Over in Stockport, there’s a warehouse filled with all manner of Star Wars props – from Storm Trooper suits to Dak helmets – all created by a team of fans with a special set of skills.
Known officially as RS Propmasters, unofficially as the ‘King of Troopers’, they’ve created some incredible original Star Wars trilogy replica props for the silver screen and have had their work featured in some big Hollywood movies and at London’s V&A museum.
No strangers to the fantasy worlds of superheroes, they all met years ago in the replica prop community – a combination of painters, sculptors, mould makers and researchers.
Image: The Manc Group
That community, once comprised of secret groups and closed forums, is now very much out in the open – with the team going from fans making the cult props as a hobby, to becoming professionals in the movie prop world.
Brought together by their shared love of all the original Star Wars trilogy, they combined their passions to start creating what they saw on the screen – working from original moulds used in the 1970s.
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Those replicas got them noticed and, years later, the working prop studio has now worked with a large number of productions, including big studio movies.
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Image: The Manc Group
Image: The Manc Group
Image: The Manc Group
Today, together the studio can make two full Storm Trooper outfits in a day with a team of six people working on it at once.
And if that wasn’t impressive enough, they also recently produced 50 replica guns over six weeks for a new Hollywood superhero film.
In total, RS makes five different Star Wars characters at its Stockport studio – and so much research goes into making these props exactly how they would have been made for the films 45 years.
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The studio’s SnowTroopers, for example, have a direct lineage to the original movie. These helmets are cast from an original studio-made helmet they managed to get their hands on back in 2017 – the only time this has ever been done.
Not satisfied with that, though, they even journeyed to LA to visit a private collection in order to find the most accurate cowl fabric to do the helmet justice.
Let’s just say there are no cutting corners here.
Image: The Manc Group
A community born out of fans with a shared passion, today the studio is run by a team of ten – all with their own individual skillset.
From ‘amour guy’ Pete O’Rourke, who it’s said has probably built more accurate Stormtroopers than anyone else in the world, to Becka Albrecht, who comes from a Fine Art and Humanities background and paints and weathers all the props, every single one of them has a true passion for the stories behind the props they are creating.
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Avid Star Wars collector Simon Windus, meanwhile, puts the ‘S’ in RS – having launched the company in its early days with his original Stormtrooper suit. As for his partner Rob McCormick, he was making props before RS was just a twinkle in their eye – but back then, it was all about Boba Fett.
So well-respected and knowledgeable are Simon and Rob, they were even invited down to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to help create a replica suit from an original costume piece back in 2015 as part of a British Film Institute exhibit.
And they’re right here on our doorstep, making magic from original cult prop pieces dating back to the 70s.
Progressing from hobbyists to esteemed industry professionals at the top of their game, it just goes to show if you are really passionate about something you can make anything happen.
To see more of the team’s work, follow them on Instagram here.
Feature image – RS Propmasters
Art & Culture
Kendal Calling reveals fantastic 2026 lineup, including Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice, The Kooks and more
Danny Jones
The lineup for Kendal Calling 2026 has been officially revealed in full, and let’s just say the list of headliners alone is absolutely box office.
It feels like we say this every year, but this could be one of their best to date.
With the likes of Scottish rock legends Biffy Clyro (after years of courting them), Mercury Prize-winning Wolf Alice, as well as indie veterans The Kooks and Two Door Cinema Club topping the bill on the main stage, next year’s Kendal Calling is shaping up to be a tasty one.
Next summer will mark the 21st year of the annual music and arts festival, and after a wonderful 20th anniversary edition in 2025, we have every faith the KC crew are going to nail it yet again.
Announcing a total of 120 acts – yes, this lineup is already STACKED – the roster is packed with everything from timeless indie stalwarts, Northern favourites, some pop surprises and plenty more.
For instance, we were genuinely buzzing to see not only the one and only Scissor Sisters, but also Gabrielle, and even noughties throwback, Vanessa Carlton.
We’re now hoping and praying she doesn’t pull out and quite literally travels ‘A Thousand Miles’ over to the Lake District.
After making their own comebacks this year, the likes of The Libertines, Deaf Havana, Hard-Fi and several others have joined the lineup, which is spread across more than a dozen stages, including non-musical acts and other bits of live entertainment.
We were very much spoilt for choice for our favourite festivals this year, but you only have to read our review of ‘KC20’ to know how much it meant to be there.
You can see the Kendal Calling 2026 lineup poster down below.
‘26's Adventure Revealed! 🙌 Like & RT for your chance to win VIP upgrades, boutique camping & a £200 bar tab!
Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice, Two Door Cinema Club, The Kooks, Scissor Sisters, The Libertines & more head to the Lakes! pic.twitter.com/HoI0qpgrxQ
If you look closely, you can also see that there’s a special guest slot thrown in there, too, though we’re stumped as to even the slightest hint of who it could be.
