Kids & Family

A Paddington Bear statue has been unveiled in the heart of darkest Manchester

Complete with emergency marmalade sandwich.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 9th October 2024

An adorable statue of Paddington Bear has been installed in Manchester, inviting passers-by to pull up a seat.

The little likeness to the much-loved animated character is complete with red hat, blue duffle coat and even his emergency marmalade sandwich.

The Paddington Bear statue has been installed as part of the Paddington Visits trail right across the UK and Ireland, celebrating the upcoming release of Paddington in Peru.

The third installment of the heart-warming film series is set for release on 8 November 2024.

The Paddington statue in Manchester has been constructed onto a bench with space beside him to sit with the loveable bear, and will be in situ for at least the next year.

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He’s appeared in the middle of Spinningfields at Hardman Square.

Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr. Brown in the Paddington films, said: “I am thrilled to reveal we are going to be unveiling a number of benches across the UK, all featuring a statue of our beloved bear.

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“Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington…coming to a bench near you!”

In Paddington in Peru, Paddington will return home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears.

With The Brown Family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.

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Read more: MTV EMAs nominations announced ahead of star-studded Manchester award show

Featured image: The Manc Group

Kids & Family

Wilmslow Street Fest returns for a trio of sunny dates later this year

Danny Jones Danny Jones Wilmslow Street Festival 2025

Down the road in Cheshire and just beyond the reaches of Greater Manchester, the Manc-adjacent market town of Wilmslow is once again hosting a big street festival this summer.

The stylish suburb might be a short trip out of 0161, but this popular and now annual celebration is well worth the journey.

Following a smash-hit inaugural event last year, Wilmslow Street Fest is back for 2025 and what we’re sure will be an even more successful second series of dates.

Consider our train tickets booked already.

wilmslow street fest 2025
wilmslow street festival dates
Credit: Wilmslow BID (supplied)

Set up by Market Co. in association with Wilmslow’s Way Better organisation, which is funded through the Wilmslow BID (Business Improvement Districts) and aims to develop the town centre with local business at the forefront, it’s part of a wider programme of events and activities each year.

Most importantly, the festival is completely free to attend and designed to capture that community spirit at its highest: when the sun is out and shining bright – touch wood.

Based around a main hub on Wilmslow‘s Bank Square, natives and visitors from around the North West have not just one, not just two, but three different chances to enjoy the festivities.

And since you’ll be there all evening, you’ll be glad to hear there’s plenty of scran to be enjoyed. Expect Jamaican delicacies from Hungry Little Critters, a delicious Cheeky Swine Hog Roast, delights from the Thai Food Van and tonnes more. *Deep inhale*…

Mouthwatering American-style smoked meats from Brisket Shack, tasty burgers from The Little Kitchen, Cornwall’s finest pasties from Taste of Cornwall; slices from Oh Pizza, dirty fries from Giz A Chip, and perfectly cooked Chinese-style D’vine Dumplings.

cheshire street food
Cheeky Swine
street food festivals north west
Can’t go wrong with a hot dog
Or a burger
Credit: Supplied

And it doesn’t stop there – not even close: there’ll be crepes from Flippen Good and top-tier ice cream from Gingers Comfort Emporium (big fans), as well as all the drinks under the sun from Vintro Bar. 

Besides eating and drinking your weight like we do in summer, there’ll also be plenty of free entertainment, including live music performances and DJs, stilt walkers and even a bubbleologist.

Yes, that is someone who blows giant bubbles.

Put simply, there’ll be something for everyone and having heard strong reviews from the debut event last year, we won’t be missing out on it this time.

Wilmslow Street Fest 2025 is taking place on Friday, 25 April, Fri 27 June and Fri 29 August 29th, all of which will kick off from 5pm and start wrapping up at 9pm.

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Speaking on the upcoming sophomore event, Verity LeChapois of Wilmslow BID said: “We’re so excited to collaborate with Market Co. again to bring Wilmslow Street Fest back for 2025. These events are all about showcasing Wilmslow at its best – live music, great food and an unbeatable community vibe.  

“Street Fest offers something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie looking to try something new, a music lover eager to hear live music from talented performers, or you’re simply looking for a great night out with friends and family.

“We’re hoping to build on the success of last year’s events and make them bigger and more successful than ever. Entry is free – bring your friends and family and join us in Bank Square for a fantastic celebration in the heart of Wilmslow.”

Guess we’ll see you there, folks!

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Images (supplied via Wilmslow BID)

Kids & Family

A thousand Morris dancers are set to take over Stockport

Danny Jones Danny Jones Morris dancing day Stockport town centre date

Stockport is set for an exciting spring celebration later this month as a whole horde of Morris dancers will be taking over the town centre – and by a horde, we mean 1,000+.

More than enough to dance a massive jig, put it that way.

As part of the Joint Morris Organisation’s annual ‘Day of Dance’ event, set up by the official Morris Federation years ago, Morris dancers from all over the country unite in dancing their socks off across various regions, including Greater Manchester.

With literally over a thousand experts set to descend on Stockport and even more spectators expected to line the streets as they soak up the song and springtime spirit, it’ll be a great day for the borough.

Credit: Stockport BID (Supplied)

Taking place most of the day from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, 26 April, Stopfordians will be able to enjoy the fun of a mini-folk festival right on their doosteps, with a huge parade and Morris dancers making their way around various part of the town.

If you live in the area, prepare for a chorus of bells and folk music, as well as a sea of clashing sticks, swirling ribbons, spiralling hula hoops and more.

Hosted by Adlington Morris Men on behalf of the Morris Ring and funded by Totally Stockport BID (Business Improvement District) with support from the local Council and Merseyway Stockport, it promises to be a lively, loud and unforgettable event.

It won’t be confirmed until the day itself has passed, but it could quite possibly become a record-breaking celebration of Morris and folk dance not just in the North West but in the UK as a whole.

You can see the full programme and event map down below:

Credit: Supplied/Donald Judge (via Flickr)

Covering the Underbank, Merseyway, Princess Street, Suffragette Square, the Old Town’s Market Place and more, you quite literally couldn’t miss it if you tried.

Better yet, rounding off the day in true folk-style, there’ll be a completely free Ceilidh dance and party at St Mary’s Church, featuring a live folk band, pop-up craft beer bar and delicious local street food.

There’ll be activities to keep all ages occupied when the dancers aren’t in sight too, with family-friendly craft workshops, shire horses, fun giveaways and other fringe events to make the most of. including thousands of Morris-themed stickers and leather badges.

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Shaun Freeman Jones, Totally Stockport BID Manager, said: “This is a huge win for Stockport. To have a massive, national celebration of Morris and folk dance right in the heart of the town is truly special, and a huge opportunity for Stockport to showcase its vibrancy, community spirit and rich cultural scene.

“The festival will not only bring an incredible spectacle, but also boost footfall and support local businesses. We can’t wait to welcome dancers from all over the country – it’s going to be an unforgettable day!”

As for Stockport Council, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport Helen Foster Grime added: “It’s a real honour for Stockport to host this national celebration of Morris dancing, welcoming groups from all over the country to our town.

“It’s going to be a fantastic celebration of tradition, community and fun. It’s events like this that bring our communities together, fill our streets with joy, and make Stockport such a fantastic place.  We can’t wait to see everyone dancing and enjoying this unforgettable day!”

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Supplied (via Stockport Council)/Donald Judge (via Flickr)

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