Kids & Family

All the family-friendly events put on as part of Manchester Pride Festival 2023

It's even got a beach.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 15th August 2023

Many of us will think of Manchester Pride Festival as the live music, parties, and general mischief taking place across the Gay Village – but there are so many family-friendly events for people of all ages to get stuck into.

This year’s event has just announced its line-up for Family Pride MCR 2023, with music, cabaret, workshops and discos for Pride-goers of all ages.

The completely free event will be held at the Great Northern Warehouse on Saturday 26 August, between midday and 6pm.

The programme includes music, crafting, party games and sing-a-longs, as well as a rainbow disco, showcasing performances and artists that champion love, self-expression and individuality.

It’s aimed to provide an exciting, inspiring and celebratory day for LGBTQ+ families, parents/carers, and children alike.

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Highlights include the return of the Fatt Project’s Palaver Party — a blend of cabaret and a mini Pride parade — with the star-studded line-up including performer Ginny Lemon, a known face of the Manchester Pride Festival, as well as Lady Bushra, shortlisted for the 2021 BBC New Comedy Awards.

Guinness World Records holder Symoné and Cyro from The Enby Show are also set to grace the stage which will be hosted by Fatt Butcher and Blu Romantic.

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There’ll also be a beach-inspired experience complete with the kids’ club, thanks to the festival’s headline sponsor, TUI.

Fatt Butcher at Family Pride, part of the Manchester Pride Festival
Fatt Butcher at Family Pride
The family catwalk extravaganza at Family Pride, part of the Manchester Pride Festival
The family catwalk extravaganza.
Family Pride is part of the Manchester Pride Festival 2023
Family Pride is a big part of the Manchester Pride Festival 2023
Credit: Supplied/Verity Mulligan

Family Pride MCR’s 2023 offering has been announced by Manchester Pride, supported by TUI and in partnership with Proud 2 b Parents.

This year’s Family Pride MCR event has been co-designed with Fatt Projects, a queer performance company renowned for its vibrant and joyful celebrations of diversity.

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Director of Fatt Projects Adam Carver said: “We are so excited to be back working with Manchester Pride this year to present a second fabulous Family Pride MCR. 

“Fatt Project’s work for families is all about celebrating yourself, having a great time, and bringing the whole family together for an unforgettable party. It feels more important now than ever to ensure that children and families are a key part of pride celebrations, so we can let young people know that all kinds of families are loved, celebrated, and part of our community. 

“We can’t wait to see everyone there; so get your dancing shoes out, stick on a sequin or ten, and come join us for a fantastic day”.

TUI’s beach experience will also feature the beloved Captain T from TUI’s kids’ clubs, and serene spaces for families to unwind.

manchester pride family friendly events
“We can’t wait to celebrate our colleagues and show Manchester how much TUI values all their LGBTQ+ staff and crew.” — Toby Horry

Toby Horry, Head of Brand Marketing at TUI, said: “We’re so excited to be getting involved in the Manchester Pride Festival and sponsoring Family Pride MCR this year, since it’s such a hugely important date for our community up in the north.”

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In partnership with Proud 2 b Parents, an organisation supporting LGBTQ+ parents and their families, Manchester Pride is set to deliver an enriching Family Pride MCR experience.

Proud 2 b Parents will host an information stall, an LGBTQ+ children’s book stall, and guide families to various activities on site. They also offer a parade viewing area for LGBTQ+ families to enjoy the parade from a welcoming vantage point overlooking Deansgate.

Other activities available for children include baby sensory, baby noise making workshop, story time in Book Nook Library. The Great Northern Warehouse will host an indoor extended play space in the Atrium with lawn games, table tennis and a colouring. There will also be a quiet zone, feeding area, pram park and changing facilities. 

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Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, added: “Pride celebrations are for everyone and should not be bound by age or family structure. Our celebrations at Family Pride MCR provide a fun, enriching and empowering space where families of all kinds can express themselves freely. 

“Family Pride MCR offers vital representation and visibility to families that don’t always see themselves reflected in heteronormative society, and we’re proud to offer children and families a friendly space to meet, connect and celebrate pride in a way that’s designed just for them.”

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Manchester Pride Festival, crowned the ‘Best Large Festival’ at the UK Festival Awards 2022, is set to take place this August Bank Holiday weekend (25-28 August). In partnership with Booking.com, the festival features an exciting line-up of local and international artists, advocating for LGBTQ+ equality.

For more information on Manchester Pride Festival and to purchase tickets for the Gay Village Party, visit www.manchesterpride.com. We’re always made up by how Greater Manchester comes together at this time of year and this year’s Stockport Pride was a great way to get warmed up.

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

Featured Image — Gemma Parker

Kids & Family

A rare giant otter has been born at Chester Zoo and its arrival could help save a species

Danny Jones Danny Jones Rare male otter arrives at Chester Zoo

More happy news over at Chester Zoo as a rare giant otter has just arrived at the best zoo in the UK and, surprise, surprise, he’s a cutey.

The rare species, originally from the Guyanas to Central-North Argentina and which once spread across other parts of South America, is currently at risk of going extinct altogether but the addition of this new male otter could help bring it back from the brink.

