A new two-day festival filled with music, multi-arts, food, and wellness is coming to the Lancashire countryside this summer.
And tickets are now on sale.
After the success of a number of 2021 summer pop-up events, the inaugural Gatherings Festival will take over the Gisburne Park Estate in Clitheroe on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 August 2022 – with event organisers promising a weekend of cultural indulgence, music and arts, fabulous feasts, and a sanctuary for wellbeing.
The festival will take place across the 1000-acre historic private estate, and will have an eclectic lineup across two days.
With the River Valley Main stage nestled in the woodlands, some of the live acts and DJs on the lineup include sets from Ibibio Sound Machine, Roger Sanchez, Crazy P, Craig Charles, Children Of Zeus Live, House Gospel Choir, Horse Meat Disco, Greg Wilson, PBR Streetgang, Homoelectric DJs, Hot Gorilla Records DJs, Moodymanc and more.
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The weekend will also be packed full of chances to tuck into exceptional dinners and feasts prepared by award-winning local chef Steven Smith.
The inaugural Gatherings Festival is happening on Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 August / Credit: Gatherings Festival
There’ll also be a VIP pool party, a Village Green with immersive theatre games, The Peacock Tales lounge with poets Chris Jam and Griot City, the chance to listen to some Ribble Valley folklore tales, a Mad Hatters Tea Party, and Hindelinis Jazz Café.
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When it comes to wellness, those looking for a rejuvenation experience like no other will get the opportunity to try out the popular ice bathing phenomenon, as well as IV drips, goat yoga, and so much more, all alongside wellness expert and influencer Davina Taylor.
And as Gatherings Festival is set in the ancient and mythical landscape of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, and is said to take inspiration from the Sika deer that are synonymous with the wildlife sanctuary Gisburne Park Estate, festival-goers will also be able to experience the charm of their surroundings through performances of dance, theatre, art, poets, and storytellers, who will all play their part.
There’s a number of accommodation options to choose from too, including luxurious lodges, historic houses, and cosy cottages all with hot tubs, or a fully-kitted-out glamping village and the option to bring your own tent to camp in.
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It will take over the Gisburne Park Estate in Clitheroe and take inspiration from Lancashire’s mythical Ribble Valley / Credit: Gatherings Festival
“We are excited to bring Gatherings to all,” said Guy Hindley – co-founder of Gatherings Festival.
“On the success of our pop-ups last year, we wanted to create an annual music and cultural led boutique festival in the North, on this historic estate that I grew up on [and] Gatherings is just that – it’s the coming together of various tribes, creating a cultural melting pot.
“Music, multi arts, immersive theatre, wellness experiences, pop up restaurants, glamping, and much more will all happening throughout the weekend.
“And we have more plans to develop this beautiful estate’s Grade I-listed mansion and to create a series of smaller events throughout the seasons.”
The two-day festival will be filled with music, multi-arts, food, and wellness / Credit: Gatherings Festival
Tickets for Gatherings Festival are now on sale.
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There’s daily admission tickets available, adult weekend tickets – including general camping – priced at £166.95, Gatherlings (6-15 years) tickets setting you back £90.95, all under 6s going free, and Golden Gatherers packages available from £240.95.
You can find more information and grab tickets here.
Featured Image – Gatherings Festival
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Science and Industry Museum announces programme of FREE ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s best museums has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular science’ activities for October half term.
With half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, the Science and Industry Museum has got you covered.
With only a few weeks to go until schools in Greater Manchester are out for October half term, the massively popular museum in the heart of Manchester city centre has unveiled a jam-packed lineup of free events.
Families are being told to get ready for ‘spooktacular’ science, hands-on activities, and loads of interactive fun, all inspired by the popular Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition.
You can storyboard and then animate your own extra-terrestrial character inside the Animation Studio, let your imagination run wild and design your own alien species, or even go on a galactic treasure hunt around the museum and build your own interstellar spaceship with a giant rocket building kit.
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities / Credit: Science Museum Group
In the mornings, you can take a break from your cosmic adventures and enjoy family-friendly sci-fi screenings in Revolution Manchester.
You’ll also then be able to put your skills to the test with classic space-themed games on the big screen every day in the afternoon.
And don’t forget, this half term is your only chance to meet Albert Slime-stein – a larger-than-life monster who’ll be popping up in the Upper Yard as part of the annual Halloween in the City MCR Monsters trail.
If you’re planning on visiting on actual Halloween day itself, then the museum is inviting you to come dressed in your best costume so you can get properly stuck into all the spooky fun.
The unveiling of the October half term events programme comes after the museum also announced that its popular adults-only ‘after hours’ event would be returning for one night only later this month, also with a Halloween twist.
Museum After Hours is happening on Thursday 29 October from 7pm-10pm, with tickets setting you back £12 each or £6 for concessions. Find out more here.
Science and Industry Museum’s October Half Term Programme is running from 24 October to 1 November. Entry to the museum (except the exhibitions) is free of charge, but it’s advised that you book your admission in advance, as it’s expected to be busier than normal.
Featured Image – Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)
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Printworks is hosting a FREE ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling next month.
Aiming to ‘bring Bonfire Night to life’ next month, Printworks has announced it’ll be hosting a dazzling evening of lights, music, stories, and Manchester spirit, as the iconic venue transforms Europe’s largest digital ceiling into a spectacular celebration for all the family.
Kicking off from 4:30pm, the free event will begin with an incredible display of ‘Manchester Stars’, where hundreds of stars will appear across the ceiling, each carrying the name of a real Manchester hero, creating a unique celebration of the people who make the city shine.
Members of the public can nominate someone to become a star, whether it’s a child, parent, grandparent, friend, colleague, community champion, or simply someone who deserves a little extra recognition. Nominations can be made here.
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)
Two cosy story time sessions with BBC Radio One and former CBBC presenter, Katie Thistleton, and children’s favourite, Hacker T Dog, will follow the star display, and each child will receive light-up headphones to enjoy the sessions in a dedicated chill-out zone.
Then comes the main event, Printworks’ digital ceiling will take centre stage for two firework displays between the story time sessions, including a dedicated SEN-friendly display at replacing the traditional loud noises with incredible visual effects, designed to offer a more accessible and welcoming way for families to enjoy the festivities.
The main fireworks and music experience will follow at 6:15pm, before the fun continues on into the evening with a live choir.
If you get a little peckish throughout the evening, there will also be a pop-up dessert cart serving Bonfire Night-inspired sweet treats, while Barney’s Coffee offers up an autumn drinks menu featuring seasonal favourites, such as pumpkin spice lattes and chocolate orange hot chocolates.
“We’re really excited to welcome back Printworks’ Bonfire Night event for the third year running,” explained Sophie Rooney, who is the Marketing Manager at Printworks.
“With fewer bonfire and firework displays taking place in the city, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to come together and enjoy an evening of celebrations right here at Printworks.”
Printworks is promising an ‘immersive evening’ for all the family, free of charge. Find out more information and timings HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
26th May 2022 
