Mancs have been baffled this morning by the sight of a gigantic mobile phone running around town.
Someone dressed as a phone was clocked moving at pace through Manchester city centre.
The long-legged device travelled from St Peter’s Square down to Piccadilly Gardens before disappearing into the Northern Quarter.
One eye witness said: “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I thought they might be filming a new series of Trigger Happy TV but with an even bigger phone.”
Another person said: “It was quite unnerving because I’m used to seeing my phones normal-sized.”
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When The Manc caught up with the giant phone and asked what they were dressed up for, they refused to answer and just said we’d have to ‘call back at 3pm’.
They also mumbled something about an exciting opportunity before they vanished.
We caught something about Mobile Phones Direct too, which is a brand owned by AO that sells ‘as-new’ mobile phones for a fraction of the price.
AO is the first online retailer to stock these ‘as-new’ phones, with handsets including iPhones from the official Apple factory with 12-month warranties.
Manchester has a bit of a habit for producing giant versions of everyday objects – who could forget the huge pigeon casually strolling past normal-sized ones a few years back.
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And now we’re all sitting waiting for the giant phone to reappear at 3pm today to see what all the fuss is about.
You might want to keep an eye on The Manc’s Instagram and TikTok pages…
Update – 10 August
The mystery of the giant phone was solved on Wednesday afternoon, when it turned out the giant phone was giving away a free, brand-new, iPhone 14 Pro.
The big device went live on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram and began to run all over Manchester city centre again, prize in hand.
The first person to track him down – and he was fast – sing a ring tone, and shout Mobile Phones Direct, was declared the winner.
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And Jake Whitehead was the lucky soul who scooped himself a brand new phone after sprinting all the way from the Northern Quarter to catch The Manc on Cooper Street.
Perfect timing, too – Jake had smashed his own phone the day before…
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 -
9th August 2023 
