Dozens of dinosaurs have descended on a corner of the Peak District this weekend, ready for the Jurassic Encounter event.
Life-size animatronic beasts will roar and shriek at visitors from the trees, towering way above onlookers.
Ticket-holders will get up close with two giant T-Rexes, as well as a 15m-tall Brachiosaurus guarding her clutch of eggs.
Dinosaurs at Jurassic Encounter. Credit: Supplied
You’ll also be able to spot Velociraptors, Stegosaurus and Pterodactyls roaming the parkland.
The Jurassic Encounter is taking over the Pavillion Garden in Buxton, not far from Greater Manchester.
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It’s bringing its herd of lifelike dinos on a tour that also includes dates in parks in London, Glasgow and Cardiff.
Jurassic Encounter. Credit: Supplied
The animatronic installations will feature information panels of interesting facts about each dinosaur, with mini documentaries also screening in the Education Cinema Marquee to bring the Jurassic age to life.
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Little ones will be able to dig through an excavation sand pit for skeletons and fossils, learning about how archaeologists discovered dinosaurs in the past.
There’ll be food and refreshments all along the route.
Naz Kabir, spokesperson for Jurassic Encounter, says: “Last year, thousands of visitors all over the UK enjoyed a day out with our prehistoric beasts, and we’re delighted to return for another tour in 2022.
“This year we’ll have new dinosaurs, even more interactive exhibits including a VR experience and an education cinema where families will be able to learn more about these incredible creatures.”
Jurassic Encounter will be at The Pavilion Garden in Buxton between 28 May and 12 June.
Beloved Thomas the Tank Engine replica is back travelling through Greater Manchester next month
Emily Sergeant
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is once again making a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester next month.
And tickets are now on sale and already selling fast.
After delighting little Mancs and families throughout the region during countless successful events over the past couple of years, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that the Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back by popular demand, and will return to its tracks this Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
In case you aren’t too familiar with the beloved Day Out With Thomas experience, it’s said to be “a train ride like no other”.
Families will have the chance to hop onboard the 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.
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester / Credit: ELR
The journey begins at Bury Train Station, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, meet Sir Topham Hatt, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station.
The doors to Bury Transport Museum will also be open across the weekend and will be hosting loads of fun free activities.
There’ll be Thomas-themed stories, and engaging and interactive activities to make the most of, as well as amusing performances by Sodor’s mischievous station sweepers, Rusty and Dusty, who’ll be entertaining with singing, dancing, and laughter all day long.
Not only that, but you can also expect fun fair rides, face painting, balloon art, and so much more.
“As well as taking a trip through Lancashire on Thomas, visitors will also meet Sodor’s Rusty and Dusty and Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy a host of activities offboard, so the experience will be a fun day out for all the family.”
The ‘Day Out With Thomas’ experience is said to be “a train ride like no other” / Credit: ELR
“We’re thrilled to announce the return of Thomas the Tank Engine,” commented ELR’s Chairman, Mike Kelly, ahead of Thomas’ return next month.
“Day Out With Thomas events hold a special place in ELR’s calendar and remain one of our most beloved experiences, as Thomas is cherished by people of all ages and this makes the event a source of joy, not just for children, but also for parents, grandparents, and our volunteers.”
Day Out With Thomas tickets are now on sale for all events throughout this year, including the Early May Bank Holiday weekend – with prices starting at £13.70 for kids, and £22.70 for adults.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 15 – 21 April 2024
Emily Sergeant
It’s finally starting to feel like spring is in full swing now, isn’t it?
The turn of the season has already brought with it food festivals, cultural celebrations, annual events, and so much more, and thankfully, there’s loads more in the Greater Manchester social calendar for everyone of all ages to be getting involved with throughout this week too.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do, 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 14 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.
Pieminister’s Bottomless Brunch / Credit: The Manc Group
Pieminister’s legendary pie bottomless brunch with free-flowing drinks has finally made a comeback.
The popular pie restaurant chain – which has two sites here in Manchester city centre on Church Street in the Northern Quarter, and on Deansgate – is known and loved all across the UK for its thick and chunky pies, but its bottomless brunch offering is something else.
Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie, vegan, flexitarian, or gluten free, there’s something to suit everyone on the menu.
Find out more and book your bottomless brunch slot here.
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Fancy heading out a walk somewhere in Greater Manchester and beyond this weekend?
The weather is FINALLY warming up a little, and it’s beginning to feel like we might finally have made it through winter.
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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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Manchester Open Exhibition 2024
HOME
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Monday 14 – Sunday 28 April
Manchester Open Exhibition 2024 / Credit: HOME
Manchester Open Exhibition is back for the third time in our city.
Taking place every two years down at HOME, the Open Exhibition is the biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent, and sees HOME’s Gallery walls filled with 480 artworks created by the people of our region that have been specially-selected by a panel consisting of art experts and community representatives.
