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You can meet ‘Santa in the sky’ on a festive ferris wheel at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas

Santa like you've never seen him before.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 9th November 2022

Santa is taking to the skies this Christmas, and families will get the chance to meet him in one of the most unique locations in the region.

With the festive season fast approaching and now less than 50 days to go until the big day is here, there’s arguably no better place in the North West to get cracking on your Christmas shopping than at Cheshire Oaks.

Just less than an hour’s drive from Manchester city centre, Cheshire Oaks is the largest Designer Outlet in the UK, and is home to over 400,000 square feet of retail space – with more than 150 boutiques, restaurants, and cafés to choose from.

But no festive visit to the shopping village is complete without meeting Santa.

Although this year, Cheshire Oaks’ beloved grotto will look a little different to usual as Santa and his trusty elves are taking to the skies and inviting you on a fantastical festive adventure on the outlet’s all-new Big Wheel.

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Cheshire Oaks has today unveiled its brand-new Big Wheel for 2022, which is located next to the outlet’s iconic Christmas tree – standing at over a 100ft high in the heart of all the action – and it will offer shoppers breathtaking views of the Cheshire skyline.  

You can meet ‘Santa in the sky’ on a festive ferris wheel at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas / Credit: Cheshire Oaks

The Santa in the Sky experience is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas as a family this winter, and make memories to last a lifetime.

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Open every weekend throughout December, with 10-minutes flights taking place from 10am-1pm, included in the ticket price is four spaces on the Big Wheel flight with Santa and his elves, and you’ll also get to sip on a mulled wine or hot chocolate and enjoy a festive cookie, as well as get a little gift to take home with you from Santa.

While Santa in the Sky and the unveiling of the big wheel are both bound to be stand-outs, that’s not all that’s on offer at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas.

The outlet’s much-loved Winter Village has also undergone a makeover, and now offers even more indoor seating options alongside the option to book one of the popular Christmas huts, so you can take a break from shopping and snuggle up to enjoy a festive drink and bite to eat.

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Cheshire Oaks’ much-loved Winter Village has undergone a makeover and is better than ever / Credit: Cheshire Oaks

Whether you’re in the mood for a bratwurst straight from the swing grill, a cup of hot mulled wine, or a delicious hot chocolate, the German Christmas market-inspired Alpine Lodge within the Winter Village is an ideal place unwind and soak in the festive spirit after a long day of shopping.

As the big day gets closer, there’ll also be live performances from local gospel choirs, brass bands, and other festive singers happening across across the outlet from 25 November to get shoppers suitably in the Christmas spirit.

There’s also personalised Christmas gifting available to help you pick out the perfect present.

Christmas is officially back at the Designer Outlet shopping village / Credit: Cheshire Oaks

“We are excited Christmas is officially back at Cheshire Oaks,” said Kenny Murray – General Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks.

“From our iconic Winter Village, to the never-before-seen Santa in the Sky experience, we have made sure our guests will have an unforgettable experience visiting our centre this festive season, and ware confident our unbeatable prices across a selection of much-loved premium brands will allow our guests to shop for the best festive gifts, whilst also enjoying the holiday cheer through the many activities scheduled this winter.”

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You can find out more about what’s on at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas here.

Featured Image – Cheshire Oaks

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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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