If staying active was one of your goals for the new year, then luckily, Joe Wicks is coming over to our city to give us a helping hand with that, as he’s got a brand-new fitness experience called MOVE Manchester that’s taking over Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, this weekend.
Kicking off on Friday 26, and running until Sunday 28 January, this three-day immersive experience includes a range of sessions that are fit for all ages and abilities, coached by some of the best in the business.
You’ll first be able to get your weekend off to a flying start the MOVE Manchester community hub.
Here, you can get involved with a range of events and activities, completely free of charge – including ice baths with ice bath experts, Brass Monkey, cooking and wellness sessions, a giant hopscotch obstacle course, quick HIIT workout sessions, and a self-care lounge.
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Not only that, but lululemon will also be hosting a pop-up shop and personalisation station, so you can get your fitness gear looking fresh for 2024.
Joe Wicks’ new fitness experience ‘MOVE Manchester’ is taking over Aviva Studios next week / Credit: Supplied
Saturday and Sunday kick off with a 40-minute high-energy workout, and afterwards, you can get to know The Body Coach himself with a Q&A. Then, once you’ve got your blood pumping, you’ll be able to slow things down with a restorative flow and stretch yoga class, accompanied by a wonderful violin and cello duo.
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Fitness experts like Joe Wicks will always tell you that rest and recovery are equally as important as physical activity itself, which is why wellness-conscious Jasmine Hemsley will be on hand to help you utilise your senses in a calming session using crystal alchemy singing bowls that provide the ultimate lullaby to unwind.
Of course, Joe will be hosting a number of his famous ‘PE With Joe’ high-energy workouts for the whole family in the Warehouse, also followed by a Q&A, so little Mancs will want to make sure they have their questions ready.
Arguably the showstopper of the weekend will be ‘Joe’s HIIT Party’, which is a high-tempo blast that will leave you feeling fitter, stronger, and happier than when you walked through the door – but this isn’t your standard body pump-style class, as it features a live DJ that’s guaranteed to get you moving and singing along.
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“My goal is to show people that fitness can be fun, and to inspire everyone to keep moving in 2024 to boost their physical and mental health,” Joe commented ahead of next week’s event.
“This event is going to be really special and like nothing I’ve ever done before”.
Tickets are still on sale and you can grab them from as little as £10 per class / Credit: Supplied
MOVE Manchester will take place in the Warehouse, an enormous 5,000-capacity space inside the state-of-the-art Aviva Studios, that feels almost like entering a colosseum. It’s taller than four double-decker buses, the length of a jumbo jet and set to be bouncing for MOVE Manchester when Joe Wicks is in the house.
If you’re looking for a full action-packed day though, then you can buy a day pass priced at £90, where you’ll be able to participate in two sessions, receive a signed copy of Joe’s latest book, ‘Feel Good in 15’, the opportunity to experience an ice bath with Brass Monkey, and get a one-year subscription to The Body Coach App.
MOVE Manchester is happening down at Aviva Studios this Friday 26 – Sunday 28 January, and you can find out more and grab tickets here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A free wedding show is returning to the spectacular Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall
Daisy Jackson
A beautiful wedding show is returning to the Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall next month, and it’s totally free to attend.
Rochdale Wedding Show (RWS) will bring together 40 different suppliers, showcasing everything from flowers and wedding cars to catering and cakes.
There’ll be food tastings, live music, and breathtaking wedding fashion to get stuck into when the event returns to Rochdale Town Hall on Sunday 17 May.
Organisers Rochdale Borough Council have brought together a huge line-up of businesses to help couples get inspired and organised for their big day.
Companies will be showing off the latest trends in bridalwear, menswear, and everything in between when it comes to wedding fashion.
Then you’ll be able to meet and browse suppliers for your flowers, your wedding transport, photography, venue dressing, cake design, hair and make-up, entertainment, jewellery, music, decorations, and even lighting.
And even if you’re in the very early stages of planning, you might be able to find your perfect wedding venue at the Rochdale Wedding Show, along with masses of inspiration to get started.
