2:22 A Ghost Story has begun its UK tour in Manchester, and it’s a production certainly not for the faint hearted.
Since its premier on the West End back in 2021, 2:22 A Ghost Story has firmly established itself as a must-see.
It’s a production that promises to get your pulse racing, your palms sweating and the hairs stand up on the back of your neck – and believe me, it does just that.
Based on the personal experiences of playwright Danny Robbins, this spooky tale delves into the supernatural themes of love, loss, and enduring connections.
Image: Supplied
The script is fast paced and keeps the audience on the edge of their seat, infusing dark themes with unexpected turns and moments of humour – it’s a perfect recipe for success.
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Set against the backdrop of a middle class dinner party there are no set changes, instead we focus on the four characters and their evening until the dreaded time comes around…2:22.
Jenny and Sam, played by Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, are joined by their old friend Lauren (Shvorne Marks) and her new boyfriend Ben (Grant Kilburn).
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There was not one weak link in the cast, each player kept up to speed in the fast pace game as the plot unfurled around them.
The standout performance for me was by Grant Kilburn as Ben, a cocky chino-wearing, loafer-sporting builder who turns out to be more than meets the eye (no spoilers, I promise).
Stacey Dooley’s Jenny was gentle and strong in equal measures, whereas Kevin Clifton’s performance was exactly as you wanted it to be – ridiculously obnoxious and at most times incredibly unlikeable.
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Image: Supplied
The syncopated score added to the tension of the plot perfectly, as did the red lighting that framed the performance throughout.
Again, I won’t give too much away but the jump scares dotted through the performance sent waves of terror throughout the audience. Followed by chuckles of laughter as grown adults came to realise they’d dropped their popcorn on the floor out of fright.
The ending of course brought it all together, and was the sort of ending that you had speaking to strangers walking out of the auditorium after the final curtain call.
So if you’re looking to get your pulse racing with a theatre production like no other, 2:22 A Ghost Story is at the Manchester Opera House until Saturday 16 August and you can your tickets here.
Brilliant Boxing Day walks around Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
It’s Boxing Day, and for a lot of us, the only requirement of the day is to sort out (eat) the leftovers and enjoy one last day of vegetating in front of the telly… walking is not high on the agenda.
But all that over-indulgence from Christmas Day can start to creep up on you – waistbands straining, head a bit foggy, bank balance definitely suffering from the Christmas Eve pub session.
Without wanting to sound like your nan, sometimes a bit of fresh air is exactly what you need to get yourself put back together again – not to mention it can help you to build up an appetite again to dive into that cheeseboard for the sixth time this weekend.
Greater Manchester is blessed with beautiful walks in all directions, so we’ve rounded up a handful of beautiful Boxing Day walks to try out.
There aren’t many places in the UK that look so much like a Christmas postcard as Macclesfield Forest, making it one of our favourite winter walking destinations.
Here, huge conifers dominate the landscape like giant Christmas trees – it’s about as close to an alpine wonderland you can get without travelling all the way to actual mountains.
There are a number of walking trails to follow, from a gentle green route all the way to a more challenging red route that takes you deeper into the forest.
Greenbooth Reservoir is one of Greater Manchester’s most underrated beauty spots.
If you tackle a full loop of all three reservoirs, you’ll come across a small waterfall, a stunning view of the Manchester skyline from the dam wall, and paths carved into steep hillsides.
It’s all nestled up in the Naden Valley in Rochdale, just above Norden.
Let’s see how awake your quads are, shall we, with an entirely uphill climb from Ramsbottom village to its magnificent Peel Monument.
The walk’s not too tough if you take it at a slow pace, and it’s well worth it for the views. Trust us.
You can go straight up the hill to the tower and straight back down again if you don’t want to rack up too many miles, or turn it into a circular and stroll across Holcombe Moor instead (beware – it can get windy up here).
There’s a map of the circular route here and some great pubs in the village to relax in afterwards.
Dovestone Reservoir is a beloved gem among many Mancunians – it might be busy on Boxing Day, but thanks to its mostly wide footpaths and circular route, it’s still easy enough to have your own space on your walk.
The path around the water is mostly flat and accessible, making it ideal if you’ve still got a few generations worth of relatives hanging about.
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You can keep going if you’re feeling adventurous, extending your walk to include Greenfield and Yeoman Hey reservoirs, or heading up to Saddleworth moor and the crags above.
You can find more information about Dovestone Reservoirhere.
This is far and away one of the best winter walks you can do locally, especially on a crisp sunny day (which we hope Boxing Day will be).
The water is surrounded by woodland and meadows, and you can take a stroll along the banks of the River Mersey while you’re out here.
The lake itself is actually an artificial one, and was flooded after gravel was dug up to build the M60 in the 1970s.
