A new pop-up shop that “promotes positivity” has arrived a Cheshire Oaks as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mental Health Awareness Week – which is this year being marked from Monday 9 – Sunday 15 May – was started by the Mental Health Foundation 21 years ago now, and it has grown to become one of the biggest awareness weeks across the UK and globally, with the charity continuing to set the theme, organise, and host the week each year.
This year, the chosen theme is loneliness.
The Mental Health Foundation says that one in four adults feel lonely some or all of the time, which is why it’s looking to raise awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health, and look at the practical steps we can take to address it.
To help shine a worthy light on Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 and to mark its importance, visitors to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet this week will be able to spot the return of local business pop-up, Be+Positive (BEPO), at the centre for a limited time only.
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It’s the second time Cheshire Oaks has invited BEPO to trade within the centre, and following the success of last year’s pop-up, the designer outlet says it is “thrilled” to lend platform to the growing local business once again and offer visitors the opportunity to shop sustainable and low carbon footprint clothing, as well as find out more about the mental health awareness mission behind the brand.
If you’re unfamiliar with BEPO, it was launched by a collective of artists across the North West region and strives to publicly fight the stigma surrounding mental health.
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It does this all while promoting a positive attitude to those interacting with its creations.
The BEPO pop-up shop has opened at Cheshire Oaks for Mental Health Awareness Week / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
BEPO will be open to visitors at Cheshire Oaks on Monday 9 – Friday 13 May from 9am-8pm, Saturday 14 May from 9am-9pm, and Sunday 15 May from 10am-6pm.
“Last year’s pop-up was an incredible opportunity for us to meet guests to the centre face to face and show them what our brand is all about,” explained Ben Taylor, an NHS Maintenance Support worker who founded BEPO.
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“It’s given us the opportunity to grow our business, and we are so happy to be able to come to the centre once again and welcome guests into our new pop-up location.”
BEPO strives to publicly fight the stigma surrounding mental health / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
BEPO is not the only partnership Cheshire Oaks will be working with to mark Mental Health Awareness Week this year either, as Flynn’s Port in the Storm – the designer outlet’s resident charity partner for 2022 – will also be present at the pop-up store until Tuesday 10 May to meet the public and raise awareness about its mental health support services, specifically highlighting its specialised referral and counselling sessions and working alongside BEPO to help combat negative attitudes towards asking for help when it comes to your mental and emotional wellbeing.
The BEPO pop-up shop is also working together other efforts made by Cheshire Oaks to promote good mental health, including the newly-installed ‘friendship bench’, which the centre hopes will offer those needing someone to talk to the opportunity to connect with others in their community, and also a number of ‘positivity posters’ across the leisure village.
These posters feature some inspiring and empowering quotes, which Cheshire Oaks says encourages people to adopt “a more optimistic mindset” while walking around the centre.
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The newly-installed ‘friendship bench’ hopes to offer those needing someone to talk to the opportunity to connect / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
Speaking on the centre’s efforts to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, Kenny Murray – General Manager at Cheshire Oaks – said: “Making sure our centre is a safe space that encourages our guests to look after their mental wellbeing is a top priority for us, which is why we felt compelled to partner with BEPO and our 2022 charity partners, Flynn’s Port in the Storm, to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week.
“By hosting this pop-up store in our centre, we are hoping more guests are going to feel empowered to open up about their wellbeing, and seek those resources that could help with their situation.”
You can find out more about the BEPO pop-up and Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 on the Cheshire Oaks website here.
Featured Image – Cheshire Oaks
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The Disney Store returns to Manchester with magical Selfridges collaboration
Daisy Jackson
The iconic The Disney Store has finally returned to Manchester, thanks to an exclusive new collaboration with Selfridges.
The luxury department store has today unveiled a new collection of limited-edition Disney favourites, pin badges, plush toys, and, of course, the famous headbands.
‘A Most Magical Christmas’ has opened its doors today, bringing back all the magic of The Disney Store to both Manchester city centre and the Trafford Centre.
In the collection, you’ll even find Selfridges x Disney toys, like a Winnie the Pooh range in that iconic Selfridges yellow.
