After spending decades crying out for a new park in the city centre, at the end of last year, Manchester finally got its wish.
Mayfield Park, the first new park to open in the heart of town for more than 100 years, has proven a hit since it was first opened to visitors in September 2022.
After a successful introduction to Manchester, bosses yesterday announced that they will implement a new ban on cigarettes, cigars and vaping at the six-acre green space.
The plans were revealed on World No Tobacco Day, with the rules set to come into effect from Monday 26 June.
Image: The Manc Group
Image: The Manc Group
From that date, park users caught smoking will be asked to extinguish their cigarettes or cigars. If they refuse to do so, they will be asked to leave the park.
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However, there are not currently any plans to implement fines for smokers at the park, and, as the change is not a law that can be enforced by public officials, it is possible the guidance will be difficult to enforce.
It is understood that staff will approach smokers for a ‘friendly chat’, with an insistence that nothing will be ‘heavy handed’ or ‘in your face’.
A former industrial wasteland sandwiched between the Mancunian Way and the railway, Mayfield Park has been transformed over time to welcome floodable meadows and biodiverse ecological areas alongside its pristine lawns and flower beds.
It is hoped that the move will protect the wildlife habitats at the park as well as fellow park users, said Laura Percy, Development Director, for LandsecU+I: “The park offers a beautiful space in the heart of the city for people to enjoy with many benefits to their health and wellbeing.
“Becoming a smoke-free park is a natural step that will only create a more enjoyable experience for many of our visitors and staff, as well as protect the park’s wildlife, waterways, and biodiversity.
“We will be working closely with Manchester City Council and NHS Greater Manchester to encourage and support people to refrain from smoking within the park when we go smoke-free next month.”
Featured image – The Manc Group
City Centre
Manchester’s mega-hit comedy festival makes 2025 return – with Frankie Boyle, Rosie Jones, and more on lineup
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s most popular comedy festival is back later this year, and there’s some massive names on the lineup set to bring the laughs.
After what was a smash-hit success in its inaugural year back in 2022, and several other successful runs in each of the years following, Laughterama is back in Manchester for more in a couple of months time, and will once again be taking over the iconic Castlefield Bowl in the heart of the city centre for five days of fun.
Thousands of comedy lovers attend Laughterama each year to enjoy countless sell-out stand-up sets, and this year will be no different, as festivalgoers are in for an ‘explosive series of shows‘ from some of the hottest names on the comedy circuit.
Multi award-winning comedians Frankie Boyle, Ed Gamble, Rosie Jones, and Phil Wang are just some of the famous names on this year’s jam-packed lineup.
They’ll be joined by other household names like Russell Kane, Fern Brady, Rob Delaney, Lou Sanders, and Tim Key when they all take to the Castlefield Bowl stage over the five-day festival from Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 September.
Some of the other names you can expect are Taskmaster treasures Sam Campbell and Bridget Christie, BAFTA nominee Lucy Beaumont, stand-up phenomenon Sarah Keyworth, King Gary star Tom Davis, Viceland’s Jamali Maddix, and viral sensation Jen Brister.
Manchester’s very own comedy heroes Rachel Fairburn and Stephen Bailey are also on the lineup.
Manchester’s mega-hit comedy festival Laughterama is making a 2025 return later this year / Credit: Supplied
It wouldn’t be Laughterama without some newcomers either, and some of the breakthrough stars not-to-be-missed this year include Edinburgh Fringe Award nominee Jin Hao Li, fast-rising talents Sharon Wanjohi and Dane Buckley, the razor-sharp Lara Ricote, and so many more to discover.
And aside from the comedy, as always, you can expect the very-best eats from Manchester’s street food scene will also be on site to tuck into, as well as an exciting selection of bars serving signature beers, cocktails, and more.
Laughterama 2025 is landing at Castlefield Bowl from Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 September, with tickets now on sale at £27.50 per person.
You can grab yours on the Laughterama website before they sell out here.
Featured Image – Matt Eachus (via Supplied)
City Centre
Two Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer
Thomas Melia
Two new Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer.
With the long-awaited live action adaptation of the Disney classic Lilo & Stitch hitting cinemas this month, both Primark cafes in Manchester are receiving a Hawaiian-themed makeover.
Everyone’s favourite in-store cafe is back with another much-loved franchise, and this time its one of Disney cutest cartoon duos.
Both of Manchester‘s Primark cafes – the one off Market Street in the city centre, and inside Trafford Palazzo – will be transformed with themed decor and will receive an updated menu featuring food items inspired by Hawaii, which is where the film is based, of course.
Two Lilo and Stitch-themed cafes are coming to Manchester for the summer / Credit: Primark
Diners can expect a variety of Stitch-themed treats, including grilled toasties and waffles, and even refreshments like shakes, smoothies and lemonades.
All food and drink ordered from the themed cafes will be decorated with tropical-inspired packaging featuring some cute little stickers of the main blue guy himself on drinks.
The arrival of the Lilo & Stitch cafe does, of course, mean that Primark’s popular The Simpsons-themed cafe may be no more, but they couldn’t get rid of Homer’s favourite delicacy that easily, as instead, this sugary staple has been kept on the menu but just given a Lilo & Stitch twist.
Not only that, but the fashion giant will continue championing this much-loved franchise with over 100 new products ready for you to say ‘Aloha’ in style this summer.
Primark has a soft spot for Stitch, stocking products inspired by the adorable Disney character since 2016 – with everything from sleepwear and accessories to swim costumes and suitcases.
You can even buy an exclusive plush of Stitch that recreates his iconic pose from the upcoming live adaptation.
The ‘Lilo & Stitch’ cafe is coming to both of Manchester’s Primark locations including Market Street and Trafford Centre from 9 May ahead of the live adaptation coming to cinemas on 21 May.
Georgina Pellant -
31st May 2023 
