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 free wedding show is returning to the spectacular Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall
Daisy Jackson
A beautiful wedding show is returning to the Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall next month, and it’s totally free to attend.
Rochdale Wedding Show will bring together 40 different suppliers, showcasing everything from flowers and wedding cars to catering and cakes.
There’ll be food tastings, live music, and breathtaking wedding fashion to get stuck into when the event returns to Rochdale Town Hall on Sunday 17 May.
Organisers Rochdale Borough Council have brought together a huge line-up of businesses to help couples get inspired and organised for their big day.
Companies will be showing off the latest trends in bridalwear, menswear, and everything in between when it comes to wedding fashion.
Then you’ll be able to meet and browse suppliers for your flowers, your wedding transport, photography, venue dressing, cake design, hair and make-up, entertainment, jewellery, music, decorations, and even lighting.
And even if you’re in the very early stages of planning, you might be able to find your perfect wedding venue at the Rochdale Wedding Show, along with masses of inspiration to get started.
Many suppliers will be offering exclusive ‘show only’ offers on the day too, so you could make some big savings.
Experts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions, whether you’re looking for something traditional, a more contemporary theme, or a civil ceremony.
If the surroundings of Rochdale Wedding Show have caught your eye, good news – you can get married at the Rochdale Town Hall itself, and will be able to take a look around the building on the day.
That includes the accommodation inside the nearby Rochdale Register Office which includes a 70-seat ceremony room, the Red Rose Suite, which holds marriage and civil partnership ceremonies.
Classic and contemporary wedding cars will be on display at Rochdale Wedding ShowEnjoy a taste of wedding bands and DJs at Rochdale Wedding ShowA complimentary glass of fizz and canapes will be served to guests on arrival.Hair and beauty experts will be at Rochdale Wedding ShowToastmaster Alan CalowLooking for inspiration? At the show there will be many ideas for things you may not have even considered having at your wedding, yet!Meet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersExperts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questionsThe bar on the first-floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktailsMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersCompanies will be exhibiting the latest collections and trends in bridal wear, formal menswear and everything in betweenVisitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurantRochdale Wedding Show will be in the stunning Rochdale Town Hall, itself a popular wedding venue
Guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of fizz and canapes, and in between wedding planning, visitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurant, where there’ll be hearty Sunday roasts with all the trimmings on offer.
The first floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktails, including a Passion Fizz, Blushed and Frisky, and Love Bite, plus other drinks and snacks.
Events manager Charlotte Preston says: “Rochdale Wedding Show is the ultimate afternoon out for anyone looking to look at their options ahead of the big day.
“Whether you are in the early stages of planning or your wedding is rapidly approaching, this is a must attend event to get ideas and inspiration, meeting the experts and relaxing with friends and family.”
No need to book tickets, entry is free, just turn up and browse – you can find out more HERE.
National Trust’s popular Manchester blossom trail returns with dozens of Bloomtown events this spring
Emily Sergeant
The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme is back once again.
Each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white.
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season, as there’s plenty of blossom to discover right on our doorstep in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re walking through the city centre on your way to work, enjoying a spot of lunch in the park, or going on a little local adventure with your family, the National Trust’s interactive Bloomtown map is filled with more than 50 of the best places to see blossom – with trails that will take you on a journey through several floral hotspots.
You can follow the Bloomtown Trail everywhere from Manchester city centre, to Salford, Trafford, Rochdale, and Stockport, or get creative and use the map to explore and create your very-own route.
The National Trust’s popular Manchester blossom and Bloomtown trail has returned this spring / Credit: The Manc Group
That’s not all either, as the National Trust has also organised a whole host of themed events and activities to help you appreciate the blossoms in all their glory.
You can get involved in everything from walks and bike rides, to poetry, dance, storytelling, creative workshops, and so much more at hotspots like Castlefield Viaduct, Dunham Massey, and Lyme Park.
Bee Pedal Ready are hosting a series of Bloomtown bike rides – including one this weekend (Saturday 25 April, followed by others in May) – where you can bring your own bike or borrow one for free and explore some of Manchester’s best blossom-lined routes.
A special Blossom-themed parkrun will take place at Heaton Park next weekend (Saturday 2 May), or there’s also a hands-on ‘blossomify your kit’ workshop at the park’s Lakeside Cafe this Saturday (25 April) morning too.
One of the most creative events on the lineup has to be the poetry and writing walks through the city’s pocket parks and green spaces, where you’ll be given a related writing prompt at each blossom stop.
First timers and experienced poets alike are welcome of the event on late May bank holiday Monday (25 May).
Bloomtown then ends in a finale weekend with dance performances and music created from the electrical signals of plants on Saturday 30 May at Castlefield Viaduct (booking required), as well as a free celebration for all ages on Sunday 31 May at The Whitworth Art Gallery – featuring blossom-themed storytelling, arts and crafts, bike rides, free books, drumming, dance, and more.
The Bloomtown programme is underway until 31 May, and you can find out more about all the themed events and book your tickets on the National Trust website here.
Emily Sergeant -
7th November 2023 
