Barbie has been heaped with praise after launching its first-ever doll with Down’s Syndrome.
Mattel, the toy manufacturer behind the iconic doll, said they have created the new Barbie to ‘allow even more children to see themselves in Barbie’.
The legendary toy brand, which was launched way back in 1959, worked with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to make sure the doll accurately represents Down’s.
The result is a Barbie with a few physical differences to the classic doll, including a new face and body shape with a shorter frame and longer torso, smaller ears, a rounder face shape, and a flat nasal bridge, plus slightly slanted almond-shaped eyes.
The beautiful new doll even has palms with one single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down’s Syndrome.
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Her outfit is in yellow and blue patterns, colours associated with Down’s Syndrome awareness, and she wears a pink pendant with three upwards chevrons, representing the three copies of the 21st chromosome.
The first ever Barbie with Down’s Syndrome. Credit: MattelThe first ever Barbie with Down’s Syndrome. Credit: Mattel
The new Barbie even wears pink ankle foot orthotics to match her outfit and her sneakers have a zip detail.
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Barbie now comes in more than 175 looks, including different eye colours, hair colours and textures, body types, disabilities and fashions. There are dolls with vitiligo, dolls that use a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb, a doll with hearing aids and a doll without hair.
Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie & Dolls at Mattel, said: “As the most diverse doll line on the market, Barbie plays an important role in a child’s early experiences, and we are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play.
“Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls who do not look like themselves.
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“Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world. We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play.”
Kandi Pickard, NDSS President and CEO, added: “It was an honour working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down syndrome.
“This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them. This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”
Superstar Pink throws birthday party in Trafford Park ahead of huge stadium shows
Daisy Jackson
When you spot celebrities around Greater Manchester, they’re normally living it up in venues like The Ivy or Mnky Hse – so it was quite a surprise when Pink popped up in Trafford this week.
Singer Pink, real name Alecia Moore, threw a birthday party for her daughter Willow earlier this week.
The star took over Total Ninja in Trafford Park for an action-packed 12th birthday celebration.
In a video shared on her Instagram, Pink was seen taking on the range of obstacles – including a few tumbles – while her daughter Willow and son Jameson showed off on challenges like monkey bars and rope swings.
The party was decked out with helium balloons and a Wednesday Addams birthday cake.
Pink wrote that she was ‘so in love’ with Manchester and said she was ‘so happy’ to be back out on tour.
Pink at Total Ninja in Trafford Park. Credit: InstagramPink at Total Ninja in Trafford Park. Credit: InstagramPink at Total Ninja in Trafford Park. Credit: Instagram
The singer is about to kick off her summer UK tour with two huge stadium shows in Greater Manchester, at the University Of Bolton Stadium (soon to be known as the Toughsheet Community Stadium… teehee).
Pink (often stylised as P!nk) is behind hits like Raise Your Glass, So What, and Just Like A Pill.
Sharing the video on social media, she wrote: “So happy to be back on tour with my babies, the ones I birthed but also the rest of these clowns.
“If I had to choose another profession- it would be so many things. One of those would be party planner. We party.
“Manchester- I am so inlove with you. Willow- you are my soul child. Happy 12th. Hard to believe you’re only 12. You rock. Love, your favorite Mama.”
Total Ninja also shared the video, writing: “We were delighted to welcome P!nk and her daughter, Willow, to Total Ninja Manchester to celebrate Willow’s birthday!
“A very happy birthday from everyone at Total Ninja Manchester! The course is always ready for anyone who thinks they can be the next Total Ninja!”
Featured image: Instagram
Kids & Family
Manchester’s biggest virtual reality arcade is slashing prices for families this May half term
Daisy Jackson
DNA VR, the largest virtual reality arcade in Manchester, is running a discount throughout the May half term to save families cash on their day out.
The enormous VR arcade opened in the city centre back in March after being well-established in London since 2017.
Inside DNA VR on Brown Street, people can plug in to new worlds, like flying into orbit with the thrilling Space Station Tibera escape challenge, or come face-to-face with the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures in The Blu, or discover the wonders of the savannah in Nature Treks VR.
Visitors can also take part in gruelling challenges like Survive The Night, Arizona Sunshine, Hospital of Horror or After the Fall, or test their music abilities with games including Synth Riders and Ragnarock.
Younger visitors can even swap crayons and paper for art creation simulation, creating 360-degree masterpieces with Tilt Brush.
And any families who want to give it a go over the half term holidays can save 10% on their bookings, with the discount code below.
DNA VR is suitable for thrill-seekers aged seven and above, with a virtual world to suit every preference and ability.
There are now three virtual reality arcades down south, in Battersea, Camden and Hammersmith.
Its celebrity fans include Idris Elba, Roman Kemp, KSI, Claudia Winkleman, Olly Murs and Chris Hemsworth (and his kids).
The Manchester DNA VR opened earlier this year offering more than 70 VR arcade games, experiences and escape rooms in the largest VR arcade in the city.
You can book your half term escape at DNA VR at www.dnavr.co.uk/manchester and use the code DNAVR10 to save 10%, valid until 30 June 2023.
Daisy Jackson -
26th April 2023 
