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‘Winter Island’ returns to Escape to Freight for more festive fun this November

They really are bringing everything to the table this Christmas.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 14th October 2022

Escape to Freight Island is bringing its highly popular Winter Island back to Manchester this November, just in time to get you in the mood for the approaching holiday season.

Landing at Depot Mayfield‘s premier event space and cargo park on 12 November, this year’s Winter Island promises everything from DJs, live entertainment and Massaoke, to Christmas workshops, pop-up markets and all the festive food you could hope for.

With the hordes of people gathering for the Christmas markets scattered around the city centre, escaping to Freight’s Winter Island where you can find plenty more than just food and drink stalls might be the one for you.

Credit: Escape to Freight Island – Winter Island

Live entertainment and fun for all the family

As well as live music from the likes of Norman Jay MBE, Greg Wilson, the AMC Gospel Choir and more, the winter markets also include dedicated family sections complete with grottos for the kids, a pantomime and cinema club as well as the ever magical Christmas tree forest.

They’re even showing the Festival of Football next door to make sure you don’t miss a minute of the 2022 World Cup. What more could you ask for?

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Oh yeah, and there’s all this food and drink to be scoffed from some of the best local and independent traders. There is some serious deliciousness on show here.

Food glorious food (and drink)

Great North Pie Co.
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese

From Manchester favourites like Northern Soul grilled cheese and the award-winning Great North Pie Co. to Ancoats chocolatiers Cocoa Cabana, who will be letting you create your own boozy hot chocolate (the best kind), there’s so much to tickle your festive fancies.

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And, of course, no winter festival is complete without a Mulled Wine Barrell Bar serving everything from the classics to a special hot Vimto, not mention a brand new Freight Island Tap Room with a healthy selection of beers and a Grey Goose sponsored Après Bar for you lot feeling all posh this Christmas.

Something for everyone

Seriously, they’ve got pretty much everything on here – you can even buy homewares, specially printed t-shirts and handcrafted jewellery from Wonderhaus, all made right in front of you. Ever wanted to take an art or candle-making class from an expert? This is your chance.

Better still, if you’re looking for a seasonal space to book out for corporate events or just for a little work’s night out, you can also book Winter Island tickets for groups as big as 2,000 people at a time. That’s the Christmas do sorted then!

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How to book Winter Island tickets

Winter Island is open Wednesday-Sunday starting from Saturday 12 November, before it opens for a full seven days a week from Wednesday 7 December, concluding on Friday 30 December.

Opening hours are 4pm-11pm Monday to Thursday, 4pm-1am on Fridays; 12pm-1am on Saturdays and 12pm-10pm on Sundays.

While the special festive space is obviously closed on Christmas and Boxing Day, there will be a special New Year’s Eve event announced soon.

Booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred dates and times for a table, especially if booking for several people. Walk-ups are available but will be subject to availability.

Book now HERE

Featured Image — Supplied

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There’s a new summer terrace in town with a weekend spritz happy hour

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Embankment Kitchen terrace in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

There’s a new summer terrace in Greater Manchester that’s the ideal spot to soak in some rays – and enjoy a few discounted spritzes while you’re there. 

Over on Chapel Street – just across the river from Manchester Cathedral – you’ll find Embankment Kitchen, which has opened up its terrace for the season. 

This stylish spot is part of the CitySuites aparthotel, and has a menu rooted in the warm spirit of Northern hospitality. 

It’s worth a visit all year round for their seasonally-focused, local-as-possible menus, but the summer terrace at Embankment Kitchen is a real added bonus in spring and summer. 

And following that spell of absolutely glorious weather, they’re opening up two hours earlier every day too for maximum sun-soaking from 2pm. 

At Embankment Kitchen you can tuck into a drinks and nibbles menu from 2pm until 5pm, and Happy Hour drinks deals from 4pm until 7pm. 

That means two-for-one cocktails, plus discounted wines, prosecco and beers – an ideal post-work haunt.

Cocktails at Embankment Kitchen in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Cocktails at Embankment Kitchen in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Small plates on the Embankment Kitchen terrace. Credit: The Manc Group
Small plates on the Embankment Kitchen terrace. Credit: The Manc Group

It’s usually almost impossible to find a happy hour in Manchester at weekends, but these guys are doing two-for-£12 spritzes every Saturday and Sunday between 12pm and 4pm, with flavours including Aperol, Hugo, and limoncello. 

Drinks on the menu include signature cocktails that are inspired by the city’s industrial roots, like The Emmeline, Manchester Exchange (a take on an old fashioned), and the Atomic Zombie, as well as classic cocktails such as an espresso martini, limoncello negroni, amaretto sour, and strawberry daiquiri. 

As for nibbles, tuck into treats like garlic bread, edamame beans with smoked salt, garlic and parmesan fries, salt and pepper tater tots, and halloumi fries. 

Surrounded by lush plants and gigantic parasols, it’s hard to believe you’re just across the river in Salford when you’re soaking up the sun at Embankment Kitchen. To find out more, head HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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A huge Irish festival with iconic music stars, markets, food and more is coming to Greater Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

A massive Irish music festival with masses of food, drink, crafts, workshops and surprises is returning to Greater Manchester this summer. 

Craic by the Creek 2025 will bring together all the best bits of the Emerald Isle for a weekend-long knees-up in a gorgeous countryside location on our doorstep in July. 

There’s a huge music line-up (with plenty more still to be announced) featuring Boyzlife, made up of Keith Duffy from Boyzone and Brian McFadden from Westlife. 

And this fun-filled Irish Music Festival is the only one of its kind offering full weekend camping, at the beautiful village of Compstall in Stockport. 

The countdown is now officially on for this unmissable celebration of Irish music, culture, and community spirit, which will take place between 18 and 20 July. 

Craic by the Creek has been hailed as the greatest Irish music festival in the UK and is back for 2025 bigger than ever.

Craic by the Creek is back in Greater Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Craic by the Creek is back in Greater Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Craic by the Creek is back in Greater Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Craic by the Creek is back in Greater Manchester. Credit: Supplied

Already announced to perform live along with Boyzlife are The Tumbling Paddies, Derek Ryan, All Folk’d Up, Johnny Brady, The Kilkennys and loads more. 

There are still more acts to be revealed in this stacked line-up. 

And it’s not just about the music at Craic by the Creek – there’s also a bustling Irish-themed craft market with handmade goods, Irish-inspired food and drink, social dance workshops, and plenty of surprises. 

Expect a weekend of tunes, traditions, community vibes and campfire craic. 

Craic by the Creek will take place between 18 and 20 July, 2025 – tickets are on sale now via Skiddle, and they’re already flying.

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Featured image: Supplied

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