Arriving at the end of April, this fine young fellow has now joined his new female partner, Tibiri, as part of a crucial international conservation breeding programme.

Manchester, meet Manú, Chester Zoo‘s newest and most camera-ready animal.

Manú, the rare and giant male otter, makes his Chester Zoo debut.

Zookeepers have now released the first heartwarming images of the otters meeting for the very first time, where they can be seen swimming and playing together and, judging by how loud and vocal the pair have been, it looks like they’re already getting on like a house on fire.

With no more than 5,000 giant otters remaining across the whole of South America, conservationists are hopeful the duo will go on to have pups in the near future.

The decline in numbers is a result of mass-scale deforestation, water pollution and illegal hunting in the region. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed the species as endangered back in 2020 and it’s now the job of places like Chester and other Zoos to stop them from going extinct.

Three-year-old Manú – who travelled all the way from Budapest Zoo in Hungary – is said to have been genetically matched with Tibiri, 8, giving the species the best possible chance at a more secure future.

global giant otter population
otters at chester zoo
A handsome boy already cosying up to his new mate. (Credit: Chester Zoo)

The species, which can grow up to nearly two metres in length and 30kg in weight (the largest of all otter species, as the name would suggest) has sadly already been declared extinct in Uruguay and its ancestral home of Argentina. There are thought to be less than 5,000 left in the entire world.

But that’s where the likes of Manú and Tibir come in: they could help popular future generations of the giant otter and hopefully see them return to lakes, rivers and wetlands in numbers one day.

Speaking on the arrival, Chester Zoo Carnivore Keeper, Anna Starkey, said: “Since arriving at the zoo only a few days ago, Manú has settled into his new surroundings very quickly… So far we’ve seen really positive signs between the two and they can be heard using a range of vocalisations while playfully swimming together, which shows us that they’ve instantly bonded.

“[They’re] apex predators in the South American ecosystems and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of freshwater habitats. They do this by hunting prey populations, keeping the health and biodiversity of their environments in check. But sadly, the wild population feel enormous pressures from pollution and mass deforestation which continue to threaten their survival altogether.”

cute otters
clips of otters eating
They’re nicknamed ‘river wolves’ for their razor-sharp teeth, muscular bodies and skilled hunting. (Credit: Supplied)

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Each giant otter typically has unique markings of white or cream fur on their throat and under their chin, which allows every individual to be identified by experts.

Unusually though, Manú does not have any markings and his throat is chestnut brown, which makes him easily identifiable from his new lady friend.

Starkey added: “It will now be the role of conservation zoos like ours to play a pivotal role in turning the tide and safeguarding their future on the planet.”

Welcome to the North West, Manú.

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

Featured Images — Chester Zoo

Kids & Family

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 29 April – 5 May 2024

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Gary is outta here.

We’ve only got a couple more days left of April before May graces us with its presence as this week goes on.

And there’s so much to look forward to this month.

Foodie festivals, cultural celebrations, wholesome spring-themed events, and so much more has been happening all throughout April – but thankfully, there’s even more where that came from in May, as there’s loads more in the Greater Manchester social calendar for everyone of all ages to be getting involved with.

If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do this week though, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘What’s on‘ guide.

Here’s some of our recommendations.

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Tales of Manchester 2.0

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Monday 29 April – onwards

Tales of Manchester 2.0 / Credit: Supplied

A brand-new art exhibition curated by visual artist Emma Evans in partnership with six other creators is now open in Manchester, and it’s completely free to visit.

Tales of Manchester 2.0 down at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a collection of multi-platform art celebrating our brilliant city, and it’s showcasing six spoken word pieces by established Manchester based poets – Griot Gabriel, Ilaria Passeri, Lisa O’Hare, Mark Jackson aka Keith’s Brother, Matt Concannon aka The Thirsty Poet, and Sarah Attwell.

The spoken word is paired with visual pieces painted by self-taught artist Emma Evans, where the words have served as inspiration for the art.

Find out more here.

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Did you see that Manchester’s newest live entertainment venue is finally almost ready to open?

The biggest indoor arena in the entire UK is (we think) ready to rock and roll.

It’s been a very long time coming, but Co-op Live will finally throw open its doors this week, with the massive space having room for 23,500 music fans and a clever ‘smart bowl’ that’s been designed to make the best possible gig experience.

There’s also a huge bill of artists lined up to perform here in the coming months, including The Black Keys (rescheduled), Olivia Rodrigo, and Take That in the next few weeks alone.

You can take a closer look at the inside of Co-op Live here, and read a round-up of all the events happening across the brand-new venue’s opening season here.

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The Wizard of Oz

Palace Theatre Manchester

Monday 29 April – Sunday 5 May

The Wizard of Oz / Credit: ATG Tickets

A sensational new take on of one of the world’s most beloved musicals, The Wizard of Oz, is now on stage here in Manchester.

Having taken to the iconic Palace Theatre stage, starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion, JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, this new production is a truly magical for all the family.

Find out more and grab last-minute tickets here.

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Manifest

Yes, Manchester’s biggest free music festival is back for this upcoming early May bank holiday.

