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There’s a massive free fitness class taking place in Manchester this week

Fancy trying out David Beckham’s workout for free?

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F45 Track

A huge – and completely free – fitness class is happening in Manchester this week, and it could very well be the opportunity to kickstart your health and fitness journey you’ve been waiting for.

Now, I’ll be the first to acknowledge that mustering the strength, the energy and simply the sheer will to attend exercise classes can be a challenge but, as the festive season and an abundance of booze and pigs in blankets approach, it is more important than ever to stay on top of your health.

And luckily for you lot, the opportunity to test the waters for free will be presenting itself this week courtesy of the globally acclaimed fitness company, F45 Track.

F45 Track

Having made its debut in LA back in 2019, F45 Track does what it says on the tin by hosting forty-five minute outdoor training sessions that offer both the public and F45 members a variation of in-studio sessions, all with the aim to burn 750 calories in the forty-five minute time slot.

The ‘F’ stands for ‘Functional Training’, which is a mix of circuit and HIIT style workouts geared towards everyday movement. And the forty-five? Well, that’s the total amount of time for, in their words, ‘sweat-dripping, heart-pumping fun’.

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@lewisjonesfitness / Instagram

The company has since expanded to locations all across the globe and has enjoyed a number of celebrity clients like Man United legend David Beckham, who took part in F45 Track workouts during the 2020 lockdowns. 

But putting the glitz and the glamour of celebrity clients to one side, F45 Track’s latest project here in Manchester is offering a FREE fitness class this week courtesy of F45 NQ and the F45 Salford Central.

Yep, completely free for anyone who wants to take part, no strings attached.

The ‘biggest fitness class in Manchester’ will be taking place this Thursday, September 21st and will be hosted by Cory George, F45’s Global Head of Fitness, who will be flying in from LA specially for the event. 

There will also be fresh smoothies, drinks, and healthy snacks provided throughout the event. 

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Those wanting to take part will simply need to bring a towel, a water bottle and plenty of energy to The Love Factory at 5:30pm, rearing and ready for the 6pm start. 

There’s space for 2,000 people to take part so register yourself and your friends here. You can also head over to the F45 website and Instagram page for news and updates. 

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Famous faces to come to life in ‘groundbreaking’ new immersive National Portrait Gallery exhibition

And it opens this week

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NPG x131006 Amy Winehouse by Mischa Richter, 24 July 2006 © Mischa Richter & NPG 1024 Charles Darwin by John Collier, 1883, based on a work of 1881 © National Portrait Gallery, London

The National Portrait Gallery is working with FRAMELESS Creative, the UK’s leading creator of immersive experiences, to create Stories – Brought to Life, the first immersive art experience of a UK national collection.

Opening at MediaCity this Friday, May 2nd, and running until Sunday August 31st, the groundbreaking new immersive, cinematic show promises to redefine the gallery experience.

Visitors will step into a world where the sitters’ stories come alive. This unique experience explores the lives behind some of the most iconic faces from the National Portrait Gallery’s  Collection who have shaped the UK’s history and culture.

It will feature people from royalty and cultural icons to fearless leaders and national heroes, including Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin, Queen Elizabeth II, Audrey Hepburn, Nelson Mandela, Emmeline Pankhurst, Grayson Perry, Mary Seacole, William Shakespeare, Amy Winehouse, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf and Malala Yousafzai.

NPG x131784 Emmeline Pankhurst addressing a crowd in Trafalgar Square by Central Press, October 1908 –
© National Portrait Gallery, London

For its premiere in Manchester, Stories – Brought to Life will be presented in a specially designed 10,000 sq ft state of the art, immersive digital gallery in the heart of MediaCity.

Ryan Atwood, Creative Director for FRAMELESS Creative, said: “Working with a cultural institution like the National Portrait Gallery has been a unique experience, especially having the opportunity to draw upon the deep knowledge and passion of the curatorial team.

“But the magic has also come from studying the sitters and working with the families, estates  and the sitters themselves to understand more about the individuals behind the portraits.

“Being able to delve deep into the life stories of the individuals and then bring them to life through the power of  emotional, immersive storytelling has been a very special experience and we’re excited to share this with the public when we open in Manchester in May.”

NPG 1 William Shakespeare by John Taylor, circa 1610 – © National Portrait Gallery, London

Rab MacGibbon, Cross-Collections Curator at the National Portrait Gallery, added: “The National Portrait Gallery is home to the largest collection of portraits in the world and hanging on our walls are some of the most remarkable people to have ever lived.

“Working with the team from FRAMELESS, and through exploring new technologies and creative approaches, has allowed us to look at the Collection in a completely new light. We are embarking on a journey of discovery, which we hope will inspire and entertain a new audience.”

