A magical new Halloween lakeside light trail is coming to Cheshire for the first time ever in just a few weeks time.
Set to transform the popular Partridge Lakes Fishery in Warrington into what’s being described as “an enchanting Halloween attraction”, the brand-new Halloween Lakeside Light Trail is a “spooktacular” experience for the whole family to enjoy.
The first event of its kind at the idyllic 70-acre Cheshire countryside site, families will be able to see the “mesmerising world of Halloween wonder” come to life as they stroll along a winding path around the lake’s edge that leads that takes them on a magical journey through woodland decorated by eerie and captivating lights.
You’ll be able to spot shadows of witches on broomsticks, smoke bubbles floating out of cauldrons, and spiders crawling out of trees, all illuminated by magical lights, on the hour-long immersive experience.
A magical new Halloween lakeside light trail is coming to Cheshire next month / Credit: Halloween Lakeside Light Trail
Organisers say it’s like “stepping into a living Halloween storybook”.
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Opening on Monday 2 October and running right through until Halloween itself on Sunday 31 October, tickets for the brand-new attraction are now on sale.
If the light trail wasn’t exciting enough as it is, there’ll also be lots of entertainment and live music, as well as the chance to tuck into warming and comforting food and drink from a wide range of independent traders and licensed bards on site.
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There’ll be everything from classic hot dogs, burgers, fries, and desserts, to spooky-themed specials, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and warm apple cider on the menu.
There’ll also be a cosy fire pit corner, which is the perfect place for toasting marshmallows and enjoying the wholesome atmosphere.
To make sure the four-legged family members aren’t left missing out on the fun, the dog-friendly attraction will also have a ‘Pup Hut’ selling dog treats and accessories, while there’ll also be a dog-friendly cafe open too.
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Organisers say it’s like “stepping into a living Halloween storybook” / Credit: Halloween Lakeside Light Trail
And, to top things off, Partridge Lakeside Fishery’s popular ‘Partridge Pumpkin Patch’ is also returning for the third year running, so you can really make a day of it, if you’d like.
Tickets to The Halloween Lakeside Trail are now on sale, and will set adults back £18 per person, £14 for children, while infants under three go free, and there’s a range of family ticket package options too.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 16 – 22 June 2025
Emily Sergeant
Parklife weekend has been and gone, so you may very well be thinking the rest of the month will be a little more chill?
Think again…
It is summer after all, so as you’d probably expect, there’s absolutely no shortage of things for the whole family to be getting up to in Greater Manchester this month – we’re talking festivals, themed events, new foodie openings, and loads more on the horizon in the coming weeks.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries.
We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide, both free things, and those that’ll set you back a few pennies too.
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Stories – Brought To Life
MediaCityUK
Monday 16 June – 31 August
Stories – Brought To Life / Credit: The Manc Group
A major new National Portrait Gallery exhibition has arrived in Salford.
The ground-breaking new experience by FRAMELESS Creative has opened at MediaCity, bringing some of the world’s most famous portraits to life like never before.
Stories – Brought to Life will explore the fascinating lives of these figures, who have shaped the UK’s history and culture all the way since the Tudor period, and will combine the highest quality digital projection, Hollywood-style visual effects, and the latest audio technology, along with specially created musical scores and creative narratives to shine a new light on each individual.
Visitors will be able to step inside iconic portraits including Grayson Perry, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Emmeline Pankhurst, Queen Elizabeth I, and William Shakespeare.
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You / Credit: Science Museum Group
You can plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses at a new immersive museum exhibition that’s now arrived at the Science and Industry Museum.
Back by popular demand after a successful run over these past two years, but with a fresh new adventure lined up for 2025, Operation Ouch! is giving you the chance to journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
Tickets to Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You are now on sale, and visitors are being told to prepare themselves for an “epic exploration of the senses”.
An award-winning play about the England men’s national football team is playing outside of London for the first time ever, and Greater Manchester has been chosen as the lucky location.
The National Theatre’s smash-hit production of writer James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play, Dear England, has started its four-week run at the legendary The Lowry in Salford, and audiences have a chance to catch it up until 29 June.
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Directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rupert Goold, Dear England tells the story of the England men’s football team under former manager, Gareth Southgate.
Did you see that the world’s biggest JD store has now opened over at the Trafford Centre?
That’s right, the biggest in the WORLD.
