A family nude swim event held annually at Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent is set to go ahead this weekend despite the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and criticism faced in previous years.
The skinny dipping session – which is organised by British Naturism – is open to adults and kids of all ages.
Organisers have spoken out ahead of this weekend to reassure members that the naked swim – described as the “biggest waterpark event of the year” – is still planned to go ahead with a number of necessary COVID-safe measures put in place.
Those attending will be able to ditch their usual swimming attire to ride on some of the best slides in nothing but their birthday suit.
The event usually attracts 300 people to the Staffordshire city, but in previous years has garnered widespread criticism among members of the public that it could attract people looking to prey on youngsters, and one session held last year saw even around 20 protesters gather outside the entrance to Waterworld with the police in attendance.
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A petition was also set up.
However, British Naturism and Waterworld have both strongly defended the event.
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Waterworld
In a statement previously issued to StokeonTrentLive, a spokesperson for British Naturism said: “British Naturism is an organisation that has been in existence for over 50 years with many of our clubs being even older.
“We have a membership of 9,000 over 18s.
“We take our safeguarding and health and safety responsibility seriously and review our practices in advance of every event we run. We have a robust child and vulnerable adults safeguarding policy – it’s actually rather ignorant of the complainers to assume that we don’t. It was developed in conjunction with the NSPCC and is reviewed annually.
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“We also have a strict ‘no cameras’ rule with any photographs to record the event only being taken by our official photographer, who follow certain guidelines about what can be taken.
“Children at our events are always supervised by their parents and not allowed to attend unaccompanied – unlike schools, churches, scouts, play areas and other venues where parents opt to leave their children in the care of others.
“Naturist swims are being successfully – and safely – run all around the country throughout the year.”
Waterworld
Waterworld owner Mo Chaudry added: “It’s time to set the record straight and get this situation into perspective.
“British Naturism is a perfectly law-abiding organisation which has been hiring our venue – and many similar sites across the UK – for private swimming events for more than 20 years. In all that time, the Waterworld sessions have passed off happily and peacefully, and we have never had any reasons for concern.
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“It’s important to point out that these events are completely private. They are not open to anyone to simply walk in off the street. They are restricted to the organisation’s members and pre-registered guests, and no children attend without parents or guardians.
“I am not a naturist, but I fiercely defend the rights of those who choose to be.
“It is not Waterworld’s role to be judge and jury on a matter where no laws of the land are being broken [and] we hire out our venue to a wide range of different groups for their private functions.
“The morally right thing to do is for us to continue giving our full support to British Naturism, which has exactly the same rights to hire our facility as any other law-abiding organisation.”
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Space NK to give away hundreds of free goody bags at opening of new Trafford Centre store
Emily Sergeant
Space NK is set to open its new store in the Trafford Centre this weekend, and hundreds of shoppers are expected to turn out.
As the leading beauty retailer – which also recently just opened a swanky new store in Manchester Arndale – prepares to welcome cosmetics fans through the doors of its newest Greater Manchester home this weekend, customers are being told they’re in for a real treat, as the brand has now confirmed some exciting launch day plans.
The first 300 people to visit the new Trafford Centre store on Saturday (21 September) when it opens at 10am will receive an exclusive Space NK goody bag filled with items from some of the world’s best beauty brands.
Not only that, but the first 200 shoppers to spend £150 in store will also receive a goody bag that’s worth an incredible £300.
Known and loved by millions of shoppers all across the country for offering a wide range of products, including skincare, cosmetics, and even beauty ‘gadgets’ too, Space NK stocks more than 130 world-renowned brands.
Drunk Elephant, Nars, Charlotte Tilbury, and Diptyque are just some of the big names the retailer is known to stock, alongside a whole host of exclusive products.
The new Trafford Centre store will feature 18 makeup ‘gondolas’, more than 300 shelves of the most in-demand brands, and dedicated areas for customers to try products at their leisure.
Space NK is opening a new store in the Trafford Centre this weekend / Credit: Space NK (via Facebook)
To make sure no launch-day customer walks away empty handed, Space NK branded tote bags will be handed out to Trafford Centre shoppers, alongside a selection of different beauty samples for anyone joining the queue.
Across the opening weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, any customer who makes a purchase in-store will also get the chance to play the ‘Spin to Win’ wheel game, and there’s loads of amazing prizes set to be won – including a much-coveted Space NK advent calendar, just in time for the festive season.
DJs will be blasting tunes to entertain shoppers all weekend long, and there’ll also be an exclusive set from TikTok sensation, the Altego twins, as well as complementary croissants and cookies for the first customers in the queue.
Space NK will be located on Lower Peel Avenue in the Trafford Centre, and it officially opens for business from 10am on Saturday 21 September.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A popular Manchester bar is giving away hundreds of FREE beers next week
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most popular city centre bars is set to give away hundreds of free beers for just two days only.
And it’s all to celebrate the long-awaited return of Oktoberfest.
In case you hadn’t heard, Manchester is gearing up for a two-week “Bavarian extravaganza” starting at the end of this month, as popular city centre hangout, Albert’s Schloss, unveiled its programme of Oktoberfest-themed events a couple of weeks back, and it’s packed with plenty of bier-fuelled fun, foodie classics, and round-the-clock revelry.
The much-loved venue has become “the ultimate purveyor of Bavarian bliss” in Manchester over the years, and 2024 is expected to be absolutely no different.
Revellers are invited to head on down to Schloss for a whirlwind of celebrations.
Throughout the 16-day event, which is kicking off from next Thursday 26 September, you can get stuck into everything from ‘Keg Tapping’, and sipping specially-selected beers, to experiencing must-see “eclectic” entertainment, a live Oompah brass band, best dressed competitions, and a whole host of other games and activities.
But it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without the beer, right? Or should we say, ‘bier’.
Luckily, Albert’s Schloss will be serving Munich’s ‘Big Six’, making it the only venue in Manchester to serve all six of the legitimate Oktoberfest beers synonymous with the festival this year.
Annual Oktoberfest celebrations are returning to Manchester with a two-week ‘Bavarian extravaganza’ / Credit: Supplied
To celebrate the festivities in true Bavarian style too, Schloss will be giving away 100 free biers to the first 100 guests through the door on both Thursday 26 September and Thursday 3 October.
Eager bier-lovers will need to be ready to enter the venue from 5pm on both Thursdays if they want be in with the chance of getting to sip on a pint of Höfbrauhaus, Löwenbräu, Augustinerbräu, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, or Spaten-Franziskaner from the classic lineup, all without having to spend a single penny.
Schloss’ beloved Cook Haus will also be offering Oktoberfest classics too, like crispy Bavarian Schweinshaxe pork knuckle, and a whole section dedicated to Schnitzels and the traditional Bratwurst.
Oktoberfest 2024 is running at Albert’s Schloss Manchester from Saturday 21 September – Sunday 6 October, and you can find out more on the venue’s website here.
The Manc -
23rd September 2020 
