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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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
Kendal Calling turns 21 in fine form with a brilliant bunch of headliners – and that was just the start…
Danny Jones
Oh, what a long weekend we had at Kendal Calling 2026, our fourth consecutive visit to the beloved festival proclaimed as ‘the favourite’ by many across the North West, and forever ‘the best’ if you hail from in and around Cumbria.
Now 21 editions into its run, the Penrith party down in Lowther Deer Park has gone from being a cult classic among natives in and around the Lake District a couple of decades ago, to one celebrated all over – and for good reason.
Apart from delivering stellar lineups year in, year out, it’s also one of the most family-friendly festivals you’ll ever come across.
But having said that, they still know how to kick a party into gear when the sun sets…
With The Kooks, The Cribs, Manchester up-and-comers Spangled, Oldham’s very own Tim Burgess, and many more opening up the party on Thursday night, they hit the ground running early doors.
Speaking of the turf, the wider arena was nice and dry this year, with punters only being treated to very short showery intervals, and most overnight.
Having the perfect conditions obviously helps, but we will say that Kendal Calling remains one of the brave few that powers in through regardless of the weather.
Nevertheless, we didn’t have to worry about it for KC2026, and maybe it’s just recency bias, but the entire festival site somehow looked prettier than ever, especially soaked in all that sun.
The dappled rays coming through trees over in the ‘Lost Eden’ definitely made the Woodlands stage as special as we’ve ever seen it – including those magical neon nights – and we even got to chat with Yorkshire lass Ellur ahead of her spellbinding set out in the forest.
Still surprising people more than two decades in
Lots caught us by surprise this year, such as Dutch indie pop group Son Mieux (our new obsession, by the way), as well as Fletchr Fletchr, who we now believe really need to be seen live to truly appreciate every aspect of their huge potential.
And then there was rising Sunderland star Tom A. Smith (again, over in the Woodlands), who joked he was “never there” after filling in on short notice at the same festival he first played when he was 12.
Fair to say he’s come some way since then, and you won’t find many more electric performers from this very confident, talented and still very young man.
But nothing more so than the surprise acoustic set starring the legendary Pete Doherty ahead of The Libertines’ main stage slot later that day, which we had to sprint across the fields to just about catch after hearing about. We had to climb up the side of a window to get the view of those that beat us there.
This year, we also thought we’d go around and ask those who know it best just what makes it so special, and more importantly, what keeps them coming back. Here’s what they had to say:
“I’ve been five times over 11 years. I’m Cumbrian-born but based in Manchester, so there’s always the pull to travel back home for it, and I’d definitely come more if I could. First memory that pops into mind is seeing The Vaccines when they were just getting big, and now over a decade on I got to see them on the main stage all these years and albums later – really full circle.
“One of the best parts about it is just how much there is on; back when I first started coming, they still were spotlighting local bands like Colt 45, but they just so happened to be on the same bill as Snoop Dog – and now I’ve seen everyone from Tom Jones and the Sugarhill Gang to The Darkness and now Biffy.
“Despite the festival growing in size and in terms of the acts that flock to it now, it still feels like one that looks after smaller names; it’s still got that wholesome, all-ages feel, and can be enjoyed for lots more than the music. I’ve definitely grown a new appreciation for everything it has to offer as I’ve gotten older.”
Nick, 32, from Dearham
The LathumsBiffy ClyroRed Rum ClubDeaf Havana, and SO many more…Credit: Audio North
We also asked another seasoned veteran of the annual summer fest how they’d sum it up in as few words as possible, to which they responded: “Nature, variety and (at times) questionable weather.”
Once again, we’ve definitely had wetter ones in the past – it is the North of England after all – but the music gods were smiling down on us all weekend long, and that extra dose of vitamin D definitely helped keep us going.
More personal highlights include closing headliners Wolf Alice, as well as Circa Waves and Groove Armada on the final night, as we somehow managed to catch a bit of all three, not to mention Deaf Havana, who drew their loyal crowd of passionate fans and gave us one of the best sets of the whole weekend.
And then, of course, there was ‘Biffy… F***ing… Clyroooo’. The Manc arm of the Audio North team were lucky enough to catch the Scottish gods at their huge headline gig at Co-op Live, but BOY did jumping around in a sea of people from all over as confetti, streamers, fireworks, and literal fire hit even harder.
With Kendal, Tramlines, Parklife, Beat-Herder, and Neighbourhood Weekender all under our belt already this year, we feel truly blessed to be in what is undoubtedly one of the best periods for live music festivals we’ve known; you can check out some of our other reviews down below.
ADVERTISEMENT
Other than that, all we have left to say is thank you to Hanglands and the KC crew as always for having us along, and we’ll catch you in the fields the same time next year. Over and out.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 3 – 9 August 2026
Emily Sergeant
August is here, and what a busy month we have in store.
Summer is properly here and the school holidays are well underway now, so that means there’s loads of things happening across Greater Manchester these next few weeks. If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, no worries, as 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.
___
Afterglow 2026
Chester Zoo
Monday 3 – Sunday 16 August
Afterglow 2026 / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is keeping its gates open late into the evening across two special weeks this summer.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo has announced the return of Afterglow, which is known and loved for offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore the zoo and its 30,000 animals after hours.
Unlike previous years, visitors will no longer need to leave Chester Zoo’s grounds and return with a separate event ticket. Instead, guests can spend the entire day exploring the zoo before enjoying Afterglow‘s evening programme, all as part of a standard admission ticket.