If you didn’t see it all over your socials at the weekend, then you may have missed the fact that JD opened its new flagship store here in Greater Manchester, and they managed to get some real star power in to do the grand opening honours in the shape of the lads from the Beta Squad, and none other than certified sporting legend Usain Bolt.
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Spanning more than 43,000 sq ft, the new mega store is home to global brands including Nike, Adidas, Puma, The North Face, and JD exclusives like Unlike Humans.
There’s also a special station there too for hand-crafted footwear, the adidas barbershop, and adidas originals market, a gaming zone, and SO much more.
How about the fact that Popeyes has been giving out 10,000 cajun hash browns for free this weekend?
And there’s still one day left to get feasting.
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Once the madness of Parklife this weekend has been and gone, we don’t think anyone could’ve come up with a better solution for a two-day, dance-ridden, drink-fuelled weekender than a lorry load of free Popeyes cajun hash browns.
The Louisiana fried chicken chain will be parked up and dishing out thousands of these glorious golden treats all weekend, and right through to Monday morning too, so don’t miss out.
Clocking Manchester: 130 Years in the City’s Evolving Skyline
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
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Monday 16 June – onwards
Clocking Manchester: 130 Years in the City’s Evolving Skyline / Credit: Supplied
A new free exhibition is now open allowing visitors to open the door into the rich history of one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings the Refuge Assurance Building, which is now the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.
Clocking Manchester: 130 Years in the City’s Evolving Skyline has transformed the walls of the hotel’s Refuge bar and dining space to chart the building’s remarkable journey, from its beginnings in 1895 to its current life as one of the city’s most loved luxury hotels.
Alongside the story of the building itself, the exhibition also highlights the people who have shaped the building over the decades.
National Trust – Sky Gardening Challenge / Credit: The Manc Group
It’s time to get your green thumbs out, as the National Trust has challenged city dwellers to ‘green’ their balconies this summer.
We know the city is a little lacking in greenspace, so why not bring the greenspace to you? If you need some tips and tricks on how to get a little greener, and what plants would work best in your mini oasis, then you can grab yourself booklets, seeds.
Plus, they’re also running free workshops across Greater Manchester.
Oh and hey, if you think you’ve got a bloomin’ lovely balcony, then you can now enter the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge and be in with the chance of winning some exciting prizes.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Kargo on the Docks is back for the summer.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
Did you see that Manchester Museum has been named European Museum of the Year for 2025?
Talk about a prestigious title.
Yes that’s right, congratulations are in order, because Manchester Museum – which is part of The University of Manchester (UoM) – has received one of the most prestigious museum awards in the world, the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA).
Not only that, but it’s made history in doing so too, as it’s the first university museum to ever receive the annual prize.
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Manchester Museum has been named the European Museum of the Year for 2025 / Credit: Manchester Museum
It beat out 41 other cultural hubs across the continent to claim the coveted prize.
Operated by the European Museum Forum (EMF), EMYA recognises new or redeveloped museums that showcase the best in excellence and innovation in their field.
The city’s most energetic live art event, Art Battle MCR, is back this week.
Set to take over Stretford Mall, in what is one of the last opportunities to explore the complex after hours and experience the building like never before, the space will be transformed into an artistic battle zone for 10 talented painters, who’ll have half an hour to create a masterpiece in front of a live audience.
It’s an evening of fast-paced art and entertainment, featuring painters, illustrators, tattooists, street artists, and other creatives in a head-to-head spectacle like no other.
Prestwich Pride – Queer Comedy Night / Credit: Supplied
Prestwich Pride is hosting its own Queer Comedy Night this week.
Although Prestwich Pride will be here in all its glory later this summer, as part of Pride Month, on Friday 20 June, the organisation is putting on its second Queer Comedy Night and the lineup includes familiar local faces – including Manchester comedians Josh Jones, and Brennan Reece
Last year was a sold-out show, and organisers are hoping this year will be exactly the same, especially as it’s all in aid of charity – with proceeds going to George House Trust, Rainbow Noir, and Trans Mutual Aid.
YUM! – Your Urmston Matters / Credit: Emma Boyle (via Supplied)
Following the success of last year’s tasty debut, Urmston’s very-own independent food and drink festival, YUM! – Your Urmston Matters, is back for its second serving this weekend, and will once again be transforming the Trafford town’s M41 site on Railway Road into a buzzing hub of ‘flavour, fun, and local pride’.
This community celebration will bring together top local street food vendors, artisan producers, and drink retailers, alongside live cooking demos, family activities, and loads of entertainment.