The experience will open to the public on May 2nd and run until August 31st at MediaCity, before going on a UK tour (dates to be announced). Grab your tickets HERE.

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Ornella’s Kitchen and more coming to Freight Island as part of huge summer programme

There’s something for everyone…

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Freight Island

Freight Island has announced its upcoming spring and summer programme for 2025, and there’s something for everyone.

This includes the arrival of one of the most difficult-to-book restaurants in Manchester, coming to the city centre for the first time.

Denton-based Ornella’s Kitchen will be joining three other new food and drink vendors at Freight, alongside their already comprehensive dining offering.

Freight Island

Ornella’s Little Kitchen will be the Italian spot’s second location, and will be music to the ears of fans, as the original venue is often booked up for months in advance.

Other new additions include authentic ‘shaokao’ Chinese barbecue from MOREJOY, delicious bakes from Gooey, and Hello Dezato, a new offering from Hello Oriental dishing up soft serve ice creams and desserts.

They’ll be joining established Freight Island vendors like Patterson’s, Mia’s Arepas, Burgerism and Voodoo Ray’s pizza.

Freight Island

And if that’s not enough, the ever-popular Kantina supper club series will be returning soon with yet-to-be-announced guest chefs and traders.

Jamie from Ornella’s Kitchen said of the move: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Ornella’s Little Kitchen to Freight Island and be part of such a dynamic food and entertainment space.

“Our pasta-deli specials have found a loyal following in Manchester, and we can’t wait to share our authentic Italian flavours in this new setting.”

Freight Island

You’ll also find a wealth of world-class DJs over spring and summer, including the likes of David Rodigan, DJ Paulette, Congo Natty, A Love From Outer Space, UK garage icon Wookie, Luke Una’s É Soul Cultura, Rich Reason’s Ghosts of Garage, and Huey Morgan.

The Sports Bar will host official takeovers and celebrations across major tournaments, including the UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 and the Woman’s Rugby World Cup, as well as Premier League fixtures, Champions League, Formula 1 and more.

Freight Island

Dan Morris, managing director at Freight Island, said: “Freight Island was always imagined as a place for innovation and pushing boundaries and this year’s update is about taking us closer to that original vision.

“With the incredible new food, a refreshed dining experience and our biggest Spring/Summer festival line-up yet, we’re set for an unforgettable season.”

Freight Island is re-opening on Thursday April 3rd. Get yourself booked in HERE.

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Manchester to transform into HUGE interactive playzone for free family festival this February half term

Manchester will be transformed this half term

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Manchester is launching The Super Duper Family Festival in February, a new free un-ticketed family event spread over four days.

There’ll be various activities that will transform the city into a giant, interactive playground from Saturday February 15th to Tuesday February 18th 2025.

Families can explore unique play zones scattered across Manchester, with everything from giant mazes and steam-powered carousels to retro video games and family raves.

The family festival will feature six key zones across the city, including The Garden in Exchange Square, featuring an 18m x 18m real hedge maze reaching two metres high.

Then there’s The Carnival in St Ann’s Square, a steampunk spectacle of old-school carnival games, including a traditional Victorian Carousel, a mind-bending Hall of Mirrors, and Test of Strength stand.

Other zones include The Playground with Waterloo Road, where popular schoolyard games come to life on New Cathedral Street in collaboration with BBC’s Waterloo Road, gaming at The Arcade in the Printworks, The Sports Hall at Great Northern Warehouse, and The Party at Aviva Studios.

Then there’s The Rave, bringing family raves and parties featuring a world-class sound system and dazzling lighting displays to the Great Northern Warehouse.

Venues like the National Football Museum, Stoller Hall, People’s History Museum and Castlefield Viaduct are also set to host their own exciting activities.

And families can experience the launch of CBBC’s Operation Ouch: Brains, Bogeys and You at the Science and Industry Museum.

Supported by the city’s hoteliers, Manchester Accommodation BID, the festival has been created in partnership with Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, Manchester City Council, Marketing Manchester, Aviva Studio, Great Northern Warehouse and Printworks.
Manchester Accommodation BID Chairman, Kumar Mishra said, “This festival is a fantastic opportunity to draw families into the heart of Manchester, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture, creativity, and its status as a world-class destination.

“With iconic attractions like the National Football Museum, the Science and Industry Museum, and the breathtaking Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester offers an unparalleled mix of history, innovation, and entertainment.

“By transforming the city into a playground of creative experiences and offering free fun for children of all ages, we’re not only celebrating the best of Manchester, but also inspiring families to explore, stay, and create lasting memories in one of the UK’s most dynamic and exciting cities.”

The festival is a free un-ticketed event, find out more HERE.

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