DON’T GET DOWN IN LOCKDOWN!
By Sophie Anderson on November 23rd, 2020
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Five of the best things to do in your area
As we’re navigating the end of lockdown, and back into the tier system for the run up to Christmas, it’s important to remember that whilst we might not be able to go out and have fun in the same way we have in previous years, we can always bring the fun to us!
At Downing, we’ve been doing just that, with lots of exciting virtual events to see you through lockdown and into the Christmas countdown, including weekly yoga with Lex, Dine at Downing with Chef Ella and the big Christmas Quiz, all over on our Instagram!
As well as these, there are virtual events, food and drink tasting, quizzes and crafts being supplied by companies up and down the country – so there is no reason why this festive period can’t be amazing.
So if you’re looking for some new Covid-safe ideas, here are a list of brilliant companies and events you and your house/flatmates can support throughout the next few weeks, regardless of your budget!
Liverpool
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Breakout Liverpool
£15 for a team
Everyone’s favourite race-against-time is now online! Use your cunning and puzzle solving abilities to crack the codes and escape the room with this exciting online game that lasts between 50-120 minutes, across up to six devices.
On an even more exciting note: watch this space – Downing Students will be hosting an event in partnership with BreakOut soon..!
Honest burgers DIY kits
Prices start at £15.99
A bold street favourite, Honest Burgers has stepped up once again to provide these incredible kits with everything you’d need to make a big juicy fat burger in the comfort of your own kitchen! With a gluten-free option and some of their amazing rosemary salt to add to your own chips, you can’t go wrong with this delicious treat.
Homotopia & Friends’ Fabulous Cabaret
£10 per ticket
For hilarious comedy and fantastic cabaret acts, look no further than Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ Homotopia & Friends, screening online from the Everyman Theatre. From an exciting look into the new multimedia cabaret set Strange Loop by Prentious Doss, to an explosion of poetry and action from Transcend Theatre, there’s everything to transform a dull lockdown night into a fabulous festival!
The Fat Big Quiz of Everything
Tickets start from £10
This immersive quiz brings everything from current affairs, pop culture and general knowledge in this competitive 10 round virtual game. With special guests, interactive graphics and fun videos as you go, you’ll have to put your best foot forward to be in with a chance of winning! It is worth noting that you will need two devices to stream and play this event, so best get yourself a team together quick!
Cocktail making and music
Prices start from £42 for two people
Missing those late night cocktails? This may be just the ticket! Enjoy a night learning how to make some of the best cocktails with chef Max La Manna, set to music by Freddie Long. It’s a mini festival straight from your room or halls and comes with a progressive, environmentally friendly message.
Manchester
Cassidy’s: Speakeasy Cocktail Deliveries
Prices start from £16
Drawing parallels between the Prohibition of the 1920’s and today’s national lockdown, Cassidy’s has a clever way of facilitating an online party by smuggling cocktails and liquor straight to your door. Receive secret video messages from a host of characters throughout the bootlegging journey, access to exclusive content, and enjoy drinks all from the comfort and safety of your own sofa!
Disco Bingo!
£6 for bingo and after party
For lovers of music, dancing and bingo, this one is for you! Sing and dance along with live entertainers – but not too much, or you’ll forget to claim your prizes! 10% of your ticket purchase will be going to help out some very worthy causes, such as Refuge, Choose Love and the NHS. Tickets include bingo and an after party, so get involved!
Manchester Christmas Market to your halls
£60 for a sharing hamper
One of the things we’ll miss the most this year is the Manchester Christmas Markets. However, The Northern Wine & Beer Co have boxed up everything you need to experience the markets from home! With a five litre keg of Krombacher, a litre of Gluhwein and some themed glasses and decorations included in the boxes, they’re perfect for feeling festive with friends.
Manchester’s HOME: live streamed theatre
Prices vary
For theatre lovers, Manchester’s very own indie film and performance theatre HOME is streaming shows online for people to enjoy during lockdown. Showcasing brilliant film, theatre and visual art to experience online throughout November, much of it on a pay-what-you-can basis, HOME is great for those wanting a calmer night in.
The Koffee Pot lockdown fry up kits
Prices start from £20
If you’re fancying something a bit different this lockdown, why not try out one of the breakfast kits from The Koffee Pot, based on Oldham Road and brought straight to your door. Kits include full fry ups, mcmuffins, pancakes, and there are even some boozy, vegan and vegetarian options to choose from!
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London
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The Big Cat Murder Mystery
If you’re a fan of Tiger King, this one is for you! Exotic animals, drive-by mattress shootings, sardine oil, and now an attack at the zoo! The sheriff is proceeding with investigations online, and they need your help to find the culprit and solve the case. This 90-minute murder mystery is full of funny characters, musical numbers and the best bit… A £100 See Your City voucher for the winner!
Perk’d Up Burger’s build-a-burger
£40 for a four burger kit
Whether you eat meat or not, these build-a-burgers offer a mouth-watering treat for foodies in London! With enough to make four burgers in each kit and a beef and veggie version, you’ll be able to treat your whole flat – although we won’t judge if you just fancy one to yourself!
Brent 2020 online
Free, donations encouraged
Brent is the London Borough of Culture for 2020, and they have not disappointed as far as putting on great podcasts, programmes, video interviews and online festivals to see us through lockdown number two. If you’re a fan of reggae make sure you don’t miss the free online festival this Sunday (15 November), and if you’re a budding artist, check out their artists’ network for a hit of inspiration.
Carnaby: The Art of Creativity
Prices vary
Carnaby has teamed up with fashion label RÆBURN to prepare crafty kits to keep your hands and heads busy during lockdown. Learn how to make your very own shark mascot, or simply connect the dots – your imagination is your only limit! As well as this, performance sock-wear brand Stance is sharing a host of online workshops to help expand your knowledge and creativity. Its community of artists have created individual colouring packs available to download or print. Share your work on Instagram tagging @StanceEurope and #stancetogether to be in with a chance of winning a £20 Stance voucher.
Little Nan’s cocktail delivery
£27 per party bag
If you want your cocktails with a bit more energy, look no further than Little Nan’s! With party bags including everything you need to host a kitsch little party for you and your flatmates, there’s no excuse not to bring the London nightlife to you. The company is even serving up festive party hampers in time for Christmas!