Open to all, the Exhibition brings together artwork including paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, ceramics, digital and mixed media, video, audio, and so much more.
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 Map.
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.
A plant paradise will be created in Manchester this week, as the inaugural RHS Urban Show takes over Depot Mayfield.
The huge event is the charity’s first large-scale indoor show ever, and it’s been created to celebrate the growing urban gardening movement, so whether you’re cramming a tropical jungle onto your balcony, or you’re just trying to bring a little plant life into your home, the RHS Urban Show will have exhibits to educate and inspire you.
You can learn the secrets to growing happy houseplants, see vertical structures for awkward urban spaces, explore a seven-garden vision for a greener city, and so much more.
The Botanist has brought back The Botanist LIVE to “help everyone celebrate summer” with free live music every weekend.
Set to “supply the soundtrack to your weekend” every Friday and Saturday night, The Botanist’s talented artists are set to play live from 8pm until late, and guests can expect a vibrant party atmosphere with sounds of rock, pop, soul, R&B, funk, disco, and blues.
The events are not ticketed and are free to attend, so all you need to do is turn up and wait for its house band get the party started.
The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition
Manchester Central Library
Friday 19 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.
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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.
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.
Looking for somewhere to go for a hearty roast dinner in and around Greater Manchester this weekend?
From the moment we start to feel the weekend rolling in, we can’t help but turn our thoughts to Sunday roasts, steaming jugs of gravy, and big glasses sploshing over with red wine.
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It’s just the best feeling, and there’s plenty of it to be found here in our region.
We’re used to it being wet and miserable most of the year, and while we do love Sunday lunch on a sun-soaked afternoon in the beer garden when we get the chance, nothing warms the cockles more on those darker days than a giant plate piled high with roasted meats, vegetables, and gravy.
Read our round-up of some of the best Greater Manchester roast dinners here.
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SpringFest
Victoria Baths
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Saturday 20 April
Spring Fest / Credit: Victoria Baths (via Facebook)
Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths will be hosting a festival filled with live music, art exhibitions, street food, and more this weekend.
All set to transform the beautiful Grade II-listed building into a cultural hub for the day, and gearing up to “put a spring in the step” of the Greater Manchester public, Victoria Baths’ SpringFest is returning for 2024 this Saturday with a jam-packed lineup of events celebrating music and art from across the region and beyond.
Tickets will be available at the door on the day, but organisers say booking in advance for £8 is “recommended” to secure your spot.
Did you know that April is actually National Pet Month?
Well, in a bid to properly celebrate in the best way possible, MediaCity has decided to host a handful of different dog-friendly events down at Central Bay’s newly-opened Kargo MKT overlooking the Salford Quays waterfront this Sunday.
On the lineup is the first ever ‘Furry Friends Market’ featuring 10 local traders offering all things pet-related, including treats, artwork, accessories, and more – which is free to attend – as well as the bound-to-be-popular ‘Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea’ party especially for four four-legged friends, with tickets on sale and available from £12.
Did you see that one of the biggest charity shops has just opened here in Greater Manchester?
The independently-run Regenerage superstore is the newest resident at the massively-popular Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton.
Inside the huge 10,958 sq ft store, shoppers can find everything from ladies and menswear, to homeware, furniture, and children’s clothing too, plus books, and new white goods – including washing machines, fridge freezers, and more.
There’s also a specially-created bridal and occasional wear department too.
And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, there’s even the chance to get your hands on designer brands like Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, and Armani, all without the hefty price tag.
LEGO Creativity Workshop / Credit: The LEGO Group | Flickr
Little Mancs who love LEGO can take part in an interactive building workshops in Manchester this weekend.
As part of the launch of The LEGO Group’s new campaign aimed at championing and standing up for girls’ creativity, and in a bid to encourage children across Greater Manchester and the rest of the UK to “play without limits”, a ‘LEGO Creativity Workshop’ is being held down at the Trafford Centre this Sunday.
Kids will get to build a photo frame to display a picture of an achievement, their friends and family, or anything they want to celebrate.
The best bit? The workshop is free to attend, and you’ll just need to book a place online.
Spanish Bottomless Brunch / Credit: The Beeswing (via Instagram)
Popular Manchester wine bar The Beeswing down at Kampus has just launched a new ‘Spanish Bottomless Brunch’.
Called ‘Domingo’ – which means ‘Sunday’ in Spanish, and now running every Sunday until the summer and beyond – the brand-new event features a curated collection of classic Spanish brunch dishes to be served alongside free-flowing mimosas, sangria, and Bloody Marys for the pretty-impressive price of just £35 per person.
Hungry foodie fans can take their pick from a menu of Spanish-inspired brunch dishes like smoky shakshuka, and Ibérico eggs benedict, all while sipping on 90-minutes worth of drinks.
Daisy Jackson -
27th May 2022 
