A major Jurassic World exhibition that’s been mesmerising visitors all over the world has arrived here in Manchester.
After initially launching in Melbourne, and then going on to open its gates to excited dinosaur fans in numerous other cities globally, such as Toronto, Chicago, Paris, Shanghai, Berlin, and more, it’s fair to say that Jurassic World: The Exhibition has become a global success.
Based on the beloved blockbuster film franchise, this official award-winning experience is one of the fastest-selling exhibitions in history, and has welcomed more than eight million visitors since first opening.
Tickets to the exhibition‘s run down at the Excel Arena in London back in 2022 were snapped up super quick and ended up selling out in no time at all – but thankfully, for any Greater Manchester residents who weren’t lucky enough to get to experience it for themselves, the dino mania has now arrived up north.
Jurassic World: The Exhibition has officially roared into the Trafford Centre for a limited time only.
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Billed as being a “family-friendly exhibit of massive proportions”, Manc visitors will be able to walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates, explore some richly-themed environments, and encounter a life-sized Brachiosaurus, Velociraptors, and the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.
You’ll be able to imagine what it would’ve been like to roam amongst these breathtaking creatures, and even interact with baby dinosaurs like Bumpy from the popular animated series, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous – which is currently streaming on Netflix.
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The world of Jurassic Park has been brought to life in a new experience at The Trafford Centre. Credit: The Manc Group
And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, the Manchester event will even feature some additional fan-favourite dinosaurs from Jurassic World that haven’t been at previous exhibitions too, so this means you can also look forward to seeing the armoured adult Ankylosaurus, and the ferocious Carnotaurus.
Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said the arrival of Jurassic World: The Exhibition in Greater Manchester will be “hugely exciting”.
“This experience promises a roarsome day out for all the family,” he added.
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Inside Jurassic World: The Exhibition, which is now open at The Trafford Centre in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Ron Tan, who is the Executive Chairman & Group CEO of NEON – the immersive events company bringing the exhibition to the UK for only the second time – said he is “ecstatic” to be back in the UK with another “exceptional experience” and to be showcasing new dinosaurs to awe visitors in Manchester and beyond.
He added: “We look forward to welcoming huge crowds to come experience this prehistoric world like no other.”
Jurassic World: The Exhibition is now open at the Trafford Centre, on the Peel 7 car park opposite John Lewis, for a limited time, and tickets are now officially on sale – starting from just £13 for children ages three up to 14.
Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026: Manchester welcomes some of snooker’s best
Danny Jones
This Monday marks the start of the World Snooker Tour’s 2026 Sportsbet.io Tour Championship, which is back in Manchester once again– and there are some big names on show.
Returning to our city for a third consecutive time, this year’s Tour Championships began at 1pm, with the likes of world number one Judd Trump playing some of the opening frames against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, along with Barry Hawkins taking on 2026 World Open winner, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
These are just the first two opening fixtures in what is set to be an eventful week-long tournament that will span a total of 19 matches, concluding in the final on Sunday, 5 April.
Hosted once again over at Manchester Central, this elite field of in-form players is basically only missing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who the aforementioned Thai tour start beat in last week’s final.
Only the top 12 players from this season’s highly competitive rankings earned a place in the draw, so all pretty much all the greats and the next generation are shooting for the title.
Defending champions John Higgins – a four-time world champion – will be breaking off against Mark Williams on Tuesday, 31 March.
Meanwhile, other names on the schedule of play include World Champion Zhao Xintong, Mark Selby (who Higgins beat in Manchester last year), Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.
Put simply, this isn’t just another big sporting event landing in our city centre, but a showcase of some of the very best talent in the discipline.
With tickets starting from just £25, these games are also some of the most affordable premium sports you can enjoy in central Manchester.
Better still, it’s also worth noting that the official Fanzone over in the foyer of the venue is open to all, even without a ticket.
There’s completely free coaching for players of all ages, interactive games, and even the chance to try a proper full-sized professional table – a perfect day out for the Easter school holidays.
The event itself is being aired on Channel 5, but if you’re interested in going along to see the action up close and personal, you can grab your seats right HERE.
Featured Images — Press shot (supplied via Manchester Central)/The Manc Group
What's On
Salford’s popular women’s running race is returning for 2026
Danny Jones
The popular women’s only five-mile race in Salford is back for another year, and it’s set to be one of the biggest yet.
Returning for its 34th iteration this spring, the 2026 edition of the Swinton Ladies Race is a mix of trail, gravel and road running.
It’s also remained a great entry-level run since it began, perfect not only for all ages and experience levels, but for those looking for a step-up in ability level and challenge with the mixed terrain.
Last May saw one of the best turnouts in the event’s history, and the Swinton Running Club founders are hoping for another big showing.
Now boasting a total of 400 places, the Swinton Ladies Race has remained a long-established cult favourite among locals over the past couple of decades.
Founded back in 1991 (then under the Worsley Woods Trail Race banner), it’s only grown in reputation but has still stayed true to its community-driven roots.
A one-lap course of lasting five miles, the course itself takes you through the aforementioned woodlands, as well as sections of trail and more defined paths.
Other notable sites featured include the Old Warke Dam, parts of the Bridgewater Canal and said Woods, which help make up a good chunk of the largest conservation area in Salford.
As they put it: “Whether you’re training for a new challenge or looking for a sociable jog in the fresh countryside air, join us and enjoy a trail race through Worsley.”
In addition to promising chip times, bespoke medals for all finishers, free parking and plenty of other little perks, it’s also just super accessible and good value-for-money.
As for the race route itself, there are drinks stations at the halfway point and finish line, first aiders on hand should anyone need help, and, of course, toilet facilities; it’s just a very well-run event all-round.
The organisers – who are teaming up with run promoters SheRACES for 2026 – do advise trail shoes where possible, especially if it’s been raining in the days leading up to the starting gun, but road trainers will still do you just fine.
Road or trail shoes are suitable for the course; we would advise trail shoes if the days leading up to the race have been extremely wet.
The price for affiliated runners is just £15, while unaffiliated participants can sign up for £17 plus a booking fee of £2 entry on the day (subject to availability). It’s also worth noting, however, that this is very much first-come, first-served. You can grab your race ticket and bib for Sunday, 3 May, right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
7th August 2024 
