Tough Mudder is set to make a massive return to Greater Manchester this summer, promising an even tougher course.
With a tougher course and updated obstacles to tackle, the legendary race will be back at Heaton Park on 15 and 16 July.
Tough Mudder is designed to challenge people of all ages and abilities, including a one-mile Lidl Mudder event geared towards children.
For the grown-ups, there are two lengths of obstacle course to choose from – a 5km with 13 obstacles, and a 10km with 20 obstacles.
Iconic Tough Mudder obstacles include Everest, where runners pull each other up a greased 13′ quarterpipe; Arctic Enema, where you’re plunged into icy water; and the Mudderhorn, a huge 40ft netted A-frame to climb up and over.
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Tough Mudder is coming back to Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupTough Mudder is coming back to Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Pushing people to their limits and asking them ‘How much can you handle?’, it’s an absolute haven for fitness enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike.
Whichever course you choose, you’re guaranteed two things – a lot of mud, and a lot of action.
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There’ll be events right across the UK this summer, including Europe’s Toughest Mudder in the Midlands on 24 and 25 June – a 12-hour run, through the night, battling both obstacles and the elements. This is a race that’s not for the faint-hearted.
Tough Mudder will even take a trip across the pond to the USA, where there’ll be the World’s Toughest Mudder event – 24 hours of non-stop action and obstacles that’s truly for the elite and ‘people with a death wish’ – at the True Grit Ranch in Texas.
You can see the full event calendar and get your place booked at toughmudder.co.uk
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Full Tough Mudder 2023 events
6 and 7 May – Culden Faw, London
3 and 4 June – Drumlanrig Castle, Scotland
24 and 25 June – Belvoir Castle, Midlands, including Europe’s Toughest Mudder
15 and 16 July – Heaton Park, Manchester
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29 and 30 July – Broughton Hall, Yorkshire
12 August – Badminton Estate, South West
9 and 10 September – Cholmondeley Castle, North West
23 and 24 September – Holmbush Estate, South
4 and 5 November – True Grit Ranch, Texas – World’s Toughest Mudder
Featured image: Supplied
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A magical family-friendly winter adventure with a light trail and live entertainment is returning to Tatton Park Gardens
Daisy Jackson
One of winter’s top events will return to Tatton Park Gardens this year, with another season announced for Yuletide.
The magical winter adventure will once again bring a glittering light trail and theatrical, immersive performance to the famous beauty spot.
This unique fusion of Christmas light trail and winter family festival is now in its third year, and will debut brand-new features and performances for 2025.
As visitors wander the Yuletide event, you’ll be treated to everything from sparkling light installations to impressive fire juggling shows.
Audiences are invited to step into a world of winter folklore, filled with live music, cosy campfire stories, and plenty more.
New this year will be a troupe of leaping acrobats, plus a new live music stage in the woods, and brand-new enchanting characters to meet around every corner.
Another new element is the wild Wassail, inspired by a centuries-old Twelfth Night tradition of singing and banging pots and pans together to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Wild Rumpus launch of Yuletide at Tatton ParkYultide returns to Tatton Park. Credit: Cat DineleyYultide returns to Tatton Park. Credit: Emma Croman
As night falls, Tatton Park Gardens will be transformed into a family-friendly winter escape.
Magical memories to be made include the chance to sip hot chocolates and toast marshmallows over a campfire, as a traditional storyteller weaves tales for the whole family.
And the glittering light trail includes interactive installations, glowing puppets, and characters inspired by festive tales.
There’ll also be food vendors serving up tasty festive treats and mulled wine.
Yuletide comes from Cheshire-based event producers Wild Rumpus, who’ll be unlocking new parts of the grounds this year.
Credit: Emma CromanCredit: Anna Hornby
Wild Rumpus’ Director Rowan Cannon said: “This year is a fresh and enchanting adventure for the whole family, with a twist of wild creativity.
“There’s loads of never-before-seen elements, including spellbinding acrobats performing as people arrive, a music stage in the woodland with performances from amazing live bands, and a dreamy Shadow Forest where you can cast shadows against beautiful backdrops.
“The trail is taking a new route through Tatton Park Gardens this year, so people can explore parts of the grounds they’ve never seen at night before.”
Yuletide will run at Tatton Park Gardens on selected evenings between Saturday 15 November and Tuesday 23 December 2026.
Tickets start from £19 for adults and £11 for children, but under 2s go free, with selected dates offering off-peak tickets.
Major Greater Manchester tram stop officially renamed to Trafford Palazzo
Daisy Jackson
A key Metrolink stop has officially been renamed as part of a partnership between Trafford Palazzo and Transport for Greater Manchester.
Passengers heading out on the Trafford Park line from now on will notice that Barton Dock Road tram stop is no more.
Instead, the stop has been officially renamed Trafford Palazzo, creating a clear connection between the public transport network and the huge retail, leisure and commercial destination.
Around 2.4 million passengers use this particular tram stop within TraffordCity annually to visit destinations like Sports Direct, SeaLife, Archie’s Atomic and the newly-opened Primark Home store.
The renaming of the stop will be marked across the region with two bespoke Trafford Palazzo-wrapped Metrolink trams travelling around the Bee Network.
And there are celebrations planned for 8 November from midday, with roaming living statues taking the tram from Trafford Palazzo Metrolink stop to Deansgate and back.
Directly under the dome within the building, visitors can enjoy a DJ in a pink branded booth, dancing rollerskaters around the fountain, and a pink tribute act.
Mark Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Retail & Leisure said: “Trafford Palazzo’s partnership with TfGM is a powerful statement of intent.
Major Greater Manchester tram stop officially renamed to Trafford Palazzo
“The partnership is focussed on placemaking and renaming the Metrolink stop to Trafford Palazzo strengthens our identity as a gateway destination within TraffordCity, whilst also reinforcing our commitment to creating a connected, accessible and memorable place for all who visit or work here.”
Fran Wilkinson, Director of Customer and Growth at Transport for Greater Manchester said: “The renaming of the tram stop reflects its location next to Trafford Palazzo, making it clearer for those travelling to this popular destination for shopping, family days out or visiting top attractions like SeaLife.
“More people are choosing to leave the car at home and travel by tram, and I’d encourage passengers to take full advantage of the Bee Network. Services are running later and more often, and we have a range of value fares for people and families, so by choosing the Bee Network you could save money and time.”
The renaming of the Metrolink stop and Trafford Palazzo branded trams are live from Tuesday 28 October, with a celebratory event planned on 8 November – find out more HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
28th April 2023 
