It was first teased back in February – but the green light has finally be given for the brand-new £60 million outdoor surf centre in Trafford.
The approved plans for Modern Surf Manchester – based on Barton Dock Road in TraffordCity – primarily include a leisure complex that’s set to house the region’s first surf lagoon, giving beginners, learners, and even professionals the chance to test their surf skills in a fun, safe, and natural-looking environment.
The lagoon will be powered by Wavegarden – a company specialising in man-made wave technology that promises “perfect, ocean-like waves” of up to 8ft.
That’s not all either, as the approved plans also show the complex boasting several other interactive attractions for visitors to have a crack at, including a pump track and fitness zone, half-pipe skateboarding area, bouldering and balancing zones.
A number of on-site bar and restaurant facilities are also planned.
The approved plans also show the complex boasting several other interactive attractions for visitors / Credit: Modern Surf
“We’re delighted that Trafford Council has approved our proposals for Modern Surf and are very grateful to residents for the extraordinary level of support we have received,” said Billy McKinney – Managing Director of McKinney Group.
“Modern Surf will complement the already excellent leisure-based activities in TraffordCity and help to inspire the next generation of surfers and athletes [and] we hope to create 100 FTE jobs when operational, as well as supporting many more during the construction phase.
“Look out for more updates over the coming months.”
The lagoon will have man-made wave technology that promises “perfect, ocean-like waves” of up to 8ft / Credit: Wavegarden
The site in TraffordCity will be owned and managed by Peel L&P, and complemented the new £250 million Therme Manchester wellness resort already been approved nearby, which will feature indoor pools and warm water lagoons, a wave pool, slides, swim-up bars, botanical gardens and spa facilities.
James Whittaker – Executive Development Director at Peel L&P – added: “We are thrilled to hear that planning permission has been granted for Modern Surf which will bring something unique to the already strong leisure offering.
“Our vision is to be the UK’s number one destination for the retail, leisure, and business in a sustainable environment where over the last 25 years we have created over 17,500 jobs and invested over £1.6 billion.
“Alongside Therme Manchester, Modern Surf will be another fantastic leisure attraction to TraffordCity that will complement all the surrounding businesses.”
Modern Surf Manchester is expected to open by 2023.
Featured Image – Modern Surf
Things To Do
Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later this year
Thomas Melia
There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.
Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.
The line-up features some well-renowned names in thecomedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.
You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp.
The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied
“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough.
Featured Images – Supplied (via Publicity Pictures)
Things To Do
Lewis Capaldi announces huge outdoor Manchester gig at Wythenshawe Park next summer
Emily Sergeant
Lewis Capaldi has announced a run of huge outdoor shows next summer, and he’ll be stopping off here in Manchester.
After unprecedented demand saw one of the biggest-ever rushes for tickets across both pre-sale and general sale earlier this year, Lewis Capaldi is currently blazing through a triumphant 200,000-ticket sold out 17-date UK arena tour as we speak – and is set to take to the Co-op Live stage for two huge Manc gigs this weekend.
But he shows no signs of slowing down soon, as he has today announced his biggest ever UK and Ireland headline gigs for next summer.
Wythenshawe Park is fast becoming one of Manchester‘s go-to outdoor gig venues, and Lewis’s visit next summer is only helping the reputation, as the Scottish 28-year-old will be headlining the park for one night only next August.
The announcement of the run of summer outdoor shows comes amid Lewis’s first return to touring in two years following his triumphant Glastonbury 2025 return after an extended break to take care of his mental health break, and following the release of his comeback track ‘Survive’, which shot to the top of the UK charts and became the fastest-selling single of 2025.
The response to Lewis’s current tour has been ‘electric’, according to critics, who have been unanimous in their praise for him.
Prior to his comeback, Lewis played a run of Scottish warm up shows in May that saw him return to the stage as a guest of mental health charity CALM, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Lewis Capaldi – Summer Outdoor Gigs 2026
Wednesday 24 June – Marlay Park, Dublin
Friday 26 June – Thomond Park, Limerick
Sunday 28 June – TX Maxx presents Live at Powderham, Exeter
Tuesday 30 June – Blackweir Fields, Cardiff
Saturday 4 July – American Express presents Roundhay Festival, Leeds
Saturday 11 July – American Express presents BST Hyde Park, London
Thursday 20 August – Vital, Belfast
Saturday 22 August – Wythenshawe Park, Manchester
With no pressure and no level of expectation, the shows allowed Lewis the space to gauge his comfort and emotional response before returning to the spotlight – a move which ended up proving nothing short of a triumph.
Lewis Capaldi will be coming to Wythenshawe Park in Manchester on Saturday 22 August 2026, and tickets go on pre-sale this Thursday 18 September at 9am, before general sale commences the following day (Friday 19 September), again at 9am.
Emily Sergeant -
24th September 2021 
