A brand new animated children’s sitcom that’s set in modern-day Manchester has now started airing on CBeebies.
Rafi the Wishing Wizard follows seven-year-old Rafi Martin, a determined young wizard learning to use her very own wishing wand, but there’s one twist – she can only make one wish a day, and it always runs out, usually when she least expects it.
Set in present-day Manchester, the magical series follows Rafi as she encounters everyday situations with a magical twist.
From wishing for rocket shoes on the way to school, and wishing you were mermaids in the swimming pool, to wishing her bed could fly, and for bigger hands to save more goals in football, the adorable new show takes life’s ordinary moments and turns them into something extraordinary.
Oh, but that’s not without a heap of magical chaos along the way.
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With the help of her two dads, Jake (Daddy) and Dash (Dad), her best friends Ruby and Finn, and her grumpy pet cat Deborah, Rafi begins to realise that the real magic in life isn’t the wish, it’s her family, friends, and community.
According to the BBC, at its core, Rafi the Wishing Wizard is a classic family sitcom driven by ‘magic, surprise, and plenty of heart’.
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Rafi the Wishing Wizard is a new animated children’s TV series set in Manchester / Credit: CBeebies
Another thing that makes Rafi different, according to the show’s creators, is that she’s just a normal kid in Manchester… but one who just happens to be a wishing wizard.
“It’s that mix of the ordinary and the extraordinary that gives the show its spark,” the BBC said in a statement.
All 26 episodes of Rafi the Wishing Wizard are now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, or watch on CBeebies – with each episode only being seven-minutes long, making it ideal for younger attention spans and easier to spot all of the Manchester landmarks.
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Executive Producer Tom Cousins says setting the show in Manchester was a ‘deliberate choice’.
“It’s a city that’s close to my heart, but it also gives makes the world feel specific and familiar to UK audiences.”
Beth Gardiner, who is the Commissioning Editor for CBeebies, added: “We are very proud that this series is set in Manchester and know that it will resonate with children and families across the country. This series celebrates the warmth of family and friends and shines a light on our audiences’ wishes and the magic of everyday moments.”
Rafi the Wishing Wizard is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, or watch on CBeebies live, and you can find all episodes here.
Featured Image – CBeebies / BBC
Kids & Family
Subjects for first vocational equivalent to A-Levels revealed ahead of introduction next year
Emily Sergeant
The subjects for the first vocational equivalent to A-Levels have been revealed ahead of their introduction into the curriculum next year.
Claiming that too many have been ‘held back’ by a system that didn’t ‘value every route to success’, the Government has now announced that young people will be able to take the very first V-Levels in subjects like education, finance, and digital in 2027, as part of landmark reforms to close the skills gap and help them secure well-paid jobs.
V-Levels are described as being ‘transformational’ new qualifications where learning is designed around real jobs and the skills that employers actually need.
They combine study and real‑world work experience to achieve the final outcome.
As mentioned, the new qualifications will be introduced next year for 16‑year‑olds, providing a year of study before progressing to V-Levels, T-Levels or A-Levels – with the initial subjects being Education and Early Years, and Digital.
The first subjects for the vocational equivalent to A-Levels have been revealed / Credit: EasyPeasyAI | JESHOOTS (via Unsplash)
A separate two‑year, employment‑focused route will also be available for those aiming to move straight into work or an apprenticeship after education.
Students who want to specialise in technical, sector-focused studies will also have more options, as T-Levels will soon be expanded to include subjects such as Sports, Fitness and Exercise Science, and Care Services.
These further changes to T-Levels will refine content and assessment, and allow providers more scope to tailor industry placements, to ensure that more young people can access them.
“Our bold reforms will end the snobbery in post-16 education, supporting young people with real choice and real opportunity to build secure, future‑proof careers,” commented Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, as the V-Level subjects were announced.
“Not only that, but it will give parents much-needed confidence in a system that values every route to success, as we continuing driving forward our mission to ensure two‑thirds of young people are in education, training, or apprenticeships by 25.”
Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, added: “We are pleased that a third qualification pathway will sit alongside A levels and T levels in the future.
“The changes announced to T levels today are also very welcome and should make it easier for more young people to study a T level and for schools and colleges to offer them.”