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Hosted at the ever-reliable Oast House in Spinningfields – one the best suntraps in the city when the sun finally decides to peek out (and it’s coming) – you can expect live music all day long, dancing well into the night, not to mention as much food and refreshing cocktails as you can stuff your face with.

We went along to the last one during Easter and even on a cloudy day it didn’t disappoint.

Find out more about the full season they’ve got lineup and sort your place here.

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Bloomtown Blossom Trail

Manchester City Centre

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Monday 29 April – onwards

Stunning pink blossom at Parsonage Gardens
Bloomtown Blossom Trail / Credit: The Manc Group

Manchester never looks better than it does when all the blossom trees burst back to life, right? Well now there’s a walking trail through town that shows off the best bits.

From the iconic purple blooms outside the Central Library to the surprising sprays that pop up in the middle of Ancoats, there are pretty colours appearing all over, so the National Trust is once again shining a spotlight on Manchester and bringing back its new-and-improved Bloomtown.

There are 39 spots all over the city centre (and slightly beyond) included along the route, each one showcasing one of the city’s most picturesque locations.

Find out more about 2024’s trail here.

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The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition

Manchester Central Library

Monday 29 April – onwards

The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition / Credit: Supplied

Photography students from The Manchester College will be showcasing their ‘Greater Mancunians’ project as part of a landmark exhibition at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall from this week.

150 students have participated in the groundbreaking photography project, and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.

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More than 100 contributors are featured in the project, including musicians Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr, athletes Diane Modahl and Ricky Hatton, local politicians Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Bev Craig, actors Maxine Peake and Bill Roache, artists Stan Chow and AKSE P-19, and other local figures like Jonathan Warburton, Simon Martin, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE.

Find out more here.

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Operation Ouch!

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 29 April – onwards

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Operation Ouch! / Credit: Science Museum Group

Don’t forget there’s a world-first exhibition still running down at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and it’s giving families the chance to “dive headfirst into the digestive system” and “travel like a poo”.

The new blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch!, is based on and will see the award-winning CBBC children’s TV series brought to life.

Visitors can expect interactive experiences, amazing objects from the Science Museum Group’s collection, and appearances from world-renowned doctors who will be on hand to guide audiences through this “lively, interactive, and playful adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies”.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

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Fancy heading out a walk somewhere in Greater Manchester and beyond this week?

The weather is FINALLY warming up a little, and it’s beginning to feel like we might finally have made it through winter.

So that means it’s time for a walk, right?

Some of the green spaces that wrap around Greater Manchester are in their prime right now with blossoms, bluebells, and more – and that’s saying something, as they’re pretty spectacular all year round – so it couldn’t be a more perfect time to go for a walk to appreciate their beauty.

Read our round-up of stunning spots for a spring walk here.

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‘Trust’ – Six by Nico

Manchester

Tuesday 30 April

‘Trust’ – Six by Nico / Credit: Six by Nico

Are you ready to put your trust in Six by Nico? 

Previously a hit in London, but having now arrived here in Manchester at the Spring Gardens and Deansgate restaurants for the first time ever, ‘Trust’ is the latest dining experience from Six by Nico where guests are invited to put their trust in the popular restaurant’s chefs with a completely blind tasting menu that “puts culinary senses to the test”.

The three-hour tasting experience has 10-courses, and diners are given a blank menu with space write down what they think they’re eating.

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Ingredients of each dish are then revealed by your server following each course.

Find out more and book your place on one of the ‘Trust’ dining experiences on the Six by Nico website here.

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KinderFest 2024

Haigh Woodland Park

Friday 4 & Saturday 5 May

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KinderFest 2024 / Credit: Haigh Woodland Park

Haigh Woodland Park is hosting a festival filled with fun activities for the whole family this bank holiday weekend.

KinderFest 2024 will bring together some of Greater Manchester’s best children’s entertainment to the walled gardens of Haigh – with themed activity zones, bubble parties, an inflatable playground, puppet shows, and live music all on the exciting lineup, as well as there being a wide range of food and drink vendors serving up tasty grub to took into.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

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Have you seen that a new ‘hobby house’ has opened up in the heart of Manchester city centre?

It’s called ‘Altogether Otherwise’.

Having recently opened down at Manchester’s growing neighbourhood, NOMA, the innovative new concept is is setting out to provide the Greater Manchester public with a welcome relief from all the demands and fast-paced culture of city centre life that we’ve, sadly, all become so used to.

It’s been dubbed a “place to pursue creativity” and a chance to explore and get stuck into some new activities, all while bumping into like-minded people in an ever-changing gathering space. 

There’s an exciting lineup of workshops and events that are free to attend.

Find out more here.

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Day Out With Thomas

East Lancashire Railway

Friday 4 – Monday 6 May

Day Out With Thomas / Credit: ELR

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is once again making a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester this Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

The beloved Day Out With Thomas experience is said to be “a train ride like no other”.

Families will have the chance to hop onboard the East Lancashire Railway’s replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns in a couple of weeks time for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.

Find out more and grab last-minute tickets here.

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Featured Image –

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