When it’s this hot, all you want to do is find a way to cool off- and whilst air-conditioned restaurants and frozen cocktails offer some respite, don’t forget that nature has a few tricks up its sleeve too.
Of course, safety is important, and if you are planning to swim in open water in hot weather there are a few things you always need to bear in mind.
The risk of shock from cold water and strong currents are both serious, and these need considering before you embark on a wild swim.
With that in mind, Swim England has released advice to help keep people safe whilst swimming in open water here.
Fortunately for us, there are a number of guided open water swimming sessions available in and around Manchester with open water markers, safety instructors, and qualified coaches on hand to help you get the most out of your swim.
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With that in mind, let’s get into the good stuff – namely, where to go for your next (safe) dip.
We’ve picked a handful of spots in and around Manchester suited to varying levels of experience to give you some inspiration.
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The Farm Club at Pickmere
This family-run venue sits within 300 acres of Cheshire countryside, with plenty of safe open swimming opportunities for beginners. Here, you can get into the sport of open water swimming with help from safety instructors and experienced coaches on SUP boards. Pre-booked sessions take place between May and September.
Boundary Water Park, Cheshire
Image: Facebook
The warm, shallow lake at Boundary Water Park is perfect for novices and families, with the added benefit of having sessions overseen by qualified coaches to keep you safe. These run on Thursdays from 5.30-7.30pm and on Sundays from 10-1pm.
Between May and September, Open Swim UK run four weekly sessions at Sale Water Park to encourage people to experience the joys of wild swimming in a safe environment where they can perfect their technique. What’s more, there are indoor changing rooms, lockers, showers and even wetsuit hire available. Priced at £7 or £4 for juniors, no membership is required.
Salford Watersports Centre, Salford Quays
Salford’s Water Sports Centre offers open water swims on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays in the Ontario basin. Priced at £5 for adults and £4.50 for juniors, there are changing rooms and hot showers available, as well as free parking on site.
Uswim host guided open swimming sessions at Salford Quays every Saturday between 8-11am and on Wednesday evenings from 5.30-7.30pm. Water safety is guaranteed, with water quality-tested before sessions. Uswim provides full safety covered with measured 400m, 750m and 1km swim courses available.
Elton Reservoir, Bolton
Image: Facebook
Managed and run by Bolton Triathlon Club, you can typically join in with guided open water swimming sessions at Elton Reservoir in Bolton every Tuesday from 5-8pm from May through to late August/ early September. However, this summer the algae has made swimming here unsafe leading organisers to close the reservoir until 2023.
The big Manchester guide to Bonfire Night – everything you need to know
Thomas Melia
Remember, remember the fifth of November, when spots around Manchester will be lighting up the night sky for Bonfire Night.
Dazzling fireworks displays, roaring bonfires, hot chocolates and loads more will be on offer in the coming week as the nation turns fully autumnal.
Although the Manchester City Council-run Bonfire Night celebrations have been called off once again, there are plenty of places you can still celebrate.
Listed below are some of the top bonfires happening in and around Greater Manchester in 2024 including some viewing spots where you can immerse yourself in a world of free fireworks atop the Manchester skyline.
Although we can’t list every single event occurring over the next week, here is a summary of upcoming firework displays across Greater Manchester and its many boroughs.
The UK’s highest altitude distillery is hosting a night of luxury drinks and spooky stories in their cosy establishment this Bonfire Night.
Joined by David Atkinson from Dark Chester Ghost Tours, there will be eerie tales told as you sip on a cocktail that is smoked right in front of you by the bartenders.
How can you possibly go wrong, especially when there is a charcuterie board on hand to soak up your liquid courage and take you to food heaven.
The landscape even overlooks Buxton and Macclesfield meaning guests have a chance to gaze at the fireworks while tucking into the finer things in life.
Guests wanting to take their Bonfire Night to the next level with this unforgettable experience can purchase tickets here.
Manchester’s world of entertainment situated right in the city centre is even getting involved with the firework frenzy presenting a jam-packed night of free fun – though these fireworks have a big twist.
They’ll be showing a fireworks display on that huge new digital ceiling, meaning you can enjoy all the wonder of a classic display while staying warm and dry.
Special guest Nigel Clarke, known for his work on CBeebies and various kids channels is treating little ones to a ‘Relaxed hour’ with some campfire stories.
Two firework displays are taking place at 6pm and 7pm with two DJ sets from Kai Ryan in between at 6.15pm and 7.15pm to dance your heart out to.
Tickets aren’t required for this event and a free toffee apple will be handed out to each child that attends.
When: Tuesday 5 November, 5pm – 8pm
Where to find: 27 Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS
The Fireworks Extravaganza at Mayfield Park
The Fireworks Extravaganza at Mayfield Park
The skies above Manchester city centre will be sparkling this autumn, when a huge Bonfire Night event takes over the city’s newest park.
The huge fireworks display comes from Freight Island and the acclaimed Walk the Plank, and is set to take place over several evenings of Bonfire Night weekend.
There’ll even be free sparklers for kids when the festive event takes place between 1 and 3 November.
Bowdon Bonfire 2024 at Bowdon Cricket Hockey and Squash Club
This Altrincham sports venue is spoiling its guests with not one but three fireworks displays and a traditional bonfire.
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There will be stalls, refreshments and a BBQ with a stall selling everybody’s favourite sweet treats.
Three showings will be held at this site with children and young people advised to attend the 7pm and 8pm displays as the 8:45pm slot will contain louder fireworks.
Where to find: South Downs Road, Altrincham, WA14 3DT
Fireworks at the Farm – Cockfields Farm Park
This Ashton farm is hosting a ‘low bang’ night perfectly designed for children and animals with lots of fun activities to get involved with including a bonfire.
There will be everything from a mini disco to an LED robot light show and in typical farm fashion, kids are also invited to the cuddle corner where they can see all the smaller animals up close.
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An array of food will also readily available from your typical jacket potatoes to pizza, hot dogs and donuts to tuck into as well.
If this has caught your attention, tickets are onsale here.
When: Saturday 2 November and Sunday 3 November, 5pm – 8pm
Where to find: Lees New Rd, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8AR
Cavendish PTA Bonfire Night – Cavendish Community Primary School
Chorlton Fireworks are teaming up with a local primary school to create an incredible light display set to go off with a bang.
Get transported back to your childhood days as this event has its own tuck shop on site for snacks and drinks to enjoy while you marvel over the fireworks.
There’s also festival glitter on-hand meaning guests can soak up the action while shining as bright as the sky in front of them.
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Anyone interested in attending can find tickets available here.
When: Friday 1 November, 5.00pm-7.00pm
Where to find: Cavendish Rd, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 1JG
Bonfire Night at Ashton on Mersey Sports Club
Gates open at 5.30pm for this event with the bonfire lighting at 6.15pm, visitors at this sports club can expect a family-friendly night as thrilling as ever.
A selection of food and drinks will be served at this event including all your typical Bonfire feasts to more gourmet options.
Parking at this event may be limited and anyone attending is being urged to walk where possible as no spaces are available on-site.
This local Greater Manchester town’s amateur rugby league football club is presenting its attendees with a bonfire night they’ll never forget as it won’t have a bonfire!
Their fantastic entertainment and fireworks will still be there as well as some tasty delights in the form of Rochdale street food and restaurant favourite, Bombay Brew.
If you are intending on popping down for a funfilled night, guests are being encouraged to respect neighbours and their driveways.
Tickets are available as your arrive with both cash and card accepted at the gates.
When: Friday 1 November, 6.30pm – late
Where to find: Keswick Street, Castleton, OL113AG
Littleborough Cricket Club Bonfire & Firework Display
Not too far from Rochdale, Littleborough cricket club are entertaining locals with a night of fireworks, food and fun.
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There will be a fun fair, food stalls and two outdoor bars to cut down on those pesky queues that us Mancs always get caught up in.
What’s also special about this display is that little guests who are two and under even get into the venue for free here!
When: Saturday 2 November, 4.00pm – onwards
Where to find: Denhurst Rd, Littleborough OL15 9LD
Shaw Cricket Club Bonfire Night & Firework Extravaganza 2024
This annual event promises to be one to remember especially with the name ‘Extravaganza’ in its title.
Gates open at 4.00pm with rides and attractions starting at this time too in preparation for the bonfire and show later on in the evening.
Anyone planning on paying a visit are guided to take public transport such as the tram or walk to avoid congestion in the area.
For those who wish they had a clone, fear not, this Manchester skyline spot might just give you free access to multiple firework displays all at once.
With views across Manchester, Liverpool and beyond, curious travellers are sure to see some incredible sights especially across the firework-packed week and weekend.
There’s a pub not too far from this spot so you can really soak up the action with your phone recording the view in one hand and a pint fixed in the other.
5 hidden gems in Manchester’s quirkiest shopping district, Pollard Yard
Thomas Melia
It might look like a shipping yard dropped into a car park in north Manchester, but Pollard Yard is in fact a community shopping space where you can get a birthday card, a vinyl record and a tattoo all in one spot. I’m in!
This community retail location sees vendors selling their products and services directly from industrial-style shipping containers, making for a quirky and eccentric shopping experience.
Nestled betweenAncoatsand New Islington while being only a couple of minutes’ walk from Holt Town tram stop, it’s a lively hub of retail therapy which everyone can easily access.
