A local yoga teacher has set up a brand-new support group for Greater Manchester mums and it’s just bloody lovely.
This super wholesome community-based initiative has been created by yoga instructor, Toni Marie, who has her own studio and is now expanding on her existing well-being work with dedicated help for mothers from all over the area.
Setting up at The Snug Coffee House in Atherton, Wigan – a wheelchair-friendly, pram-friendly space as well as breast and bottle-friendly – the support group runs each week and has already proved popular among those living nearby.
But what exactly does it involve? Well, let us enlighten you.
Credit: Supplied
First things first, the new group is called ‘Mums for Mums’ and most importantly is completely free for any mothers to attend every Wednesday at 12 noon.
As for what attending parents can expect from the group, they offer free support for new mums, including educational visits from local midwives and health visitors.
Experienced mums will also be on hand to offer time, support and advice; plus, it’s also just a great place to make new friends, help your baby socialise and feel a little less lonely in the early days of motherhood.
As a mum herself, Toni knows it’s the little things that go a long way too: for instance, if you’ve given birth within the last six weeks and had a C-section, a free taxi will be provided for you (within 4 miles). Just mums looking after each other, so lovely.
With barre, pilates and more on offer at her studio, many mums even find themselves hopping from the support group to baby yoga. Adorable.
After a difficult journey into motherhood herself, Toni decided to take on training to carry out pregnancy or ‘bump’ yoga, and then ‘baby and me’ yoga to try and help where she can and create a safe space (and some lovely, much-needed stretches) for both mums-to-be, first-time mothers and more.
Having seen the everyday struggles many mums face, especially in that first month or so, she knew how important this could be for many new mums.
Despite only beginning back in September, it’s already evident what a profound impact these sessions have on many parents, not to mention watching both friendships and a wider community blossom, she’s more focused than ever on developing these support group sessions.
Toni is able to put on these support sessions thanks to funding from the regional community foundation, Forever Manchester, a much-loved charity that raises money to fund and support local activity across the 10 boroughs.
Better still, all you have to do if you’re interested is just turn up. So if you’re a new mother looking for a few more people to lean on mid-week, give Mums for Mums a try.
A giant cat exhibition has arrived in Manchester and it’s FREE to visit
Thomas Melia
There’s a new exhibition that has popped up in Manchester city centre featuring a giant inflatable cat, and you can visit for free.
Manchester is always at the epicentre of all things art and culture, and this latest exhibition has got to be one of the cutest ones yet.
Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester (UoM) in the heart of the city centre, has gained a brand-new – and quite large feline friend – who’s decided to take a pre-planned nap in this gallery room for the next two months.
Titled ‘The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years’, this exhibition features a 10-metre long kitty full of personality from the inside out, quite literally, as its body is filled with soft lighting.
Anyone attending can get as up close and personal as they like, as touching and stroking the cat is encouraged, and even better, this new city centre activity is completely free.
This giant cat exhibition is the genius of interactive soft robotics company Air Giants, which is known for working on similar projects involving illuminated and inflatable sculptures.
The cat-themed piece of art is not only Air Giants’ biggest piece of work to date, it’s also a world-first experience, unlike anything the museum has ever seen before.
This free cat exhibition is taking place in Manchester Museum for two months / Credit: Supplied
“It has been a joy to work closely with the museum to develop this project,” commented Emma Powell, Creative Director at Air Giants.
“We’re hoping audiences will have a joyful connection to the cat and the story around it. We can’t wait for people to experience this magical and gentle exhibition in Manchester this summer.”
‘The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years’ is now at Manchester Museum until Sunday 14 September, with free entry for all ages.
Featured Images – Supplied (via Publicity Pictures)
Kids & Family
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 21 – 27 July 2025
Emily Sergeant
Schools are out, summer is here, and Manchester looks stunning in the sunshine.
The dust may finally be settling following Oasis’ nostalgia-filled run of gigs at Heaton Park, but that doesn’t mean the summer fun is over with across Greater Manchester, in fact, it’s just getting started and there’s plenty happening this week – from festivals, and themed events, tp new foodie openings, family fun, and loads more.
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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Music for the Senses
Manchester City Centre
Monday 21 July – onwards
Music for the Senses / Credit: David Oates Photography
An all-new multi-sensory art exhibition has taken over the streets of the city centre this summer.
The new exhibition, which is titled Music for the Senses: an art arrangement for a musical city, is a collaboration between global art producer Wild in Art – the creators of the famous Bee in the City project – and Manchester City Council.
There’s everything from a pop-up bar in Piccadilly Gardens with surprise live acts doing sets, and markets in St Peter’s Square selling vinyl and vintage goods, to block parties in the Northern Quarter, and the already-announced Music for the Senses art trail dotted around all the well-known city centre sights.
The Science and Industry Museum has got a spectacular summer holiday programme packed with all sorts of things to be getting up to, making it one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle with your little ones in the city centre this summer.
With events running up until 31 August, whether it’s disco dancing around a giant brain, unveiling the science behind optical illusions, or journeying through a giant ear canal, there’s something for everyone during the museum’s ‘sense-sational’ summer.
