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Kids can become pilots at Manchester Airport’s immersive Flight Academy this half term
The unique programme has been popular among families for years now
Kids will be able to live out their Top Gun fantasy this half term thanks to the return of Manchester Airport’s immersive Flight Academy.
The unique programme, which has been popular among families for several years, is now accepting bookings for five dates across the October 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.
During 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 sit in the cockpit, learn about roles as varied as cabin crew and ground operators, and ‘take control’ of the flight deck.
Manchester Airport Flight Academy
They will then be able to head outside to have a look at Manchester Airport’s runways, watch planes taking off and landing and to see some of the various jobs that they’ve learnt 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, manager of the Runway Visitor Park, said: “We are one of the North West’s most popular visitor attractions and the Flight Academy programme offers families the chance to try something a bit different this October half term, inspiring the next generation to think about the possibility of a career in aviation.
Manchester Flight Academy
“From experience, these sessions do book up quickly, so we would encourage anyone who is interested to book now rather than later, to avoid disappointment.”
Manchester Airport’s Flight Academy will be welcoming budding pilots from Monday October 24th to Friday October 28th.
Tickets cost £12 for one adult and one child, and sessions will be open to children between the ages of four and twelve.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Runway Visitor Park website.
What's On
Hot Wheels interactive experience hosting its first-ever European event in Trafford
This will be mint!
A Hot Wheels interactive experience is coming to Trafford Park this summer, the first time the event has ever taken place in Europe.
Coming from Live Nation, BeFUN, and Mattel, the Hot Wheels City Experience is heading to the B.E.C Arena in Trafford Park this August, making its European debut as it brings the legendary toy cars to life.
Spanning a series of immersive stations and interactive activities, the event will have something for families and devoted collectors alike.
Hot Wheels City Experience
The 6,000 square metre experience will let fans step through a nostalgic and educational journey consisting of 10 stations, including a design centre, immersive museum, playground, gamer zone and Hot Wheels Lab.
Fans will go on a journey through the colourful world of Hot Wheels, starting with an introductory video which will take a deep dive into the history and culture of the brand.
Luís França / Hot Wheels City Experience
The next station features an immersive museum and expo where visitors will get to see the best of the Hot Wheels collections – including graphics with the history of Hot Wheels, classic arts of the brand, and the Hot Wheels legendary life-sized cars.
There’s also the Gamer Zone, where gamers can show off their skills, the Design Centre, where the latest technology is used to introduce colour and graphic projection onto virtual cars, and a Digital ‘build your car’ and painting workshop where fans can create and have their work emailed to them or projected on the walls.
Hot Wheels City Experience
Lastly, the Hot Wheels Lab will let guests play with the most popular Hot Wheels toys, including giant tracks and pre-built racecourses – with the opportunity to win prizes.
The Hot Wheels City Experience opens its doors on August 13th and runs until September 12th 2024, with presale tickets launching at 10am next Wednesday, April 24th – sign up for pre-sale HERE.
On-sale tickets will be available at 10am on April 26th, starting from £27.50 for adults and £22.50 for children – head here for more info.
What's On
Epic indoor inflatable park reopens with huge new ball pit filled with nearly half a million balls
Take advantage of the discount while it’s still available
A Greater Manchester indoor inflatable park has reopened after a revamp revealing the addition of a huge new ball pit filled with nearly half a million balls.
Inflata Nation has reopened its doors in Trafford Park after undergoing a renovation, revealing some exciting new features for visitors to enjoy.
If you’re wondering what you can do to keep the kids entertained, why not take them to this newly upgraded indoor park?
An incredible blue ball pit filled with 418,000 balls looks like an ocean as it floods the open space. Other new features include the epic double tipping slide, a ballcano, ball pit blasters and obstacle courses.
The park has also upgraded its mini arena, which is exclusively for children under four.
Packed with ball pits and engaging soft play activities, this area offers sensory stimulation and opportunities for cognitive development, tailored specifically for the little ones, the park says.
Since opening back in 2017, the site has attracted thousands of visitors looking for fun-packed family days out.
Visitors have jumped into its ball pits, bounced on its inflatables and dived down its slides, where they’ve enjoyed plenty of fun and laughter that has brought them back time and time again.
Tickets for Inflata Nation Manchester cost £13.99 for visitors aged four and above and £6.99 for under fours. You can add an extra hour for £8.50 and £3.50 respectively. The park is also offering 15% discount of all visits when booked in advance online until April 17th.
To get the discount simply head to the booking panel on the website, choose the location, complete your details and enter the correct discount code at checkout. For Manchester use the code: EASTERMANC. For discount on bookings and more information, click HERE.
Inflata Nation Manchester is located on Textilose Road, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1WA.
What's On
Charity pop-up with up to 70% off designer clothes coming to King Street
Funds will be used to help women looking for employment support
A sustainable charity fashion pop-up is coming to Manchester’s King Street this month.
The pop-up marks the first event as part of a new concept ‘King Street Presents’ and will feature some of the best and newest names in fashion including the likes of Adanola, Barbour, Nobody’s Child, Pretty Lavish, Rixo, Saint & Sofia, Whistles and more.
Shoppers can enjoy up to 70% off items with all proceeds raised being donated to the female-founded charity, Smart Works.
Smart Works Greater Manchester can be found at 35 King Street from Thursday, April 18th to Saturday 20th, with its sustainable fashion pop-up shop, selling brand new high street, designer and pre-loved clothing and accessories.
The pop-up will raise vital funds to support Smart Works’ two Greater Manchester centres, in Manchester city centre and Stockport.
The team will also be on hand to provide advice and guidance on how to access their free services to any women looking for support in finding employment and preparing for job interviews.
During its time on King Street, Smart Works will share the postcode with its roster of high- profile tenants which include; GAIL’s artisan bakery, The White Company, El Gato Negro restaurant and vintage football shirt hotspot, Stunner, to name just a few.
Thomas Royston, director at DTZ Investors, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Smart Works Greater Manchester to King Street. At its core is a female founder on a purpose-led mission to make a difference to women.
“For them to choose King Street as their platform for reaching and showcasing their offering and commitment to women across Manchester is a testament to the reputation this now renowned street has developed in recent years.
“As part of our ongoing ESG policy we will be continuing to work with a selection of exclusive brands throughout 2024 to take up pop-up stores in currently vacant units on the street, enriching the retailer experience for visitors and giving a physical presence to out of area and online brands.”
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Hot Wheels interactive experience hosting its first-ever European event in Trafford
Blue Lights: Series two of gripping Northern Ireland police drama launches tonight
Passport fees are rising tomorrow for second time in 14 months
Epic indoor inflatable park reopens with huge new ball pit filled with nearly half a million balls
Charity pop-up with up to 70% off designer clothes coming to King Street
