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.
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“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.
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‘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.
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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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Top Manchester attraction Museum of Illusions has been transformed by spooky Halloween surprises
Daisy Jackson
A spooky new Halloween experience has arrived at Manchester’s Museum of Illusions, and it’s perfect for half term.
The top attraction is getting a spooky makeover, with strange surprises, mind-bending tricks and plenty of photo opportunities taking over this October.
Running until Sunday 1 November, Weird Wonders is transforming some of the museum’s best-loved exhibits into a Halloween-inspired experience, making it a fun option for families, friends and anyone looking to get into the spooky spirit.
And with the whole experience taking place indoors on Market Street, it’s a dream option for those unpredictable Manchester autumn days when the weather has other plans, and a perfect spot to fill a day of the half term holidays..
Five of the attraction’s most popular exhibits are getting a Halloween transformation, giving visitors even more reasons to question what they’re seeing, strike a pose and get some seriously strange photos along the way.
Among the spooky highlights is the Bone Throne, where visitors can take their seat on a suitably eerie chair that warps your perspective, while the Spider Clone Table promises a creepy twist on one of the museum’s classic illusions.
There’s also the Web of Faces, where a giant kaleidoscope multiplies your face (now with added cobwebs), alongside the Echo Cave, offering another opportunity to step into a world where your senses can be deceived.
And the museum’s Hollow Faces experience features 3D-printed faces inspired by Einstein, Frankenstein and Count Dracula – bringing together science, classic horror and a little optical trickery.
Halloween at the Museum of Illusions. Credit: The Manc Group
There’s more to Weird Wonders than spooky photo opportunities, too.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without a few treats. Every child ticket holder will receive a complimentary brain puzzle from the Illusion Shop, plus a sweet treat to take home at the end of their visit.
Adults haven’t been forgotten either, with a free treat available when purchasing two adult tickets.
Weird Wonders is running at the Museum of Illusions Manchester from 3 October to 1 November 2026.
Tickets and further information are available HERE.
Science and Industry Museum announces programme of FREE ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s best museums has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular science’ activities for October half term.
With half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, the Science and Industry Museum has got you covered.
With only a few weeks to go until schools in Greater Manchester are out for October half term, the massively popular museum in the heart of Manchester city centre has unveiled a jam-packed lineup of free events.
Families are being told to get ready for ‘spooktacular’ science, hands-on activities, and loads of interactive fun, all inspired by the popular Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition.
You can storyboard and then animate your own extra-terrestrial character inside the Animation Studio, let your imagination run wild and design your own alien species, or even go on a galactic treasure hunt around the museum and build your own interstellar spaceship with a giant rocket building kit.
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities / Credit: Science Museum Group
In the mornings, you can take a break from your cosmic adventures and enjoy family-friendly sci-fi screenings in Revolution Manchester.
You’ll also then be able to put your skills to the test with classic space-themed games on the big screen every day in the afternoon.
And don’t forget, this half term is your only chance to meet Albert Slime-stein – a larger-than-life monster who’ll be popping up in the Upper Yard as part of the annual Halloween in the City MCR Monsters trail.
If you’re planning on visiting on actual Halloween day itself, then the museum is inviting you to come dressed in your best costume so you can get properly stuck into all the spooky fun.
The unveiling of the October half term events programme comes after the museum also announced that its popular adults-only ‘after hours’ event would be returning for one night only later this month, also with a Halloween twist.
Museum After Hours is happening on Thursday 29 October from 7pm-10pm, with tickets setting you back £12 each or £6 for concessions. Find out more here.
Science and Industry Museum’s October Half Term Programme is running from 24 October to 1 November. Entry to the museum (except the exhibitions) is free of charge, but it’s advised that you book your admission in advance, as it’s expected to be busier than normal.
Emily Sergeant -
20th April 2023 
