If you happened to be at The Castle Hotel pub in the Northern Quarter on Tuesday evening, you’ll likely have been counting your lucky stars when you saw The Lottery Winners wander for a little surprise set.
The indie-rock four-piece from Leigh, Wigan, are playing Kendal Calling again this year and they decided to head over to an NQ favourite to make a special announcement.
As it turns out, not only will they be playing the popular Lake District festival but after revealing that frontman Tom Rylance will be serving as the pub landlord for their brand-new on-site boozer, ‘The Stagger Inn’ (very, very good), they also decided to treat some Mancs to a little post-work treat.
Sneaking in through the back door, The Lottery Winners appeared behind the bar and began pouring a few pints for the local punters before kicking off a surprise pub quiz and getting out the acoustic guitar for a quick little ditty.
Finally, we were actually in the right place for once.
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As you can see, the fun didn’t stop there; the pub quiz wasn’t just for a laugh (although we did have fun even from all the way at the bottom of the leaderboard), it was actually to win VIP passes to Kendal Calling this August and after ending in a tie-break, it all came done to ultimate decider: necking a pint.
We might have fancied our chances if we made it this far but, alas, twas not to be and the winning team proudly collected their well-earned prize.
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But once again, they still had another surprise up their sleeve, as Tom then revealed to the other two finalist that they would also be getting tickets to Kendal 2024.
We can’t wait for this year’s festival – it’s genuinely become one of our favourite festival full stop and the prospect of quite literally falling through the door of The Stagger Inn to be served by Tom Rylance is top funny an opportunity to pass up.
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There are still tickets left is you’ve never been before and fancy giving a go, and trust us, you won’t regret it one bit.
You can see the full lineup for Kendal Calling 2024 down below:
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.
Danny Jones -
10th July 2024 