The windows of the stores have been taken over by beloved characters, recreating scenes from classics like Lady & The Tramp and Fantasia.
There’s even a gigantic Mickey Mouse-shaped glitter ball overhead as you enter the Exchange Square store.
There are more than 60 brand collaborations involved in ‘A Most Magical Christmas’, including limited-edition items, specially commissioned fashion pieces, and unique gift ideas.
From today, you can take your shopping home in a limited-edition bespoke Disney iterations of the Selfridges yellow bag.
Branded fashion piecesThe iconic Disney earsDisney x Selfridges piecesGiant Disney ears now welcome youSoft toysWinnie the Pooh range in the iconic Selfridges yellowDisney x SelfridgesExclusive Disney Coach pursesA Disney window display at SelfridgesLimited-edition yellow bags
The two brands have a long history dating back to the 1950s, when Alice and Wonderland and the Mad Hatter featured above the main entrance in London – now there’s a brand-new partnership that’s been two years in the making.
André Maeder, Selfridges Group Chief Executive Officer, says: “We’re full of excitement for this collaboration, bringing Selfridges and Disney together for a Christmas like no other.
“With a shared history of imagination and creativity it’s been a joy to dream up something this unique and special, working with some of the world’s best storytellers.
“We can’t wait to reveal more and share the magic with our customers.”
Tasia Filippatos, Global President Disney Consumer Products, says, “At Disney, we believe in the enduring power of storytelling to inspire joy, wonder, and connection – especially during the holiday season.
“Our collaboration with Selfridges allows us to share the magic of Disney through imaginative window displays, festive experiences, and unique products – all inspired by the stories that have captured hearts for generations.”
There are Disney pieces in the Selfridges Christmas Shop too, like iridescent Mickey Mouse baubles, and tiny Tinker Bells you can hang on your tree.
The Disney x Selfridges ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ collaboration is in store now in both Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre, and online.
A magical family-friendly winter adventure with a light trail and live entertainment is returning to Tatton Park Gardens
Daisy Jackson
One of winter’s top events will return to Tatton Park Gardens this year, with another season announced for Yuletide.
The magical winter adventure will once again bring 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, you’ll be treated to everything from sparkling light installations to impressive fire juggling shows.
Audiences are invited to step into a world of winter folklore, filled with live music, cosy campfire stories, and plenty more.
New this year will be a troupe of leaping acrobats, plus a new live music stage in the woods, and brand-new enchanting characters to meet around every corner.
Another new element is the wild Wassail, inspired by a centuries-old Twelfth Night tradition of singing and banging pots and pans together to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Wild Rumpus launch of Yuletide at Tatton ParkYultide returns to Tatton Park. Credit: Cat DineleyYultide returns to Tatton Park. Credit: Emma Croman
As night falls, Tatton Park Gardens will be transformed into a family-friendly winter escape.
Magical memories to be made include the chance to sip hot chocolates and toast marshmallows over a campfire, as a traditional storyteller weaves tales for the whole family.
And the glittering light trail includes interactive installations, glowing puppets, and characters inspired by festive tales.
There’ll also be food vendors serving up tasty festive treats and mulled wine.
Yuletide comes from Cheshire-based event producers Wild Rumpus, who’ll be unlocking new parts of the grounds this year.
Credit: Emma CromanCredit: Anna Hornby
Wild Rumpus’ Director Rowan Cannon said: “This year is a fresh and enchanting adventure for the whole family, with a twist of wild creativity.
“There’s loads of never-before-seen elements, including spellbinding acrobats performing as people arrive, a music stage in the woodland with performances from amazing live bands, and a dreamy Shadow Forest where you can cast shadows against beautiful backdrops.
“The trail is taking a new route through Tatton Park Gardens this year, so people can explore parts of the grounds they’ve never seen at night before.”
Yuletide will run at Tatton Park Gardens on selected evenings between Saturday 15 November and Tuesday 23 December 2026.
Tickets start from £19 for adults and £11 for children, but under 2s go free, with selected dates offering off-peak tickets.
Emily Sergeant -
9th May 2022 
