Loads of fun and interactive activities for kids of all ages to get stuck into are happening across Manchester tomorrow.
Now that schools across Greater Manchester are out for summer, there’s likely to be lots of parents, carers, and guardians who are struggling to come up with different ways to keep the kids educated and educated at the same time, all while not breaking the bank too much – but luckily, there’s plenty happening in our region tomorrow to have you covered.
And it’s all to celebrate ‘National Play Day’.
One of the most wholesome annual events, ‘National Play Day’ was established back in 1987, and is a day dedicated to recognising and highlighting the importance of play in children’s lives.
National Play Day on 7 August is a chance for your child to enjoy the benefits of play. 🪁
Expect activities across the city – including crafts, free play, den building, sports, and more.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) July 29, 2024
A particular issue is focussed on each year, and 2024’s theme is ‘The Culture of Childhood’, which will celebrate the rich and lively culture of children’s play, and how playfulness is a distinct feature of behaviour across generations and cultures.
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Manchester will be looking at the “vital benefits” of play for children’s health, happiness, and creativity as it celebrates ‘National Play Day’ on Wednesday 7 August.
This means children of all ages can get involved with a wide range of fun activities at countless community venues across the borough – including arts and crafts, free play, den building, team sports, cycling, drumming, a book club, and more.
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Manchester is hosting loads of FREE kids activities for National Play Day tomorrow / Credit: Stephen Andrews | Kenny Eliason | Yan Krukau (via Pexels & Unsplash)
Many of the events happening tomorrow are organised and run by Manchester City Council – with the local authority saying “children from all backgrounds and abilities” are “welcome” at the activities and events near them.
Manchester Central Library, Manchester Art Gallery, Z-Arts, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester Aquatics Centre, and Heaton Park are just some of the places where play sessions are happening at throughout the day, and many of them are free to turn up to without needing to book places in advance.
Countless other libraries, leisure centres, galleries, and cultural hubs across the city are also hosting free events too.
New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Trafford Centre reveals Halloween events lineup with ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and more
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is nearly upon us, and the Trafford Centre has now announced its lineup of Halloween activities to get stuck into.
With not long to go until schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term, and with Halloween within touching distance, the major shopping centre has revealed an exciting collection of events that’ll be happening over the next couple of weeks – and there’s activities for people of all ages.
From creepy crafts, to hair-raising rides and eerie evening entertainment, there’s something for every brave soul.
Back by popular demand from 25 October is the Halloween Fair, which will pop up outside The Great Hall featuring nerve-shredding rides, a spine-tingling atmosphere, carnival vibes, and loads more, right through until 2 November.
Brand new for 2025 is Fright Night at the fair, which is a truly immersive scare experience for daring teens and adults.
The Trafford Centre has revealed its Halloween events lineup for 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Fright Night will bring three evenings of pure horror from 30 October – 1 November, as creepy characters roam the fairground once the sun’s gone down.
For families wanting half term fun but looking for a gentler kind of magic, there’s a chance to join characters Wanda Web and Jack O’Lantern for some creepy crafts like relaxing pumpkin decorating, eerie face painting, and making your own witches and wizards hats to take home.
The legendary Big Wheel will also be returning for the festive season so you can ascend into the misty night sky high above the Trafford Centre for eerie nighttime views.
And to top it all off, Gandeys will be bringing back the fan-favourite ‘Spooktacular’ for 2025.
There’ll be ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and loads more to get involved with / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year for us at Trafford Centre, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“From spine-chilling rides and late-night scares to pumpkin painting for the little ones, we’ve created an experience that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome families, friends and thrill-seekers alike for a Halloween celebration like no other.”
Emily Sergeant -
6th August 2024 
