Looking for something to do with the kids that’ll keep them educated and entertained before they go back to school next term?
With the rising cost of living crisis sadly continuing to make its impact felt nationwide, and with the festive season being a time that most of us feel our finances stretching more than usual, it’s fair to say that finding different ways to keep the little ones occupied while still sticking to a budget can be quite a tricky task.
Thankfully, there’s currently a world-renowned art exhibition happening right here in Greater Manchester, and for a limited-time-only, kids can visit for free.
Having taken over the 1,200 sq metre Piazza space in the heart MediaCityUK, the Art of Banksy has been celebrating the work of one of the world’s most famous artists since it opened at the end of October, and before the event waves goodbye to the North West on Sunday 8 January 2023, kids will get the chance to take a look around free of charge.
You can now take the kids to see the immersive Banksy art exhibition at MediaCityUK for free / Credit: Supplied
Presented in partnership with HOME, the Art of Banksy features 145 authenticated Banksy works from 2002 to 2017 – ranging from prints, and canvases, to limited-edition pieces, unique works, and fascinating ephemera.
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They are all on display in a way that’s just not possible in a museum or gallery.
One of the standout pieces that visitors have been flocking far and wide to see is an extremely rare Banksy piece titled Leopard and Barcode, whichhas been donated to the exhibition by his ex-girlfriend, and hadn’t been publicly seen for more than a decade prior to this.
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The piece was originally sprayed onto the side of a house near Bristol, but after being saved from demolition work by a local architect, it had spent years wrapped in a blanket under a spare bed.
The Art of Banksy has been showing visitors how art has the power to affect social change, inspire the public, and lay bare the undercurrents of social issues – with those who’ve already headed down to the exhibition saying it’s an “unmissable experience for culture lovers” or anyone who’s keen to learn a bit more about the artist.
The Art of Banksy is an “unmissable experience for culture lovers” / Credit: Supplied
Fancy it then?
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All children under 16 can visit Art of Banksy at MediaCityUK for free with a paying adult before it closes on Sunday 8 January 2023.
Adult tickets will set you back just £19.50, with a range of concessions and VIP options available, and with advanced booking required, you can get your hands them either online at artofbanksy.co.uk or over the phone on 0343 208 1838.
Featured Image – Supplied
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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.
Emily Sergeant -
21st December 2022 
