A brand new animated children’s sitcom that’s set in modern-day Manchester has now started airing on CBeebies.
Rafi the Wishing Wizard follows seven-year-old Rafi Martin, a determined young wizard learning to use her very own wishing wand, but there’s one twist – she can only make one wish a day, and it always runs out, usually when she least expects it.
Set in present-day Manchester, the magical series follows Rafi as she encounters everyday situations with a magical twist.
From wishing for rocket shoes on the way to school, and wishing you were mermaids in the swimming pool, to wishing her bed could fly, and for bigger hands to save more goals in football, the adorable new show takes life’s ordinary moments and turns them into something extraordinary.
Oh, but that’s not without a heap of magical chaos along the way.
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With the help of her two dads, Jake (Daddy) and Dash (Dad), her best friends Ruby and Finn, and her grumpy pet cat Deborah, Rafi begins to realise that the real magic in life isn’t the wish, it’s her family, friends, and community.
According to the BBC, at its core, Rafi the Wishing Wizard is a classic family sitcom driven by ‘magic, surprise, and plenty of heart’.
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Rafi the Wishing Wizard is a new animated children’s TV series set in Manchester / Credit: CBeebies
Another thing that makes Rafi different, according to the show’s creators, is that she’s just a normal kid in Manchester… but one who just happens to be a wishing wizard.
“It’s that mix of the ordinary and the extraordinary that gives the show its spark,” the BBC said in a statement.
All 26 episodes of Rafi the Wishing Wizard are now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, or watch on CBeebies – with each episode only being seven-minutes long, making it ideal for younger attention spans and easier to spot all of the Manchester landmarks.
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Executive Producer Tom Cousins says setting the show in Manchester was a ‘deliberate choice’.
“It’s a city that’s close to my heart, but it also gives makes the world feel specific and familiar to UK audiences.”
Beth Gardiner, who is the Commissioning Editor for CBeebies, added: “We are very proud that this series is set in Manchester and know that it will resonate with children and families across the country. This series celebrates the warmth of family and friends and shines a light on our audiences’ wishes and the magic of everyday moments.”
Rafi the Wishing Wizard is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, or watch on CBeebies live, and you can find all episodes here.
Featured Image – CBeebies / BBC
Kids & Family
A free snooker fan zone has popped up in Manchester for the 2026 Tour Championship
Danny Jones
We’re sure plenty of you are well aware that this year’s WST Sportsbet.io Tour Championship is happening in Manchester right now, but what many of you may not know is that a completely free snooker fan zone has opened up as part of it.
You don’t need a ticket for any of the actual matches to watch them on the big screen or even play one of your own.
However, it isn’t just the buzz inside the match room itself that the World Snooker Tour has brought on its return to the city centre – even the supporter hub outside is well worth a visit.
Based over at Manchester Central on the Exchange side of the building, while the games themselves are taking place in the main rooms, the foyer and surrounding areas have been turned into a fan park.
Perfect for anyone looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or, indeed, a full day this week – not to mention an ideal activity for kids this coming Easter bank holiday weekend – if you’re a fan of the sport, you’d be a fool not to at least pop your head in.
Running until this Sunday, 5 April, when the tournament itself finishes, snooker lovers have access not only to a bar area with multiple big screens and food and drink, but also numerous free tables for them to play on.
In fact, you quickly turn a few frames into some proper practice if you’re so inclined, as there’s even on-site coaching to be made the most of.
As you can see, people of all ages have already turned up in their droves to soak up the atmosphere.
Once again, the competition is being broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 5 if you’re happy to watch the games at home, but we don’t need to tell you what makes sitting in a room with a bunch of fellow fans and getting excited together so enjoyable.
If you visit the Manchester Central convention centre before the end of the week, you can even have a go at playing on a proper king-sized snooker table for the full pro-feel experience.
For anyone who wants to grab actual tickets for the matches as well, you can find them HERE.
Salford’s popular women’s running race is returning for 2026
Danny Jones
The popular women’s only five-mile race in Salford is back for another year, and it’s set to be one of the biggest yet.
Returning for its 34th iteration this spring, the 2026 edition of the Swinton Ladies Race is a mix of trail, gravel and road running.
It’s also remained a great entry-level run since it began, perfect not only for all ages and experience levels, but for those looking for a step-up in ability level and challenge with the mixed terrain.
Last May saw one of the best turnouts in the event’s history, and the Swinton Running Club founders are hoping for another big showing.
Now boasting a total of 400 places, the Swinton Ladies Race has remained a long-established cult favourite among locals over the past couple of decades.
Founded back in 1991 (then under the Worsley Woods Trail Race banner), it’s only grown in reputation but has still stayed true to its community-driven roots.
A one-lap course of lasting five miles, the course itself takes you through the aforementioned woodlands, as well as sections of trail and more defined paths.
Other notable sites featured include the Old Warke Dam, parts of the Bridgewater Canal and said Woods, which help make up a good chunk of the largest conservation area in Salford.
As they put it: “Whether you’re training for a new challenge or looking for a sociable jog in the fresh countryside air, join us and enjoy a trail race through Worsley.”
In addition to promising chip times, bespoke medals for all finishers, free parking and plenty of other little perks, it’s also just super accessible and good value-for-money.
As for the race route itself, there are drinks stations at the halfway point and finish line, first aiders on hand should anyone need help, and, of course, toilet facilities; it’s just a very well-run event all-round.
The organisers – who are teaming up with run promoters SheRACES for 2026 – do advise trail shoes where possible, especially if it’s been raining in the days leading up to the starting gun, but road trainers will still do you just fine.
Road or trail shoes are suitable for the course; we would advise trail shoes if the days leading up to the race have been extremely wet.
The price for affiliated runners is just £15, while unaffiliated participants can sign up for £17 plus a booking fee of £2 entry on the day (subject to availability). It’s also worth noting, however, that this is very much first-come, first-served. You can grab your race ticket and bib for Sunday, 3 May, right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
19th February 2026 
