An 8,000 sq ft beach, retro fairground rides, entertainment and independent food and drink brands have all arrived at the Trafford Centre.
As the region continues to bask in the glorious sunshine – with temperatures soaring over the past week or so – the Trafford Centre has announced the opening of its new ‘Summer Social’ event space.
This vast new outdoor area – which is situated outside The Orient, opposite The Great Hall entrance – brings together all the retro fun of the fair, alongside a beach, live music, exciting pop-ups, and selfie-ready backdrops.
There’s “exhilarating rides” for both little ones and adults – including The Star Flyer, Log Flume, Apple Coaster, and Cruise Ship.
As well as several covered events spaces where people can safely relax. A number of independent food and drink brands will also be popping up over the summer, kicking off with The Angelic, Kitakaze and Boujee Bar – the renowned, all-pink Instagrammer’s dream founded by Real Housewives of Cheshire star Lystra Adams.
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Live musicians, street artists, and buskers will also be welcomed at Summer Social, and the covered stage area will host a number of ‘Trafford Discovers’ events over the coming weeks.
The food and events space is open to everyone who wishes to take a seat, relax and enjoy something to eat and drink.
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There’s “exhilarating rides” for both little ones and adults / Credit: Trafford CentreLive musicians, street artists, and buskers will also be welcomed at Summer Social. / Credit: Trafford Centre
Summer Social is now open every day until 5 September 2021, from 11am-9pm daily, with the food and events space open 12pm-10pm Sunday – Thursday, and 12pm-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
There is a £3.50 entry fee (£3 if booked in advance) to the beach area, with fairground rides priced individually. Wristband packages will also be available to pre-book for those who wish to enjoy an afternoon or evening of rides, food, drinks and beach time.
Speaking on the opening of Summer Social, Zoe Inman – Centre Director at the Trafford Centre – said: “Summer Social is going to be a unique and vast outdoor area, offering people a safe space to gather, eat, drink and have some fun.
“With over 200 stores, restaurants and leisure attractions to also explore within the centre itself, it’s time to plan a sensational day out at The Trafford Centre this summer.”
Set capacity limits will remain in place at Summer Social, and visitors are welcome to wear a face covering if they wish.
“Summer Social is offering people a safe space to gather, eat, drink and have some fun.” / Credit: Trafford Centre
Elsewhere at the shopping centre, a new Peter Rabbit-themed ‘Secret Garden’ has opened up, with the new immersive attraction giving kids the chance to explore a secret garden that brings to life the world of Peter Rabbit, as well as the chance to meet the beloved bunny, all of his friends, and so much more.
More information about this “captivating indoor family experience” can be found here.
Featured Image – Trafford Centre
What's On
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
What's On
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd July 2021 
