Those autumn walks are going to be better than ever, as a brightly-lit nature trail is hitting Hollingworth Lake this October.
Known for drawing visitors from all over Greater Manchester and the north west, this Rochdale country park is set to host an environmental art experience suitable for all ages.
Running from Thursday 24 October to Sunday 27 October 2024, walkers can expect the skies near Hollingworth Lake to be lit up by a magical variety of lanterns and light features inspired by animals, insects, and the surrounding wildlife.
Titled Wild Wanders, the event will be completely free, and is the creative genius of Rochdale Borough Council and international outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank – with funding from Arts Council England and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
300 local school children, community groups, and artists have helped make the trail come to life.
This is a full sound and visual experience, as alongside the bright lights and captivating displays will be a soundscape of school children‘s voices describing their ambitions for a more environmentally-friendly world.
The event aims to show people what it could be like to live in a world that is biodiverse, carbon neutral, beautiful, and sustainable.
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Advanced booking is advised, and visitors will have the option to select a 30-minute time slot between the events opening hours each night.
Parking and toilet facilites will be available on site, with accessible spaces for blue badge holders able to be requested when booking tickets online, and visitors can also purchase drinks and snacks from the nearby The Woodlands Cafe before or after the trail too.
A magical new illuminated nature trail will light up a popular Rochdale lake this autumn / Credit: Rochdale Borough Council
“This will be something we’ve never seen before, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world,” teased Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
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“There will be something to captivate all ages, including hands-on elements and a kaleidoscope of colour featuring fire gardens, flowers, moths, stilt walkers, lanterns, woodland animals and much more.
“It will be bold and magical, so don’t miss your chance to get free tickets when they are released.”
Wild Wanders will run from 6:30pm to 9pm on 24 & 25 October, and 6pm to 9pm on 26 & 27 October – with free tickets available to book from 10am on Monday 23 September here.
Featured Image – Rochdale Borough Council
Things To Do
The UK’s biggest fashion thrift market is back at a historic Manchester building next weekend
Thomas Melia
Manchester is about to get thrifty, as the city is housing the UK’s largest thrift market for the fifth year in a row this month.
The biggest pop-up sustainable fashion market in the country, Clothes Cycle, brings together everything from sustainability and affordability, to fashion and community, and it’s heading our way in just a few days time.
Alongside rooting through racks of vintage garments, shoppers will be treated to pop-up jewellery and accessory shops, which are even offering nail and tooth gem services by qualified artists.
Manchester is already known for its love of vintage fashion and pre-loved clothing, with plenty of shops dotted around the streets of this city.
The UK’s biggest fashion thrift market returns to Manchester this weekend / Credit: Clothes Cycle Markets
Another thing Manchester loves at the minute is… matcha.
And it’s a good thing we mentioned it because while you’re browsing for a crop top or two, why not keep the other hand open for a matcha as Bird & Blend Co. will have their own on-site matcha bar.
The lucky site which gets to host this fashion-focused event is Victoria Baths, which is just outside of the city centre.
More than 100 sellers will be there on the day, so all guests attending will be sure to find something that matches their style, hopefully without having to break the bank.
There’s also the opportunity for you to walk away with an exclusive free item as the first 100 people in the queue will be given a free tote bag – Perfect for all the clothes you’re about to grab.
This really will be a shopper’s paradise too, as not only will there be clothes and accessories to shop, you can bring five items to clothes swap, which means you’re technically decluttering (It’s girl math, ok).
Clothes Cycle returns to Victoria Baths in Manchester on Sunday 30 March from 11am – 5pm, with tickets starting from just £4.50 HERE.
Featured Image – Clothes Cycle Markets
Things To Do
Will Smith announces huge gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Hollywood icon and music star Will Smith is releasing new music for the first time in 20 years, and he’s performing in Manchester later this year.
Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down because The Fresh Prince a.k.a Will Smith is coming to Manchester and he’s bringing new music too.
One of the biggest names in the world, the 56-year-old is behind some seriously catchy songs like ‘Miami’, Summertime’, ‘Gettin Jiggy Wit It’.
His new album drops on 28 March, titled ‘Based On A True Story’, and has some featuring credits from R&B megastar Teyana Taylor and his own son Jaden too.
The opening track of the new record ‘Int. Barbershop – Day’ even sees the Philadelphia native linking up with ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ theme tune collaborator, DJ Jazzy Jeff.
It should come as no surprise that this superstar is returning to the stage since both his children have been reaching impressive heights with their musical careers, especially Willow.
Smith has been kicking it with the big dogs of the rap scene recently as current global phenomenon Doechii recruited him for a viral video surrounding her latest single ‘Anxiety’.
This isn’t the only way Smith has been staying in the public eye, he’s also dropped the collaboration ‘First Love’ with Spanish singer, India Martínez, even performing it at Latin award show, Premio Lo Nuestro.
This isn’t the only huge stage he’s performing on as he took to social media to announce he’ll be playing for Concacaf Nations League at Sofi Stadium on 23 March.
The Hollywood star has picked up an Oscar, four Grammys, a BAFTA and films he’s featured in have grossed just under $10 billion – he is legendary.
Now, he’s set to play three UK cities including Manchester, London and even a show in Wolverhampton, we really did get lucky with this one.
The album cover for his latest drop in 20 years ‘Based On A True Story’.The tracklist for Will Smith’s upcoming project.Credit: Instagram
Thomas Melia -
18th September 2024 
