Cheshire Oaks is set to host a day of free workshops teaching fashion fans how to upcycle their clothes ready for the summer.
With the fashion scene continuing to rapidly evolve, more and more people are now starting to see the benefits of upcycling their clothes and accessories, rather than constantly trying to keep up with fast-moving trend cycles – and this is why Cheshire Oaks is giving people the chance to learn how to “renew, recreate, repair, and restyle” at a pop-up event this weekend.
The Cheshire-based Designer Outlet is teaming up with actress and slow-fashion advocate, Kimberly Hart-Simpson, for the ‘Refresher Oaks‘ event on Saturday 22 April.
As the founder and owner of Hartwork – a clothing boutique that specialises in reworked items and vintage wear – when Kimberley is not starring on the small screen in Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, and Celebs Go Dating, she spends her time educating people about sustainable fashion and is passionate about breathing new life into her customers’ existing wardrobes.
Cheshire Oaks to host a day of free fashion ‘upcycling’ workshops / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
“The speed that fashion and trends evolve these days is hard to keep up with, not just for our minds, but for the planet and for our bank balance too,” Kimberley admits.
“I’m passionate about taking what you have and making it work for you, so that everything you buy is timeless and built to last, and so I’m very much looking forward to sharing my years of expertise and practice with the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet community”.
Four free fashion-focused workshops, each with a different sustainable theme, are all set to take place throughout the day.
‘Refresher Oaks’ will teach you how to rework your wardrobe for summer / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
Kicking off the day from 10:30am-12pm, Kimberly Hart-Simpson’s ‘Renew’ class will teach lifelong upcycling skills and show people how to rework an item of clothing into something they’ll love wearing again and again, all before little ones are invited to take part in the ‘Recreate’ class from 12:15-1:30pm.
This interactive class will not only teach kids about the benefits of upcycling, but also give them the chance to create their very-own personalised tote bags using recycled fabrics, paints, and embellishments.
The first workshop of the afternoon from 2-3pm will focus on learning how to ‘Repair’, with a seamstress sharing how to fix and adjust your own clothes with minimal effort, before the day will be rounded-out with the final workshop, ‘Restyle’, teaching how to turn old unworn clothes into fashionable cushions from 3:30-4:30pm.
People are encouraged to bring along pieces from their own wardrobes to upcycle during the workshops, but Cheshire Oaks will also be on hand to provide items if not.
The Designer Outlet has partnered with Kimberley Hart-Simspon for the one-day event / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
“We believe that fashion should last a lifetime, not a season,” Cheshire Oaks’ General Manager, Kenny Murray, said ahead of this Saturday’s event.
“We know that visitors to McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks value high quality clothing and accessories from premium brands, which is why we are thrilled to partner with Kimberly Hart-Simpson to create the first-ever ‘Refresher Oaks’ campaign… [and] continue our commitment to creating unique experiences for our guests by giving the opportunity to breathe life into their unwanted clothes.”
Refresher Oaks is arriving at McArthur Glen Cheshire Oaks Design Outlet on Saturday 22 April, and you can find out more and sign up to workshops for free here.
Featured Image – Cheshire Oaks
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Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Daisy Jackson
An iconic ready-to-drink favourite has launched back into the UK – oh yes, Breezer is back.
First launched in the 1990s, Breezers – then pitched as an ‘alcopop’ – were a staple on dancefloors and at barbecues right across the UK.
And now Bacardi has decided to bring these delicious, fruity, easy-drinking bottles back to British shores.
There are three new flavours to try as Breezers return to your fridges – Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime, and Crisp Watermelon.
And Breezer launched back into Manchester last night with a suitably memorable party, turning a spot in the Northern Quarter into a corner shop.
The ‘local Cornerbop’ was stacked with your usual essentials, plus shelf after shelf of these colourful glass ready-to-drink bottles.
Inside the Breezer ‘Cornerbop’ corner shop in ManchesterBreezer is back, in three new flavours
The Breezer relaunch party saw Tarsza and Rennie Peters spinning nostalgic anthems with a modern twist at a pop-up party in a corner shop.
Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK, and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer.
“RTDs are booming, however, the Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages category could do with a bit more excitement. By bringing back Breezer we’re definitely putting the fruity taste into FAB.”
The iconic ready-to-drink classic is back – and better than ever.
Outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx to open flagship store in Manchester this week
Daisy Jackson
Premium outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx is opening its first brand store in Manchester this week – and its first UK shop outside of London.
In the brand new two-storey retail space, shoppers will find everything they need for their outdoor adventures, whether it’s hiking, climbing, or snow sports.
The new store will be packed with technical, high-performance outerwear and equipment, from footwear, packs and accessories to Arc’teryx harnesses you can try out in-store.
Everything is designed with a commitment to perform in even the most demanding of environments – and yes, that includes the brutal rain of the North West of England…
It’s a fitting location for Arc’teryx to open a milestone new store, just 25 miles from the Peak District and the gritstone climbs that helped to shape trad climbing in the UK.
Inside the 567 sq metre shop on New Cathedral Street, there’ll also be a ReBIRD™ Service Centre that will offer free gear repair, care, and washing services, ensuring your equipment stays in peak condition season after season.
That’s alongside a dedicated Community Area designed for events, movie nights, and gatherings, plus a local map that highlights the best spots for climbing, hiking and trail running around Manchester.
UK athletes and local ambassadors will be sharing their favourite places to visit, inspiring your next adventure.
Once inspiration strikes, you can pick up a local trail book in the community area, and buy these top-of-the-range bits of kit, choosing from Arc’teryx’s core assortment, including trail and climb gear, with snow gear to follow.
Local artists will be on hand to create inspirational artworks, starting in July with an installation from NOTS.
Sven Radtke, General Manager Arc’teryx EMEA, said: “Manchester is a vibrant urban hub that serves as a launchpad for outdoor enthusiasts. Its proximity to diverse natural landscapes makes it a gateway to the outdoors and a haven for hiking, climbing and other activities.
“Our goal is to help our core communities get out, doing what they love, equipped with the most high-performance gear to reach their goals.”
The Canadian brand is already distributing products through more than 2,400 locations worldwide, but this new Manchester opening is a key milestone for adventurers in the UK.
Arc’teryx opens on 6 New Cathedral Street on Thursday 10 July.
OPENING HOURS
Mon – Sat: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
To celebrate the opening, Arc’teryx is running a series of events and experiences:
10 July – Store opens
17 July – Grand Opening Party (RSVP opens on 11 July and will be linked on Instagram @arcteryxuk)
Emily Sergeant -
20th April 2023 
