This autumn marks a major milestone for Z-arts as Manchester’s award-winning family arts venue celebrates 25 incredible years of creativity, imagination and fun!
Since first opening its doors in 2000 as the Zion Arts Centre, Z-arts has become the beating heart of family creativity in Hulme and beyond, inspiring thousands of children and families through theatre, music, dance, and participatory arts.
From hosting rehearsals for Pavarotti to featuring in Warren Beatty’s Oscar-winning film Reds, the building’s history is as rich and diverse as Manchester itself.
A November of Birthday Fun
To celebrate turning 25, Z-arts is inviting families to join a season packed with shows, events and free activities:
- Z-arts Big Birthday Fun Day (Sat 1 Nov) – A free day of arts, crafts, games and surprises across the building.
- Rockin’ Rhinos: The Big Birthday Bash (Sat 1 Nov) – Manchester’s favourite family rock band bring the party vibes!
- Family Jam (Fri 28 Nov) – A special birthday edition of Z-arts’ much-loved Family Jam with live music, good vibes and plenty of fun from 4:30pm in Z-café.
- Theatre Highlights – Magical reimaginings of classic tales, including Hare & Tortoise and The Three Bears, perfect for families to enjoy together.
A Building Full of Stories
The Hulme landmark has seen many transformations over the years:
- 1911: Opened as a congregational church and education centre.
- 1980: Featured in Reds, starring Warren Beatty.
- 2000: Reopened as the Zion Arts Centre.
- 2012: Rebranded as Z-arts with a focus on families and children.
- 2017: Won the Lever Prize for My Planet, an innovative arts education project.
- 2022: Opened a brand-new Children’s Library.
- 2023: Launched Z-escape: The Library of Enchantment, Manchester’s first family escape room.
- 2025: Premieres Adventures in Wonderland, Z-arts’ new interactive play experience.
For 25 years, Z-arts has welcomed world-class artists, staged unforgettable performances and nurtured creativity for generations of families.
Families at the Heart
To mark the milestone, families have shared “25 things families love about Z-arts” through quotes and videos. One parent summed it up perfectly:
Z-arts are really inclusive with our ideas. It makes us feel like we really fit in… our ideas really matter.
Celebrating Paul – 22 Years of Warm Welcomes
No birthday celebration would be complete without recognising one of Z-arts’ most familiar faces. Paul, who has been part of the Z-arts team for over 22 years, has greeted generations of visitors with a smile from Box Office and supported hundreds of events and performances.
I’m still very passionate about Z-arts, the work we do and the people I work with,” Paul said. “Seeing children’s confidence and creativity grow is amazing. Z-arts really is the most wonderful and welcoming family centre in the world.
Supporting the Next 25 Years
Z-arts is also launching its #Zarts25 fundraising campaign to help keep the magic going. Visitors can now donate through new Tap to Donate stations, giving £2.50, £25 or any amount to support the next generation of family creativity.
If you’ve laughed, danced, made a mess (the fun kind) or shared a story with us,” says CEO & Artistic Director Liz O’Neill, “please consider donating £25 for 25 years of family fun, creativity and imagination.
How to Join the Celebrations
- Come along to the Big Birthday Fun Day and Rockin’ Rhinos party.
- Book a show — Hare & Tortoise or The Three Bears.
- Visit Adventures in Wonderland or The Library of Enchantment.
- Follow, like, and share on Z-arts’ social channels using #Zarts25.
- Donate online or in person.
- Enjoy a coffee in Z-café and toast to 25 years of creativity!
Local stars, including Julie Hesmondhalgh and Jennie McAlpine have also shared their birthday wishes in a brand-new video celebrating Z-arts’ special place in Manchester’s creative community.
Join the celebrations… We can’t wait to see you soon!
