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A giant outdoor dance floor will open in Manchester next month

Dolly Busby Dolly Busby - 19th November 2021

An enormous open-air dance floor is going to appear in Manchester this December, with a massive programme of entertainment.

It’s all part of the Frost Fair, which is returning to the Whitworth grounds and will also include an outdoor cinema, fireworks display, and markets.

Over the weekend of December 4 and 5, between 11am and 7pm, there’ll be an action-packed programme of fun and laughter for all the family.

Manchester’s largest dancefloor will be outside the front entrance of the Whitworth gallery – or entertainment square – complete with a main stage presenting a musical extravaganza.

On Saturday the legendary MC Kwasi will be hosting the stage to introduce the Frost Fair’s incredible line up starting with the Afro-Latin, Caribbean and Middle Eastern sound of Me Gusta Collective.

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Credit: Supplied

Later in the afternoon, Manchester’s favourite duo Mr Scruff and Mikey D.O.N will take the stage.

Sunday’s line up includes the Manchester rock band PINS, DJ Paulette and A Certain Ratio.

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Both days, The Playhouse Project featuring the Disco Mums will be entertaining the grown-ups and little-uns from 11am and expect to see the House of Ghetto gang strutting their stuff around the place.

The grand finale is marked by a fantastic firework display from Walk the Plank, one of the UK’s foremost outdoor arts companies – it marks a tribute to all the front-line workers who risked their lives during the pandemic.

Step inside the gallery to find an array of craft market stalls from local artisans, delicious international street food and several hands-on activities.

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Credit: Supplied

The Art Garden is a celebration of how gardens and plants supported our well-being during the lockdowns.

Stroll through the magical winter garden during the day then later, take a seat, because it transforms into an outdoor cinema screening the all-time Christmas favorite ‘Elf’.

Francine Hayfron, Cultural Park Keeper of Whitworth Gallery said: “There’s something for everyone. Whether you want to get create in a workshop, watch some amazing acts and have a dance, enjoy some food and drink, or relax and watch a film we’ve got you covered.”

The Frost Fair is free to attend and is located at The Whitworth, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER.

Featured image: Supplied.

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Plans to transform Chorlton’s old shopping centre have been green-lit

Danny Jones Danny Jones Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre being redeveloped

Yes, after a prolonged period of uncertainty, the plans put together for redeveloping Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre are now moving forward.

Following an extensive consultation period back in 2023 and planning permission having now been approved by Manchester City Council, the transformation of the long-neglected retail complex has been green-lit, and the project will be moving forward even sooner than you think.

As confirmed earlier this week, Stretford-based construction company PJ Livesey will be working in tandem with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to deliver the major regeneration, which will see even more living spaces and leisure facilities arrive in the already thriving suburb.

Following an official press release on Thursday, 18 December, we’ve now been given a latest glimpse at what the developers are hoping the new Chorlton Cross district will look like.

new chorlton cross plans CGI pics
Credit: Font Communications (supplied)

Plans for the transformation of both the high street and the old Leisure Centre date back to 2023 and even further when taking into account the Council asking the public for their thoughts on what should happen with the area, but Chorlton Cross, specifically, has been the subject of debate for some time.

The bulk of units in and around the largely forgotten shopping centre are now empty, with just a few hold-outs still clinging on to their space.

You can find countless videos on YouTube, TikTok and other social media platforms of people touring the once bustling but now abandoned main square.

Now, following extensive feedback from native Mancs and those who have flooded into the South Manchester town over the past decade, the approved plans have now been revealed.

They include:

  • A mix of 262 one, two and three-bed apartments, all with access to outdoor space through balconies and gardens
  • 20% affordable homes available through a mix of tenures, with 18.5% of these being available for social rent
  • Around 3,500 sq metres of public open space, including a fully walkable route through Manchester Rd and outdoor seating areas to encourage people to stop and dwell
  • A mix of flexible retail spaces, such as a new ‘Makers Yard’ suitable for smaller, start-up businesses
  • Up to 60 new trees across the site with maximised retention of existing trees

Manc filmmaker, Bernard Leach – who has been making videos about the region since 2007 – shared a longer look at how the vision for this next chapter in Chorlton‘s residential and retail history is currently shaping up earlier this month.

As you can see, some sections of the old Lancashire village and ‘cum-Hardy’ parish could look rather unrecognisable sooner than you think.

Should everything go ahead as scheduled, those involved are hoping to get work underway in the New Year, with the ‘decommissioning’ of all existing buildings, including Graeme House, undergoing demolition by early 2026.

With the majority vacating their premises in recent years, it’s fair to say that it’s been vastly underutilised for far too long.

Posting on social media back in September last year, nearby resident Nigel Woodcock wrote: “Serious question, not just councillor-baiting, but can anyone explain why the retail businesses in Chorlton Precinct were booted out before any decisions were made about what’s going to happen to it?

“It makes no sense to me. No plans have even been submitted, so far as I’m aware, so why kick out those businesses and leave it derelict for so long? The land and buildings are actually owned by the combined GM Local Authorities, so one might expect a modicum of political and business nous to be applied.”

Similar to the new plans being put together for the stretch of land between Castlefield and Salford, most are just glad something is finally happening with the space.

Plans unveiled for new ‘island district’ in Manchester

Commenting on the plans progressing, PJ Livesey’s Managing Director, Georgina Lynch, said in an official statement: “This is a landmark moment for Chorlton, marking the transformation of the former
shopping centre into a vibrant new hub for the community.

“Working closely with Manchester City Council, we’ve carefully balanced the delivery of much-needed new homes – including 20% affordable – with the creation of lively, welcoming spaces to shop, relax, and spend time.

“This site is at the heart of Chorlton, and we’re bringing it back to life, cementing the area’s reputation as a truly great place to live.”

What do you make of the Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre regeneration plans?

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Featured Images — Nigel Woodcock (via Facebook)/CGI (supplied via Font Comms)

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Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever

Danny Jones Danny Jones Sign up for Great Manchester Run place in 2026

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

In addition to the main half-marathon and 10km runs for the adults, next year will also see the return of 2.5km junior dash for those aged 9-15 and even the 1.5k ‘mini’ event for 3-8-year-olds. 

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.

And that’s just from the sidelines…

Let’s make it the biggest and the BEST yet

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.

great mcr run price
great manchester run sign up 2026
Credit: Great MCR Run (supplied)

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)

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