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Manchester Arndale to host FREE beauty event with mini makeovers, live demos, and more this weekend

You can discover new looks and upgrade your beauty routine.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 16th September 2025

A new free beauty event is coming to Manchester Arndale this weekend, featuring top brands such as Sephora and Space NK.

Taking over Exchange Court in the Arndale for two days, which is next to Next inside the major shopping centre, The Beauty in You event will be offering free mini makeovers and one-to-one consultations, as well as showcasing live demos, offering the chance to win exciting beauty prizes, and so much more.

Sephora, Space NK, The Body Shop, Bperfect, and Rituals are just some of the renowned brands set to be involved across the two-day event, while Boots-based and designer beauty brands like L’Oreal Luxe, MAC, and Estée Lauder will also be there.

Shoppers can discover new looks and upgrade their beauty routine with consultations and live demos from professional makeup artists.

There’s also a chance to be rewarded when you shop, as all weekend you simply just need to spend £50 or more across any of Manchester Arndale’s health and beauty stores, show your receipts to the event staff in Exchange Court, and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £500 Beauty Bundle packed with must-have products to take your routine to the next level.

You can shop from the likes of PURESEOL, BPerfect, KIKO Milano, Bath & Body Works, and Lush for a chance to win big.

For the chance to win even more prizes, you can try your luck on the Spin to Shine Wheel to unlock some ‘uplifting’ rewards – from exclusive vouchers to brilliant prizes.

Manchester Arndale is hosting a free beauty event with mini makeovers, live demos, and more / Credit: Supplied

Don’t forget to strike a pose and snap a selfie at the interactive photo experience too.

Plus, as well as expecting to hear insider advice from some of the biggest names in beauty, the Arndale’s feel-good ambassadors, The Beauty Spots, will be at the event all weekend handing out compliments, encouragement, and just spreading general joy.

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The Beauty in You event is the ultimate chance to ‘test, try and transform’ your routine all in one place, so make sure to head to Exchange Court this Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September.

The event runs from 12-6pm on Saturday, and 12-5:30pm on Sunday.

Featured Image – Supplied

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Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later month

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.

Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.

The line-up features some well-renowned names in the comedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.

You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.

Tez Ilyaz and Lou Conran are just two of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Tez Ilyaz and Lou Conran are just two of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied

Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp. 

The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.

“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.

Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Mick Miller / Credit: Supplied
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied

“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.” 

So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough. 

Book tickets and view the full-line up HERE. 

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Featured Images – Supplied (via Publicity Pictures)

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Northern Quarter favourite The Pen and Pencil announces massive 10th birthday party and huge offers

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Northern Quarter favourite The Pen and Pencil announces massive 10th birthday party and huge offers

The Pen and Pencil, an absolute staple for brunches and drinks in the Northern Quarter, is celebrating a major milestone this month with a huge party and some unbeatable deals. 

The bar and restaurant will be marking 10 years on Tariff Street in September – and it’s only right that we all pile in to celebrate with them. 

This spot is one of the city’s original bottomless brunch venues and is similarly famed for its happy hour offerings, and opened in 2015 to bring a taste of Manhattan to Manchester. 

Pen and Pencil took its name from the infamous New York City bar that was seen in Mad Men. 

And now as it turns 10 years old, it’ll be throwing one big party on Saturday 27 September, featuring 10 hours of DJs, free pints of Red Stripe at 10pm, and a special bottomless brunch offering. 

Those DJing on the day will include Drag Race UK’s Banksie, as well as Les Croasdaile, Mark Hogg, Danny Ward and A Deeper Groove.

Pen & Pencil has amazing deals for its 10th birthday
Pen & Pencil has amazing deals for its 10th birthday
Pen & Pencil is a Northern Quarter OG
Pen & Pencil is a Northern Quarter OG

The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party will kick off from 2pm and run until late – but if you can’t make that one, there’ll be celebrations all week (and, indeed, month) long. 

On Tuesday 23 September, you’ll be able to play for double prize money in The Pen and Pencil quiz, as well as enjoying happy hour drinks all night. 

Then on Friday 26 September, it’ll be an all-night happy hour, with free tequila shots at 10pm and music from DJs Nev Johnson and Gareth James from 7pm. 

All September long, there’ll be 50% off food every Monday, two-for-£10 cocktails every Wednesday, £10 burgers every Thursday, happy hour all night on Fridays, 10 dishes for £10 and two bloody Marys for £10 on Sundays, plus DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Northern Quarter favourite The Pen and Pencil announces massive 10th birthday party and huge offers

There’s a new colourful art installation outside the venue inspired by the bar’s New York roots.

Owner Kevin Connor said: “We’re really excited to be celebrating being part of the Manchester community for ten years! 

“New York’s Pen and Pencil was a classic steak and cocktail joint, and we’re proud to have created our very own iconic Northern Quarter hangout. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating ten years on Tariff Street.”

Walk-ins are welcome for The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party on Saturday 27 September, but booking is encouraged – book your spot HERE. 

Featured image: The Manc Group

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