Many suppliers will be offering exclusive ‘show only’ offers on the day too, so you could make some big savings.
Experts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions, whether you’re looking for something traditional, a more contemporary theme, or a civil ceremony.
If the surroundings of RWS have caught your eye, good news – you can get married at the Rochdale Town Hall itself, and you will be able to take a look around the building on the day.
That includes the accommodation inside the nearby Rochdale Register Office, which includes a 70-seat ceremony room, the Red Rose Suite, which holds marriage and civil partnership ceremonies.
Classic and contemporary wedding cars will be on display at Rochdale Wedding ShowEnjoy a taste of wedding bands and DJs at Rochdale Wedding ShowA complimentary glass of fizz and canapes will be served to guests on arrival.Hair and beauty experts will be at Rochdale Wedding ShowToastmaster Alan CalowLooking for inspiration? At the show there will be many ideas for things you may not have even considered having at your wedding, yet!Meet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersExperts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questionsThe bar on the first-floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktailsMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersCompanies will be exhibiting the latest collections and trends in bridal wear, formal menswear and everything in betweenVisitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurantRochdale Wedding Show will be in the stunning Rochdale Town Hall, itself a popular wedding venue
Guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of fizz and canapes, and in between wedding planning, visitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurant, where there’ll be hearty Sunday roasts with all the trimmings on offer.
The first-floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktails, including a Passion Fizz, Blushed and Frisky, and Love Bite, plus other drinks and snacks.
Events manager Charlotte Preston says: “Rochdale Wedding Show is the ultimate afternoon out for anyone looking to look at their options ahead of the big day.
“Whether you are in the early stages of planning or your wedding is rapidly approaching, this is a must-attend event to get ideas and inspiration, meet the experts and relax with friends and family.”
No need to book tickets, entry is free, just turn up and browse – you can find out more HERE.
National Trust’s popular Manchester blossom trail returns with dozens of Bloomtown events this spring
Emily Sergeant
The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme is back once again.
Each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white.
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season, as there’s plenty of blossom to discover right on our doorstep in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re walking through the city centre on your way to work, enjoying a spot of lunch in the park, or going on a little local adventure with your family, the National Trust’s interactive Bloomtown map is filled with more than 50 of the best places to see blossom – with trails that will take you on a journey through several floral hotspots.
You can follow the Bloomtown Trail everywhere from Manchester city centre, to Salford, Trafford, Rochdale, and Stockport, or get creative and use the map to explore and create your very-own route.
The National Trust’s popular Manchester blossom and Bloomtown trail has returned this spring / Credit: The Manc Group
That’s not all either, as the National Trust has also organised a whole host of themed events and activities to help you appreciate the blossoms in all their glory.
You can get involved in everything from walks and bike rides, to poetry, dance, storytelling, creative workshops, and so much more at hotspots like Castlefield Viaduct, Dunham Massey, and Lyme Park.
Bee Pedal Ready are hosting a series of Bloomtown bike rides – including one this weekend (Saturday 25 April, followed by others in May) – where you can bring your own bike or borrow one for free and explore some of Manchester’s best blossom-lined routes.
A special Blossom-themed parkrun will take place at Heaton Park next weekend (Saturday 2 May), or there’s also a hands-on ‘blossomify your kit’ workshop at the park’s Lakeside Cafe this Saturday (25 April) morning too.
One of the most creative events on the lineup has to be the poetry and writing walks through the city’s pocket parks and green spaces, where you’ll be given a related writing prompt at each blossom stop.
First timers and experienced poets alike are welcome of the event on late May bank holiday Monday (25 May).
Bloomtown then ends in a finale weekend with dance performances and music created from the electrical signals of plants on Saturday 30 May at Castlefield Viaduct (booking required), as well as a free celebration for all ages on Sunday 31 May at The Whitworth Art Gallery – featuring blossom-themed storytelling, arts and crafts, bike rides, free books, drumming, dance, and more.
The Bloomtown programme is underway until 31 May, and you can find out more about all the themed events and book your tickets on the National Trust website here.
Harry Quick -
22nd January 2024 
