REVIEW - HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCKS LIVE GLOW-N-FIRE | AO ARENA MANCHESTER | 18/01/2025

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow & Fire – A Roaring, Rolling Family Spectacle at the AO Arena

When my two Hot Wheels-obsessed children, Alice (7) and Leo (5), found out Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire was coming to Manchester, excitement levels hit the roof. And after attending the 11 a.m. show at the AO Arena, it’s safe to say this high-octane event delivered thrills, spills, and plenty of roaring engines.

A Revved-Up Venue and Great Seats

The AO Arena proved to be the perfect winter venue for this larger-than-life event, with the action taking place indoors on a vast competition floor right at the heart of the arena. Our seats in Block 116, Row T (seats 4–7) offered a brilliant view of the stunts and monster madness. Thanks to a discount code, we grabbed tickets at around £25 each—an absolute bargain for the adrenaline-fuelled experience we got.

Before entering the main arena, there were photo opportunities galore, including official Hot Wheels green screen photos (£15), which digitally placed you in front of one of the trucks, and personalised Hot Wheels driving licences on lanyards (also £15). The merchandise stands were stocked with everything from posters (£8) and flags (£15) to t-shirts (£25–£27) and hoodies (£45). There were even Monster Truck toys at £15 each—but since you can pick those up for under £5 in shops, we gave the merch a miss.

Meet the Trucks

The show was fronted by two lively presenters whose glowing outfits, cheeky humour, and high-energy banter kept the arena buzzing throughout. They introduced the lineup of seven monster trucks: Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Gunkster, Bone Shaker, 5 Alarm, BIGFOOT, and Skelasaurus —a new addition to the Glow-N-Fire tour.

The premise of the show was simple but exciting: the trucks competed in various challenges to show off their power, precision, and flair. Scores were awarded for each challenge, and the crowd was fully involved, cheering for favourites and joining in dance-offs, giveaways, and even a t-shirt cannon blast into the audience!

Let the Games Begin!

The Wheelies Challenge kicked off the show with trucks popping up on two wheels and rumbling over colourfully painted scrap cars. The crowd roared as the competition heated up, and audience participation began right away with giveaways and mini competitions on the big screen.

Then came the Donuts Challenge, where each truck spun wildly on the concrete floor, creating screeching, smoky chaos. This was Alice’s favourite challenge—she was captivated by the trucks spinning in perfect circles. In a dramatic moment, 5 Alarm flipped onto its side during its attempt. A rescue truck quickly came out to lift it upright, earning a big cheer from the crowd. Unfortunately, 5 Alarm didn’t return for the rest of the show, which only added to the sense of real-life drama and unpredictability.

Next came the Long Jump Challenge, a crowd-pleaser that saw the trucks soar through the air over crushed cars and vans. The sheer size, sound, and scale of the jumps had the arena vibrating with excitement.

Just before the interval, jaws dropped for Arcticgon—a fire-breathing, car-chomping mechanical transforming dragon that ripped through a car with fiery flair. A spectacular and theatrical end to the first half!

Freestyle Fun and Flaming Tricks

After a 30-minute break (a good chance for snacks and toilet runs), the second half began with jaw-dropping stunts from the Freestyle Motocross riders, who flipped and flew through the air off inflatable ramps. Their tricks were bold and breathtaking, prompting gasps and whoops from every corner of the arena.

Then it was time for the Freestyle Monster Truck Challenge, where each of the remaining trucks had their moment to shine, unleashing high jumps, crushing runs, and theatrical spins. Leo was in his element during this part of the show, cheering wildly for every flip and bounce—especially when Boneshaker and Mega Wrex made epic appearances. His excitement was off the charts!

A Monster Hit for the Whole Family

The combination of deafening engines, dazzling lights, and pumping music created an electric party atmosphere that lived up to the Glow-N-Fire name—even if the trucks themselves weren’t especially glow-in-the-dark.

There are some truly magical moments best left unspoiled, but it’s clear that no expense has been spared in crafting this high-energy, family-focused spectacle. The show attracted families, groups, and fans of all ages—testament to the lasting power of the Hot Wheels brand.

Alice’s favourite truck was Tiger Shark, while Leo couldn’t get enough of Bone Shaker and Mega Wrex. Seeing their favourites brought to life right in front of their eyes was the cherry on top of an already exhilarating day.

Final Thoughts

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire is a roaring, crashing, glow-tastic ride from start to finish. From the booming engines to the eye-popping tricks and sky-high jumps, this is a family day out that hits top gear and never lets up. Just don’t forget your ear defenders—it’s loud.

"Glow-N-Fire roars into town with monster trucks, mega stunts and memories that’ll last a lifetime!"

Want to learn more about Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire? Click the button below to visit the official website.

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