A magical Christmas grotto is coming to Manchester’s Northern Quarter
As well as meeting the main man himself, there'll be appearances from the Ice Princess, Mrs Claus, the Snow Queen, and brother and sister elves Holly and Ivy
A fairy tale grotto experience is coming to Manchester’s Northern Quarter this Christmas, bringing dancing ice princesses and the Snow Queen herself into the heart of the city.
Taking place across four dates in December, Native Manchester and Ducie Street Warehouse will transform into the fantasy land known as ‘Mancunia’ as it presents its popular NQ Grotto experience for the second year.
Featuring an immersive Christmas performance from Santa and his elves, alongside some of their closest friends,the magical grotto experience will take over the towering heights of the Atrium at Native Manchester for four special days.
Image: Jack Kirwin -JK Photography-Photo by Jack Kirwin -JK Photography-
Guests can expect to enjoy a beautiful Grotto theatre performance, with a magical journey unlike no other awaiting families this Christmas at the NQ venues.
The 60-minute experience will be completely family-friendly and feature dances with the Ice Princess, a singalong with Mrs Claus, storytime with the Snow Queen, and silly time with the brother and sister elves Holly and Ivy.
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Children will also get to meet the big man, Santa Claus himself, and tell him all the things that are on their Christmas list this year. Who knows, he might even have a little surprise in store for them.
Image: Jack Kirwin -JK Photography-
Alongside the Grotto experience, there will also be food stalls in the atrium available with festive food and drink offerings from Ducie Street Warehouse.
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Perfect for little and big kids alike, the family-friendly event is set within the trendy, warehouse-chic surroundings of the Grade II listed Ducie Street building, where guests can grab comfortable floor cushions and sit together to immerse themselves in an exciting Christmas wonderland.
Photo by Jack Kirwin -JK Photography-Image: Jack Kirwin -JK Photography-
The NQ Grotto will return to the Northern Quarter at Native Manchester across four dates in December – 4, 11, 18, and 19.
Tickets are available to book now, with each day offering a 60-minute session each at 10 am, 11.45 am, 1.30 pm, 3.14 pm and 5 pm.
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Priced at £12 for adults and £10 for children, entry is free for children under 2. Tickets can be purchased here.
Feature image – supplied
News
Popular bar chain The Alchemist to rewind back to 2010 with cocktails and dishes for £6 next month
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s most popular bar chains is celebrating its sweet 16th birthday next month by winding back to 2010.
Money is always tight in January, right?
Once Christmas is over with, and so is the festive feasting and drinking, many like to use the first month of the new year to lay low and save some money back up – which is why The Alchemist is launching a limited-edition ‘2010 Revival Menu’, bringing back some of its most iconic early cocktails and dishes – all at their original prices from 16 years ago.
For the whole month, you can enjoy the curated throwback selection starting from £6, which i perfectly timed for a month of saving without sacrificing going out.
The Alchemist is rewinding back to 2010 with cocktails and dishes for £6 / Credit: The Manc Group
The 2010 Revival Menu includes the return of the fan-favourite White Chocolate Raspberry Martini for £6 on the cocktail menu, which was an early Alchemist staple, alongside other fan-favourites like the Colour Changing One and Virgin Pornstar, both for £6 again.
When it comes to food dishes for £6, you can tuck into a selection of different refreshing salads, while stretching your budget up to £10 will get you things like Chicken in a Basket, a Cheeseburger, and Fish and Chips.
Other iconic Alchemist cocktails returning for a fraction of the price next month include the popular Smoky Old Fashioned, and Dead Read Zombie – both for £8.
The Alchemist opened its original bar in Manchester‘s swanky Spinningfields district all the way back in 2010, and quickly became a popular and stylish destination with its high ceilings and industrial features, and has since developed into a much larger chain – with not only more Manchester destinations, but others across the UK too.
Macclesfield FC player Ethan McLeod tragically killed in car crash
Danny Jones
Local footballer Ethan McLeod, who played for Macclesfield FC, has sadly died following a tragic car crash on the motorway.
The Birmingham-born player and former Wolves academy talent was driving back home from Macclesfield’s away game against Bedford Town on Tuesday night when he was involved in a collision along the M1.
Just 21 years old, the talented Cheshire-based forward was a substitute in the 2-1 win over the East Midlands side in the National League North.
The accident is said to have occurred at around 10:40pm on 16 December near Northampton after his white Mercedes collided with a barrier.
You can read the official Silkmen statement in full down below:
“With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1, which tragically took his life. Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
“But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with. In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.
“Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days. News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club, and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
Rest in peace, Ethan McLeod.
The Macclesfield FC forward was involved in a car accident that took his life when travelling back from Bedford Town on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/A3u7JFmdlE
“The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal”, they continued, “but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
“Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore, and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it. May you rest in peace, Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.
His past clubs, as well as plenty of other teams, organisations and people in and around the footballing world, are paying tribute to the promising youngster.
Rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod who has passed away following a car accident last night.
The 21 year old spent a number of years with the academy setup at Wolves and will be missed by many. #WWFCpic.twitter.com/MSjKaISMKT
Georgina Pellant -
29th October 2021 
