There’s a Pokémon art trail and treasure hunt-style event taking over the Trafford Centre in just a few weeks time.
And the best part? It’s absolutely free to get involved with.
As part of a brand-new partnership with the Trafford Centre, the Pokémon Company International introduced its new interactive event at an artistically-inspired reveal over the weekend, and now, the company has announced that a special treasure hunt will take place at the shopping centre next month.
‘Pokémon: Art Through the Ages’ will take over the Trafford Centre from 17 October, and run right through until 13 November.
Those who head on down to the Stretford-based shopping mall will get to discover hidden art of the 151 Pokémon that were originally discovered in the Kanto region through an interactive trail – which event organisers say showcases “a wide variety of artistic techniques and styles” from across the ages.
There’ll be cave paintings, stained glass, and more for families and Pokémon fans of all ages to enjoy free of charge.
Not only that, but there’ll also be 10 hidden oil paintings for visitors to seek out too, which each have a secret code on them to unscramble, and those who successfully unscramble the code will then get to get their hands on a free limited-edition, double-sided poster from GAME.
Fans will even be able flex their creative skills at the Main Stage area in the Orient, where there’ll be special art workshops designed especially for kids.
If you fancy taking a break from art hunting, then you can meet Pikachu on the new Pokémon Bus instead and make the most all of the fantastic photo opportunities, or watch Pokémon movies and episodes of the Pokémon animated series, and grab a booklet full of additional activities to complete at your own leisure.
Even more goodies will also be up for grabs throughout the event too, including a certificate for finding all 151 Kanto Pokémon.
Speaking ahead of the start of the new event, Peter Murphy – Senior Director of Marketing at The Pokémon Company International – said: “We are thrilled to announce such a creative partnership with Trafford Centre.
‘Pokémon: Art Through the Ages’ will take over the Trafford Centre from 17 October / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Exploration is an element which is key to Pokémon, and we can’t wait for kids and families to embark on their own journey to complete the Kanto Pokédex and see Pokémon depicted in such unique art styles.”
“When initially sourcing a suitable location for this fantastic event, the Pokémon team were inspired by the unique architecture that is iconic of Trafford Centre,” added Bruce Gardner – Brand Experience Director at Trafford Centre.
“We have worked collaboratively with Pokémon, our Partners such as Transport for Greater Manchester, Clear Channel and our retailers to ensure Pokémon fans can escape the ordinary and experience a unique, memorable and fun-filled day out.
“We can’t wait.”
Featured Image – Trafford Centre
News
Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue
Daisy Jackson
Major Co-op Live gig Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled this evening – after fans had already entered the venue.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were set to perform the second of two nights at the huge Manchester venue tonight, as part of their final UK tour.
The Over and Out Tour should have been taking place on both the 9 and 10 July before heading to London’s BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday.
But the show has been cancelled minutes before the legendary band were due to take to the stage.
Fans had already taken their seats inside the massive Co-op Live Arena when the news broke that the gig would not be able to take place ‘due to illness’.
77-year-old Jeff Lynne himself, who recently broke his hand in an accident, is said to be ‘devastated’ that he is unable to perform.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled at Co-op Live
A statement from the band said: “Unfortunately due to illness tonight’s (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.
“Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.”
According to fans, audiences inside Co-op Live were told the show was cancelled with just 45 minutes to go.
One person wrote: “The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45mins to go. Get well soon Jeff Lynne.”
Literally mins after this picture was taken Jeff Lynn cancelled 😞 @JeffLynnesELO Broke his hand a few days ago and has played the best he can and well done to you ! But then decides to cancel 2nd night n Manchester very last minute ! But it’s ok just ask for a refund !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/wv1JfWPwk5
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build underground tram and train line in Manchester by 2050
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has announced some ambitious long-term plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester.
As Greater Manchester sets its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a ‘second city’ to rival any other on the planet by 2050, Mayor Andy Burnham shared the city region’s blueprint for a ‘greener, fairer future’ this week – with underground transport plans being right the heart of it.
Mr Burnham says his vision for the next decade is to create a ‘thriving’ city region where everyone can ‘live a good life’.
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester / Credit: TfGM
But it’s public transport where it seems some of the most significant changes are set to be made before 2050 arrives.
The Mayor revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines, and train stations to connect ‘thriving communities’ across the city region with an integrated lower-cost transport system that’ll help more people get out and access new opportunities.
Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will also start by 2028, it has been confirmed, while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport – which has already been announced to huge support – will begin by 2030.
Two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network next December as well, with another six joining by 2028.
GM is growing fast.
We will expand @BeeNetwork over the next decade to meet the needs of our bigger economy.
BUT
There’s a limit to what we can do on a congested surface.
It’s why I am asking TfGM to start planning for an underground for GM around a remodelled Piccadilly. pic.twitter.com/k2ozNWw6Wj
The headline-grabbing announcement, though, has to be that Mr Burnham has also announced plans to unlock ‘transformative’ investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050, Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool.
He’s also looking to boost regeneration of the surrounding area, effectively making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’.
“We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, “and our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents.
“Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
“There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.”
Emily Sergeant -
26th September 2022 