There are a wide range of shops and small businesses perched in this small and innovative retail village and unfortunately we can’t list them all.
So here are a few highlights of the independent businesses you can visit at Pollard Yard.
Pollard Yard – The Guide
Vinyl Fetishes
Vinyl Fetishes – Pollard Yard’s LGBTQIA+ owned music shop with its many pop offerings.The selection at Vinyl Fetishes specialises in pop releases.The vinyl racks stacked with some of the greatest musical releases on vinyl at Pollard Yard.Credit: The Manc Group
In September, Pollard Yard welcomed Vinyl Fetishes, a record shop catering towards pop and R&B records that may not be as readily available in other suppliers.
It comes as no surprise that they’re also home to various editions of Charli XCX’s iconic ‘Brat’ album, including its extended edition and remix variants, that is until savvy shoppers like yourselves snap them up.
The owners are keen to interest more people in pop music that’s pressed onto vinyl even recently running a competition for Kylie’s new album ‘Tension II’, promising the first six customers a bottle of her very own ‘Kylie prosecco’.
The Lucky Pig Tattoo
The Lucky Pig Tattoo shop where you can get tatted from an industrial shipping container.The cozy setup awaiting the next tattoo lover and their newest design at Pollard Yard.Credit: The Manc Group
Ever wanted a tattoo but needed reassurance from a friendly face? Well fear not, because over at The Lucky Pig Tattoo, they don’t have one friendly face but four to assist you with your next piece of body art.
Megan, Zena, T.A.K and AJ make up this tattoo parlour family and although the containers may be on the small side, they’ll always have room for some more creative visitors welcoming artists to host guest spots for a few days throughout the year.
This time last year, The Lucky Pig Tattoo gave customers the opportunity to get some spooky Snoopy designs tatted at their Halloween flash day.
The Letter Arty Shop
The seemingly never-ending card selection at The Letter Arty Shop.Pollard Yard’s answer to a celebratory occassion – The Letter Arty ShopA wide range of printed designs made right here in Pollard Yard.Credit: The Manc Group
If you suffer from decision paralysis you’re going to spend a while in The Letter Arty Shop picking out a greetings card. Their Christmas collection sees these paper greetings in foil, letterpress, typography and even 3D form.
The latest collection from this gift accompaniment shop is titled the ‘Obvious Cards’ range and it’s as simple as putting pen to paper (sorry).
These cards are in-your-face with writing like ‘Christmas Card’, ‘Valentine’s Card’ and ‘Thank You Card’, I think you get the gist of it…
Nusole Services
A wall full of trainers looking clean and fresh at Nusole – Pollard Yard.Stacked – Trainers galore at this footwear laundry retailer in Pollard Yard.Credit: The Manc Group
This next vendor is an absolute must for keeping your kicks shiny and new and with rain forecast pretty much 90% of the time inManchesteryou’re going to need to call them up.
Marketed as a premium footwear laundry brand, this company are giving your shoes some much needed TLC, while keeping your outfit game unmatched.
They scrub up most shoes, especially their most requested clean LV Runaways, even providing services for Manchester City youth player Jaden Heskey.
Good Thing Coffee Co.
One of the finest focaccia creations at Good Thing Coffee Co. Pollard Yard. The barista and bar set up at Pollard Yard’s coffeehouse – Good Thing Coffee Co.Additional outdoor seating for Good Thing Coffee Co. guests at Pollard Yard.Credit: The Manc Group
After some amazing deals like a focaccia sandwich for £8 or a coffee and a cake for £5.50, then this should be next on your cafe checklist.
You can fully immerse yourself in a selection of hot drinks, focaccia and sweet treats or get your order delivered to straight tp your car if you want your foodie fix on the go.
This coffee shop even hosts its own club nights at the yard! It’s a good thing this place is a coffee spot as these collaboration events can run until 12am.
For Your Consideration…
Hoopin ‘N’ Lootin
While it seems like everyone is falling in love with american football at the moment, whether you’re watching it for the game or for the modern day Romeo and Juliet , Tight end player Travis Kelce and pop legend Taylor Swift, Hoopin ‘N’ Lootin are obsessing over another american sport, basketball.
Supplying Mancunians with all their sporting apparel needs, stocking basketball jerseys from greats such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Where better to buy your basketball essentials from than a dedicated fan, after all shop owner Elliot even has the NBA tattooed on his thigh to commemorate his recent trip to the game in Paris last January.
So whether it’s your first time discovering this fascinating shopping site or you’ve been before, make sure you’re not a stranger to Pollard Yard, after all there really is something for everyone.
Georgina Pellant -
18th July 2022 
