Published on: April 16, 2019
Play Expo Manchester 2019: Nintendo Characters and Gaming Icons Transform City’s Metrolink Stops in Cosplay Spectacle
Manchester, United Kingdom — The city centre of Manchester witnessed a lively transformation as Play Expo Manchester 2019 brought a wave of gaming excitement to local commuters.
In a remarkable promotional event, cosplayers dressed as beloved video game characters from Nintendo and beyond creatively rebranded central Metrolink tram stops with names drawn from classic and contemporary games, infusing the city’s public transportation system with a uniquely playful twist.
Play Expo Manchester, one of the UK’s premier gaming conventions, returned to Manchester Central on May 4th and 5th, 2019.
Organized by Replay Events, the show features nearly 1,000 free-to-play gaming screens and a vibrant schedule celebrating both retro and modern games.
Titles ranged from timeless classics such as Pac-Man and Super Mario to today’s popular releases like Fortnite and Minecraft, ensuring appeal for both nostalgic fans and new generations.
To mark the occasion, a group of cosplayers took to the city’s Metrolink network in full costume.
Stops familiar to Manchester residents were temporarily reimagined: Market Street became ‘Hyrule Castle’ from The Legend of Zelda, while Exchange Square was renamed ‘Raccoon City’ — a nod to the Resident Evil franchise.
The creative campaign drew smiles from passengers and delighted fans of Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and PC gaming alike.
A spokesperson for Play Expo Manchester explained that the event aimed to energize the community spirit and “bring the joy of video gaming to Manchester’s streets.” The lighthearted stunt succeeded in raising awareness for the upcoming expo, leveraging both nostalgia and the universal appeal of gaming culture.
Play Expo Manchester has built its reputation as a must-attend event within the UK gaming calendar.
Attendees can experience everything from arcade cabinets and indie showcases to tournaments, merchandise stands, and talks featuring industry veterans.
Whether long-time Nintendo fans or admirers of modern blockbusters like Fortnite and Minecraft, the expo caters to all ages and interests.
For more information or to purchase tickets, interested readers are encouraged to visit the official Play Expo Manchester website at https://www.playexpomanchester.com.
The spectacle across Manchester’s Metrolink tram stops underscores the growing influence of video games in public life.
Events like Play Expo Manchester exemplify the ongoing evolution of the UK’s gaming scene, bringing together communities and iconic properties from Nintendo, PlayStation, and beyond for a celebration that resonates citywide.
Play Expo Manchester Manchester Central Metrolink The Legend of Zelda Mario Resident Evil Pac-Man Fortnite Minecraft Nintendo