What's On
Kids can become pilots at Manchester Airport’s immersive Flight Academy
Kids will be able to to sit in the cockpit and even ‘take control’ of the flight deck
Manchester Airport will be giving children a taste of what life as a pilot is like with the return of its immersive Flight Academy.
The unique programme, which has been popular among families for several years, is now accepting bookings for a number of dates across the February half-term, with ninety minute-long sessions been split into two age groups – one for children aged four to seven years and another for those aged eight to twelve.
In these sessions, children will be able to learn about all the different jobs that help to keep Manchester Airport running and in action throughout the year.
The first part of the session takes place aboard a retired DC10 airliner, where youngsters will get the chance to sit in the cockpit, learn about roles such as cabin crew and ground operators, and even ‘take control’ of the flight deck.
Manchester Airport Flight Academy
Then, the budding pilots can head outside to take a look at Manchester Airport’s runways, watch a variety of aircraft as they take off and land, and witness some of the jobs they’ve learned about in action.
Once the session has ended, visiting families will be able to enjoy the Runway Visitor Park’s acclaimed facilities, which includes stunning views over the airfield.
Sights to see include watching aircraft such as the giant A380 coming and going at close quarters, taking in a tour of the Park’s retired airliners including the iconic Concorde, and making use of a sizeable play area and on-site café. Attractions cater to everyone from casual visitors to aviation enthusiasts.
Robert Hassard, Runway Visitor Park Manager, said: “The Flight Academy programme has been running for many years now and is back by popular demand this February half-term.
“This is a unique family experience that has inspired many youngsters to consider a career in aviation. The RVP offers a great value day out for visitors of all ages.”
Manchester Airport Flight Academy
Also on the bill at the airport during the half-term is the ‘Midweek Madness’ short tours of the famous Concorde; this twenty minute-long tour will allow visitors to sit where royalty and celebrities once sat, whilst also discovering the history of the innovative aircraft. These tours will be available on Wednesday February 16th and Thursday February 24th.
Flight Academy tickets for one adult and one child cost just £10, with parking available to those taking part for the full day at the reduced rate of £5.
The Flight Academy dates are as follows:
- Wednesday February 16th
- Friday February 18th
- Sunday February 20th
- Wednesday February 23rd
- Thursday February 24th
- Friday February 25th
For more information and get booked in, visit the Runway Visitor Park website.
What's On
The new FREE Christmas night market with over 40 traders from across our region
Get in the festive spirit!
Get in the festive spirit with a brand new FREE Christmas makers night market, with over 40 traders and small businesses from across the region.
Brought to you by Renaker, the Manchester Made Christmas night market is coming to New Jackson, Deansgate Square from Friday December 6th to Sunday December 8th.
Following on from a successful summer market in May, the Manchester Made Market is returning bigger and better than before but with a Christmassy twist.
Manchester Made Market
Expect a ‘cosy and magical’ Christmas night market experience, with food, drink, live music and even a grotto for visits to Father Christmas.
There’ll be Christmas trees galore, glittering with lighting, with one huge show-stopping tree taking centre stage.
Bringing together over 40 artisanal traders and small businesses from across the region, the three-day event will showcase a plethora of food produce, homewares, crafts and creations.
Manchester Made Market
Visitors will be sure to find unique Christmas gifts that support local businesses, including from The Cole Men and their award winning sauces, Moon & Sixpence’s handmade jewellery, and fine art photography by Craig Barker.
There’ll be live music from a 20-piece choir, playing Christmas classics, cocktails from Manchester Gin and Gooey’s sweet treats.
The experts from Millington Hall Farm in Altrincham will be bringing a taste of their Wild Grill experience, including live sausage making demonstrations and an array of German sausages served from a festive BBQ trailer.
Manchester Made Market
Families with children can visit the Christmas grotto, where Father Christmas himself will be waiting in a cosy tipi – kids will get a gift from Santa, and bookings can be made online for £8.50 per child.
Manchester Made Market will be open from 4pm to 9pm on Friday December 6th, and 1pm to 9pm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th – pre-register for a free guest list ticket and 50% off a hot chocolate HERE, or book the Christmas grotto HERE.
What's On
Free one-day Christmas festival returning to Stockport to kick off festive season
Get in the festive spirit in Stockport!
Stockport’s free, one-day Christmas festival is returning this festive season, with 200 performers and more than 50 shows.
Spectacular Sunday will return to the town on November 17th at various sites and venues.
Following the success of last year’s event, hundreds of performers will take over Stockport, with everything from giant roller-skating presents to a living snow globe and roaming Christmas dolls.
There will also be street theatre, including grumpy Christmas grandads, a gigantic balloon man and water show.
Matthew Nichol Photography
Produced by carnival arts organisation Global Grooves and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement.
Events will be happening in iconic Stockport locations like Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.
A grand finale in Merseyway will bring together the brass bands of Stockport, ending the day with a huge flash mob and rendition of All You Need Is Love.
Cirq Delight
Cllr Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, said: “We’re so excited to bring this event back after last year’s amazing success.
“It’s such a fun way to get everyone in the festive spirit and really shows off what makes Stockport special – our sense of community and joy.
“With loads of free performances and activities, plus a chance to enjoy the newly improved areas of Merseyway, it’s a perfect day out for families.
“Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday is all about having fun, making memories, and starting the holiday season in style.”
Spectacular Sunday is happening from 11am to 5pm on Sunday November 17th – find out more HERE.
The prestigious Manchester Art Fair is back in town for its 16th year next month, bringing with it a vibrant gallery space showcasing thousands of works from over 500 artists.
One of the biggest and most significant events in the UK art world calendar, it’ll take over Manchester Central for three days, from Friday November 15th to 17th.
The city will be flooded with art from all corners of the world, championing everything from local heroes to new emerging talent, as well as international artists with worldwide acclaim.
Manchester Art Fair
A wide range of artistic disciplines will be represented at the event, from painters, illustrators, and sculptors to graffiti artists and everything in between.
Expect exhibitions, workshops, Q&A sessions, demos, book signings and parties happening across the event.
Tickets include free access to art workshops and talks from leading artists and cultural experts, and are on sale now.
You can grab them HERE.
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The VR gaming experience at airport where you can escape reality
The new FREE Christmas night market with over 40 traders from across our region
Free one-day Christmas festival returning to Stockport to kick off festive season
Simmons Bar opens first Northern site in Manchester with free drinks at launch party
The prestigious Manchester Art Fair is back in town for its 16th year
