The Manchester Rum Festival is returning to Manchester this year, promising to take things to the next level with a brand new venue.
The event, which features DJs, Caribbean food, games, and of course, a lot of rum, will this year be taking place at New Century Hall.
The beautiful historic gig venue, brought back to life in 2022, will be welcoming the Manchester Rum Festival and more global rum brands than ever before.
Its move to a larger venue follows eight years of sell-out success at venues across Manchester, and will allow the much-loved annual event to welcome even more rum fans.
This year’s highly-anticipated event will coincide with World Rum Day on Saturday 13 July.
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Each ticket for the Manchester Rum Festival gets you access to the festival – the food, the calypso-inspired DJ sets, the tastings, and more – as well as the opportunity to try new-to-market expressions from more than 40 rum brands.
Master distillers, experts and brands from across the globe will be in attendance to celebrate all things rum, offering tastings throughout the festival.
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Manchester Rum Festival is returning to the city. Credit: Supplied
Making debuts this year will be prestigious brands including Bristol Classic, a rum firm that produces limited quantity rums from countries including Guyana and Mauritius, as well as Trinidad and the Dominican Republic; Ron Carúpano, a Venezuelan brand with the only female Master Blender in the country; Rhum Depaz from the volcanic terroir of Martinique in the Caribbean; and Don Q from sunny Puerto Rico.
The refreshing Caribbean lager, Carib, will also be heading to Manchester for the first time.
Other notable brands making an appearance at the Manchester Rum Festival 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.
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London Essence will be the official mixer partner for 2024, bringing their distinctive drinks – including elegant tonics, crafted sodas and lemonades, and delicious gingers – to the festival.
Authentic Caribbean food will come from Nyammin’, who will have their world-famous rum cake in abundance.
And DJ Dom will keep the party, and the tropical atmosphere, going all day long.
Festival founder and rum expert, Dave Marsland, said: “This year, we are expecting the best Manchester Rum Festival yet as we relocate to a bigger, better, bolder venue.
“New Century Hall is absolutely iconic and we can’t wait to party all day with more rum brands and more experiences than ever before. Guests can really get set for an incredible day!
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“The event really has gone from strength to strength and we are one of the biggest rum festivals in the country outside London. As always, I’d recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.”
Tickets for Manchester Rum Festival on 13 July are available now from Eventbrite.
You can get an exclusive £5 discount when you book through The Manc using this link.
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.