Little Mancs who love LEGO can take part in some interactive building workshops in Greater Manchester this Sunday.
Aimed at young creators aged six to 12, the workshops – which will take place down at the Trafford Centre, as well as online for those who can’t make it in person – will be botanical themed, and will focus on igniting imagination and nurturing children’s social skills.
Led by expert Brick Specialists, kids will get a guided interactive experience that sparks curiosity, encourages creativity, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty of plants and nature.
Gig review | Lionel Richie leaves Manchester dancing on the ceiling after Co-op Live debut
Thomas Melia
American multi-hyphenate Lionel Richie paid Manchester a visit last night and gave the 23,500 fans in the crowd all of his ‘Endless Love’.
Richie needs no explanation, being a household name, this artist had the crowd in the palm of his hands as soon as he stepped foot onto the stage, just like he has been doing since he burst onto the music scene over 50 years ago.
When you’re about to watch a legend strut his stuff in various tailcoats ‘All Night Long (All Night)’, you know you’re in for a mini workout.
We tried out Co-op Live’s Backstage Club before the show to fuel up with a pizza and grab a drink to ensure that we could dance ‘All Night Long (All Night) as much as the main man himself.
‘Breezy like a Sunday Morning’.Soaking up the fun at Co-op Live’s Backstage Club.You really do get the VIP treatment.Credit: Audio North
As well as boasting an intimate area with music history covering all four walls, this location had a photobooth, pool table, its own merchandise vendor and a live band.
For tonight’s show, it was only right that the band soundtracking Co-op Live’s Backstage Club were aptly named The Pennies and the signature drinks were equally fitting, ‘Say You, Say G&T’ and a cocktail offering labelled, ‘Breezy like a Sunday Morning’.
Glasgow solo star Brooke Combe – a favourite of ours from past Neighbourhood Festivals – gave the crowd our first taste of music for the night, playing highlights of her debut album ‘Dancing at the Edge of the World’, which only dropped back in January.
Her songs ooze soul, from the infectious ‘Shaken by the Wind’ to the instantly catchy ‘The Last Time’ and fan favourite, ‘Are You With Me?’. Combe’s stage presence was nothing short of contagious.
It’s no surprise, really, considering she’s already practised and perfected her craft at Glastonbury back in 2022 among countless other massive slots. Make sure you catch her the next time she’s in Manchester.
The legendary performer knew he had to kick things off in true Lionel Richie style, it’s only obligatory that he opened the show with his greeting-titled hit ‘Hello’.
Lionel welcoming fans with ‘Hello’ and being greeted with equally impressive roars from the crowd.Richie slowing it down for a moment, performing Commodores classic, ‘Easy’.Credit: The Manc Group
As the chorus approached, the American superstar hailed “Hello” and the audience immediately exclaimed in synch, “Is it me you’re looking for?”.
Social media might’ve been non-existent when the performer first reached our ears, but this didn’t stop Lionel Richie from inadvertently turning last night into a mini ‘Throwback Thursday’ playing his 1977 Commodores swooner ‘Easy’.
If you had told me that Lionel Richie would directly address me and my brother mid-performance, I would’ve laughed in your face, but last night the star adopted the both of us. Life complete.
The American singer came up the catwalk, soaking up all the cheers and love from the Co-op Live crowd, and then pointed directly at me and my brother and gave us a little shoutout.
Before playing the anthem that is ‘We are the World’, Mr. Richie expressed, “Alright, I’ll just tell ‘em” before admitting to the whole arena, “These are my cousins right here”.
I guess when we sang “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?” earlier in the show, it really was me (and my brother) he was looking for.
Getting called 'cousins' by @LionelRichie was not on our 2025 bingo card, but it has made our entire year. 😭💀
Just like his opening track, the final slot also has its fixed placement in Richie’s setlist; of course, that song is none other than the essential party number, ‘All Night Long (All Night)’.
Richie recites the line, “We’re going to party, Karamu, fiesta, forever”, and the crowd understood the assignment as by the time he sang, “Come on and sing along / All night long”, everyone was up.
This tune is nothing less than cathartic, and for the five minutes it played, everyone was side-stepping, swaying, singing, dancing, not a single inhibition in sight.
Lionel Richie might know his way around writing smash hits and commanding a crowd, but it’s the audience’s joy for the music that made this concert such a special night.
Did we tell you? Lionel Richie called us his cousins.Richie amidst a flurry of flashlights from the Manc crowd.Credit: The Manc
Emily Sergeant -
19th September 2023 