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In summer, it’s packed with people doing watersports, but during the winter, it’s a picturesque little local stroll – and as a bonus, you can even get the tram right to the gate.
Right then, if you want maximum bang for your buck (as in soaking in as much fresh air and scenery as you can in as short a time as possible), Reddish Vale is the one.
There’s a really gentle loop that starts from the car park and skirts the edge of the bottom pond, also taking in views of the enormous viaduct that looms overhead.
And if you’re after something slightly more involved, you can keep exploring – this urban oasis spans 161 hectares with the River Tame running right through it.
Rivington Pike is a real gem in the North West, just across Bolton’s border with Lancashire, with loads to explore.
There’s a trio of reservoirs at the foot of the hill, but most people head upwards, towards the historic tower at the peak, where you can soak in views for miles around.
The Terraced Gardens are well worth exploring too, where you’ll find a hidden Japanese garden, lakes, waterfalls, bridges, sculptures and caves.
It might not be the most adventurous of Boxing Day walks – Heaton Park is one of Manchester’s most popular and prominent green spaces and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe – but it’s a perfect option for a family-friendly stroll.
The huge park has miles of accessible footpaths which loop around the boating lake, the Grade I-listed Heaton House, and the ‘Temple’, which stands at the highest point in the city of Manchester.
There are also cows and horses wandering about (even when the animal park itself is closed), and the old tramline to check out.
Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough
Credit: The Manc
What’s better than a walk where, after you’re done, you can stop off for a well-deserved Friday night feast: some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever have.
This is an accessible and flat walk suitable for all, and if you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s an ice cream truck courtesy of Northern sweet-treat greats Grandpa Greene’s on Lake Bank.
Located just a nine-minute drive away from Bury town centre, Burrs Country Park is a great chance to be at one with nature while also making sure you’re not too far from home.
This lovely stroll is certainly a-MOO-zing with comforting pub grub at The Brown Cow or nearby ice cream parlour Jersey Girls’ – we may have a little ice cream obsession…
Peel Park & Kersal Wetlands
Peel Park (Credit: Richerman via Wikimedia Commons)
Featuring some vast green spaces and some of the most intricately landscaped paths and patterns, Peel Park is like stepping into a mini Bridgerton-inspired garden, all that’s missing is the keys to your own castle (we wish)…
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Another Salford beauty spot is just a 20-minute walk away, but if the conversation is flowing, the time will just fly by.
Kersal Wetlands is a circular route that offers visitors the chance to see some cute feathered friends, mainly ducks, while burning off some of yesterday’ Christmas treats.
Both these walks are flat, making them accessible for all and ideal for anyone with a pram or people who may struggle with strenuous walks.
Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury
A Didsbury gem, Fletcher Moss Park is a 15-minute tram ride away from Manchester city centre and just under a 15-minute wander from Didsbury Village tram stop.
This is more than a park; it’s a hidden oasis with well-maintained and lush garden spaces, to a fascinating rock garden that’s simply awe-inspiring.
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Grab a coffee or hot chocolate from the retro food and beverages truck and take a minute to appreciate this quiet spot before making your return to the usual hustle and bustle.
Ever wanted to ‘hover above a huge gorge’while getting all your steps in? Well, this Peak District town has got you covered.
Situated directly next to the River Sett, the impressive 175-yard walkway can be incorporated into various walking trails and routes that surround the area.
New Mills has it all, whether you’re after a walk that admires some grand architecture in the shape of the impressive railway arches, or the lovely forest trails and greenery, there’s something for every type of walker – and let’s face it, we all move a bit slower on Boxing Day.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Credit: Mr Stephen (WikiCommons)/Marty Finney (Unsplash)
Manchester
Greater Manchester bin and recycling collection dates for Christmas and New Year 2025
Danny Jones
We know it’s a somewhat boring bit of life admin, but anyone who’s been caught out missing the refuse collection dates when the various recycling bins inevitably pile up over Christmas and New Year will know it’s worth knowing ahead of time.
Let’s help you avoid any unnecessary trips to the tip or having to find other ways to get rid of extra rubbish this holiday season.
You can thank us later.
Here are all of the relevant bin collection dates for each of the 10 Greater Manchester boroughs this Christmas 2025 and the first few days of the New Year.
When are the bins being collected this Christmas?
Bolton
Grey bins
Wednesday 31 December 2025
Wednesday 14 January 2026
Wednesday 28 January 2026
Wednesday 11 February 2026
Beige bins
Wednesday 7 January 2026
Wednesday 4 February 2026
Burgundy bins
Wednesday 24 December 2025
Wednesday 7 January 2026
Wednesday 21 January 2026
Wednesday 4 February 2026
Green bins
Wednesday 7 January 2026
Wednesday 1 January 2026
Wednesday 4 February 2026
Wednesday 18 February 2026
Bury
Brown bin collections will be paused from Monday, 22 December to Sunday, 4 January, while dates for grey, green and blue bins will also change for most households until January.
