Just on the outskirts of Greater Manchester and spilling over into the North West countryside lays Millington Hall: a stunning farmhouse and 27-acre plot of land situated barely a 20-minute drive from Manchester which is hosting some wonderful culinary events from this summeronwards.
Specialising in local dining and hospitality experiences that strive to showcase the farm-to-table food and drink journey, tasting events, cookery courses and more, the charming Cheshire venue plays hosts to droves of foodies every year.
Moreover, they strive to be as low-carbon as possible, making them one of the most sustainable places offering these kinds of packages in the region, After a year of hugely successful events, they’re hoping to welcome even more Mancs and beyond to their quaint little corner for 2024.
What’s happening at Millington Hall Farmhouse in 2024?
The Big Cheshire Bake Off
First up on our calendar, at least, there’s no better place to start than with the aptly named Big Cheshire Bake Off this September. Having had a go at it for ourselves, we can’t vouch for it enough.
Get ready to unleash your inner baker with this three-hour experience where you take on a trio of challenges including a guided bake, a challenge round and a test of your decorating skills which will then be examined by the judges – just like on the show. We can’t say which one for copyright reasons…
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But seriously, from the welcome glass of fizz, canapé snacks, tea and coffee, there are all the ingredients you’ll need for the competition and for a great day out.
Naturally, you’ll get to dig into all the bakes you make on the day (or box them up if you can resist the urge) and once again, the farm sources as many ingredients as sustainable as they can from a maximum of a 20-mile radius from the Altrincham farm – so you’re helping support the local area too.
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Oh, did we mention there’s an on-site bar open throughout the day too? Honestly, what’s better than bubbles and cake? Taking place from 13-29 September, the Bake Off is open to all experience levels and makes for a great gift too. It’s already selling out quickly, so book your place now if you’re interested.
The Wild Grill Experience
Credit: Supplied
Next up is one for all you carnivores and foodies who genuinely do want to see how the sausage gets made. The Wild Grill Experience is all about discovering the art of butchery, grilling high-quality meat sourced from the region and, of course, eating.
Running for approximately four hours, if you’re someone barbecuing or simply making the most of local produce, the hope is that you’ll get as much educational value out of it as you will pure enjoyment.
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Promising a truly hands-on experience whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a curious beginner, you’ll be welcomed into the ‘Wild Meadow’ by expert butchers/chefs for a jam-packed session featuring everything from pig butchery, meat seasoning, sausage-making and, of course, best cooking methods.
Last but not least, not only will you receive a welcome beer upon arrival as well as charcuterie snacks throughout, but you will get to sit down in the cosy ‘Nordic Tipi’ to dine on your perfectly prepared delectations with your coursemates and teachers as part of the final feast.
Available between 4-20 October, given that Spring sessions sold out so quickly, we’d recommend signing up sooner rather than later. You can book tickets online.
Farm-to-table, tasting events and so much more
Honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Millington Hall Farm as these guys are offering up everything from various other culinary classes, tasting evenings for various local food and drink suppliers, and even gin-based glamping weekends.
They also do special Murder Mystery nights where you eat a three-course dinner whilst trying to figure out a vintage ‘whodunnit’, which genuinely sounds like the best game of Cluedo you’ll ever play.
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The 2024 Murder Mystery night has already sold out but you can sign up now to be the first to hear about the 2025 season.
You can find their full list of events taking place in 2024HERE.
The North West’s most mesmerising festive light trail will return to Dunham Massey next month
Daisy Jackson
A magical illuminated trail will make its return to the historic Dunham Massey this winter, once again filling the grounds with twinkling lights and dazzling installations.
Christmas at Dunham Massey has become one of the North West’s most popular festive light trails, created by award-winning light trail producers and taking place annually at the National Trust site in Greater Manchester.
For 2025, there’ll be brand-new installations, like ‘Fish Are Jumping’, where points of light will leap like fish over the lake, in a mesmerising dance.
Visitors will walk through multicoloured landscapes of laser beams, while a projection on the facade of the historic house at Dunham Massey will narrate festive stories.
You’ll also be able to marvel at installations like ‘Field of Stars’ where colour-changing stars more than five metres high glow overhead; ‘Crocus Lawn’, filled with larger-than-life glowing flowers; and ‘Pixel Trees’, a cluster of Christmas trees made from thousands of LEDs.
