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.
MCR Student Social: Thursday 24th September
What’s in Store for 2026
The City Centre BID will be working with some of the city’s best loved student brands to host an afternoon of music and entertainment.
Evidence shows that the more activities and fun incentives – and the bigger the discounts – the better the results for retailers.
How You Can Get Involved
- Think BIG, give students your best ever discount
- Host special events and live entertainment
- Offer gifts with purchase
- Host competitions and giveaways
- Display the branding to show you are taking part
- Showcase with an on-street activation, game, competition, giveaway or information stand on Market Street (free of charge for BID levy payers or promotional pop-up activity inside Manchester Arndale).
Grab your share of that business and help us to make this year’s student night a truly outstanding event.
How to Supply the Info
- Stores inside the Arndale: Email: deborah.hatfield@cbre.com
- Stores outside the Arndale: Email: Andrew.McDermott@cityco.com
Please provide full details of the offer, event or celebration.
Deadline: 5pm, Monday 17th August
2025 Event 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 Highlights
- 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 Event Brochure
Download
Event Photography
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C: Manchester Arndale
Event Videography
instagram
C: Manchester Arndale