We’re sure you’ll have your theories and guesses in the chamber already, but let’s just say that after seeing how well they’ve done with surprises in the past, we cannot wait.
Commenting on the drop, co-founder Ben Robinson said: “I’m so excited to reveal next year’s line-up! Our brilliant team has secured a line-up worthy of the jaw-dropping faith the Kendal Calling family puts in us each year.
“Selling 98% of the tickets before announcing a single artist is the biggest compliment we could ever receive, so here’s an early Christmas present to say thank you!”
Like the man said, most full weekend passes have already gone, but if this lineup tickles your interest, you can still register for the final release of Kendal Calling 2026 tickets right HERE.
Featured Images — Press shot (supplied)/Audio North
Art & Culture
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 15 – 21 December 2025
Emily Sergeant
Can you believe we’re half way through December now, and a new year will soon be here?
Greater Manchester is looking as seasonal as ever at the moment, with dozens of light trails and Christmas events to be getting involved with, not to mention the iconic Manchester Christmas Markets having kicked off for 2025 too, so there’s loads to do throughout our region this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2025
Manchester City Centre
Monday 15 – Monday 22 December (some until 4 January 2026)
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 / Credit: Manchester City Council
This is your last full week to make the most of Manchester Christmas Markets 2025.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with hundreds of stalls across several sites now lining the streets of our city this year.
Visitors can tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 here, and check out the full round-up of drinks prices from all the traders here.
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Looking for somewhere a bit quieter but still full of festive spirit? We now have a round-up of the best alternative Christmas markets in and around Greater Manchester.
Manchester Christmas Markets are in full swing, and despite having a new layout this year, they’re kinda the same as always. So if you’re seeking something a bit different for your festive day out, Christmas shopping, or even dinner, there are a few alternative markets to try this winter.
From a brand-new event where street food traders centre around a flaming mulled wine bar, to one of the region’s best-loved weekend markets that now has a festive twist, there’s absolutely loads going on.
East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials’ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
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The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2025, ready for families, friends, and festive fun seekers to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas, Skate Manchester is festive staple in Cathedral Gardens.
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink for another year.
This year, there’s also a giant turbine by Octopus Energy that’s partially-powering the rink too, and you can skate around it while enjoying the ski scene in the globe.
The Grotto has returned to the Trafford Centre for the festive season.
This year, the shopping centre is taking things up a notch too, as The Grotto is described as being a ‘joyful’ and ‘interactive’ adventure where you’ll become part of a magical mission – saving Christmas cheer.
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To make the experience accessible to all, specially-tailored Whispering Winter sessions with softer lighting, quieter music, and fewer visitors will create a calm and inclusive environment for every child to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Manchester City are hosting special Christmas-themed tours of the Etihad Stadium this winter.
Having already been given the nod at Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ awards, the club’s Etihad Stadium tours have been given an even better festive upgrade. From walking out the tunnel welcomed to the tune of Christmas carols sang by the Halle Youth Choir and into the dugout, holding their own press conference, as well as a new VR experience, you’ve never quite done a tour like this. Give your fellow City fans a visit to their beloved Blues’ home ground like never before.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this winter?
Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
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It’s time to let your competitive side out – get ready to experience the city’s most unique attraction like never before. Race through the vortex, create the best mirror image, and complete the brain gym the fastest to win the dazzling trophy at the end.
Whether you’re team building with your work lot, or taking your mates for a bit of healthy competition, it’s a great one to have a go at.
Believe! The Polar Express Experience has landed in Manchester.
Having taken over Victoria Warehouse, this is an immersive walk-through experience, inspired by the timeless Christmas classic. You’ll be taken through the story in its entirety, stepping into the Polar Express carriage as a passenger and arriving to a festive Northern Lights display at your final destination – the North Pole, of course.
Photo opportunities are available throughout the experience too… yep, even with the big guy himself, so make sure to get snapping.
As a wise someone once said… ‘live, laugh, light trail’.
If there’s one thing we’re not short of in the North West this festive season, it’s light trails or seasonal light-themed events, so we’ve rounded up some of the best for you to visit this week, if you fancy popping down to one.
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Northern Lights
Heaton Park
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Monday 15 – Wednesday 31 December
Northern Lights / Credit: Supplied
Heaton Park has been transformed into a glowing world of wonder, as one of the UK’s most celebrated festive light trails has made its Manchester debut.
Already a hit in other major northern cities such as Leeds and Newcastle, Northern Lights – the acclaimed light trail from the team behind established music festivals Kendal Calling and Bluedot – has descended on our city’s largest park, bringing its cinematic visuals, choreographed soundscapes, and festive atmosphere along with it.
A magical illuminated trail has made it returns to the historic Dunham Massey, filling the grounds with twinkling lights and dazzling installations.