Manchester is bringing 14 weeks of free activities for children to parks across the city this summer.
Thanks to additional Council funding that was allocated earlier this year, Manchester’s biggest-ever Parktastic programme has now launched – expanding from the summer holidays alone to include after-school sessions before schools break up, activities throughout the holidays, and even sessions continuing into September.
Back by popular demand and aimed at children ages six-12, Parktastic offers sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, drama, nature activities, storytelling and messy play.
Sessions are free, no booking is required, healthy snacks are provided, and children can simply turn up and join in.
Get ready to spend the summer in space, as the Science and Industry Museum has announced its summer events programme and it’s full of free interactive events and activities to get involved with these next six weeks.
From live space shows and giant rockets, to tinkering activities Martian discovery trails, and the chance to visit the blockbuster exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos if you haven’t already, budding astronauts are in for a summer to remember.
By far one of the stand-out free events this summer is the arrival of 30-foot-tall rocket ship, Skybolt 2 – hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company, Starchaser.
Find out more and book tickets for your visit here.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
Forest Tubing
Zip World Manchester
Monday 3 August – onwards
Forest Tubing / Credit: Supplied
Thrill seekers, this one’s for you – as Zip World Manchester has launched its new Forest Tubing experience, and it’s bringing the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide is coming to Heaton Park.
The new family‑friendly outdoor adventure gives visitors the chance to soar along two slides, winding through woodland at one of the largest parks in the North West.
Suitable for children aged four and above, visitors can book an hour-long session – with unlimited rides during that time slot – and either ride solo, or share the experience with fellow adventurers.
National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails
North West
Monday 3 August – onwards
ADVERTISEMENT
National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails / Credit: James Dobson | Annapurna Mellor
National Trust and Pokémon have teamed up for an exclusive trading card game and immersive trail.
The partnership is set to bring together the places the National Trust cares for and Pokémon’s spirit of play and discovery.
Exclusively designed for the National Trust, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are going to be running throughout summer at 14 National Trust places nationwide, combining ‘imaginative play’ with ‘gentle physical activity’ inspired by Mega Evolution Pokémon.
Find out where to get involved and book tickets here.
___
ADVERTISEMENT
On a budget and need somewhere to take the kids to eat for £1 or even FREE over the summer holidays?
In case the ongoing heatwave didn’t remind you, summer is in full swing and so are the school summer holidays.
If you’re after ways to enjoy some quality family time without having to break the bank, we’ve found lots of places where kids can eat for £1 or free – 15 of them, to be exact.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty Italian, a bit of brekkie, or even a big Greek feast, just because you’re on a budget shouldn’t mean you have to limit your and your family’s taste buds.
It’s strawberry season, and Kenyon Hall Farm has officially opened up its strawberry fields (plus plenty of other pick-your-own produce) for the season for you to frolic amongst, with loads of summer treats in its cafe and award-winning farm shop too.
Strawberries have been growing at Kenyon Hall Farm for nearly 50 years now, and it’s proven as popular ever since.
Did you see that seven Manchester green spaces have been named some of the best in the UK?
Once again, seven of our city’s green spaces – including parks and cemeteries – have been named some of the best the UK has to offer. That’s because leading environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy, has handed out its coveted Green Flag Awards, which recognise accessible green spaces that set ‘an international benchmark for management’.
The awards shed light on the groups, volunteers, and staff who devote themselves year-round to the maintenance and upkeep of these areas.
Read more about this incredible honour and find out which green spaces have been chosen here.
___
National Play Day 2026
Greater Manchester
Wednesday 5 August
ADVERTISEMENT
National Play Day 2026 / Credit: Manchester City Council
Manchester is set to celebrate National Play Day this week, and there’ll be more than 100 free activities for families to join in with.
There’ll be whole series of free events taking place right across the city on a drop-in basis throughout the day. Activities will run from 11am through to 2pm, and will include things like sports coaching, circus skills, cycling taster sessions, live demonstrations, storytelling, and a range of other interactive and hands-on experiences.
Emergency Services Day 2026 / Credit: Trafford Centre
Dozens of emergency services vehicles, live demonstrations, meet and greets, and more will be heading to the Trafford Centre this week, as Emergency Services Day returns for 2026, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the lifesaving work carried out across the region every day.
Running from 10am through to 4pm, this free family-friendly event promises a full day of excitement, education, and entertainment.
Visitors can expect around 50 emergency service vehicles, live demonstrations, and interactive displays.
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is currently hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this summer.
Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the year, East Lancashire Railway’s ‘Red Rose Diners’ are described as being ‘the ultimate first class foodie experience’, as they start with a glass of fizz and stretch over an almost three-hour steam train journey through the Irwell Valley.
The experience includes a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.
Rochdale Feel Good Fest 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Rochdale Borough Council)
Worried you might have missed your chance to attend a festival this year?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, as Rochdale Feel Good Festival returns this weekend with a star-studded main stage lineup featuring the likes of Gabrielle, Ash, and Wigan’s very-own Starsailor.
One of the longest-running and best-value festivals in Greater Manchester, Rochdale Feel Good Festival also proudly showcases upcoming artists too, and this year, two new Rochdale bands will play the biggest gig of their careers.
Daisy Jackson -
14th December 2024 