Loads To Do / Credit: Artem Kniaz | Yan Krukau (via Unsplash & Pexels)
Thousands of free activities have been planned by Manchester City Council ready for local families to take part in this summer.
A many parents, carers, and guardians will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained for six whole weeks before the new term starts, the Councilhas relaunched its popular Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) to help keep little Mancs active during the summer break.
From arts and crafts, to sporting events and plenty other physical activities, there is a whole host of entertaining things for everyone to get involved with, no matter your budget, making sure no one gets bored over the holidays.
A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun has returned to the Trafford Centre for the summer.
After proving to be massively-popular over the past couple of years, with thousands of families travelling from across Greater Manchester and beyond to bask in the sunshine and make the most of all the fun and games, the Trafford Centre has welcomed back its Summer Fair for 2025.
And this year, the beloved event has got itself a new family activity zone, and it sounds set to be bigger and better than ever.
The best bit? Tickets will only set you back just £3 each.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 / Credit: Molly Darlington / The FA (via England on Facebook) | Wikimedia Commons
England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 matches are being shown on big screens for free in Manchester this summer.
As England women’s national football team look to retain their title and continue to build on their ever-growing success as one of the best national football teams in the world, Manchester’s National Football Museum is hosting a series of family-friendly watch parties after hours for the UEFA Women’s Euros this summer.
Not only are matches being shown in all their glory for free on a big screen, but there’s also an on-site bar, and even the option to pre-order pizza ahead of time to feast on while you’re watching the action.
Find out more about the viewing parties at the National Football Museum here.
Keen to catch the football somewhere else instead?
Manchester is a city synonymous with sport, and football is arguably what we’re best at, so of course there’s plenty of other places screening the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 this summer.
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Stockport has transformed into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail has taken over the town.
Visitors should get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail is making its North West debut and taking over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
The trail is created by trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld.
Oasis Fans – 1994-1997 / Credit: Jon Shard (via Kimpton Clocktower Hotel & British Culture Archive)
A new free photography exhibition showing never-before-seen pictures of Oasis fans from the 90s is still open in Manchester.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s new free exhibition takes music fans on a trip down memory lane.
Oasis Fans – 1994-1997 showcases a series of exclusive photographs by renowned photographer, Jon Shard, to the public for the first time ever, opening the door to a world before online sales, dynamic ticket pricing, and frantically refreshing a website to get the hottest ticket in town.
A free open-air cinema has arrived Manchester city centre for the summer.
With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square the go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences can recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views, and watch everything from classic and family films, to music, sporting events, and so much more.
It’s launched down at New Jackson – Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
Adventure awaits, as premium outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx has now opened its first UK store outside of London right here in Manchester city centre, and it’s set up shop on the swanky New Cathedral Street.
Inside the brand new two-storey retail space, shoppers will find everything they need for their outdoor adventures – whether it’s hiking, climbing, or snow sports.
The new store is packed with technical, high-performance outerwear and equipment, from footwear, packs and accessories to Arc’teryx harnesses you can try out in-store.
NEW OPENING – Three Rooms by Platzki / Credit: The Manc Group
Three is definitely the magic number.
Platzki is already known and loved here in Manchester city centre, serving up some of the most authentic Polish cuisine from their little restaurant on Deansgate – but over Didsbury is their newest addition to the dining scene.
Three Rooms by Platzki is a real treat, bringing a modern twist on traditional Polish dishes to the suburbs, all with a splash of global flavour.
From their signature Platzki pancakes with whipped feta, to pulled duck pampushky buns, and punchy cocktails to match, this cosy three-floor spot is made for lingering.
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NEW OPENING – adidas Manchester
Market Street
NEW OPENING – adidas Manchester
adidas has made its big return to Manchester, and it’s back on Market Street where it belongs.
Spanning two floors, the new space delivers the best of both worlds, as downstairs is a full-on Oasis takeover with memorabilia, rare archive pieces, and custom shirt printing, but if you head upstairs, and it’s all about adidas Originals – terrace culture, football heritage, and iconic streetwear.
To mark the launch of their new flagship store, adidas has actually teamed up with Oasis for a one-off collab celebrating 30 years of iconic style, music, and legacy.
The limited-edition 26-piece drop brings together classic 90s silhouettes with a fresh twist including bucket hats, Firebird tracksuits, jerseys and more.
Stories – Brought To Life / Credit: The Manc Group
A major new National Portrait Gallery exhibition has arrived in Salford.
The ground-breaking new experience by FRAMELESS Creative has opened at MediaCity, bringing some of the world’s most famous portraits to life like never before.
Stories – Brought to Life will explore the fascinating lives of these figures, who have shaped the UK’s history and culture all the way since the Tudor period, and will combine the highest quality digital projection, Hollywood-style visual effects, and the latest audio technology, along with specially created musical scores and creative narratives to shine a new light on each individual.
Visitors will be able to step inside iconic portraits including Grayson Perry, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Emmeline Pankhurst, Queen Elizabeth I, and William Shakespeare.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Kargo on the Docks is back for the summer.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
Manchester Day 2025 / Credit: Manchester City Council
Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this weekend, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.
Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.
Aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’ Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.
From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.
Danny Jones -
25th October 2024 
