A massive new water and adventure park is opening not far from Manchester, offering the promise of a perfect day out for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Called Phoenix Park, it is set to take over the former Trax Motorsport Ltd site on the edge of the Ribble Valley close to Preston Marina, building on the site’s 20+ year history of working with young people to combat antisocial behaviour.
Promising everything from canoeing to stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing and water-skiing, planning documents for the new park show plans to introduce a “leisure lake”, dry ski slope, and mountain biking track.
Taking over a third of the 33-hectare plot, the second phase of Phoenix Park blueprint plans have now been approved by the council.
Credit: MCK Commercial Design
The site, which has traditionally always been centred around motocross and go-karting, is now set to undergo a new lease of life with thirteen lodges also set to be built on the lakeside and used as ‘transitional accommodation’ for young people over the age of 16 who are using its educational facilities.
ADVERTISEMENT
It will also be home to a new cafe, shop, and four-storey education centre in the building formerly known as the Pioneer Tec Building.
The adventure and water park is currently in its second phase of development, with future plans set to include a climbing wall, high ropes course and a 4G football pitch — all subject to planning, of course.
Other ideas for the site include a nature trail and some brand-new walking and cycling routes, as well as a possible extension to the nearby Ribble Steam Railway.
ADVERTISEMENT
Originally formed in December 2000, Trax Motorsport Ltd was formed by Eddie Sloane to help local authorities combat the illegal riding of motorcycles on public land as well as other antisocial behaviour.
The site has a legacy of being a haven for safely-managed motorsports, located on land previously known as Preston Dockland, and continues to be a popular hang-out for young people.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Fast, funny, feisty and by all accounts, fantastic.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at Depot Mayfield in the New Year – next spring, specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
The Manc leg is scheduled to kick off on 6 March and last until 8 May, 2026, with various dates and times of day available.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Manchester Open exhibition to return in 2026 with ‘biggest celebration’ of local creative talent
Emily Sergeant
The biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent is making a much-anticipated return next summer.
Taking place every two years and now in its fourth iteration, Manchester Open exhibition sees the HOME Gallery walls filled with hundreds of artworks selected by a panel consisting of art experts and community representatives.
The exhibition is open to all and welcomes entries from people of any level of experience, including established professionals, students, graduates, new and emerging talent, enthusiastic amateurs, and even first-time artists.
Artists are invited to submit work into eight different categories, with the aim of creating an exhibition ‘rich in variety’ for visitors to explore.
Manchester Open exhibition is set to return in 2026 / Credit: Jason Lock Photography
This means you’ll get to explore works of ceramics, digital/moving images, drawings, prints, paintings, photography, sculptures/installations, and textiles.
Several awards will also be up for grabs throughout the exhibition – which is set to run from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September 2026 – including a prestigious new award in honour of philanthropist and business leader, Kate Voke.
Three artists will also be awarded with artist development packages, managed by HOME and Castlefield Gallery.
“Following our 10 year anniversary in 2025, we are looking forward to 2026 and welcoming applications to HOME’s biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s artistic talent,” explained Karen O’Neill, who is the CEO of HOME.
“With a record number of applications to the last Manchester Open, we’re hoping for even more in 2026 and to demonstrate how the city continues to grow as a place where artists and creativity can thrive.”
Manchester Open exhibition is taking place in 2026 from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September, and the application and submission process is now live – with all submissions being reviewed by the selection panel who make the final selection of work to be included in the exhibition.
Artists will only be able to submit one artwork, and the selection panel members will be announced in spring 2026.
Featured Image – Jason Lock Photography (Supplied)
Georgina Pellant -
18th August 2023 
