The world’s most innovative ‘out of water’ shark experience is heading to the UK, and it’s set to make its debut at Chester Zoo later this month.
Visitors heading to the UK’s largest charity zoo this summer will be some of the first in the country to get to make the most of the brand-new immersive exhibition known as Planet Shark: Predator or Prey – which aims to highlight “the wonder of sharks”.
Working with global creative company, Grande Experiences, the new exhibition at the zoo will feature an impressive 360-degree underwater digital display, as well as life-sized shark models.
There’ll even be the jaws of a prehistoric megalodon shark, which is the largest fish ever recorded.
Set to showcase millions of years of evolution, Chester Zoo says the exhibition will also shine a light on the wide-ranging threats sharks face, such as ocean plastics and illegal shark fin trade, and conservationists hope it will leave people with “a new level of respect” for the ocean’s oldest and most effective predators.
“This groundbreaking exhibition could not have come at a better time,” admits Charlotte Smith, Director of Conservation Education & Engagement at Chester Zoo.
“Years of fishing pressures and misrepresentation have pushed many of the world’s shark species to the very brink of extinction, but the launch of Planet Shark: Predator or Prey aims to showcase these incredible animals in a whole new light, increase people’s understanding of the threats they face, and show how together we can ensure their future.”
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Immersive ‘out of water’ shark experience with life-sized models to make UK debut at Chester Zoo / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
Chester Zoo’s Head of Marketing, Helen Dean, says the new exhibition is to be produced on a size and scale “never seen before here in the UK”.
She added: “This is a unique experience that includes an immersive cinematic display delivered in a true 360-degree environment, life-size shark models cast from real animals, and extremely rare fossils dating back around 370 million years.
“As a wildlife conservation charity, we want to create a future where nature survives and thrives.
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“This experience will leave our guests with a much deeper understanding of these magnificent, yet sadly misunderstood animals.”
The UK’s largest charity zoo is inviting people to “sink their teeth” into the new exhibition / Credit: Chester Zoo
Planet Shark: Predator or Prey will officially open on 25 May and will run until 31 October.
The exhibition will be free with normal zoo admission, and Chester Zoo is offering its members an exclusive preview of the exhibition between 15-24 May.
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
A Medieval Faire with birds of prey and live demonstrations is coming to Manchester’s oldest building
Daisy Jackson
Manchester is going back to the Middle Ages this month as the city’s Medieval Faire returns to Chetham’s Library for a day of history, live entertainment, and family fun.
The free event is taking place on Saturday 26 September, with the grounds of the historic building transformed into a medieval celebration from 11am to 4pm.
And with Chetham’s medieval buildings dating all the way back to 1421, there probably aren’t many more fitting places in Manchester to spend the day pretending you’ve stepped back several centuries.
Visitors can expect plenty going on throughout the day, including walking tours of Manchester’s Medieval Quarter, birds of prey, specialist stalls, and live demonstrations showing what life was like during the medieval era.
There’ll also be historical re-enactors from Historia Normannis, bringing the sights, sounds and characters of the Middle Ages to life.
The event is being staged in partnership with the University of Manchester and Manchester Cathedral, with organisers hoping to get people of all ages interested in the city’s often-overlooked medieval history.
Julianne Simpson, Librarian at Chetham’s Library, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Medieval Faire back to Chetham’s.
The Manchester Medieval Faire returns this month
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to discover Manchester’s medieval heritage through hands-on experiences, live performances, and historical demonstrations.
“Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a fun family day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Best of all, entry is completely free and you don’t need to book.
If you fancy going a bit deeper into Manchester’s history while you’re there, guided tours of Chetham’s Library will also be available to book on the day for £8.50 per person.
The tours offer visitors the chance to explore one of the UK’s most significant historic libraries and discover more about its collections, characters and stories.
So, if your weekend plans involve less brunch and more medieval re-enactments, birds of prey and wandering around one of Manchester’s oldest buildings, this one’s worth putting in the diary.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd May 2023 
