What's On
A huge new outdoor food market and event space is opening in Manchester in July
This looks incredible!
Manchester is set to get a brand new outdoor market and art space at the Depot, Mayfield, as part of the £1.4bn regeneration of the area.
Escape to Freight Island has until now been something of an enigma, with mysterious posters popping up in the city centre with almost no other information but the name.
Well, it turns out it’s a brand new outdoor food market, where art space and terrace-style seating collide on one sprawling tract – a long-forgotten freight depot carved from the city’s industrial past.
The new opening is set to be an international destination akin to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Coney Island in New York and Grand Central Market in Los Angeles.
The area will be home to restaurant quality food vendors, inventive bars, secret dens, music, immersive art, festival takeovers and family focused happenings.
Of the food vendors confirmed they include Madre, a non-traditional taco stall, Voodoo Ray’s Pizza, and Baratxuri will also be having a wood-fired ‘Asador’ grill. There will also be a specialist wine bar, and a cocktail space from The Jane Eyre.
Escape to Freight island will be located on Baring Street and will become a permanent urban market and festival space.
There will even be a ’70s New York-inspired roller disco, a hidden high-fi audio bar – which will transform into a karaoke venue called Queen Samantha’s – and a retro arcade games corridor.
The entire venue will be sound-tracked by a visionary selection of music, festival takeovers and exclusive collaborations with the likes of Homoelectric, We Out Here festival, Festival N°6, Love International and other iconic musical curators.
Escape to Freight Island is the brainchild of individuals with a formidable reputation around food and culture in Manchester, including Justin Crawford and Luke Cowdrey of Volta, Electrik Bar and The Refuge, Gareth Cooper of Festival N°6, event production veteran Jon Drape of Engine No. 4 and Managing Director Dan Morris, who launched leading Manchester music venues Gorilla and the Albert Hall.
Electriks’ Luke Cowdrey, co-curator, said: “Escape to Freight Island isn’t your average food market. It’s a new and unique destination in Manchester, it is the next evolution in the food market sector that will fill a hole in the life of our city.
“Escape to Freight Island will take its place as one of the most exciting, forward-thinking and disruptive markets in the world. Escape to Freight Island is a game-changer and most importantly to me, Escape to Freight Island has soul.
“Platform 15 will give a flavour of what is to come when we launch the full Escape to Freight Island experience, so let’s all meet at Platform 15 to begin our escape to freedom.”
Phase one of the launch will open in mid-July 2020 with social distancing at the forefront, and limited capacity for 600 people. Following that phase two is planned for August, where capacity will be increased to 1,000 people.
Once restrictions are lifted, the venue will extend the capacity of 2,500 people.
Find out more and sign up to access tickets here.
What's On
The UK’s largest vintage pop-up market is coming to Manchester this weekend
Refresh your wardrobe at the Glass Onion vintage pop-up
Fashion lovers can browse a variety of items at a huge pop-up vintage market in Manchester this Sunday.
Glass Onion vintage pop-up is back in town and thrifters can get their hands on all sorts of gorgeous garments and fantastic retro-wear to add to their wardrobe.
The UK’s largest vintage retailer will bring its abundance of vintage clothing and accessories to New Century on Sunday December 3rd.
Shop vintage brands, Y2K, American and European vintage, designer clothes, premium and rare clothing items, including Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Burberry, Diesel and North Face.
Founded in 2004 selling vintage gems from a coal shed in Barnsley, Glass Onion has been sourcing and selling items on market stalls and festival pop-ups, processing up to 20,000kg of second hand clothing every single week.
Now Glass Onion has its own in-house remade factory, where they recycle and transform damaged and unwanted clothing into something wardrobe-worthy, saving items destined for landfill.
It even has its very own premium vintage boutique with exclusive pieces curated especially by GO’s product team.
The vintage retailer has become renowned for its pop-ups, held all over the country attracting hundreds of vintage hunters at every event.
On Sunday, shoppers can expect over 65 rails of unique and diverse clothing, including statement pieces as well as everyday wardrobe staples.
Browse through the deals area with items at £10, £15 and £20 – buy two of the same price and get £5 off, as well as more great offers.
Early access tickets are £5 for those who want to get down first and check out the incredible stock, tickets are then just £1 after the first hour and free for the last hour. For tickets, click HERE.
The vintage pop-up event is on Sunday December 3rd, 11am – 4pm at New Century Hall, 34 Hanover St, Manchester, M4 4AH.
Follow @glassonionvintage on Instagram for some sneak peeks at what’s to come.
What's On
Avril Lavigne announces huge outdoor gig in Manchester next summer
The ‘00s icon is coming to Manchester!
Avril Lavigne is coming to Manchester to perform a huge outdoor gig at Castlefield Bowl next summer.
The Canadian singer-songwriter has announced two outdoor shows in the UK in 2024.
She will be performing at Cardiff Castle on July 2nd before heading to Manchester to play at Castlefield Bowl on July 3rd, as part of the Sounds Of The City series.
The star will be supported by Canadian rock band Simple Plan, best known for their song ‘I’m Just a Kid’.
Lavigne enjoyed success with her pop-punk songs in the noughties, including the hits ‘Sk8er Boi’, ‘Complicated’ and ‘Girlfriend’.
She is best known for her monochrome punk-style, smokey eyes and long blonde hair – something every skater girl wannabe copied.
The punk-pop star shared her latest studio album back in February 2022 under the title ‘Love Sux’. She later released an expanded deluxe version of the LP in November of that year.
She has received eight Grammy Awards nominations, including Best New Artist.
