JD pulled off a massive party in a phone shop in the Northern Quarter last night, with a surprise set from one of the world’s hottest DJs right now, Josh Baker.
The North West sportswear giant opened ‘Phones-4-Youse’ to coincide with the release of its new JD Christmas advert, which played on screens to the packed-out crowd.
Josh Baker stars in the Christmas campaign, ‘Where are you going?’, which is a self-directed portrait of youth culture, all films entirely on mobile phones by young people.
JD chose to shoot its new campaign without rigs, sets, or lighting crews, and instead used footage shot by 286 individuals around the world.
These user submissions captured life exactly as the young people involved see it.
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The JD party last night was a moment of music, community and energy, with Josh Baker performing to a delighted and packed-out crowd in a pop-up phone shop.
Josh Baker at the JD event last night
Every corner of the venue told the JD story, with branding and clips of the ad everywhere.
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The ‘Where are you going?’ campaign celebrates a generation that refuses to be put in a box, showing the energy, emotion and individuality that drives them forward.
Whether it’s collecting exam results or chasing platinum records, it’s a snapshot of the life of young people right now.
One voice says: “I want to be famous. If that doesn’t work, I’ll just become a pharmacist.”
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Stills from the JD Christmas campaign ‘Where Are You Going?’
Another admits “You can fail, you can make mistakes…but really, who cares.”
Someone else confides: “I’m scared we’re not going to be friends in 10 years,” while another adds: “I wanna have fun, times are changing – you get me.”
There are some famous faces involved, like Cole Palmer having his picture taken with fans, Nemzzz in the club with his crew, and Jade Thirwell between takes in the studio.
And you can see Paddy the Baddy mentoring the next generation of talent in the gym, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the tennis court with a friend.
Sky Newman also stars, riding with a friend.
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The entire campaign showcases the simple, joyful moments that exist in all of our camera rolls.
Neil Corrie, Marketing Director at JD, says: “Young people today don’t need to be told who they are, they’re already showing us.
“JD’s ‘Where are you going?’ isn’t about them, it’s made by them. It’s their voice and their direction. This is youth culture, not as a trend to follow, but as a movement to believe in.”
The JD ‘Where are you going?’ Christmas campaign has launched on the JD YouTube and across digital and OOH channels today, with exclusive drops also online HERE and in stores across the UK.
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
The Disney Store returns to Manchester with magical Selfridges collaboration
Daisy Jackson
The iconic The Disney Store has finally returned to Manchester, thanks to an exclusive new collaboration with Selfridges.
The luxury department store has today unveiled a new collection of limited-edition Disney favourites, pin badges, plush toys, and, of course, the famous headbands.
‘A Most Magical Christmas’ has opened its doors today, bringing back all the magic of The Disney Store to both Manchester city centre and the Trafford Centre.
In the collection, you’ll even find Selfridges x Disney toys, like a Winnie the Pooh range in that iconic Selfridges yellow.
The windows of the stores have been taken over by beloved characters, recreating scenes from classics like Lady & The Tramp and Fantasia.
There’s even a gigantic Mickey Mouse-shaped glitter ball overhead as you enter the Exchange Square store.
There are more than 60 brand collaborations involved in ‘A Most Magical Christmas’, including limited-edition items, specially commissioned fashion pieces, and unique gift ideas.
From today, you can take your shopping home in a limited-edition bespoke Disney iterations of the Selfridges yellow bag.
Branded fashion piecesThe iconic Disney earsDisney x Selfridges piecesGiant Disney ears now welcome youSoft toysWinnie the Pooh range in the iconic Selfridges yellowDisney x SelfridgesExclusive Disney Coach pursesA Disney window display at SelfridgesLimited-edition yellow bags
The two brands have a long history dating back to the 1950s, when Alice and Wonderland and the Mad Hatter featured above the main entrance in London – now there’s a brand-new partnership that’s been two years in the making.
André Maeder, Selfridges Group Chief Executive Officer, says: “We’re full of excitement for this collaboration, bringing Selfridges and Disney together for a Christmas like no other.
“With a shared history of imagination and creativity it’s been a joy to dream up something this unique and special, working with some of the world’s best storytellers.
“We can’t wait to reveal more and share the magic with our customers.”
Tasia Filippatos, Global President Disney Consumer Products, says, “At Disney, we believe in the enduring power of storytelling to inspire joy, wonder, and connection – especially during the holiday season.
“Our collaboration with Selfridges allows us to share the magic of Disney through imaginative window displays, festive experiences, and unique products – all inspired by the stories that have captured hearts for generations.”
There are Disney pieces in the Selfridges Christmas Shop too, like iridescent Mickey Mouse baubles, and tiny Tinker Bells you can hang on your tree.
The Disney x Selfridges ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ collaboration is in store now in both Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre, and online.
Daisy Jackson -
7th November 2025 
