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Curious kids can meet star of hit CBBC show Operation Ouch! in Manchester next month

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Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 31st October 2025

Got a curious kid on your hands? You can take them to meet the star of one of their favourite TV shows at the Science and Industry Museum next month.

In case you hadn’t heard, Operation Ouch! is back in Manchester again with a fresh new experience for 2025, and this time around, visitors can journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.

Thousands of families from across Greater Manchester and beyond have already visited the city centre museum make the most of the new exhibition, and get stuck into the wide range of immersive and interactive activities it has on offer.

But for those who haven’t been able to pay a visit yet, this summer couldn’t be a more ideal opportunity to do so.

Operation Ouch! star Dr Chris Van Tulleken will be at the Science and Industry Museum next month / Credit: Science Museum Group

That’s because Dr Chris Van Tulleken – who is one of the presenters of the BBC show Operation Ouch! – will be at the museum in a couple of weeks time to meet visitors as part of his myth-busting mission to answer some of the public’s deepest questions about our senses.

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Dr Chris will be at the Science and Industry Museum for one day only, and will not only join mini medics on their voyage through the senses, but will also be on-hand to answer brain teasers from the audience during a series of live Q&As.

Whether it’s banging on a super-sized eardrum, venturing into a massive eyeball, or even taking a whiff of a ‘smell library’, this world-premiere exhibition dives into the science behind hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell – and Dr Chris will be there every step of the way.

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Also to celebrate Dr Chris’ visit, the museum is introducing additional sense-themed activities that very same weekend, where sight and sound will be examined during an interactive experience led by the museum’s expert Explainers.

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Book your tickets to visit Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You on Sunday 9 November, for any of the time slots between 11:30am – 1pm, and 2:45 – 4:15pm for the opportunity to grab a selfie with Dr Chris from inside the exhibition.

Tickets will cost visitors £10 each, with those under three going free, and a range of family discounts available.

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Get tickets here.

Featured Image – Science Museum Group

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First look inside Gulliver’s World Land of Lights as magical lantern trail returns

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson First look inside Gulliver’s World Land of Lights as magical lantern trail returns

One of the North West’s most popular festive events is officially back open for a third year, with the return of Gulliver’s World Land of Lights. 

The huge lantern festival transforms part of Gulliver’s World in Warrington into a twinkling wonderland, filled with glowing ‘dreamworlds’. 

Visitors can wander the trail meeting all manner of lanterns inspired by the natural world. 

This year there are brand-new collections to discover along the trail, including a new dinosaur dreamworld. 

You’ll come face-to-face with beasts like zebras, giraffes and a flock of flamingos, plus mythical creatures and loads more. 

The woodland comes to life (and light) through lit-up giant flower lanterns, surrounding adorable woodland creatures like hedgehogs, foxes and squirrels.

And you can take a trip under the sea to meet a giant octopus, turtles and sharks.

Land of Lights is back at Gulliver's World for 2025
Land of Lights is back at Gulliver's World for 2025
Land of Lights is back at Gulliver's World for 2025
Land of Lights is back at Gulliver’s World for 2025

There are lanterns perfect for spooky season too, like a giant spider suspended on an illuminated web and cackling pumpkins.

All the way along the breathtaking trail you’ll pass plenty of beautiful photo opportunities, before warming up with cosy street food.

You’ll even be able to take your four legged friends along to enjoy the event, with select dates dog-friendly. 

Land of Lights in Warrington was officially opened last weekend by Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Mo Hussain.

Ross Partridge, Land of Lights festival manager, said: “What a wonderful opening weekend we have had!

“We’d like to thank Mayor Hussain for taking the time to visit our event and officially open it for us. 

“It was lovely to see him and all the wonderful people who came along to get a first look at this incredible lantern festival.

“It’s back for its third year and is a wonderful boost to the local economy over the winter period and provides guests with an enjoyable, family friendly activity that is suitable for all so make sure you don’t miss out.”

Find out more about Land of Lights and book tickets HERE. 

Featured image: The Manc Group

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Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event

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Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet has shared details of a huge late night shopping event, where major brands will be offering major discounts.

The outlet village is one of the top shopping destinations in the North West and a favourite with Mancs looking to save big on fashion, beauty and homewares.

And now there’ll be even bigger savings to be had with the return of the Late Night Shopping Event this week.

If you head across to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October, you could save up to an extra 30% on outlet prices.

And there are some big brands taking part, including adidas, Dr Martens, UGG, All Saints, and Levi’s.

Whether it’s a new handbag, a pair of winter boots, or early Christmas presents for the family, the event is the ideal time to get your shopping done. 

Highlights of the Late Night Shopping Event will include 20% extra discount at dozens of big-name stores like Calvin Klein, Russell & Bromley, Salomon and The Cosmetic Company, and even bigger discounts at brands like Dr Marten, Lacoste and Jack Wolfskin. 

And if you want a break from the shopping, you’ll be able to enjoy magical performances throughout the night. 

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be open from 10am until 10pm on both the 29 and 30 October. 

Away from the Late Night Shopping Event this week, there are plenty more reasons to visit Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet this season. 

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event. Credit: The Manc Group

They’ve just unveiled their ice rink ‘Oaks on Ice’, a 600 sq metre rink that has space for 200 skaters, with a unique ice path that leads to a viewing platform. 

It has a partially open top, bespoke light rings, and a festive garland for maximum magic, and sits at the heart of the Outlet’s dedicated Christmas events space. 

Other attractions include the Winter Village, Santa in the Sky, and the Big Wheel.  

“We can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when they finally step on to the ice.” says Kenny Murray, General Manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. 

“It’s going to be a proud moment for us and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s looking. The stunning path leading round the tree will be a great moment for families to share.” 

There are new openings you might have missed too, like Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lindt, Joe & The Juice, and Gail’s.

Find out more and see all the offers for the Late Night Shopping Event HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied

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