After a successful launch in 2023, the UK’s best-loved pregnancy, baby and parenting event, The Baby Show with Lidl GB, is heading back to Manchester Central this week, 7-9 June.
The enormous event will be a one-stop-shop for everything tiny human-related, from feeding equipment to car seats to baby-grows to buggies.
There’ll be live talks, a chance to meet brands from across the industry, and even a buggy testing track where you can put your new wheels through their paces on a range of terrains.
Exhibitors will be offering fantastic prices on products too, with those appearing at The Baby Show including MAM, Obaby, Venicci, iCandy, Cybex, Egg, BabyBjörn, Mamas & Papas, Maxi-Cosi and more.
Plus, a New Kids on the Block area will give start-ups, emerging businesses and boutique brands the opportunity to showcase their goods, such as MarBra, Baby Sensor, Ruffle + Romper and Bubble Tots.
Over on the Live Talks Stage you can expect to hear insights from names like health and fitness expert and Baby2Body CEO Melinda Nicci; Jenni Dunman from Daisy First Aid; Lucy Shrimpton, founder of The Sleep Nanny; and Rober Titzer, infant researcher at The Infant Learning Company.
All talks across the three-day event will provide expert advice on subjects all new and expectant parents face, such as birth, sleep, feeding, child development, weaning, health and fitness, and what to buy, and will all be completely free of charge.
There’ll be a buggy testing track at The Baby Show by Lidl GBParents and expectant parents can browse essential itemsThere’ll be loads of different brands taking part in The Baby Show with Lidl GBThe buggy testing track in actionCredit: Supplied
The Lupilu Changing Area, proudly sponsored by Lidl GB, will allow visitors to try out award-winning nappies and wipes for free – and the brand was recently crowned the Best Family Brand in the 2024 Loved By Parents awards.
There’ll be complimentary baby food, provided by Lupilu, in The Baby Feeding Café as well as bottle-warmers and microwaves, and a private area for those who wish to breastfeed in private.
Mallory Reynolds-Trout, show manager at The Baby Show with Lidl GB says:
“Last year we launched the show in Manchester to huge crowds of new and expectant parents who travelled far and wide to shop for their impending arrivals – showing a huge appetite for more.
“The Baby Show is the biggest parenting event in the country, and we’re thrilled that it was such a big success in 2023 and this year it’ll be even bigger.
“We’ll have a buggy testing track, a stage where visitors can listen to expert advice, a baby feeding café and over 250 exhibitors showcasing their latest products, along with some great offers.”
We have 100 pairs of complimentary tickets* to give away to the show. Use code “MANCSCOMP” to claim yours now.
Visitors can also add-on a Baby Show goody bag for only £6, containing goodies worth over £75. For more information, visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk/manchester.
*T&Cs apply. A £2 transaction fee is applied to every order.
Featured image: Supplied
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Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.