A two-day festival full of cooking classes, wellness workshops, and more is coming to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet this weekend.
The designer outlet has joined forces with Food4Thoughts (F4T) – a nutrition brand co-founded by famed Mancunians Scott Thomas and Eden Thomas – to bring an exclusive wellness weekend to Cheshire, with everything from fitness classes, to live cook-a-longs and workshops led by industry experts across the two days.
Visitors to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will also be treated to live entertainment and music by DJ Kieron J, and stars of The Voice, Holly Ellison and Jordan Phillips, as well as receive access to a whole host of exclusive offers too.
You’ll be able to book on to live F4T panel talks from key speakers across the weekend, with local celebrities giving their insight into wellness, healthy eating, and living balanced lifestyles.
The F4T Wellness Festival is taking place on Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 July at Cheshire Oaks / Credit: Supplied
Hosted by Kate Cocker, sessions will feature guests including Emmerdale and Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas, chef and influencer Steph Elswood, and the founder of Men Should Talk Gareth Palmer – with more names soon to be announced.
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Brands including Lululemon, ASICS, adidas, and Under Armour will also be working alongside the expert F4T team for a jam-packed schedule of fitness classes and workshops across the weekend too, so whether you want to test your limits with a HIIT class by F4T’s Commando Charlie, or find your Zen at Lululemon’s meditation sessions, there’s something for everyone to get involved with.
Podcast fans will even be able to enter a competition to secure their spot in the audience of an exclusive live recording of Scott Thomas’ podcast, Learning As I Go.
And that’s not all, as you’ll even get the chance to enter a prize draw worth up to £2,500.
When you enter into the prize draw in the F4T Hub at the Ellesmere Port-based shopping and leisure village, you’ll be in with the chance of winning prizes such as six months of Food4Thoughts membership, £500 to spend at Cheshire Oaks, and a luxe spa experience at the Chester Grosvenor.
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Each entry to the prize draw also gives the option to donate to support Cheshire Oaks’ 2022 charity partner, Flynn’s Port in the Storm – with donations supporting the incredible work that the local mental health crisis café does for those in the community.
“This really is such a special moment for myself and the Food4Thoughts team,” F4T co-founder Scott Thomas said.
“I have visited Cheshire Oaks all my life and to be invited to host our very own F4T Wellness Festival at such a prestigious location really is something else.
The F4T Wellness Festival is taking place on Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 July at Cheshire Oaks / Credit: Supplied
“I’m so happy with the lineup of activations we have confirmed and the brands we have involved for the weekend.
“This is going to be special.”
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Kenny Murray – General Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks – added: “The schedule is packed full with physical and mental workshops, so we can’t wait to see our Centre guests all getting involved over the weekend.”
The F4T Wellness Festival is taking place on Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 July, and you can find more information and book onto free workshops and classes here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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More than 100 traders to take over Manchester’s beautiful Victoria Baths for The Night Market UK
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths is set to host an almighty market later this month, with more than 100 traders taking over the former swimming pool and balconies.
The Night Market UK will make its return to Manchester for its biggest event yet, packing the Grade II-listed building with vintage sellers, independent makers, street food, cocktails, and loads more.
The historic venue will be completely transformed after dark on Friday 31 October for the occasion, and will have a few seasonal twists befitting Halloween night.
As well as the food, drink and makers taking part, The Night Market UK will also have art installations and DJ performances.
You’ll be able to wander rows of stalls in the former swimming baths selling the finest vintage clothing and handmade goods, like ceramics, prints, bakes, jewellery and so much more.
Heading back outside the magnificent building you’ll find multiple street food traders, serving everything from tacos to Thai to burgers to pizza.
Cocktail Cartel will be on hand with two bars with spirits sourced from the Spirit of Manchester Distillery and Salford’s own Salford Rum, alongside beers from local legends Seven Brothers Brewery.
Credit: Mark McBrideCredit: Joel FildesCredit: Mark McBride
They said: “We are really excited about being at The Nigh t Market UK– these guys just know how to do it – getting all the locals together and supporting the businesses that make this city what it is.
“You can go anywhere and get a pint of San Miguel or a pint of Guinness – if you’re going to a Manchester market why not get a beer brewed from the city you’re in?! It gives it that personal touch, which is what we are all about.”
