An immersive screening of Bend It Like Beckham is coming to Stretford

A special screening of the classic film Bend It Like Beckham, complete with workshops, pop-up performances and panel discussions, is coming to Stretford Town Centre next month.

Happening on Sat 14 Sep, and forming part of Stretford’s Summer of Sport events programme, the screening is being held in collaboration with creative events collective Girl Gang Manchester.

The feminist collective has curated a whole programme of activities exploring friendship, women in sport and south asian culture that will run in conjunction with the screening.

The screening will take place from 7pm – 9pm in Stretford Mall, which will be open exclusively for the event, after hours, for the first time in years.

In addition to showing the cult favourite 2002 film, activities will take place both before and after the film is shown. From 4pm – 6.30pm, a number of workshops and activities, both drop-in and booking only, will take place along the central corridor of the Mall in Stretford town centre.

These include She’s Got Balls: Women in Sport – Advocating, Instigating & Training; a panel discussion exploring representation of women, non-binary and South Asian identities in sport, chaired by visual artist and football fanatic Alina Akbar.

There will also be a Football Anthem writing workshop, with local songwriter and musician Nishla Smith, a ball skills workshop and pop-up penalty shootout, henna from Attiya Designs and a Bollywood dance workshop.

Chai & Chat will be hosting a safe and relaxing space for people of all ages and identities to connect and chat, while Queer South Asian writer Afshan-Lodhi will lead Lesbian? I thought she was a Pisces!” Queering Bend it Like Beckham; a session of curated conversation and creative writing exercises.

South-Asian food and drink refreshments will be provided by local suppliers.  Once the film has finished, an Indian wedding-themed after party will be held in the Mall. There will be DJ sets from Amina on the Beat and lots more fun activities to take attendees into the night.

Tickets for the event range from £12-25 and can be booked using the button below.