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You can meet Santa on a festive ferris wheel at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas

The big red guy is taking to the skies once again.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 7th November 2023

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.

Read more:

You can find out more about what’s on at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas here.

Featured Image – Cheshire Oaks

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Every bit of live entertainment coming to Haydock Park Racecourse this summer | The Jockey Club Live 2025

Danny Jones Danny Jones what live music gigs are on at Haydock Park Racecourse this summer? 2025

With festival season officially underway and a music-filled summer approaching faster than Stone Folca down the final furlong, we’ll take any chance to sing and dance under the sun we can get, so it’s a good job that what’s on at Haydock Park Racecourse this year is great and there’s plenty of it.

That’s right, The Jockey Club Live experience at Haydock Park is back for 2025, and there’s another incredible lineup of acts joining the punters over the next few months.

Having already seen the likes of Craig David, Busted and the Sugababes, as well as rather fittingly named local band, Red Rum Club, most recently, we’ve had some ruddy good times soaking up The Jockey Club festivities and libations, and this year is already off to a storming start.

You can catch a glimpse of our latest visit to the races down below for a taster. In short, it was a blast.

As you can see, not only are the spirits high and free-flowing (if you catch our drift) at Haydock Park, but there’s more than just racing and betting slips when it comes to what’s on there during the summer.

In addition to plenty of food and drink, every year as part of their Music Night programme, The Jockey Club well and truly puts the Live in ‘live entertainment’ with a whole host of big names.

For instance, here’s who is coming up at Haydock this summer…

What’s on at Haydock Park Racecourse this summer?

Tom Jones – Friday, 4 July

Perhaps the biggest name on the bill this year is the legendary Welsh soul singer and pop veteran SIR Tom Jones; that’s right, you could be in the presence of a real knight this July.

The 85-year-old who has enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades on stage clearly couldn’t get enough the first time around, as Mr ‘Sex Bomb’ himself is coming back to the racecourse for a full headline slot as part of his ‘Defy Explanation’ tour.

Speaking ahead of another visit, he said: “Performing live is the centre of my life and I’m really pleased to be returning to Haydock Park Racecourse to play to such a welcoming audience. The Jockey Club Live shows are exciting dates in my calendar – the fans really enjoy the day, so [they] are always sensational.”

tom jones uk tour dates 2025
‘I can’t wait to spend a Summer’s evening with everyone this July.’ (Credit: Raph_PH via Flickr)

Becky Hill – Friday, 8 August

A month later, you can catch a contemporary pop queen and fellow British chart favourite, as solo star Becky Hill will be heading to Haydock for a headline performance of her own.

The Bewdley-born singer-songwriter and regular dance track feature artist already has 22 top 40 songs to her name and is pushing even further into the electronic music scene of late, with one of her newest hits, Swim’, becoming another big hit.

Jockey Club said of her date: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Becky and her phenomenal live show to Haydock Park. Tickets start from just £40, continuing our reputation for providing value-for-money entertainment destination for the region and beyond.”

becky hill haydock racecourse
‘With thousands of tickets for Red Rum Club sold in the presale alone, we’re urging fans to secure
their spot for next summer soon to avoid disappointment.’ (Credit: Press shot supplied via Chuff Media)

Next up: Jamie Webster – 21 June

But before both of these big British names is a local Merseyside legend, as indie guitarist and Liverpool-fan anthem specialist Jamie Webster will be heading down the road for what is sure to be a very popular night on home turf.

The ‘Weekend In Paradise’ and ‘This Place’ singer may have got his break performing to supporters around Anfield, but his music journey since then has been nothing short of remarkable – a real Northern, working-class success story in action.

Our Audio North team spoke to Webster ahead of his Haydock Park show on Saturday, 21 June and let’s just say we’re now more invested than ever in hearing Jamie play his third studio album, 10 For The People, for… well – you get it.

Come on, that’s a pretty solid lineup, isn’t it?

Better still, the party doesn’t stop once the summer is over, as The Jockey Club Live will be holding a number of other events throughout the rest of the year, not to mention all the usual horse-racing action at Haydock Park.

You can find out more information on the above and everything else on at the racecourse, as well as grab tickets to any of the dates that take your fancy right HERE.

Tiger Roll on the summer.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press shot (supplied)

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A free open-air cinema is opening in the heart of Manchester’s skyscraper district

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Screen on the Square will open at New Jackson this week

A free open-air cinema is opening in Manchester city centre this summer, screening everything from film to sporting and cultural events. 

Audiences will be able to recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views – the glittering towers of New Jackson.

With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline and a licensed outdoor bar, Screen on The Square will be a go-to hangout for Mancs this summer. 

