Trafford Centre has announced that it’ll be opening a new “immersive” disco-themed roller rink this summer.
Just days after revealing that its massively-popular Summer Daze event would be returning in a few weeks time, and bringing a huge beach, two ‘splash parks’, a retro funfair, and so much more along with it, Trafford Centre is now taking things up a notch and inviting shoppers to “roll into summer” with its brand-new roller rink.
Also arriving in just a few week’s time, the new StarWash Roller Disco is described by the shopping centre as being a “dazzling disco-themed roller rink” that’s set to “make waves” this summer.
Retro roller skating seems to have been enjoying a surge in popularity over the past few years, with several having opened up in Manchester city centre in 2022 alone, but according to the Trafford Centre though, its newest addition – which will be popping-up in The Orient food court in front of the Main Stage area – is “more than just a roller rink”.
In fact, it’s said to be “an immersive experience” where skaters can “get down both on and off the rink”.
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Skaters will be “transported” to a world of “vibrant lights, pulsating beats, and a kaleidoscope of colours”, all while a DJ blasts out a soundtrack of feel-good tunes and disco classics.
The Orient at the Trafford Centre / Credit: Trafford Centre
Opening on Wednesday 19 July, and running right through until 27 August, skaters are encouraged to come dressed for the disco, or make the most of the themed dress-up area while they’re there, and have a full StarWash ‘glitter makeover’.
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There’ll also be a photo booth to create memories in, and the chance to “hang out with disco dandies and divas” at the StarWash Lounge chill out area.
Speaking ahead of the roller rink’s grand opening, Simon Layton – Centre Director at Trafford Centre – said: “The StarWash Roller Disco promises an out of the ordinary experience for all the family, so whether you’re a seasoned skater or first-time roller rink explorer, grab your gang and get ready to groove all summer long.”
The StarWash Roller Disco will be open daily from 11am-8pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and from 12pm-6pm on Sundays, with sessions lasting 25 minutes, and tickets priced are £12 peak (weekends) and £10 off peak (weekdays) – which includes skate hire and access to the StarWash Lounge.
There will also be relaxed sessions every weekday at 11am – with fewer skaters, dimmed lighting, and quieter music for those who prefer “a more chilled-out skating experience”.
All skaters under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Featured Image – Supplied
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The UK’s largest thrift market is returning to Victoria Baths in Manchester
Thomas Melia
Clothes Cycle is heading back to Manchester, turning Victoria Baths into the UK’s largest thrift market and vintage shopping haven.
When it returns to our city, you’ll be able to browse literally thousands of pre-loved pieces, sold by a whole host of independent streetwear and vintage sellers.
Whether you’re after classic denim, fierce festival ‘fits, statement jewellery, or reworked pre-loved fashion, you’ll probably find it here.
Clothes Cycle has been a regular fixture in Manchester’s calendar, popping up here for several years in a row now.
It’s the biggest pop-up sustainable fashion market in the country and brings together everything from sustainability and affordability, to fashion and community.
Alongside rooting through racks of vintage garments, shoppers will be treated to pop-up jewellery and accessory shops, which are even offering nail and tooth gem services by qualified artists.
You can even bring five items to donate to the clothes swap, encouraging even more sustainable shopping.
Bring up to five preloved items and you’ll be able to swap them for tokens (one token per item of clothing) which you can use to shop at the swap rails.
Then anything left over from 4pm will be free for anyone to take home with them.
Manchester is already known for its love of vintage fashion and pre-loved clothing, with plenty of shops dotted around the streets of this city.
The lucky site which gets to host this fashion-focused event is Victoria Baths, which is just outside of the city centre.
Clothes Cycle returns to Victoria Baths in Manchester on Sunday 26 April from 11am – 5pm, with tickets starting from just £2 HERE.
The UK’s biggest weekly artisan market with 100+ indie traders is landing in Manchester next weekend
Emily Sergeant
The UK’s biggest weekly artisan market with 100+ indie traders is landing in Manchester from this weekend.
After a hugely successful first six months for the historic market hall, welcoming more than 50,000 visitors through its doors since opening for the first time in 100 years last summer, Campfield Market is set to expand as part of its partnership with GRUB and St John’s to create the biggest weekly artisan market in the UK.
Launching next weekend for the first time, Campfield Market at St John’s will extend beyond the iconic Campfield building and out onto Grape Street, transforming the area into a one-kilometre loop of market stalls, street food, and independent retail.
Each week, visitors can expect more than 100 independent traders to line the hall and streets, spanning street food, local produce, artisan goods, and makers, alongside an expanded food and drink lineup.
The UK’s biggest weekly artisan market with 100+ indie traders is landing in Manchester next weekend / Credit: Supplied
Just some of the indie traders you can expect to see at the weekly market include Oi Polloi, Sticky Fingers, Suzume, Rack, Joe & Co, Divine Dumplings, Salvis, Mouse Kingdom, and many more.
The expansion marks a major milestone not just for Campfield Market, but for the wider St John’s neighbourhood.
It’s hoped that the new weekly market will bring increased footfall, new opportunities for independent businesses, and just become a regular destination to the city centre.
“This is more than just a market expansion, it’s a reimagining of what a city centre market can be,” organisers declared.
Speaking ahead of next weekend’s launch, Jason Bailey, who is the founder of GRUB, added: “It is absolutely fantastic to see the market go from strength to strength, we’re so lucky to have the best of the best when it comes to traders in this magnificent setting and that Manchester has embraced it.
“This summer, we expect St John’s to become a huge hotspot for day trippers and locals alike.”
Emily Sergeant -
5th July 2023 
