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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Thomas George

Shopping centre opens new space just for 'TikTokers' to create videos

It's the popular video sharing app that has taken the world by storm.

From dance challenges to prank videos and well-known skits, TikTok has become the go-to for viral video content.

With more than 800 million users worldwide, the platform's popularity is largely down to the fact anyone can record and upload their own videos.

Now a dedicated space where 'TikTokers' can get creative has opened at Mill Gate shopping centre in Bury.

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Known as TikTokTurf, the space is free to use during shopping centre opening hours.

Four main areas have been set up as potential backdrops to videos, including a botanical-based mural featuring an illustration of the classic Manchester bee symbol.

Alongside this is a graffiti wall, a chalk wall which can be customised, and a green screen.

TikTokTurf at Mill Gate shopping centre in Bury (J Media Group)

For the murals, Mill Gate commissioned Amy Coney, a Manchester-based artist behind the Bee Love painting which was auctioned off for the families of the Manchester Arena attack.

Kirsty Williams, Mill Gate centre manager, said: “We have been wanting to do something like this for a while, however we wanted to ensure we did it at a time where it was safe for the local community to participate.

"Our aim was to bring the online trend in to an offline experience and we cannot wait to see how our community uses their imagination to do this."

Some of the Mill Gate team and retailers are avid 'TikTokers', including Tom Jackson.

Known to his followers as @officialtiktoktom, he said: “It’s great to see such an engaging and innovative concept.

Four main areas have been set up as potential backdrops to videos (J Media Group)

"Many people joined TikTok to have that feeling of community at a time when we couldn’t be together.

"Now it will be great to see people creating content together just because it’s fun."

A number of measures, including hand sanitiser and social distancing, are in place in order to ensure the safety of customers and staff at TikTokTurf.

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