Northern Quarter cult favourite Afflecks (known to most of us still as Affleck’s Palace) has officially become the newest place to get married in the city after its team secured a marriage license.
The world-famous shopping emporium is home to all sorts of quirky and individual shops and spaces, including an anime cafe with real maids, and will be opening up five unique areas to lovers set on getting hitched.
Super romantic, small ceremonies with up to 30 guests will be the order of the day, and all the spaces can be dressed and adapted for a perfectly unique and alternative place to declare true love.
These span the market’s pink sakura-drenched Animaid Cafe, Afflecks’s iconic poster wall, a spiritual shop filled with a multitude of incense and spell books, the stunning diner-esque Ginger’s Comfort Emporium with its checkered floor and deep red booths, and the ever-nostalgic Afflecks cafe.
Afflecks’s matrimonial license comes in time to celebrate the Manchester Pride Festival, where this year’s theme is Queerly Beloved to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of marriage equality in the UK.
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You can now get married at Afflecks in ManchesterYou can now get married at Afflecks in Manchester
Speaking on the news AJ Martyn, General Manager at Afflecks, said: “Afflecks has always been a place that embodies love in all its forms, creative freedom and equality – as well as a welcoming, safe space for all.
“The LGBTQ+ community has forever been at the heart of our emporium and we’re excited to celebrate this year’s Manchester Pride theme and 10 years of marriage equality by opening our doors to ALL couples who may be looking for an inclusive, creative, and unique space in which to say ‘I Do’.
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“We’ve always believed that love is love and we can’t wait to welcome couples to our independent emporium and help them create an alternative day of their dreams at Afflecks.”
The whole Afflecks family is on hand to help couples create the perfect and completely independent day as the emporium is the perfect treasure trove to find alternative wedding essentials all under one roof.
Police provide update after stabbing of 14-year-old boy at Manchester Arndale carpark
Emily Sergeant
Police have provided an update following the stabbing of a young boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
At around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Sam Jones, of GMP’s City of Manchester District CID, said this will ‘understandably’ cause concern, but has assured the public that police believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
“Detectives at the scene are working extremely hard to process the scene with Crime Scene Investigators,” explained DI Jones in an update statement issued.
“The car park is expected to be closed for several hours, so we ask for your understanding and patience whilst we gather evidence to bring these offenders to justice.
“Detectives and Officers will be in the area today to speak with local businesses and members of the public to provide reassurance. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public.
“Greater Manchester Police are committed to diligently investigating all knife crime and bringing offenders to justice, and we are asking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
Manchester
Manchester parks are hosting loads of FREE Halloween-themed activities this month
Emily Sergeant
Parks across Manchester are set to host loads of Halloween-themed activities this month.
With October half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, Manchester City Council has unveiled a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ activities that’ll be happening at parks across the borough this month.
Manchester’s parks will ‘come alive’ this October half-term with a packed programme community-focussed free activities for children – including a range of lantern making workshops delivered by the parks’ teams.
There will also be pumpkin carving throughout the week, with everything provided to create a suitably scary masterpiece to take home, as well ‘Hidden Horror’ trails across 13 parks with lots of spooky characters to be discovered.
Other highlights included guided walks, cycling along the Yellow Brick Road in Debdale Park, helping to create a giant haunted house using recycled materials at Alexandra Park, and a Halloween Party at Grounded Cafe in Cringle Park.
Manchester parks are hosting loads of free Halloween-themed activities this October half term/ Credit: Max Burchill | Pierre Bouyer (via Unsplash)
And fireworks won’t be the only attraction on Bonfire Night either.
Activities on the day begin from 3pm with the chance for little ones to enjoy magical storytelling experiences from Z Arts, with hands-on crafting inspired by the story.
Dazzling fire performers will light up the event with a mesmerising display of flames, fiery choreography, and captivating skills, and the Lantern Parade prior to the main fireworks display is not to be missed.
Georgina Pellant -
24th August 2023 