Credit: Luke DysonChristmas at Dunham MasseyIt’s one of the North West’s most dazzling light trails. Credit: Luke DysonChristmas at Dunham Massey is returning in 2025. There’ll a fairground
There’ll also be a large triangular geometric light show, enhanced by an atmospheric haze, that will provide a dramatic moment on the trail.
And beloved elements returning to Christmas at Dunham Massey this year will include the iconic tunnel of lights, huge illuminated flowers, and appearances from Father Christmas himself.
Beyond the installations, there’s even a festive fairground you can enjoy.
Festive food on offer at Christmas at Dunham Massey
Once you’ve had your fill of this dazzling light trail, there are seasonal treats available from hand-picked street food vendors, like spiced winter drinks and rich hot chocolates, plus marshmallows you can toast over an open fire.
This year’s Christmas at Dunham Massey will kick off from Thursday 13 November and will run all the way through Christmas to Sunday 4 January 2026.
Advance booking is strongly advised as this is one of the region’s most popular festive events, and runs with a limited capacity.
More than 100 traders to take over Manchester’s beautiful Victoria Baths for The Night Market UK
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths is set to host an almighty market later this month, with more than 100 traders taking over the former swimming pool and balconies.
The Night Market UK will make its return to Manchester for its biggest event yet, packing the Grade II-listed building with vintage sellers, independent makers, street food, cocktails, and loads more.
The historic venue will be completely transformed after dark on Friday 31 October for the occasion, and will have a few seasonal twists befitting Halloween night.
As well as the food, drink and makers taking part, The Night Market UK will also have art installations and DJ performances.
You’ll be able to wander rows of stalls in the former swimming baths selling the finest vintage clothing and handmade goods, like ceramics, prints, bakes, jewellery and so much more.
Heading back outside the magnificent building you’ll find multiple street food traders, serving everything from tacos to Thai to burgers to pizza.
Cocktail Cartel will be on hand with two bars with spirits sourced from the Spirit of Manchester Distillery and Salford’s own Salford Rum, alongside beers from local legends Seven Brothers Brewery.
Credit: Mark McBrideCredit: Joel FildesCredit: Mark McBride
They said: “We are really excited about being at The Nigh t Market UK– these guys just know how to do it – getting all the locals together and supporting the businesses that make this city what it is.
“You can go anywhere and get a pint of San Miguel or a pint of Guinness – if you’re going to a Manchester market why not get a beer brewed from the city you’re in?! It gives it that personal touch, which is what we are all about.”
Live DJs will be playing all night, with the line-up announced soon on the @thenightmarketuk socials.
The Night Market UK is one of the country’s most distinctive events and will bring to Manchester something for everyone, from families to late-night explorers.
Becc Sanderson, director of The Night Market UK, says: “We are thrilled to return to Victoria Baths for what promises to be our biggest and most exciting event yet.
Credit: Els TacosCredit: Cocktail CartelCredit: Killa CarbsFood and drink at The Night Market UK
“This isn’t just about shopping, it’s about experiencing one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings in a whole new way. It’s about connection with friends, family and community, and celebrating the breadth of small business talent that Manchester has to offer.
“From the installations and performances to the makers and food vendors, everything has been curated to create an evening that feels truly unique. To be here on Halloween night, with the baths transformed after dark, will make it all the more unforgettable.
“We’re also hugely excited to be launching our art collaborations in this incredible space, something that has been in the planning stages for well over a year.
“Thanks to the myriad of fabulous ‘nooks and crannies’ in Victoria Baths, and the fact that it is Halloween after all, we’ve earmarked a space where our customers can enjoy an immersive multimedia experience featuring the work of artist/technologist Ross Blair (trenchone.com) and lighting designer Sam Jones (@smajoneslx), fresh off their huge success at Edinburgh’s Hidden Door Festival.
“This will be a night that will be unforgettable and truly Spooktacular!”
The Night Market UK will take place at Victoria Baths in Manchester on Friday 31 October, with discounted tickets available online now HERE with timed entry slots. Limited full price tickets may be available on the door.
Danny Jones -
15th August 2024 