This new opening at New Jackson will also have its own licensed outdoor bar. 

It’s all launching at New Jackson this weekend, Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.

Films on the schedule will include family favourites like Big Hero 6, Frozen, and Finding Nemo; cult classics such as Cool Runnings, Grand Budapest Hotel, and Back to the Future; and major musical blockbusters such as Mamma Mia and La La Land. 

As well as a packed programme of film screenings, Screen on the Square will be showing major summer events like Glastonbury, Wimbledon and the UEFA Women’s EURO competition. 

There’ll be family-friendly matinees and morning screenings, as well as later evening movie nights. 

Screen on the Square will take place on The Square at the base of Deansgate Square towers
Screen on the Square will take place on The Square at the base of Deansgate Square towers

Screen on The Square will run from Saturday 21 June until Sunday 14 September, at The Square at Deansgate Square in New Jackson. 

It’s the latest cultural and community offering from the new neighbourhood, which has transformed Manchester’s skyline with world-class skyscrapers. 

The New Jackson district includes Deansgate Square, The Blade, Three60, Crown Street, and Contour, and (once fully complete) will bring 6,400 homes. The neighbourhood already includes public spaces, a primary school, play area, NHS medical centre, health and wellness clinic, hair salon, cookery school, padel courts and loads of independent restaurants and bars. 

Full listings for Screen on the Square are below, and HERE. 

Screen on The Square programme*

  • Saturday 21 June, 3pm – Wall-E
  • Saturday 21 June, 7pm – Back to the Future
  • Sunday 22 June, 10am – Big Hero 6
  • Sunday 22 June, 7pm – Tron: Legacy
  • Friday 27 June, 12pm-11pm – Glastonbury
  • Saturday 28 June, 12pm-11pm – Glastonbury
  • Sunday 29 June, 12pm-11pm – Glastonbury
  • Wednesday 2 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Iceland v Finland
  • Wednesday 2 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Switzerland v Norway
  • Thursday 3 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Belgium v Italy
  • Thursday 3 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Spain v Portugal
  • Friday 4 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Denmark v Sweden
  • Friday 4 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Germany v Poland
  • Saturday 5 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Wales v Netherlands
  • Saturday 5 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: England v France
  • Sunday 6 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Norway v Finland
  • Sunday 6 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Switzerland v Iceland
  • Monday 7 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Spain v Belgium
  • Monday 7 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Portugal v Italy
  • Tuesday 8 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Germany v Denmark
  • Tuesday 8 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Poland v Sweden
  • Wednesday 9 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: England v Netherlands 
  • Wednesday 9 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: France v Wales
  • Thursday 10 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Finland v Switzerland or Norway v Iceland
  • Friday 11 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Italy v Spain or Portugal v Belgium
  • Saturday 12 July, 12pm – 7pm – Wimbledon
  • Saturday 12 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Sweden v Germany or Poland v  Denmark
  • Sunday 13 July, 12pm – 7pm – Wimbledon
  • Sunday 13 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: England v Wales or Netherlands v France
  • Wednesday 16 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
  • Thursday 17 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
  • Friday 18 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
  • Saturday 19 July, 3pm – Sing
  • Saturday 19 July, 5.30pm – Mamma Mia
  • Saturday 19 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
  • Sunday 20 July, 10am – Kids’ Morning: School of Rock
  • Sunday 20 July, 7pm – La La Land
  • Tuesday 22 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Semi Finals
  • Wednesday 23rd July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Semi Finals
  • Sunday 27 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Final
  • Saturday 2 August, 3pm – Kids’ Matinee: Frozen
  • Saturday 2 August, 7pm – Cool Runnings
  • Sunday 3 August, 10am – Kids’ Morning: Happy Feet
  • Sunday 3 August, 7pm – Grand Budapest Hotel
  • Saturday 30 August, 3pm – Kids’ Matinee: Finding Nemo
  • Saturday 30 August, 7pm – Chicken Run
  • Sunday 31 August, 10am – Kids’ Morning: My Neighbor Totoro
  • Sunday 31 August, 7pm – Persepolis
  • Saturday 6 September, 3pm – Kids’ Matinee: Shrek
  • Saturday 6 September, 7pm – Despicable Me
  • Sunday 7 September, 10am – Kids’ Morning: Mrs Doubtfire
  • Sunday 7 September, 7pm – Napoleon Dynamite
  • Saturday 13 September, 3pm – Kids’ Matinee: Fantastic Mr Fox
  • Saturday 13 September, 7pm – Goonies
  • Sunday 14 September, 10am – Kids’ Morning: The Princess Bride
  • Sunday 14 September, 7pm – Labyrinth

*Screenings are weather dependent and programme is subject to change

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Featured image: Supplied

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