The UK tour will be a celebration of her Love Sux album and will be part of wider touring throughout Europe in 2024, taking place at festivals including I Days in Milan on July 9th, Festival de Nîmes in Nîmes on July 10th, and Festival Cruïlla in Barcelona on July 12th.
The singer is yet to announce any more UK dates as of yet, but the upcoming dates in Manchester and Cardiff won’t be her only shows lined up for next summer.
Tickets to see Avril Lavigne perform next year will go on sale this Friday, December 1st, at 10am and will be available to buy HERE.
What's On
Tinsel Town festive fairground and ice rink returns to Trafford Centre this Christmas
There’s even a festive funfair with an ice rink and a big wheel
The Trafford Centre has the festive season covered with plenty of events planned for all the family – check out what’s on.
From Santa’s Grotto to Tinsel Town, as well as exciting new store openings, book signings and exclusive brand pop-ups, there’s always something new to discover.
Here’s what’s happening at the Trafford Centre this festive season:
Black Friday Sales
November is coming to an end and Christmas shopping is well underway, so why not head over and grab some deals while you’re on the hunt for presents – you could even treat yourself.
Many sales have already gone live with the rest happening this Black Friday, November 24th.
Black Friday highlights include up to 50% off at Lakeland and Levi’s, 30% off everything at Ted Baker, and 25% off at Molton Brown and Carvela.
The Grotto: Dear Santa
Step into the immersive wonderland of Santa’s Grotto this Christmas. Families will journey through the Candy Cane Land and Enchanted Forest in search of Santa’s Merry Mailroom.
The Grotto can be found on Lower Peel Avenue, near the Dolphin Fountain. ‘Whispering Winter’ inclusive sessions are also available for those families who prefer a more relaxed experience.
The Grotto is open now until December 24th. Tickets cost £25 for children / £7.50 for adults and are available now, click HERE.
Tinsel Town
The huge festive fairground is back and has plenty of exciting rides suitable for younger kids and older thrill-seekers too.
Open now until January 1st, 2024, attractions include teacups, a caterpillar rollercoaster and funhouse. There is also the thrilling Snow Jets ride or the Starflyer, as well as a brand new attraction VOID – calling all you dare devils!
Christmas market stalls will be dotted around with a variety of food and drink vendors selling Yorkshire Pudding wraps, bratwurst, burgers pancakes, donuts, mulled wine, hot chocolates and plenty more.
Tinsel Town entry costs £2 if booked online in advance, or £2.50 on the day, with ice skating sessions sold separately. Purchase tickets by clicking HERE.
Skate at Tinsel Town
This ice rink is covered in a traditional-style canopy decorated with twinkling fairy lights and is open now until January 1st, 2024.
Take to the ice on a 25m x 20m shimmering, covered ice rink for a 45-minute ice skate session to celebrate the winter season. Glide away under a sky full of twinkling lights whilst festive music transports skaters to a whimsical, festive haven.
Ice skating tickets are £12.50 for adults and £10 for children off-peak / £15 for adults and £12.50 for children peak, for a 45-minute ice skating session, with entry to the Tinsel Town fairground sold separately.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE.
Gandy’s Snowstorm 3: Northern Lights
Don’t miss this sensational ice-skating show live from the heated theatre big top, on 200 sq. meters of shimmering real ice. Be wowed by this all new production featuring 16 ice skaters, international circus stars, amazing special effects, and the return of the massive ice bears!
The show begins on November 24th and runs until January 1st, 2024. Tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE.
Big Wheel
It’s back and it’s here until January 7th, 2024.
You’ll be able to enjoy all the glittering lights and sights as you soar above the ground at a staggering 55 metres high. Take in the incredible views and a little piece of magic this Christmas.
Letters to Santa at Selfridges
Bring the little ones along to post their Christmas lists to Santa. Don’t forget to include your return address – Santa just might write back. Make sure to get them in on time; last posting date is Monday, December 4th. Find out more on the Selfridges website HERE.
Charity gift wrapping
This handy service will be here to help with a dedicated team of volunteers from a number of North West charities from December 14th – 21st.
Volunteers will expertly wrap your gifts in return for a donation. Find them on lower Regent Crescent, outside JD Sports.
Ladbaby book signing at WH Smith
Ladbaby will be in-store on November 25th.
Social media phenomenon Ladbaby, aka Mark and Roxanne Hoyle, are the creators of the bestseller ‘Greg the Sausage Roll: Santa’s Little Helper’ and will be joining WHSmith for a Christmas signing of ‘Greg the Sausage Roll: 12 Days of Christmas: A LadBaby Board Book’.
Tickets are £7.99 includes entry and a of the book to be collected at the event.
Parents accompanying their children do not require a ticket (one accompanying adult per child with ticket.) Find out more and book HERE.
Get Prepped for Party Season at Selfridges
Don’t miss Selfridges Beauty Workshop Series from November 22nd – 26th where beauty brands CHANEL, Dior & YSL Beauty and more will be sharing their expert tips and favourite looks for party season. Find out more and book HERE.
New store openings
Lululemon and Lounge have opened new stores, ‘Skinwear’ brand Narvvi will be joining the centre this month, and Holland & Barret has had a store makeover. LEGO fans of all ages will love discovering their brand new store, and Marks and Spencer’s much anticipated new store will open on November, 30th.
Find something to do in Manchester
Powered by 
Happy Valley actress Sarah Lancashire wins performance of the year award
The UK’s largest vintage pop-up market is coming to Manchester this weekend
Avril Lavigne announces huge outdoor gig in Manchester next summer
Mum opens accessible chippy so autistic son ‘has a job for life’
Full-size one litre bottles of Baileys are now just £10 in Tesco
