Cheshire Oaks has launched a new competition that’s now open to the public, and it’s one that dog owners really won’t want to miss out on.
In the run-up to Valentine’s Day and to spread as much ‘puppy love’ as possible, the popular Ellesmere Port-based shopping village – which is the largest Designer Outlet in the UK, and is home to over 400,000 square feet of retail space, with more than 150 boutiques, restaurants, and cafés to choose from – has taken to Instagram to announce that dog owners could be in with the chance of getting their four-legged friend turned into a work of art for all to see.
As Cheshire Oaks is a proudly dog-friendly shopping destination, there is no better way to show that off than with a specially-created mural by one of Greater Manchester’s most well-known and respected street artists – Akse P19.
Unfamiliar with Akse P19?
A French-born street artist of Vietnamese heritage and a renowned member of the iconic P19 Crew, Akse has, in his own words, been “spraypainting walls since 1992” and has, quite literally, been leaving his mark on Manchester since he moved to the city and started calling it his home all the way back in 1997.
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For the past 15 years in particular, Akse has made his name through a series of critically-acclaimed freehand high definition photo-realistic portraits of famous faces and figures that he hopes “bring inspiration to the local community”.
Akse P19 is one of Greater Manchester’s most well-known and respected street artists / Credit: The Manc Group
But even if you’re unfamiliar with his name, you’re sure to be familiar with his work.
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Not only is he the creator of the now world-famous Marcus Rashford mural in Withington that was covered with thousands of messages of support back in July 2021, before going onto become both a treasured community asset and a much-loved tourist attraction for fans, but a few more of his works include murals of George Floyd, Captain Sir Tom Moore, Factory Records co-founder and manager of the Haçienda nightclub Tony Wilson, and late Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis – all erected in the Northern Quarter.
Now, how special would it be to have your very-own beloved pet pal become the subject of a soon-to-be-created piece of art at a shopping village visited by millions each year by the mural king of Manchester? Pretty special, if you ask us.
To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is head on over to Instagram and post a photo of your dog at Cheshire Oaks tagging @cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet and using the hashtag #DogsatCheshireOaks by 21 January 2021.
All photos entered must be Hi-res images that are at least 300 pixels per inch, and to enter your pet into the prize draw, you must be 18 years of age and over.
Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Daisy Jackson
A Halloween trail is set to return to Quarry Bank Mill this autumn for one of the region’s most hauntingly beautiful seasonal events.
The National Trust site is a former working mill and one of the country’s finest industrial buildings – but as night falls and the shadows lengthen, a haunting will begin…
This year’s Halloween at Quarry Bank will again feature spooky light installations, a mesmerising laser garden, and a thrilling fire show, as well as live performances and seasonal food and drink.
Returning for a second year, Halloween at Quarry Bank will be an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Fog will swirl through the paths around the grounds, as glowing demon eyes watch over passers-by and giant skeletons loom over twisted trees.
If you’re brave enough, the trail then heads inside the mill itself, where creaking and clanking sounds of its industrial past hint at something a little more haunted.
Credit: Andrew Ogilvy PhotographyCredit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
As you wander the trail, you’ll pass installations like glowing fire spheres and catacombs echoing with whispers from the past, plus plenty more surprises waiting in the shadows.
Then you can refuel with ‘bewitched burgers and freaky fries’, plus hot toddys and decadent hot chocolates.
You can even toast a marshmallow over an open fire.
Halloween at Quarry Bank is designed for families, couples, and groups of friends alike, and attracts visitors from all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.
Entry to the trail is on a timed slot system – tickets are on sale now HERE.
Inside the brand-new rental houses at Bolton’s landmark £35m development, Deansgate Gardens
Daisy Jackson
The first residents are in, and the launch of Deansgate Gardens – a landmark £35m development in Bolton town centre – is live.
This impressive new development has brought 167 high-quality rental homes to Bolton, creating a residential neighbourhood that features rooftop terraces, gardens, and stunning communal spaces.
The homes on Deansgate, Bolton have been built specifically for renters, with spacious layouts in an ideal location just a two-minute walk from Bolton Town Hall and a short commute to Manchester.
And, unusually for new rental developments, it’s not all about apartments here (though there are beautiful one- and two-bedroom apartments with rooftop gardens available).
It’s also somewhere you can rent two-bedroom townhouses, and have your very own yard.
Every home is built with energy efficiency in mind, with heat pumps and enhanced insulation, plus rooftop solar panels on selected homes, keeping those pesky bills down.
This pet-friendly development comes from developer Placefirst, and is a key moment in the wider £1bn regeneration masterplan for Bolton.
Inside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonInside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonA spacious bedroomThe rooftop terraceView from the rooftop terrace
Deansgate Gardens is located just opposite the former Beales department store, connected by the train station, bus interchange, and town centre within walking distance.
These stylish new homes are built around a central square and communal courtyards. The result? Somewhere residents can relax, socialise, and connect.
There’s even a dedicated Resident Service Manager and 24/7 maintenance support for peace of mind.
And just a short walk away you’ll find parks like Queen’s Park, plus beautiful routes along the River Croal.
Ready to make these houses your home? Book in for a tour around Deansgate Gardens today HERE.