The world’s most adorable brand has launched a big new opening in Manchester just in time for Christmas – welcome to the Jellycat General Store.
The viral stuffed toy brand has created a charming traditional corner shop experience, where every shelf is stocked with all your essentials in cuddly toy form.
From squishy toilet rolls to smiling eggs to bunches of flowers, and ranging from pint-sized keyrings to giant plushies, there’s a Jellycat for everyone here.
They’re even arranged much like a supermarket would be, with an aisle full of fruit and vegetable-shaped toys and another of sports equipment and games.
Though first famed for its soft bunny toys and its signature black cats, Jellycat has hugely diversified its range in recent years and now you can get plushies in every shape and size imaginable.
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It’s created something of a cult following for the toys, which appeal to all ages.
With this new Manchester store within Selfridges, Jellycat has taking inspiration from nostalgic shopping experiences, down to building window displays of retro tins and adding a striped awning over the entrance.
There’s even a blue bench outside where you can take photos with a giant Jellycat character.
The new shop within Selfridges at the Trafford Centre follows successful openings in Birmingham and others across Europe.
Vicki Cain, store director at Selfridges Manchester Trafford, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the new Jellycat General Store to Selfridges Trafford.
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“It’s a fun destination for customers to explore the Jellycat collection, with so many fabulous creations to choose from. Who could resist cuddling up to one of the giant Jellies?
“Our customers are huge fans of Jellycat, so this new opening is perfectly timed for those starting their Christmas shopping.”
The Jellycat General Store is open now at Selfridges at the Trafford Centre in Manchester.
Inside the Jellycat General Store in Manchester
The viral toilet roll Jellycat toyAisles at the Jellycat General Store are arranged by themeSeasonal Jellycat toys at the new Manchester shopJellycat’s signature black catsThe Jellycat toys at the new Manchester shop come in all shapes and sizesAn adorable gherkinJellycat flowersThe nostalgic Jellycat General Store in ManchesterCredit: The Manc Group
Government announces social media crackdown with potential ban for under 16s
Emily Sergeant
The Government has announced a social media crackdown in a bid to keep children safe amid rapid technology changes.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants to take ‘immediate action’ to make the online world safer for children.
The new measures announced today include a crackdown on ‘vile’ illegal content created by AI, including fast action to shut a legal loophole and force all AI chatbot providers to abide by illegal content duties in the Online Safety Act or face the consequences of breaking the law.
The Government says it’s also taking new legal powers to lay the groundwork for immediate action following its consultation on children’s wellbeing online carried out earlier this year.
No social media platform should get a free pass when it comes to protecting our kids.
These new powers introduced this week will mean Government ministers can act fast on the findings of the consultation within months, rather than waiting years for new primary legislation every time technology evolves, and this means, crucially, being able to prohibit measures like setting a minimum age limit for social media – which Australia famously became the first country to do so last year – and restricting features like infinite scrolling that are also harmful.
It’s also likely that there will be restrictions introduced on children’s use of AI chatbots, as well as options to age-restrict or limit children’s VPN, and changing the age of digital consent.
The Prime Minister has insisted ‘no platform gets a free pass’.
The Government has announced a social media crackdown with a potential ban for under 16s / Credit: Julian Christ (via Unsplash)
“As a dad of two teenagers, I know the challenges and the worries that parents face making sure their kids are safe online,” Mr Starmer said.
“Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up. With my Government, Britain will be a leader not a follower when it comes to online safety. The action we took on Grok sent a clear message that no platform gets a free pass.
“Today we are closing loopholes that put children at risk, and laying the groundwork for further action. We are acting to protect children’s wellbeing and help parents to navigate the minefield of social media.”
Featured Image – Robin Worrall (via Unsplash)
Kids & Family
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 16 – 22 February 2026
Emily Sergeant
Schools are out and half term is here.
So as you can imagine, we’re really not short of exciting activities and events to be getting up to right across Greater Manchester this week – with everything from 360° walk-through projection shows and world-premiere science exhibitions, to the UK’s largest LEGO convention, pie festivals, and much more happening 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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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 16 February – onwards
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Manchester Cathedral has been lit up with a ‘truly stunning’ new 360° walk-through projection show this winter.
Combining 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special, visitors are now invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling.
LUMINISCENCE pays tribute to Manchester’s rich cultural heritage through specially arranged orchestral renditions of iconic anthems – with the setlist including songs by Oasis, The Verve, Joy Division, and Elbow, just to name a few.
Did someone say £10 pie? The Festival of Pie is back at The Black Friar is Salford, and in case you didn’t know, that means delicious handmade pies are yours for a bargain price all month long.
