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Summer of sport hits Selfridges as department store launches into Sportopia

It’s athleisure paradise.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 29th July 2024

Selfridges is fully embracing the spirit of the sporting summer in 2024, with a huge focus on all things sports.

The legendary luxury department store has been taken over with beautiful athleisure, immersive installations and even foam fingers. 

Its two locations in Greater Manchester (at the Trafford Centre and in Exchange Square) are joining in on the excitement around the world this summer. 

Whether it’s been cheering on the Three Lions in the Euros, lapping up all the tennis action from Wimbledon, or getting ready to be struck down with Olympics fever, the world has gone sporting mad.

And over at Selfridges, you can browse through major-league brand collaborations that are bringing the action to your shopping trip. 

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sportopia 2024
(Credit: The Manc Group)

The department store’s famous window displays are even decorated with sporting art installations, including giant footballs and legs. 

A spotlight is being shone on the many athletics brands stocked at Selfridges, like Tala, North Face, Represent, and Alo Yoga.

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And you can browse all of these to find your perfect fit with a personal shopping appointment at Selfridges Trafford Centre. 

There’s a full range of Sportopia fashion items to shop too, from retro football-style shirts to sweatshirts, socks, caps, pin badges and even foam fingers. 

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selfridges summer of sport
Just a taste of the brands on offer at Selfridges’ sport-themed summer collection. (Credit: The Manc Group)

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To celebrate, Selfridges is hosting a Little Sportopia Kids’ Party at the Trafford Centre. 

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On 1 August, there’ll be live music, crafts, sporty games, face painting and complimentary sweet treats and refreshments, up in the kids’ and toys section on the upper level. 

To book your space or to find out more visit you can visit the Selfridges website and, in the meantime, let’s all sit back and enjoy a huge summer of sport.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group

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Dunham Massey – The corner of Greater Manchester with unbeatable autumn landscapes and one of nature’s great spectacles

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Dunham Massey in Autumn. Credit: James Beck

Dunham Massey is one of the North West’s proudest gems, a National Trust site that’s home to both a magnificent Georgian manor house and a beautiful deer park.

But there’s something to be said for the way it comes into its own as autumn rolls around, when the grounds are blanketed in red and orange leaves and a mist lies low over the lawns.

This is a perfect spot to escape into autumn properly, with a perfect mix of heritage, fresh air and scenery (as well as a pumpkin spice latte in the cafe afterwards).

As we creep further into the autumn months, autumnal bulbs will begin to bloom in the Winter Garden, leaves will rustle underfoot, and bright colours will transform the landscape.

When we hear ‘Dunham Massey’, most of us will think of the resident herd of fallow deer who still graze on the grounds of the former medieval deer park.

Those who explore the park on foot this autumn may catch a glimpse of breeding or ‘rutting’ season, one of nature’s great spectacles, where the bucks fight for their pick of the does.

Expect these amazing beasts to be roaring and bellowing at each other and showing off their fully grown antlers, with the bucks parallel walking and sizing each other up – and potentially clashing over the nearby females.

The best time to see the deer rutting at Dumham Massey is early in the mornings, when the park is quiet.

Also honouring the deer is the Stags in Bradgate Park sculpture, a silver masterpiece dating back to 1855, which was previously believed to have been lost forever and melted down.

Deer resting on the lawn at Dunham Massey. Credit: Arnhel de Serra
Deer resting on the lawn at Dunham Massey. Credit: Arnhel de Serra

Now back on display at Dunham Massey and reunited with the silver collection, it portrays two rutting red deer stags and was commissioned by George Harry Grey, 7th Earl of Stamford in an act of love and rebellion.

It was a symbol of locking horns with the Cheshire society that shunned him over his marriage to Catherine Cox – a woman who was considered beneath him by Victorian high society.

The silver centrepiece was crafted by royal goldsmiths and was seen as a masterpiece at the time, going on to be exhibited at the London International Exhibition of 1862 and the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867.

Elsewhere at Dunham Massey this autumn you’ll find the unique ORIGIN deep listening art installation, which connects visitors to the mansion and gardens through sonic landscapes and visual artistry.

Designed to soothe and rejuvenate, ORIGIN explores the powerful themes of life’s cycle and the human connection to nature.

Dunham Massey is accessible by public transport, with regular buses running from Altrincham and Warrington.

And you can claim 10% off in the ice cream parlour, cafe and restaurant when you show a valid bus ticket.

Find out more about Dunham Massey and what’s on offer this winter HERE.

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Featured image: James Beck

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Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank

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. 

Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Credit: Andrew Ogilvy Photography
Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Credit: Supplied
Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Credit: 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.

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Featured image: Supplied

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