Manchester Arndale v 2024
- Local press coverage across The Manc, I Love MCR, About Manchester, Manchester’s Finest
- Manchester Arndale paid digital campaign: drove 1,459,942 impressions across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Event Flyer
2025 Offers & Entertainment Leaflet
Images
flickr.com
PC: Carl Sudonik
