Santa is taking to the skies once again this Christmas, and families will get the chance to meet him in one of the most unique locations in the region.
With the festive season fast approaching, and now just 48 days to go until the big day is here, there’s arguably no better place in the North West to get cracking on your Christmas shopping than at Cheshire Oaks.
Just less than an hour’s drive from Manchester city centre, Cheshire Oaks is the largest Designer Outlet in the UK, and is home to over 400,000 square feet of retail space – with more than 150 boutiques, restaurants, and cafes to choose from.
But no festive visit to the shopping village is complete without meeting Santa, right?
You can meet Santa on a festive ferris wheel at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
Although this year, Cheshire Oaks’ beloved grotto will look a little different to usual, as after what was the smash-hit success of the first ever ‘Santa in the Sky’ experience last year, the big man in red and his trusty elves are taking to the skies once again in 2023, and inviting you on a fantastical festive adventure on the outlet’s ‘Big Wheel’.
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Taking pride of place next to the iconic Cheshire Oaks Christmas tree – which stands at whopping a 90ft tall, and is in the heart of all the action – the Big Wheel offers shoppers breathtaking views of the Cheshire skyline all lit up brighter than ever before, so it’s not hard to see why Santa is pulling up a pew on there for another year.
The ‘Santa in the Sky’ experience is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas as a family this winter, and make memories to last a lifetime.
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The outlet’s Big Wheel offers shoppers breathtaking views of the Cheshire skyline / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
Open every weekend and on selected weekday dates throughout December, with 10-minutes flights taking place from 2pm-7:30pm on Fridays, and 9am-4pm on all other days, included in the ticket price is a place on the Big Wheel flight with Santa and his elves, as well as a complimentary hot chocolate, festive cookie, and a personalised lanyard.
Little ones will also get a free bag of reindeer food to take home with them too.
Also new for this year are ‘Sensory Sessions’ inside the iconic Christmas tree – which will be running for the first hour of every open day, and will accommodate anyone with sensory or access needs.
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While ‘Santa in the Sky’ and ‘Sensory Sessions’ are bound to be the stand-out events, that’s not all that’s on offer at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas, as the outlet’s much-loved Winter Village is also back for another year, so you can take a break from shopping and snuggle up to enjoy a festive drink and bite to eat in one of the bookable Christmas huts.
Cheshire Oaks’ much-loved Winter Village is also back for another year / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
Whether you’re in the mood for a bratwurst straight from the swing grill, a cup of hot mulled wine, or a delicious hot chocolate, the German Christmas market-inspired Alpine Lodge is the perfect place unwind and soak in the festive spirit after a long day of grabbing gifts.
Cheshire Oaks’ General Manger, Kenny Murray, says the outlet wants to give visitors an “unforgettable experience” this Christmas.
“By bringing back our much-loved Winter Village and the return of last year’s Santa in the Sky experience, we have made sure our guests will have an unforgettable experience visiting our centre this festive season,” he explained.
The Winter Village is the perfect place to take a break from shopping and grab festive food and drink / Credit: Cheshire Oaks
“We’re confident our unbeatable prices across a selection of our much-loved premium brands to explore will allow our guests to shop for the best festive gifts, whilst also enjoying the holiday cheer through the many activities scheduled this winter”.
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Tickets for ‘Santa in the Sky’ are going on sale next Monday (13 November) from 10am, and are likely to sell out, so you’ll need to be quick if you’re looking to secure your spot.
You can find out more about what’s on at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas here.
Featured Image – Cheshire Oaks
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A huge, free wedding fair is taking place at the beautiful Rochdale Town Hall this spring
Thomas Melia
A huge wedding fair is taking placelater this year in Rochdale and the best part is, it’s completely free.
Weddings are notoriously tricky to plan and when everyone around you keeps calling it ‘the big day’, it can feel very daunting knowing where to begin.
Rochdale has got you covered as not only are they putting together a huge wedding fair at the beautiful, recently transformed Rochdale Town Hall, you don’t have to spend a single penny to attend.
This show is a returning event for the Greater Manchester borough and it usually attracts hundreds of visitors from across the region and beyond, eager to check out more than 40 different suppliers.
There will be experts on hand to give advice and answer any queries you may be having about making sure your wedding day runs smoothly.
Weddings at Rochdale Town Hall. Credit: Natalie Parker Photography
A catwalk will also be taking place with presentations at two set times, 12.30pm and 2pm, where models will be wearing different designer dresses and showing off all the latest collections.
Every aspect of the wedding process is covered at this fair from photographers, car rentals, catering, cake designers, entertainment and more – anything you could possibly need to get hitched without a hitch will all be here in one room.
As you walk round this special event, guests may even find they’ve found something they didn’t even know they needed yet.
Weddings at Rochdale Town Hall. Credit: Natalie Parker Photography
Anyone looking to celebrate the fair in style can taste the various cocktails made available on the first floor venue, The Zodiac Bar, with snacks on hand too.
There’s also opportunities for attendees who are considering tying the knot at Rochdale Town Hall itself to preview ‘The Wedding Dressing Room’.
This is a private space that features stylish dressing tables and spotlight mirrors, and also offers the Bride and bridal party an area to ‘freshen up’ and take some time out to relax.
The Rochdale Wedding Show is happening on Sunday 2 March and anyone interested in attending this event can find all the detailsHERE.
Featured Image: Supplied, Natalie Parker Photography
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Fashion brand Blake Mill to host pop-up shop in Manchester this month
Thomas Melia
Bold and stylish fashion brand Blake Mill are hosting a pop up shop later this month and it’s happening right here in Manchester.
Well renowned for their unique British designs, Blake Mill is running an exclusive event in collaboration withthe wonderful charity Mind.
Through this pop up shop, guests will be able to discover the wide range of designs and styles that are featured on their cherished shirts and polo shirts.
ThisManchester based fashion company aims to make anyone who wears their products stand out from the crowd whether that’s a plain and simple block colour or some quirky and eye-catching patterns.
Mental health charity Mind, who are also involved in the pop up shop, will be receiving 10% of the money made from each shirt, which will be used towards supporting people struggling with their mental health.
The mental health organisation have a variety of resources including their online and over the phone helpline which can be accessed from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
What better way to celebrate sprucing up your wardrobe than also knowing you’ve helped contribute to an outstanding and dependable charity too.
Alongside hosting the event, the polo shirt specialists are also running limited offers including 70% off a handful of Blake Mill collections – it would be rude not to.
There’s going to be lots of interactive fun as well with a digital ‘Wheel of Fortune’ where each contestant is guaranteed to win prizes, including Blake Mill merchandise.
Everyone who decides to pay the event a visit will bag themselves a complimentary gift in the form of a Blake Mill t-shirt.
It’s hungry work finding your latest office and party attire, that’s why there will be an upstairs room dedicated to refreshments and snacks, clothes and food.
Blake Mill’s special pop up shop with Mind is taking place on 30 January from 11am to 1pm at Fourways House, for more information about the fashion company and their chosen charity find outHERE.
Emily Sergeant -
7th November 2023 