Live DJs will be playing all night, with the line-up announced soon on the @thenightmarketuk socials.
The Night Market UK is one of the country’s most distinctive events and will bring to Manchester something for everyone, from families to late-night explorers.
Becc Sanderson, director of The Night Market UK, says: “We are thrilled to return to Victoria Baths for what promises to be our biggest and most exciting event yet.
Credit: Els TacosCredit: Cocktail CartelCredit: Killa CarbsFood and drink at The Night Market UK
“This isn’t just about shopping, it’s about experiencing one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings in a whole new way. It’s about connection with friends, family and community, and celebrating the breadth of small business talent that Manchester has to offer.
“From the installations and performances to the makers and food vendors, everything has been curated to create an evening that feels truly unique. To be here on Halloween night, with the baths transformed after dark, will make it all the more unforgettable.
“We’re also hugely excited to be launching our art collaborations in this incredible space, something that has been in the planning stages for well over a year.
“Thanks to the myriad of fabulous ‘nooks and crannies’ in Victoria Baths, and the fact that it is Halloween after all, we’ve earmarked a space where our customers can enjoy an immersive multimedia experience featuring the work of artist/technologist Ross Blair (trenchone.com) and lighting designer Sam Jones (@smajoneslx), fresh off their huge success at Edinburgh’s Hidden Door Festival.
“This will be a night that will be unforgettable and truly Spooktacular!”
The Night Market UK will take place at Victoria Baths in Manchester on Friday 31 October, with discounted tickets available online now HERE with timed entry slots. Limited full price tickets may be available on the door.
Dunham Massey – The corner of Greater Manchester with unbeatable autumn landscapes and one of nature’s great spectacles
Daisy Jackson
Dunham Massey is one of the North West’s proudest gems, a National Trust site that’s home to both a magnificent Georgian manor house and a beautiful deer park.
But there’s something to be said for the way it comes into its own as autumn rolls around, when the grounds are blanketed in red and orange leaves and a mist lies low over the lawns.
This is a perfect spot to escape into autumn properly, with a perfect mix of heritage, fresh air and scenery (as well as a pumpkin spice latte in the cafe afterwards).
As we creep further into the autumn months, autumnal bulbs will begin to bloom in the Winter Garden, leaves will rustle underfoot, and bright colours will transform the landscape.
When we hear ‘Dunham Massey’, most of us will think of the resident herd of fallow deer who still graze on the grounds of the former medieval deer park.
Those who explore the park on foot this autumn may catch a glimpse of breeding or ‘rutting’ season, one of nature’s great spectacles, where the bucks fight for their pick of the does.
Expect these amazing beasts to be roaring and bellowing at each other and showing off their fully grown antlers, with the bucks parallel walking and sizing each other up – and potentially clashing over the nearby females.
The best time to see the deer rutting at Dumham Massey is early in the mornings, when the park is quiet.
Also honouring the deer is the Stags in Bradgate Park sculpture, a silver masterpiece dating back to 1855, which was previously believed to have been lost forever and melted down.
Deer resting on the lawn at Dunham Massey. Credit: Arnhel de Serra
Now back on display at Dunham Massey and reunited with the silver collection, it portrays two rutting red deer stags and was commissioned by George Harry Grey, 7th Earl of Stamford in an act of love and rebellion.
It was a symbol of locking horns with the Cheshire society that shunned him over his marriage to Catherine Cox – a woman who was considered beneath him by Victorian high society.
The silver centrepiece was crafted by royal goldsmiths and was seen as a masterpiece at the time, going on to be exhibited at the London International Exhibition of 1862 and the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867.
Elsewhere at Dunham Massey this autumn you’ll find the unique ORIGIN deep listening art installation, which connects visitors to the mansion and gardens through sonic landscapes and visual artistry.
Designed to soothe and rejuvenate, ORIGIN explores the powerful themes of life’s cycle and the human connection to nature.
Dunham Massey is accessible by public transport, with regular buses running from Altrincham and Warrington.
And you can claim 10% off in the ice cream parlour, cafe and restaurant when you show a valid bus ticket.
Find out more about Dunham Massey and what’s on offer this winter HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
28th June 2022 