Featured Image – The Labour Party (via Flickr)
Kids & Family
The best Mother’s Day deals in and around Manchester this year
Danny Jones
Mother’s Day is one of the most important days on the calendar at any point, not just in 2026, as it’s a reminder to thank our wonderful mums for everything they do for us all throughout the year.
Of course, you should be grateful for them every day, especially since they had the good sense to give birth to bring you to this part of the world, but we know life can get busy.
However, that’s exactly what Mothering Sunday is for: reminding them that you’d roll out the red carpet and shower them with praise and eternal gratitude 24/7, 365 if you could.
So, without further ado, please rifle through some of the best Mother’s Day freebies, deals and offers your mum can enjoy in and around Manchester this year.
The best Mother’s Day deals and offers in Manchester city centre and beyond | 2026
What is it:A stunning boutique hotel in the heart of Manchester city centre, which is home to a rooftop terrace, a hidden cinema, and a lovely British restaurant.
For their Mother’s Day Deal:They’ve launched a new Manchester-inspired afternoon tea (complete with Vimto macaron and a tribute to the chippy tea), and if you book in between 13 and 16 March, you’ll get an exclusive ESPA Beauty & Wellness Gift Bag to celebrate Mother’s Day. Find out more HERE.
NQ64
What is it:Manchester’s much-loved subterranean gaming bar, where the consoles and cocktails are as retro as each other.
Mother’s Day deal:They’re bringing back ‘Shorty Sundays’, which allows under-18s to visit for a whole family afternoon out gaming. It’s running from 11am until 3pm.
The Refuge
What is it:A beautiful, grand restaurant space located withinthe Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on Oxford Road, serving everything from eclectic small plates to hearty Sunday roasts.
For Mother’s Day:There’s a complimentary glass of fizz for mums dining on Sunday 15 March, alongside its Sunday roast menu.
You can always grab her some flowers on the way out, too. (Credit: The Manc Group)
The Head of Steam
What is it:Beloved group of largely Northern boozers, often found at train stations or in key central locations, including a relatively new NQ branch.
For Mother’s Day:A free glass of fizz for mums when you book in advance, available 9-15 March.
Pip at Treehouse Hotel
What is it:A creative new British restaurant from award-winning chef Mary-Ellen McTague, where the cooking is always comforting and seasonal.
The deal:Signature Sunday roasts will be served with a complimentary glass of fizz for mums. Bookings are live now.
The Ivy
What is it: Surely needs no introduction, this one – the huge three-storey restaurant and brasserie on the edge of Spinningfields that’s a firm favourite with the city’s more glamorous residents.
The deal:There’s a special Mother’s Day Breakfast on Sunday (complete with Champagne, truffled eggs and mini pastries), with a free bunch of tulips and a box of The Ivy Chocolate Truffles to take home for mums.
Dirty O’Sullivans
What is it:One of the city’s newer Irish bars, doing Sunday roast ‘cauldron’ feasts, pies, and (naturally) lots of Guinness. Perfect if your mum isn’t exactly a dainty afternoon tea type.
The deal:Mums eat free when dining with a group of four or more on Mother’s Day, plus she’ll get a free glass of prosecco.
Mum will be buzzing if you treat her to a proper posh one like this.
Fenix
What is it:A stunning and VERY glitzy Greek-Mediterranean restaurant in St John’s, with a bright Mykonos-inspired restaurant upstairs and smart cocktail bar downstairs.
The deal:All mums will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or ‘Lady Athena’ cocktail. Book your meal right HERE.
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MAYA
What is it: A stylish Canal Street bar with a renovated basement restaurant, serving elegant food and drinks across a total of three floors – a growing Gay Village favourite.
The deal: A special Mothering Sunday ‘Evening With…’ event for one night only featuring Pianist Eden Binks and RuPaul’s Drag Race star, Viola. There’s also a Sunday Roast available to book from 12-5:30pm, as well as all mums and mother figures being entitled to a complimentary glass of Tattinger with food.
Federico
What is it: One of Manchester city centre’s most gorgeous new wine bars, serving signature cocktails, spritzes, house DJs and even live jazz in a low-lit setting over at Pall Mall.
The deal: Mother’s Day wine flight of three glasses of wine for £15 available on the Sunday only; the team will create a bespoke lineup based on each person’s tastes.
The Cut & Craft
One of the prettiest rooms you’ll ever eat in. (Credit: The Manc Eats)
What is it: Increasingly one of the best-known steak and seafood restaurants in the North, now serving up gourmet plates, champagne bottomless brunches and more from a beautiful old bank on Mosley St.
