Sponsored

Tough Mudder returns to Manchester this summer – and it’s tougher than ever

They’re ‘raising the bar’ at Heaton Park.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 28th April 2023

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. 

ADVERTISEMENT
Tough Mudder is coming back to Manchester
Tough Mudder is coming back to Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Tough Mudder is coming back to Manchester
Tough 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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Sponsored

More than 100 traders to take over Manchester’s beautiful Victoria Baths for The Night Market UK

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The Night Market UK is coming to Manchester. Credit: @kt_perspecitve

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.

The Night Market UK returns to Manchester
Credit: Mark McBride
The Night Market UK returns to Manchester
Credit: Joel Fildes
The Night Market UK returns to Manchester
Credit: 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. 

Food and drink at The Night Market UK
Credit: Els Tacos
Food and drink at The Night Market UK
Credit: Cocktail Cartel
Food and drink at The Night Market UK
Credit: Killa Carbs
Food 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. 

Read more

Featured image: @kt_perspecitve

Sponsored

Dunham Massey – The corner of Greater Manchester with unbeatable autumn landscapes and one of nature’s great spectacles

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Dunham Massey in Autumn. Credit: James Beck

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
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.

Read more

Featured image: James Beck

More Sponsored

Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank

Sponsored

Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank

Inside the brand-new rental houses at Bolton’s landmark £35m development, Deansgate Gardens

Bolton

Inside the brand-new rental houses at Bolton’s landmark £35m development, Deansgate Gardens

Cynefin by Northstone in Bolton

Bolton

The stunning new Bolton homes built on a former golf course, with amazing rooftop gardens

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches