A free exhibition celebratingchildren’s books including The Gurffalo, Zog, Stick Man and Room on the Broomis coming to Salford in time for the summer holidays.
The major new exhibit, which will celebrate author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s award-winning partnership, will open at The Lowry arts centre this summer.
Entitled Julia and Axel – Thirty Years of Favourite Stories, it will bring to life some of the best-loved characters in contemporary children’s fiction.
Kicking off in July before running through to the end of the year, those heading down can look forward to exploring an interactive “Storybook room”, as well as discovering snippets from the animated reimaginings of The Gruffalo, Zog and Snail and the Whale.
The exhibit will also explore how Julia and Axel have collaborated over the years to create some of the most beloved characters in modern children’s fiction.
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From the terrible tusks and terrible claws of the Gruffalo to the Witch, her cat, and her very tall hat, and Stick Man on his journey home to the ‘family tree’, the pair’s eccentric characters have captured the hearts and minds of children around the world.
The exhibition will open on Saturday 22 July at The Lowry and run to Monday 1 January 2024, giving families plenty of opportunities to visit over the course of the year.
Julia Donaldson says: “I am delighted that we are working in partnership with The Lowry on this exhibition and that they are celebrating 30 years of Axel and me working together. It is exciting to be able to share some ‘behind the scenes’ secrets with our young readers and to show what happens before a finished book is in their hands.
“I hope that it will help them to feel creative and to start writing and illustrating their own stories, so that we have new picture-book creators in the future.”
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Axel Scheffler says: “I find it hard to believe that it is 30 years since Julia Donaldson and I did our first picture book together with A Squash and a Squeeze. So much has happened since then and many children have now enjoyed our stories over the years.
“I am very pleased that The Lowry is hosting this special celebratory exhibition and that it will give families the chance to discover more about my illustrations and Julia’s writing.”
Michael Simpson, Director of Visual Arts at The Lowry, says: “This is a unique celebration of the creative partnership of Julia and Axel, whose stories and pictures are loved by children and grown-ups alike. We want every family to think of The Lowry as the place to go for a great day out.”
The big Manchester guide to Christmas 2024 – events, theatre, grottos and more
Thomas Melia
Ho, ho, ho, it’s me, no not Santa, Thomas from The Manc a.k.a your Christmas connoisseur, with all your go-to Christmas hotspots for 2024.
IT’S TIIIIME! Christmas is here and Manchester knows how to ring in the festive season in proper style with shows, trains and markets galore.
Manchester city centre and every suburb in the region is beaming with Christmas spirit and we’ve rounded up everything you need to know below.
From theatre shows to seasonal specials to meeting Santa Claus himself, here are some of the best events happening around Greater Manchester this Christmas.
Christmas in Manchester 2024 – The Guide
Manchester Christmas Markets
Credit: The Manc Group
Everybody’s favourite! If this isn’t part of your annual yuletide celebrations then where have you been for the past 26 years?
These street-side cabin-esque vendors have been bringing joy and festive cheer to the streets of Manchester since its launch in 1999.
The Manchester Christmas Markets are set to have their biggest year to date with over 200 stalls hitting the high street from 8 November until 22 December 2024, giving you plenty of time to soak up all the festivities before the big day.
Bottomless brunch in a giant rooftop snow globe bar
The big man himself at The Grotto in Trafford Centre.Credit: Supplied
Santa, as you all know, is a very busy guy but he’ll always have a soft spot for Manchester, and the big-bellied gift-giver is stopping off at the Trafford Centre.
Running from 18 November to 24 December, Santa and his little helpers are bringing their North Pole magic to the shopping centre once again and each paying child will receive a gift as well as time with Mr. Claus himself.
To save your spot with Christmas’ main man you can start by booking tickets here.
No you did hear it right the first time. Not Santa Claus but Santa Cruise. Enjoy a trip on Salford Quays with a very special guest onboard. He’s decided against using his sleigh to get to the Manchester borough and has instead opted for a new mode of transport, a boat.
You didn’t think Santa would show up empty handed did you? Mr. Claus and his Chief Elf Tilly are providing adults with mulled wine and mince pies while offering children a juice drink and cookie while they enjoy their time on the cruise.
If you fancy a trip on Salford Quays with Santa you can find tickets here.
Cocktails and Canapés
When you think of Christmas you think of the notorious sit-down meal where all your family and friends gather round to feast on a dinner with an all-important meaty main event. What if the meat centrepiece was in fact veggie or even vegan?
COOK! are offering a culinary festive masterclass with a twist, everything you prepare during the session is veggie or vegan! You’ll be shown how to make seasonal cocktails and bite-sized delights that are not only utterly delicious but also completely meat-free.
The three hour event is taking place in Ancoats on 8 December at 11am and you can satisfy your appetite already with tickets here.
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The Polar Express – Churnet Valley Railway
Credit: Supplied
The heritage steam railway is providing a chance for you to be a part of Christmas movie history travelling on The Polar Express.
Churnet Valley Railway is clearly as big of a fan of the film as the rest of the world, and is bringing the steam train ride to children and adults alike, offering both a standard and premium class tickets.
Guests who purchase standard tickets can expect a free hot chocolate, a freshly-baked cookie, and a silver sleigh bell.
And if you’re anything like me you can definitely still hear the bell! Tickets here.
LEGO Holiday Bricktacular – Trafford Centre, Trafford Palazzo
As well as letting your creative side loose at their Trafford Centre site, the brick-making company is hosting a festive bingo game, pop-up dance parties and a spin the advent wheel competition.
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And if this placed wasn’t already photographed enough, the store is also putting up some incredible photo opportunities spread across the shop floor.
For £6 extra, guests can upgrade their standard entry ticket to include a meet and greet with LEGO Santa in his grotto!