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The deal: ‘Brunch in Bloom’ event, hosted in partnership with local florists, where guests will be welcomed with a bellini board on arrival and guided through creating their own personalised bouquet to take home, along with a brunch dish and goodie bag from Molton Brown. £60 per person, 10am–12pm.
Electric Shuffle
What is it: One of many places to play shuffleboard in the heart of Manchester, but also happens to be one of the coolest spots to do so, with party-friendly food and sharing platters, as well as a healthy supply of drinks.
The deal: Mothers are entitled to a free glass of Prosecco, and the first 100 mums to join the fun will receive a miniature bottle of Mermaid Pink Gin as a gift to take home. You can book now.
Carden Park
What is it: One of the most luxurious and relaxing leisure destinations in the North West, offering fine food and drink, spa and wellness services, as well as stunning views of the Cheshire countryside.
The deal: They’re doing an afternoon tea offer for £35pp, which can be upgraded to the sparkling version (Prosecco included) for £44, swapped for gin at £42.50, or an even more glam option of Bollinger champagne for £48.50. You can always book these as part of a full hotel stay.
What is it: A tried and tested Italian restaurant that never disappoints; great for a laid-back bite on your dinner break, with their popular lunchtime offer, and is even busier come the evenings. They also do great e-card options if you’re in a pinch.
The deal: A special ‘scented’ Sunday lunch, centred around a roast leg of lamb with all the trimmings (two courses for £40/three for £45); plus, mums get a glass of fizz included and are also invited to stay and design their own Jo Malone fragrance, as well as take home a personalised candle and engraving.
Stock Exchange Hotel
What is it: Well-known Mancunian hotel co-owned by former Man United legend turned businessman Gary Neville, which also boasts the Tender restaurant by Niall Keating in-house.
The deal: They’re offering a special afternoon tea for Mother’s Day 2026, with live performances by the one and only Hallé Orchestra. Prices starting from £40pp.
Zouk Bar and Grill
What is it: Some of the best Indian and Pakistani food not just in the city but maybe even Greater Manchester full stop, offering various deals year-round, from bottomless packages, breakfast and brunches, Sunday roast sharing platters and much more.
The deal: All mums get a free glass of fizz and a red velvet rose dessert for Mother’s Day bookings – worth it for that Sunday roast sharer platter we mentioned alone…
Chotto Matte
What is it: One of Manchester’s newest and swankiest hospitality venues, located inside Gary Neville’s St Michael’s tower, blending the flavours of Peru and Japan, a.k.a. ‘Nikkei’ cuisine.
The deal: They’re serving Peruvian Sunday roast for their Mother’s Day in the city this year, which includes a complimentary glass of prosecco and a special lip gloss for mum to take home (on a first-come, first-served basis).
The Lowry
What is it: Needs no introduction, really. One of the most famous hotels in the region, if not the entire country, and for good reason – it’s brilliant.
The deal: They’re doing an exclusive Mother’s Day brunch for £25, or £30 with sparkling wine; afternoon tea for £39 (or another tenner with booze once again), OR treat your queen to a full-on RE:TREAT spa day experience, priced at £145 during weekdays and £160 at weekends.
What is it: Similar to The Lowry, the Beetham Tower (and former Hilton) is one of the most famous hotels and parts of the Manchester skyline, and it has luxury food and drink offerings both way up high and in its AA-Rosette ground-floor restaurant.
The deal: They’re doing a bottomless lunch (two courses for £35 or three for £40) over the course of 90 mins, or you can make it a boozy one with rivers of Prosecco at £59.
Browns
What is it: A long-standing fine dining restaurant group, with Manc site on the corner of Brown Street and the top of King St, specialising in a wide range of brasserie dishes and British classics.
The deal: Mums get a complimentary glass of fizz for Mothering Sunday when purchasing any main from the à la carte menu; there’s also a special set Sunday roast menu (must put down a deposit to secure your booking).
Now, this is by no means an exhaustive list, but this is just a taster of what the city and some surrounding areas are offering for mums this year.
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If you do know of any particularly good ones we’ve missed, please feel free to drop them in the comments, and we’ll make sure to update this round-up with as many as we can.
Emily Sergeant -
19th February 2026 
