All the vibes of an apres-ski experience have landed in Greater Manchester with the arrival of a full Yurt Village.
Inside each cosy space you’ll find log fires, Christmas trees, ski racks, cable cars and fur throws for the perfect Alpine atmosphere.
The YurtBar pop-up in Sale has several different event spaces of varying shapes and sizes, each one named after and inspired by iconic European ski resorts.
Just imagine gathering all your loved ones together to sip on mulled wines, steins of beer and ski shots surrounded by twinkling lights. Bliss, right?
If you’re planning a party this winter, whether it’s your work Christmas do, a birthday, or just a festive get-together with friends, YurtBar is a perfect party spot for the season.
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A pop-up apres-ski bar with yurts, live music and steins has opened in Greater Manchester. Credit: Supplied
While the yurts can be booked for groups up to 152 people, you can also just enjoy the apres-ski atmosphere in much smaller groups, with tables available for six people too.
On arrival at the festive Yurt Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before tucking into an Alpine-themed three-course meal by The Hog and Apple.
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And to get the party started there’s a full cocktail bar, plus live music with a DJ and saxophonist.
You’ll be able to document your festive celebration in a photobooth with an Alpine themed backdrop, as well as a 360 degree videobooth.
Billed by previous customers as ‘the best night of the year’, YurtBar bookings are now open for minimum tables of six.
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To feel like you’ve been whisked off to the mountains without ever leaving town, click HERE.
And you can save money on your booking using the code Organisergoesfree!
Local Olympian Keely Hodgkinson named as official starter of the 2025 Great Manchester Run
Danny Jones
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One of our very own is getting ready to get thousands of racers underway as local Olympian, Keely Hodgkinson MBE, has been named as the official starter for the 2025 Great Manchester Run.
Atherton’s very own generational trackstar, who picked up gold at Paris 2024 and has earned several other medals, not to mention smashing multiple British records, will be leading the hordes of runners taking on the annual AJ Bell challenge through central Manchester next month.
We couldn’t think of anyone better suited to fly the flag for Greater Manchester.
HUGE NEWS incoming… 👀🔥
We’re super excited to announce that Olympic champion @keelyhodgkinson will be the official race starter for this year’s AJ Bell Great Manchester Run! 🏃♀️💥👏🐝 pic.twitter.com/aHHxeaMQ9p
Hyping up the news on social media, the Great Run company went on to add: “A true hometown hero, an Olympic champion, and now, kicking off Manchester’s best running party of the year – the BIGGEST in a decade! We’re proper BUZZZZZING! Let’s have it, Manchester!”
Safe to say they’re pretty ecstatic with the news, and so are we, as Keely Hodgkinson becomes the latest Team GB member to bring their pedigree to the event, following in the very fast footsteps of Sir Mo Farah, Kelly Holmes, Amir Khan and many more.
Although the 800m specialist is yet to comment on the announcement directly, the magic of getting to put the hard yards in front of a home crowd won’t be lost on her, and it goes without saying that she’ll get an unreal reception from the Manc spectators – of which there are expected to be more than 100,000.
Better yet, over 35,000 participants are set to take on the Great Manchester Run this year, therefore teeing potentially record-breaking crowds for the event.
2025 marks the 22nd edition of the event, and the atmosphere throughout the city centre, as well as out into East Manchester and Trafford, is always spectacular. There are still places left if you’re tempted…
Undoubtedly one of the very best athletes to ever come out of the underdog borough that is Wigan, whether you argue the case for old Lancashire or not, surely we can all be proud to call her a Greater Mancunian this spring, just as we did back in the summer?
Once again, it isn’t long before the annual race day kicks off as the Great Manchester Run arrives on Sunday, 18 May, with Keely Hodgkinson beckoning everyone towards their own hero moments.
There are still places left for both the 10k and half marathon distances, and now we’ve seen the medal design for this year, we might just have to sign up again ourselves.
You can find out more and decide for yourself HERE.
Two new immersive installations are coming to Dunham Massey
Thomas Melia
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National Trust park Dunham Massey is receiving two all-new immersive installations in May that are set tocreate some magical memories.
These art pieces are coming to the famed National Trust site this spring, with the aim of encouraging visitors to reflect on all things nature.
Both of the new installations will cover two very different aspects of the park while utilising soundscapes that help create a moment of calm for guests.
‘ORIGIN’ is one of the immersive installations coming to Dunham Massey, and it’s branded as a deep listening experience combining both art and wellbeing to help explore humans’ connection to nature.
An insight into the immersive installation ORIGIN.Just a quick glance at the new immersive installation inside Dunham Massey. (Credit: Publicity Pictures)
Each guest will join a small, timed group of people to walk around the exhibition, where they will hear lots of different harmonies and soothing sounds – you’re even encouraged to sit or lie on the ground.
Amongst this relaxing audio experience, there will be dialogue from Young Identity, a Manchester-based literature and performing arts charity, who have created spoken poetry for the soundscape.
This bespoke creation is the genius of internationally-acclaimed artists Colin Nightingale and Stephen Dobbie, who have teamed up with a wonderful creative team to bring this experience to life.
‘A Field Hospital for Eco-Anxiety’ is the title of Dunham Massey’s second brand-new immersive installation, and frequent visitors to the park will recognise its location as it takes place in The Orangery.
This building will be filled with some lush plants, and just like its name – the ‘Field Hospital’ – it’s set to be a place of sanctuary and comfort for any guests who decide to take part.
Visitors enjoying the gardens at Dunham Massey, CheshireVisitors walking their dogs in the park at Dunham Massey, CheshireIt really is a National Trust gem. (Credit: Supplied)
There will be an activity sheet on hand for visitors as you walk around, so you can write down some positive steps people can take for the environment and reflect on our natural world.
The latter immersive installation is the brainchild of The Edible Bus Stopand ‘Not here to be liked’, two companies that design and create culturally relevant experiences, typically environment-oriented.
These two brand new immersive installations at Dunham Massey are multi-sensory and are a great chance for little ones and grown-ups alike to take a moment of solace to consider environmental impacts.
Liam Geary Baulch from Not here to be liked explained: “Right now a majority of people are worried about the climate crisis, with so many young people impacted. The Field Hospital is a place for them to feel cared for, take a breath, and build resilience.”
The two brand new exhibitions, ORIGIN and A Field Hospital For Eco-Anxiety, are officially launching to the public on 3 May at Dunham Massey.
If you’re interested in giving it a try, you can find out more information HERE. It’s also worth noting that the experience is not suitable for under 12s; under 18s must also be accompanied by an adult.
ORIGIN is included in the general admission Park and Garden ticket, which is available from £10 for an adult and just a fiver for children. This ticket also includes access to the garden, deer park, parking, shop, cafe, restaurant and all other facilities – though entry to the site doesn’t guarantee ORIGIN admission
Lastly, as is customary, the experience is FREE for National Trust members, so if you’re looking for activities this spring, a trip out to Cheshire might be on the cards.