Full event activities will be running on weekends and holidays throughout 23 November to 30 December, tickets here.
How come humans get to have all the fun? Well over at Cockfields Farm, dogs are spoilt for choice with four fun-filled days of Christmas joy ready to book in December.
Take your dog for a wonderful day out where your pup can get up close and personal with Santa including a mini photoshoot.
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There’s a cosy cafe on site too where with each hot drink purchase your pooch can recieve a complimentary pupachino.
Each ticket also includes a little present for your dog so let’s show our furry friends some love. Tickets here.
Skate Manchester
Coinciding with the launch of the inaugural Christmas Markets, the infamous ice rink has returned too!
Situated in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens this covered ice rink offers an arctic experience no matter the weather conditions. The skating area will be open daily from 10:30am to 9pm everyday between 8 November to 1 January, only closing on the big day.
Each ticket purchased helps towards a sustainable future with 25p being donated to Everclime and are onsale here.
Esteemed for their grand Christmas displays that adorn their exterior, Hotel Gotham are hosting Christmas parties to remember.
You’re definitely on the nice list so go on, treat yourself to a meal in one of Manchester’s finest restaurants offering Christmas meals from £60 per person.
If you’re looking to take it one step further, why not dine in and hire out ‘GILT’, an exclusive and underground venue inspired by 1930’s speakeasies.
End your year right by treating yourself to some glitz and glam with bookings already being taken here.
The Holiday – Film With Live Orchestra
Credit: Universal Pictures
Ever wanted to snuggle up and get real cozy while watching your favourite Christmas film… with a live orchestra?
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Well Bridgewater Hall are giving visitors the opportunity to experience a movie night like never before, releasing viewings of the classic 2006 big-screen production ‘The Holiday’ with the accompaniment of Hans Zimmer’s score live to film.
An extra date has already been added so demand is high, tickets are available here.
Baked A La Ska – Ska of Wonder
Band On The Wall is taking two passions and merging them together – Ska and Christmas.
So whether you’re ready to jam to ‘When You Wish Upon A Ska’ or just excited for anything related to the holidays, this gig seems ideal for you.
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This event is happening on Christmas Eve Eve and if that’s not enough for you, the band’s outfits are sure to put you in a festive mood.
Anyone looking to boogie away to an incredible live Ska performance, tickets are already onsale here.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical – The Lowry
If you’re looking for another way to enjoy the Dickens’ novel you can now watch the story brought to life on stage in Manchester.
This musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol is set to be a trailblazer with the phenomenal Claire Moore playing the iconic character of Scrooge.
The stage show is also offering accessible performances including audio described and dementia-friendly, enhance touch tour and a BSL viewing throughout the show’s run at The Lowry.
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You certainly won’t hear any Bah Humbug’s in our office! Tickets here.
This guide is bursting with fun activities to get up to on your own, with family, friends and anyone else you’d like to bring along.
Whatever you get up to most importantly, have a Merry Christmas!
Featured Image: The Manc Group
Salford
Salford Lads’ and Girls’ Club is SAVED after Greater Manchester rallies behind local institution
Danny Jones
Fantastic news as long-standing Greater Manchester institution Salford Lads’ and Girls’ Club has officially been saved from closure.
It’s an early Christmas miracle.
Just a few days out from what would have been endgame for them, after being threatened with closure just over six weeks ago, Salford Lads’ and Girls’ Club has officially hit its fundraising target and has been rescued from the brink.
Announcing the news on Thursday, 28 November, they confirmed that their doors will be staying open and their important community efforts aren’t going anywhere.
The iconic Manc venue has served as one of the most cultural sites in the entire region, helping lay the foundations for countless important figures in music, sport, art and more.
It’s no exaggeration to say that its influences are quite literally woven into the fabric not only of Salford but Manchester and the 10 boroughs as a whole, having hosted names like John Cooper Clarke, nurturing future footballers such as ‘Busby Babe’ Eddie Colman, and perhaps most famously being the location for The Smiths‘ iconic Queen Is Dead photoshoot.
Their motto throughout the course of their full century and two decades worth of serving the local area has always been to ‘Brighten Young Lives and Make Good Citizens’, and so it shall remain.
After being given notice amid rising costs, energy bills and a general lack of funding back in October, the community and recreation centre was given until the end of November to raise a whopping quarter of a million pounds and thanks to the incredible efforts from thousands of generous souls, they managed it.
With Northern bands like locals Rolla, The Courteeners, former Smiths frontman Morrissey, songwriting legend Graham Nash and many other artists helping raise funds through charity gigs and sizeable contributions, not to mention countless Salfordian volunteers taking time out of their everyday lives to get behind the crucial cause, Greater Manchester truly showed its best face.
So, while we’re riding the wave of celebratory joy we’d like to try and gain some more followers! Maybe you love Music, History, Architecture. But, if you Believe in Better Tomorrow for The Youth of Today then please give us a follow! Thanks 💚 pic.twitter.com/DVwpeBecQR
The club – which not only helps provide everything from vital sports provision for Greater Manchester clubs and safe after-school outlets to children, to practice spaces and away days which for those less fortunate might be their first-ever trip outside of their hometown – also released the short but moving fundraising film seen above, which certainly helped get extra eyes on the crucial community initiative.
Although there were some big benefactors and local businesses that got behind the project, it was regular people like you who helped spread the word and all those who donated even just a few quid that sealed this victory.
Greater Manchester can hold its head very high and be more than proud of itself.
The fundraiser is now past its £250,000 target and is now sitting on more than £273k, but donations are still being welcomed to help keep the institution afloat if you’d like to donate HERE.
God knows how many lives they’ve saved over the years — long live Salford Lads’ and Girls’ Club!
Georgina Pellant -
24th April 2023 