Pick from the classic meat and potato, or opt for something a little different like garlic, chicken and leek, mushroom keema and onion bhaji, and our personal favourite, the truffle dauphinoise. Plus, you can add sides like mash and peas for just £3.
The deal is available all day Monday and Tuesday, and 12pm-6.30pm Wednesday to Friday, so don’t miss out before it’s too late.
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Looking for somewhere to watch the 2026 Six Nations in Manchester city centre?
It’s that time again, the Six Nations has started and we can practically taste the Guinness already.
That being said, we thought it only right to put together a list of where to watch it and enjoy those pints. With the tournament having now kicked off, we don’t want you scrambling around to find places showing the games, we just want you to sit back and enjoy yourself.
So, without further ado, here is our list of the best places to watch this year’s Six Nations here in Manchester city centre.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this half term? Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
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.
And, if we’re honest, after one bite of those truffle hash browns, we’re really wondering what’s taken them so long.
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This global sensation will be serving up a whole menu of egg sandwiches – from fan favourites like the Fairfax to classics like a bacon egg and cheese, as well as their viral french toast sticks with maple custard.
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LOWRY 360
The Lowry
Monday 16 February – onwards
LOWRY 360 / Credit: The Manc Group
L.S. Lowry’s iconic masterpiece ‘Going to the Match’ is being brought to life right before your eyes in this brand-new exhibition now open at The Lowry.
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LOWRY 360 is an immersive experience forming part of the legendary The Lowry theatre’s 25th anniversary programme, and it means that, for the first time ever, you can see one of Manchester’s most famous paintings by, arguably, the city’s most famous artist come to life through sight and sound.
Better yet, after you’ve immersed yourself in this incredible experience, then you can then see the actual painting in the full gallery – Modern Life: The LS Lowry Exhibition.
Need somewhere to take the little Mancs for a bite to eat this half term?
Bella Italia, IKEA, and Yard & Coop are just some of the places offering kids the chance to eat for £1 or free this half term.
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With schools across Greater Manchester now out, and with many families understandably wanting to keep costs low where possible, plenty of supermarkets, independent and chain restaurants, and pub groups across the UK are offering kids the chance to eat a hearty meal out for as little as £1.
Some are even offering up children’s meals completely free of charge, meaning you really don’t have to break the bank.
The Super Duper Family Festival / Credit: Supplied
Get ready, as Manchester city centre will transform into a giant playground this week as The Super Duper Family Festival brings four free days of fun.
Families can make the most of a series of pop-up play zones at a variety of outdoor spaces and popular venues across the city centre this week, all of which will be free to use and ready to explore – with more areas than ever before this year providing unique experiences for all ages.
You can expect everything from gaming and crafts, to pop-up performances, hands-on workshops, fun children’s activities, and so much more.
The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be back travelling through Greater Manchester once again this week.
This is your chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’, where little Mancs can come together for a magical day of sharing spells and getting stuck into lots of magic-themed fun. Aspiring witches and wizards of all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery, as they take a ‘wacky and wonderful’ whistle stop tour through the ‘Irwell Valley of wonders’.
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You’ll get to learn powerful incantations and perfect their wand-waving skills, all while using their imagination and learning how to soar through the skies on a broomstick.
You can now get a taste of Mexico, Japan, Nashville, Naples, and Greece, all under one roof and without even boarding a flight, as Manchester Airport has now opened up a brand new foodie hub in Terminal 2.
Great Northern Market is a new food hall with six kitchens, plus a kiosk from our beloved Gooey.
Whether it’s a souvlaki and an airport pint, or breakfast butties and a smoothie, your pre-flight scran has just taken off to a new league.
The biggest LEGO event in the UK is returning to Manchester this weekend
After proving to be such a massive sell-out success last year, Bricktastic – the ‘ultimate’ LEGO convention – will be returning to Manchester Central this weekend with even more incredible LEGO models, activities, and fun for all the family.
Fans can expect to see more than 300 exhibitors from around the world showcasing original LEGO creations, also known as MOCs (Models of Own Creation), all under one roof at Manchester Central.
Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, Friends, or Harry Potter, you’ll find your favourite LEGO themes and more at the event next.
The Alternative Indie Wedding Fair is back in Manchester this weekend for its fourth year running, helping you create the most memorable day yet.
If you’re planning on popping the question on Valentine’s Day, this is an ideal first event to attend together as all the local independent suppliers you could need will be under one roof – including florists, planners, photographers, caterers, bridal wear, entertainment, and more.
Taking place at New Century Hall this Sunday, there’s two sessions running throughout the day, 12-2pm and 2-4pm, and tickets are just £5 with free fizz on arrival.
Daisy Jackson -
14th December 2024 