Bury Council has advised that bins should be put out at the usual collection point by 7am and all waste must fit inside the bins with the lids fully closed.
A full list of revised collection dates:
Thursday, 25 December, will change to Wednesday, 24 December
Friday, 26 December, will change to Monday, 29 December
Tuesday, 30 December (no change)
Wednesday, 31 December (no change)
Thursday, 1 January 2026, will change to Friday, 2 January
Friday, 2 January, will change to Saturday, 3 January
Manchester (central)
No change to collections on Monday, 22 December and Monday, 29 December
No change to collections on Tuesday, 23 December and Tuesday, 30 December
No change to collections on Wednesday, 24 December and Wednesday, 31 December
Thursday collections move from Thurs, 25 Dec to Sat, 27 Dec, and 1 January to Fri, 2 January 2026
Friday collections move from Fri, 26 Dec to Sun, 28 Dec and from Fri, 2 Jan to Sat, 3 Jan
Oldham
Bins due on Christmas Day (December 25):
Blue bins will be collected on Monday, 29 December
Grey bins will be collected on Tuesday, 30 December
Brown bins will be collected on Wednesday, 31 December
Green bins and food caddies to be collected on Thursday, 18 December and Saturday, 3 January
Bins due on Boxing Day (26 December):
Blue, grey and brown bins will be collected on Saturday, 20 December
Green bins and food caddies to be collected as normal on (Fri, 19 December and 2 Jan 2026)
Bins due Monday, 29 December to Wednesday, 31 December:
Blue, grey, and brown bins will be collected as normal
Green bin and food caddy a week earlier from 22-24 December and one week later from Jan 5-7.
Bins due on New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1):
All bins will be collected on Saturday, January 3.
Rochdale
Thursday, 25 December 2025 (Christmas Day) – your bin collection will move to Sat, 27 Dec
Friday, 26 December 2025 (Boxing Day) – your bin collection will move to Mon, 29 Dec
Thursday, 1 January 2026 – your bin collection will move to Sat, 3 Jan 2026
Salford
NO COLLECTION
REPLACEMENT DATE
Thursday 25 December 2025
Saturday 20 December 2025
Friday 26 December 2025
Saturday 27 December 2025
Thursday 1 January 2026
Saturday 3 January 2026
Stockport
The next black bin collection will be on Monday, 29 December
Blue bins will be collected on Friday, 2 January 2026
Brown and green bins will also be collected on Friday, 2 January
Tameside
Thursday 25 December – No Collections
If you are due a green (general waste) bin collection, it will be collected on Monday, 29 December
If you are due a black (comingled recycling waste) or a blue (paper recycling waste) bin collection, it will be collected on Wednesday, 31 December
Friday 26 December – No Collections
If you are due a green (general waste) bin collection, it will be collected on Tuesday, 30 December
If you are due a black (comingled recycling waste) or a blue (paper recycling waste) bin collection, it will be collected on Friday, 2 January
Thursday 1 January – No Collections
If you are due a green (general waste) bin collection, it will be collected on Monday, 5 January
If you are due a black (comingled recycling waste) or a blue (paper recycling waste) bin collection, it will be collected on Tuesday, 6 January
All other green, black and blue bin collections are due to run as normal over the festive period.
Trafford
NORMAL BIN DAY
NEW COLLECTION DATE
Monday 22 December
No change
Tuesday 23 December
No change
Wednesday 24 December
No change
Thursday 25 December
Saturday 27 December
Friday 26 December
Saturday 27 December
Monday 29 December
No change
Tuesday 30 December
No change
Wednesday 31 January
No change
Thursday 1 January
Friday 2 January
Friday 2 January
Saturday 3 January
Green bins and food waste
There will be no green bin collections during Christmas week. Any green bins presented from Monday, 22 to Friday, 26 December will not be collected; the green bin collection service will resume from Monday, 29 December.
Wigan
Bin collections, which usually take place on Tuesdays, will be done on Monday, 22 December and Tuesday, 30 December.
Those whose rubbish is normally collected on Wednesdays will move to Tuesday, 23 December and Wednesday, 31 December.
Thursday bin dates will move to Wednesday, 24 December and Friday, 2 January 2026.
Bin collections normally scheduled on Fridays will be carried out on Saturday, 27 December and Saturday, 3 January 2026.
Green bin collections will be suspended from Monday, 29 December until 9 January; the normal schedule will then resume starting January 12 or 19 – depending on the area.
We hope you have a wonderful, stress-free Christmas and New Year; as for those of you still looking to buy those last few bits, you might find the list below helpful, too.
Clementine Hall -
14th August 2025 
