Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
Manchester United’s Stadium Sleep Out returns for 2025
Danny Jones
Man United have announced the return of the annual Stadium Sleep Out for 2025, with a bigger fundraising target than ever.
Following a hugely successful inaugural edition back in 2022, the now annual Stadium Sleep Out at Old Trafford is back for another year, with more eyes on the crucial charity event than ever.
Confirming the date for the first stadium sleepover as the colder months approach, people from all over Greater Manchester are being invited to come and help generate money for the local homeless community.
For anyone unfamiliar with the fundraiser, United supporters, general football fans and all manner of Mancs are encouraged to come and take part in the Sleep Out that is held under the lights of the famous football ground.
Raising funds in support of relevant local charities that not only help homeless people throughout the North West and beyond, but have a special focus on vulnerable young adults, to amounts generated go towards helping rough sleepers around the region.
A cause we’re sure you’ll agree we can all get behind.
Make that more like £40,000 raised with Centrpoint last year.
Speaking on the most recent iteration of the Stadium Sleep Out, former academy graduate and now retired pro Danny Simpson told The Manc: “I’m a local boy, so it means something to me to try and help my community in any way I can.
“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the Foundation has, and it’s been great to hear about the work they’re doing – it’s been a really positive night.”
Not only is it a touching way to try and raise money for a national crisis, but it’s a window into the prevailing hardships of homelessness.
All participants must be 18 years of age or older, but if you’re interested in swapping your bed for a sleeping bag on 7 November, you can find out more HERE.
Thomas Melia -
22nd November 2024 
