Sunnier days are well and truly on their way and better still, that means Manchester’s biggest free music festival and one of the best event series on the annual calendar is returning: that’s right, it’s time for Manifest 2024.
Back and bigger than ever, Manifest over at The Oast House in Spinningfelds returns this Easter Sunday and we cannot wait to get soaking in the sun, tunes and good vibes.
The biggest and most popular free music festival you’ll find anywhere in Greater Manchester, Manifest has been going for a few years now and it’s become such a staple of the warmer months here in the city centre that we don’t consider spring/summertime as having even started until it rolls around again.
Set to deliver an all-day line-up of live music with various acts playing from Sunday, 31 March at 1pm onwards and well into the early hours of Monday, 1 April, we can’t think of many better ways to spend the bank holiday.
Taking place on The Oast House’s large outdoor terrace complete with its dedicated stage and the big beer garden providing both coverage and plenty of room for Mancs to turn it into one giant dancefloor, thousands turn up to this series of events every year now.
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Kicking off this season’s festivities on Sunday, 31 March, the first Manifest event of 2024 has a packed roster of musicians lined up including bands, solo artists and duos, as well as interludes from their resident and ever-reliable DJs.
Guests can expect not only a vibrant party atmosphere all day and night but tastes of pretty much every genre, from rock, pop and soul to R&B, funk, disco and blues.
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Again, part of the reason this music festival series has become so popular is that it’s completely free, with space inside the venue dished out on a first-come, first-served basis. There were plenty of queues at every single date last year, so we recommend getting there early. Seriously, it packs out quickly.
You’ll have everything you need to keep you sorted throughout the day when it comes to food and drink too, by the way.
The Oast House’s street food-style menu will also be on offer for those looking to line their stomachs during the festivities.
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We’re talking katsu chicken fries, Northern poutine with bone marrow gravy and Shorrock’s Lancashire cheese, chicken or plant-based gyros, stacked burgers, hot wings and hanging kebabs. We’ve tried it all and trust us, some seriously good scran this.
Festivalgoers can also keep cool with plenty of cold pints and house-made cocktails, including twists on the classics such as Watermelon Margaritas, Passionfruit Coladas and Pink Gin Punch. Phwoar.
The best part is, even if you’re already busy this weekend (obviously, scrap your plans and come here), you’ll have plenty more opportunity to enjoy Manifest this year with the free music festival returning every bank holiday weekend throughout the spring and summer.
There’s also set to be an extra few Saturday Manifest dates this year which are still yet to be confirmed but we’ll keep you posted as and when we know more – see you there, Manchester!
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And to keep track of the other latest music news going on here in Manchester, keep your eyes peeled over on The Manc Audio.
First look inside Gulliver’s World Land of Lights as magical lantern trail returns
Daisy Jackson
One of the North West’s most popular festive events is officially back open for a third year, with the return of Gulliver’s World Land of Lights.
The huge lantern festival transforms part of Gulliver’s World in Warrington into a twinkling wonderland, filled with glowing ‘dreamworlds’.
Visitors can wander the trail meeting all manner of lanterns inspired by the natural world.
This year there are brand-new collections to discover along the trail, including a new dinosaur dreamworld.
You’ll come face-to-face with beasts like zebras, giraffes and a flock of flamingos, plus mythical creatures and loads more.
The woodland comes to life (and light) through lit-up giant flower lanterns, surrounding adorable woodland creatures like hedgehogs, foxes and squirrels.
And you can take a trip under the sea to meet a giant octopus, turtles and sharks.
Land of Lights is back at Gulliver’s World for 2025
There are lanterns perfect for spooky season too, like a giant spider suspended on an illuminated web and cackling pumpkins.
All the way along the breathtaking trail you’ll pass plenty of beautiful photo opportunities, before warming up with cosy street food.
You’ll even be able to take your four legged friends along to enjoy the event, with select dates dog-friendly.
Land of Lights in Warrington was officially opened last weekend by Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Mo Hussain.
Ross Partridge, Land of Lights festival manager, said: “What a wonderful opening weekend we have had!
“We’d like to thank Mayor Hussain for taking the time to visit our event and officially open it for us.
“It was lovely to see him and all the wonderful people who came along to get a first look at this incredible lantern festival.
“It’s back for its third year and is a wonderful boost to the local economy over the winter period and provides guests with an enjoyable, family friendly activity that is suitable for all so make sure you don’t miss out.”
Find out more about Land of Lights and book tickets HERE.
Featured image: The Manc Group
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Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet has shared details of a huge late night shopping event, where major brands will be offering major discounts.
The outlet village is one of the top shopping destinations in the North West and a favourite with Mancs looking to save big on fashion, beauty and homewares.
And now there’ll be even bigger savings to be had with the return of the Late Night Shopping Event this week.
If you head across to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October, you could save up to an extra 30% on outlet prices.
And there are some big brands taking part, including adidas, Dr Martens, UGG, All Saints, and Levi’s.
Whether it’s a new handbag, a pair of winter boots, or early Christmas presents for the family, the event is the ideal time to get your shopping done.
Highlights of the Late Night Shopping Event will include 20% extra discount at dozens of big-name stores like Calvin Klein, Russell & Bromley, Salomon and The Cosmetic Company, and even bigger discounts at brands like Dr Marten, Lacoste and Jack Wolfskin.
And if you want a break from the shopping, you’ll be able to enjoy magical performances throughout the night.
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be open from 10am until 10pm on both the 29 and 30 October.
Away from the Late Night Shopping Event this week, there are plenty more reasons to visit Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet this season.
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ve just unveiled their ice rink ‘Oaks on Ice’, a 600 sq metre rink that has space for 200 skaters, with a unique ice path that leads to a viewing platform.
It has a partially open top, bespoke light rings, and a festive garland for maximum magic, and sits at the heart of the Outlet’s dedicated Christmas events space.
Other attractions include the Winter Village, Santa in the Sky, and the Big Wheel.
“We can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when they finally step on to the ice.” says Kenny Murray, General Manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
“It’s going to be a proud moment for us and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s looking. The stunning path leading round the tree will be a great moment for families to share.”
There are new openings you might have missed too, like Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lindt, Joe & The Juice, and Gail’s.
Find out more and see all the offers for the Late Night Shopping Event HERE.
Danny Jones -
28th March 2024 
