Manchester Rum Festival is set to return to Manchester this month, but this time, things are ramping up.
There’ll be more than 50 rum brands bringing the calypso vibes to New Century, serving cocktails and rum tastings.
The huge event is taking over New Century for the first time, happily falling on World Rum Day (13 July).
The bigger venue also means a larger-than-ever line-up of rums and brands, with tastings all included in the ticket price.
Cocktail creations will come from local bars like Exhibition, Hold Fast, Northern Monk Refectory and New Century Kitchen, with the official cocktail bar headed up by MONIN.
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Authentic Caribbean food will come from Nyammin’, who will have their world-famous rum cake in abundance, while Manchester legend DJ Dom will be keeping the party going all day with a mix of Reggae and Soca from the decks.
Rum names making their Manchester debut at the Manchester Rum Festival include O Reizinho, an agricultural rum from Madeira; Casa Tarasco from Mexico; Renegade Cane Rum from Grenada; Ron Carúpano, a Venezuelan brand with the only female Master Blender in the country; Rhum Depaz from the volcanic terroir of Martinique; and Don Q from Puerto Rico.
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Manchester Rum Festival – Tiki paradise lands at New Century this month
Bristol Classic, a rum firm that produces limited quantity rums from countries including Guyana and Mauritius, as well as Trinidad and the Dominican Republic, will also be making its first appearance at the festival.
Other much-loved brands making an appearance include Chairman’s Reserve, Pusser’s, Worthy Park, Cockspur, Damoiseau, Don Papa, Ninefold and Aluna, plus Manchester-based One-Eyed Rebel from the Spirit of Manchester Distillery.
And if you fancy switching from the rum for a brief while, there’s also going to be Caribbean lager Carib heading to Manchester for the very first time.
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London Essence will be the official mixer partner for 2024, bringing their distinctive drinks, including tonics, crafted sodas and lemonades, to the festival.
This year, founder and Manchester rum expert Dave Marsland and special guests will also be running three ‘Rum Ramble’ seminars.
These will include a ‘From Grass to Glass, the making of a Rum Brand’ showcase with Equiano Rum and Ian Burrell; a talk and tasting surrounding the world of rum cocktails with MONIN; and finally, a ‘Make your own Arranges’ class (the first time this has been run at a European festival) hosted by Damoiseau of Guadeloupe and ambassador, Danilo Grenci.
Ticket-holders will have the chance to book their places on these exclusive seminars in advance.
Dave Marsland said: “The festival brings together renowned distilleries from all over the world, and ticket holders are in for an even bigger treat this year as we relocate to New Century Hall – what an incredible, iconic central city venue it is!
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“The event really has gone from strength to strength over the last eight years and we are now one of the biggest rum festivals in the country outside London.
“We can’t wait to welcome the rum lovers to the event, which is set to host more rum brands than ever before, meaning the ticket price is even better value for money.”
Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Daisy Jackson
A Halloween trail is set to return to Quarry Bank Mill this autumn for one of the region’s most hauntingly beautiful seasonal events.
The National Trust site is a former working mill and one of the country’s finest industrial buildings – but as night falls and the shadows lengthen, a haunting will begin…
This year’s Halloween at Quarry Bank will again feature spooky light installations, a mesmerising laser garden, and a thrilling fire show, as well as live performances and seasonal food and drink.
Returning for a second year, Halloween at Quarry Bank will be an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Fog will swirl through the paths around the grounds, as glowing demon eyes watch over passers-by and giant skeletons loom over twisted trees.
If you’re brave enough, the trail then heads inside the mill itself, where creaking and clanking sounds of its industrial past hint at something a little more haunted.
Credit: Andrew Ogilvy PhotographyCredit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
As you wander the trail, you’ll pass installations like glowing fire spheres and catacombs echoing with whispers from the past, plus plenty more surprises waiting in the shadows.
Then you can refuel with ‘bewitched burgers and freaky fries’, plus hot toddys and decadent hot chocolates.
You can even toast a marshmallow over an open fire.
Halloween at Quarry Bank is designed for families, couples, and groups of friends alike, and attracts visitors from all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.
Entry to the trail is on a timed slot system – tickets are on sale now HERE.
Inside the brand-new rental houses at Bolton’s landmark £35m development, Deansgate Gardens
Daisy Jackson
The first residents are in, and the launch of Deansgate Gardens – a landmark £35m development in Bolton town centre – is live.
This impressive new development has brought 167 high-quality rental homes to Bolton, creating a residential neighbourhood that features rooftop terraces, gardens, and stunning communal spaces.
The homes on Deansgate, Bolton have been built specifically for renters, with spacious layouts in an ideal location just a two-minute walk from Bolton Town Hall and a short commute to Manchester.
And, unusually for new rental developments, it’s not all about apartments here (though there are beautiful one- and two-bedroom apartments with rooftop gardens available).
It’s also somewhere you can rent two-bedroom townhouses, and have your very own yard.
Every home is built with energy efficiency in mind, with heat pumps and enhanced insulation, plus rooftop solar panels on selected homes, keeping those pesky bills down.
This pet-friendly development comes from developer Placefirst, and is a key moment in the wider £1bn regeneration masterplan for Bolton.
Inside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonInside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonA spacious bedroomThe rooftop terraceView from the rooftop terrace
Deansgate Gardens is located just opposite the former Beales department store, connected by the train station, bus interchange, and town centre within walking distance.
These stylish new homes are built around a central square and communal courtyards. The result? Somewhere residents can relax, socialise, and connect.
There’s even a dedicated Resident Service Manager and 24/7 maintenance support for peace of mind.
And just a short walk away you’ll find parks like Queen’s Park, plus beautiful routes along the River Croal.
Ready to make these houses your home? Book in for a tour around Deansgate Gardens today HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
11th July 2024 
