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.
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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.
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“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.
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“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
Victoria Baths is ‘resurrecting’ its popular spooky silent disco this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
Halloween is on its way, and Silence of the Baths is being ‘resurrected’ for another year.
Returning for a ‘fright night of thrills’ after a sell-out debut in 2023, and then for a smash-hit revival of three of Manchester’s most iconic fallen nightclubs in 2024, Victoria Baths has announced that Silence of the Baths will be returning for its third year, transforming the stunning Grade II-listed building into one of the spookiest settings this Halloween.
For the popular one-off event, Victoria Baths is set to ‘show its darker side’, as the pool halls, Turkish Baths, and labyrinth of spaces undergo an epic Halloween makeover.
Victoria Baths is teaming up with Girls on Film for one of the best nights in the city this Halloween, as the historic space becomes a ‘haunted haven’ of glamour and ghosts.
Partygoers are encouraged to dress the part and wander through the empty pools and haunted corridors as each space is transformed into spooky playground filled with ghouls, spiders, bats, and coffins – but most importantly, good times.
From the balcony above the former pool, the Girls on Film crew will take over the silent disco with a trio of DJs on three different channels.
Hattie Pearson will be on Channel 1, Meme Gold on Channel 2, and the Channel 3 will have DJ MXw0rld.
Victoria Baths is ‘resurrecting’ its popular spooky silent disco this Halloween / Credit: Chris Payne (via Supplied)
As mentioned, ticketholders are being encouraged to ‘dress to distress’ on the night, not only because it’s Halloween, but also because the person with the most haunting look has the chance to win a Halloween Swag Bag.
There’ll be plenty of elixirs and spirits to sip on all night long, and don’t forget to strike a pose against the Baths’ iconic backdrop.
The Silence of the Baths III: The Return will take over Victoria Baths on Saturday 25 October, with doors creaking open from 7:30pm, and tickets are now on sale here and setting you back £20 each (plus a booking fee).
The event sold out last year, so early ticket purchase is recommended
All ticket purchases support the work of The Victoria Baths Trust to preserve Victoria Baths, so that communities can continue to enjoy this inspiring building.
Featured Image – Chris Payne (via Supplied)
Things To Do
The North West’s most mesmerising festive light trail will return to Dunham Massey next month
Daisy Jackson
A magical illuminated trail will make its return to the historic Dunham Massey this winter, once again filling the grounds with twinkling lights and dazzling installations.
Christmas at Dunham Massey has become one of the North West’s most popular festive light trails, created by award-winning light trail producers and taking place annually at the National Trust site in Greater Manchester.
For 2025, there’ll be brand-new installations, like ‘Fish Are Jumping’, where points of light will leap like fish over the lake, in a mesmerising dance.
Visitors will walk through multicoloured landscapes of laser beams, while a projection on the facade of the historic house at Dunham Massey will narrate festive stories.
You’ll also be able to marvel at installations like ‘Field of Stars’ where colour-changing stars more than five metres high glow overhead; ‘Crocus Lawn’, filled with larger-than-life glowing flowers; and ‘Pixel Trees’, a cluster of Christmas trees made from thousands of LEDs.
Credit: Luke DysonChristmas at Dunham MasseyIt’s one of the North West’s most dazzling light trails. Credit: Luke DysonChristmas at Dunham Massey is returning in 2025. There’ll a fairground
There’ll also be a large triangular geometric light show, enhanced by an atmospheric haze, that will provide a dramatic moment on the trail.
And beloved elements returning to Christmas at Dunham Massey this year will include the iconic tunnel of lights, huge illuminated flowers, and appearances from Father Christmas himself.
Beyond the installations, there’s even a festive fairground you can enjoy.
Festive food on offer at Christmas at Dunham Massey
Once you’ve had your fill of this dazzling light trail, there are seasonal treats available from hand-picked street food vendors, like spiced winter drinks and rich hot chocolates, plus marshmallows you can toast over an open fire.
This year’s Christmas at Dunham Massey will kick off from Thursday 13 November and will run all the way through Christmas to Sunday 4 January 2026.
Advance booking is strongly advised as this is one of the region’s most popular festive events, and runs with a limited capacity.
Emily Sergeant -
24th September 2021 
