You’ll be able to trade in your clothes for a free beer at the Trafford Centre this week, as a collaboration between one of the country’s best-known breweries and a clothes waste charity.
The Camden Chilly Traid-Off will invite shoppers down to swap their old clothes for a cold one.
The scheme has already travelled to Leeds and is now heading to London, before arriving in Manchester on Wednesday 17 November.
It all comes from Camden Town Brewery – who are launching a new Chilly Cold IPA – and Traid, who want to encourage people to shop more sustainably this chilly season.
The brewery’s new Cold IPA is actually named after the new hybrid brewing style, rather than its serving temperature.
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The tour of the UK will allow people to take in their pre-loved clothing to the Traid van, from too-long trousers to too-big dresses, and swap them for a can or two of Chilly.
Traid says that more than 300,000 tonnes of clothing ends up in landfill every year in the UK, 40% of which is estimated to be in a reusable condition.
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The charity also found that there are 1.6 billion pieces of unworn clothing in British wardrobes, so say it’s ‘time to give those garms to people who will love ‘em in return for fresh beer’.
Jose Baladron, TRAID’s Recycling Development Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Camden Town Brewery to keep clothes in use for longer.
“Our wardrobes are full of clothes we no longer wear or need and extending the life of the clothes we already have is one of the most environmentally beneficial things we can do to reduce our waste, water and carbon footprints.”
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Fred Nesbitt, head of marketing at Camden Town Brewery, said: “We are so excited to be working with TRAID again for the Camden Chilly TRAID Off.
“There’s nothing we love more than good beer for a good cause, and we are encouraging Brits to dig deep into the back of their wardrobe this winter, to come down and donate any unwanted coats or jackets in exchange for our freshest new IPA.
“We usually have the pleasure of visiting Manchester and Leeds in summer for our Tank Party Tour, so we are really looking forward to heading on tour this Chilly season instead!”
The Camden Chilly Traid-Off will be at the Trafford Centre with free beers between 12pm and 4pm on Wednesday 17 November.
Featured image: Supplied
Shopping
Poundland relaunches its £1 engagement rings ahead of Valentine’s Day
Emily Sergeant
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Poundland has hatched a plan to help those on a budget this year.
You can propose to your other half at any time of the year, but it’s fair to say that Valentine’s Day is a date much more popular than others – especially for those who want to surprise their partner with a gift they’ll never forget for the special occasion.
But with the cost of living crisis sadly still making its impact felt across the UK, a costly engagement ring is not something everyone is able to afford.
Luckily, for anyone keen to make the grand romantic gesture but while saving a few pennies at the same time, Poundland has decided to bring back its £1 engagement rings ahead of the season of love, so you’ll have plenty of time to get planning how you’ll pop that all-important question.
The budget retailer first launched its affordable engagement rings back in 2020, and they proved massively popular.
At just £1 each, Poundland says these symbolic rings – which are available in more than 10 different designs – are a “thoughtful” way to showcase your love for Valentine’s Day and beyond, and can help make the occasion “unforgettable”, all without breaking the bank and keeping your budget intact.
From timeless solitaire designs, to romantic heart-shaped details, each ring in the 2025 range is “uniquely crafted to add a touch of charm and elegance to your Valentine’s Day proposal”, according to the retailer, so whether your partner adores classic simplicity or something with a playful edge, there’s supposedly a ring to match every style.
And the best part? Each £1 ring comes beautifully presented in a red velvet heart-shaped box, so your proposal can “feel as special as the love you’re celebrating”.
Poundland’s £1 engagement rings are now available both online and in stores nationwide, and you can view the full range here.
Featured Image – Poundland
Shopping
LEGO-loving little Mancs can now compete against the world to become a ‘Mini Master Model Builder’
Emily Sergeant
Little Mancs who love LEGO can now enter a worldwide competition and battle it out to become a ‘Mini Master Model Builder’.
Is your child a LEGO super fan? Do they reckon they could build impressive LEGO creations in their sleep? Well, if they’re feeling brave enough and are ready to put their skills to the test, then you’ll want to take them down to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, as the hunt is one for a talented youngster to be crowned the UK’s newest ‘Mini Master Model Builder’.
Young LEGO fans will have the chance to let their imaginations run wild in a “bricktastic” competition, by building the most epic creation entirely out of LEGO bricks in an attempt to take home the coveted title.
Participants are invited to “demonstrate their imagination and creativity” by constructing something extraordinary that will leave the judges in awe – with the judges particularly interested in an array of building techniques and a strong creative flare, so entrants should “think outside the box” and let their personality and interests shine through.
Finalists will be chosen by the LEGOLAND Master Model Builders and Playmakers.
Each Discovery Centre in Manchester and Birmingham will then crown its own ‘Mini Master Model Builder’, and the winners will work with the local Master Model Builder to create their final models, which will then compete in the global final.
Winners will be given the unique opportunity of having their creation displayed at the iconic LEGO House in Denmark, plus a prize of £100 to spend in the LEGOLAND store, and a Local Annual Pass for them and their family too.
Up to the challenge then? All hopeful Mini Master Model Builders will need to get themselves down to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester at Trafford Palazzo – which is next to the Trafford Centre – any weekend up until the start of February.
Entry into the competition is included in the price of one standard admission ticket to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester.
All entries must be made by those under the age of 18, and only one entry per person can be made.