The UK’s longest indoor ski slope has finally reopened at Manchester’s Trafford Quays Leisure Village – alongside a selection of its shops and dining experiences.
Whether you’re an avid skier or simply looking for an exciting day of adventure with the kids, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Chill Factore is back in operation.
From learning how to snowboard to playing in the snow, the ice-themed venue guarantees a fun-filled day out for almost anyone – with activities available on and off the slopes.
Now Chill Factore has reopened, here’s what you need to know about the types of experiences and events happening; and how to prepare for your visit to Trafford Park.
If you’re looking to style up your snow sport wardrobe, then this is a must-visit shop at the Chill Factore.
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Although jackets and trousers are readily available to rent, this stylish alternative will leave you gracing the slopes looking like a pro. Snow + Rock commit to stocking the latest designs from the world’s biggest brands, so you know you’re in trusted hands.
Dare 2b
If you’re not just limited to looking for ski wear, then Dare 2b is the place to be.
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They also stock cycling clothing, outdoor wear and activewear to have you prepped for any possible activity; offering some funky patterns and very on-trend styles.
Subvert Boardstore
If snowboarding is becoming more of a serious passion than just a hobby, then it might be time to invest in your own board.
Conveniently positioned in the centre of the Chill Factore, this store offers a massive selection of snowboards, binding and boots, meaning you’ll definitely find something that takes your fancy.
This adorable café is a must visit if you want to get your hands on some fresh food and coffee to keep you fuelled during your visit.
From their mouth-watering all-day breakfasts to scrumptious homemade cakes and desserts, Lift Up is definitely the vegan-friendly treat you need after a day on the slopes.
Paul’s Ice Cream
If you’re not too cold after spending time in the snow, you can grab a well-earned ice cream over at Paul’s.
With a selection of 40 flavours, as well as milkshakes, waffles and other hot desserts, there’s plenty of opportunity to reward yourself after hours on the slopes.
If you want to keep it classic, the Chill Factore also has a Costa Coffee, Nando’s and Wetherspoons for you to kick back with a hot drink or beer.
If you’re after a proper challenge, why not get involved in a race?
The Turris Alpine takes place on 20 September and the NSSA Race is on the 21 September – giving you a few weeks to train up before putting your skiing skills to the test against others.
If you’re still looking to improve your technique, then Chill Factore are hosting a Race Skills event every Tuesday from 5:30pm – 9:30pm. The coaches will give you guided instruction and assistance to improve your coordination, edge, pressure and rotation, making you a skilled skier in no time.
Perhaps your preparing for a ski holiday sometime in the future? Well the Chill Factore’s Terrain Challenges event helps you get a feel for the bumps and hills that you’ll experience on a real slope. They include a variety of table tops, pipes, kickers and moguls to promise a challenging yet realistic experience.
The Chill Factore is now open on weekdays from 12pm-8pm and weekends from 10am-6pm, and you can book tickets via their website.
What's On
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum announces FREE programme of space-themed activities
Emily Sergeant
National Space Day is coming up, and you can celebrate with a bunch of free space-inspired activities in Manchester this bank holiday.
Ever wondered what astronauts eat in orbit? How they use the loo in zero gravity? Or why crumbs are bad news on the International Space Station? Well, to celebrate National Space Day – which is taking place this year on Friday 1 May – you’ll now get to discover the answers to those questions and so much more down at the Science and Industry Museum early next month.
The popular Manchester city centre-based museum has unveiled a programme of free ‘out-of-this-world’ events and activities this upcoming May bank holiday weekend.
The programme of free events are set to accompany the museum’s latest special exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos – which you do have to pay for – and will give visitors more ways to explore the ‘wonders and weirdness’ of space.
The Science and Industry Museum has announced a free programme of space-themed activities / Credit: Drew Forsyth / Science Museum Group
Launching on National Space Day (Friday 1 May) and running through to Monday 4 May, the special bank holiday weekend programme is especially timely following the recent return of Artemis II astronauts from their history-making mission around the moon.
Families can get a taste of space during new live shows by sampling real foods used to feed astronauts, and discover more about how humans live and work beyond Earth, while budding space explorers put their skills to the test in interactive activities designed to ‘spark curiosity’ and ‘stretch imaginations’ to the moon and back.
Stargazers can enjoy the night sky as its projected across super-sized screens, or get creative by crafting their very own constellations and designing a mission patch for an astronaut’s spacesuit.
The events accompany the museum’s latest special exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Drew Forsyth / Science Museum Group
“2026 has already been a stellar year for space,” commented Tash Camberwell, who is the Interpretation and Content Developer at the Science and Industry Museum, as the programme of free events was announced this week.
“We’ve been so inspired by the amazing Artemis II astronauts, so I’m especially excited to bring space back down to Earth with an action-packed programme for the May bank holiday.
“Just like the exhibition, our holiday activities have been created for young people and their grown-ups to enjoy together by blending humour, hands-on science and spectacular experiences to spark curiosity in space and inspire the next generation of space explorers.”
More information on the bank holiday weekend activities can be found on the Science and Industry Museum’s website here, and free general admission tickets, as well as £10 tickets to Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, can also be booked online too – with under threes going free.
Following what was a popular spring school holidays, museum staff say early booking is ‘advised’.
Featured Image – Drew Forsyth / Science Museum Group
What's On
Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Daisy Bradbury -
28th August 2020 