Christmas at Dunham Massey has become one of the North West’s most popular festive light trails, created by award-winning light trail producers, and for 2025, there’s a whole host of brand-new installations to see.
Visitors will get to walk through multicoloured landscapes of laser beams, while a projection on the facade of the historic house at Dunham Massey will narrate festive stories.
Land of Lights at Gulliver’s World / Credit: The Manc Group
The magical Land of Lights has returned to Gulliver’s World once again.
After proving to be a huge success the past two years, the one-mile trail showcases a huge array of lanterns and displays, creating a wondrous, wild, and magical atmosphere that’s suitable for all ages, and this year, there’s even some new additions.
The dazzling Lanterns and Light trail has returned to Chester Zoo for the winter.
Over the past couple of years, Lanterns and Light has proved to be such a success that it’s developed into one of the North West’s biggest and longest-running festive light trails, and all profits from the event support the zoo’s charitable mission to prevent wildlife extinction.
The zoo has transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland with colour-changing forests, glowing animals, show-stopping puppets and, brand-new for this year, a host of new immersive installations.
Yuletide at Tatton Park / Credit: Tatton Park / Emma Croman
One of winter’s top events, Yuletide, has returned to Tatton Park’s Gardens.
The magical winter adventure has, once again, brough a glittering light trail and theatrical, immersive performance to the famous beauty spot.
This unique fusion of Christmas light trail and winter family festival is now in its third year, and will debut brand-new features and performances for 2025. As visitors wander the Yuletide event, they’ll be treated to everything from sparkling light installations to impressive fire juggling shows.
Christmas has come early and Santa’s brought us the prettiest present of all this year.
A shiny new Anthropologie store has opened its doors inside a beautiful retail space at Royal Exchange, and it’s stuffed with homeware, fashion, gifts, and loads more.
Across two floors, you’ll find everything from denim to dinnerware, plus delights like martini-shaped handbags, apres ski-inspired glassware, and cosy knitwear – with brands like Damson Madder, TALA, Maeve, Vagabond, and Never Fully Dressed all in store.
It’s time to say Alo to the city’s newest fitness store.
Alo Yoga has finally opened the doors to a gorgeous new shop in the heart of Manchester, kitting us lot out with everything we need to move and stretch from studio to street. There’s everything from comfy joggers and stretchy leggings to essential fitness kit like cushioned yoga mats. The new Alo Yoga store has the perfect attire for your relaxing yoga session, pilates princess sweat sesh, or brunch date.
Our piggy little prayers have been answered – you can finally get your hands on proper British pies at the Manchester Christmas Markets.
You may know that Great North Pie Co have been a staple at the Markets for years, but it’s always been with pies you take home to heat for your tea… not this time though, as this year they’ve got an actual pie and mash bar.
They’re currently serving up their award-winning bakes on a bed of fluffy mashed potato, with lashings of steaming hot onion gravy.
Everybody’s favourite pasta from a cheese wheel is back this year.
Pasta Claus is the Italian themed pop-up serving all the classics. We’re talking the OG carbonara, cacio e pepe, and a pesto burrata number – the options are endless. There’s even thick cut slices of Lasagne too, with layers of beef ragù, bèchamel sauce, and lashings of parm.
If you’re dreaming of a cheesy Christmas, get this one added to your list.
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Is piping hot goulash in a bread bowl more up your street?
When we’re after comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty stew or a warm bowl of roasties, right?
Enter Roasties Haus, brought to you by the team behind Drip Haus. We’re talking fluffy roasted tatties piled high with all the festive trimmings, and of course, a big tub of gravy to pour, dip, and devour every last bite.
But wait, they’re not stopping there. These legends are also serving Austrian goulash in a bread bowl, because nothing screams comfort and warmth like a hearty, loaded soup and crusty bread.
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Is your sweet tooth craving tiramisu? Ours certainly is.
These gorgeous little boxes of tiramisu have been going viral on TikTok, so we made a beeline to the Manchester Christmas Markets to grab one for ourselves.
Misu Tiramisu have brought nine different flavours of their handcrafted Italian desserts to Piccadilly Gardens.
You can tuck into flavours including classic, pistachio and lemon, as well as festive flavours like black forest, gingerbread, and orange chocolate, all served in these beautiful little boxes.
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Up for a pint of the Black Stuff?
Manchester isn’t exactly short of a pint of places for a pint of Guinness (not sure if you’ve noticed, but we have a LOT of Irish pubs now) – but only three have got the seal of approval from the source themselves. This week, the iconic Irish brewery released its inaugural Harp Guide, singling out just 35 pubs around the country that are serving a worthy pint of the black stuff. From a lively city centre pub to a couple of suburban gems, these are the spots to head if you’re a discerning Guinness fan.
Georgina Pellant -
25th March 2022 
