The very first images of a brand-new luxury wedding venue opening its doors at Chester Zoo have finally been released.
After the UK’s largest charity zoo announced back in July 2022 that it would be venturing into the events scene with the opening of one of the North West‘s most unique wedding venues this year, the jaw-dropping first images of the luxury 200-capacity space, known as The Square, have officially been revealed to the public.
The Square is set to open following a three-year project to restore a Grade II-listed stable block, which has stood at the heart of the zoo since it opened in 1931.
The original structures were once home to some of the zoo’s first animals including lions, bears and chimpanzees – but now, the historic building offers a unique setting for weddings, with couples able to tie the knot surrounded by 27,000 animals.
First images of Chester Zoo’s stunning new luxury wedding venue released / Credit: Chester Zoo
When wedding bells aren’t ringing though, the venue can also be booked exclusively for meetings and corporate events.
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Featuring a whole host of preserved original features that Chester Zoo says “tell the story of its remarkable history”, the building boasts an impressive gated entrance, a large private courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters, and large windows overlooking newly created gardens, while many of the patterns and textures used throughout draw inspiration from some of the endangered species the zoo is working to protect.
Conservationists say income generated by every occasion held at the new venue will contribute to the zoo’s charitable efforts to prevent extinction.
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It’s also hoped the venue will go on to stage important global summits on wildlife conservation.
The Square is set to open in 2023 / Credit: Chester Zoo
“There’s nothing else quite like this stunning new venue anywhere in the UK,” admitted Chester Zoo’s CEO Jamie Christon.
“It’s an incredible building that’s stood at the heart of the zoo for approaching a century and, through careful restoration, it’s now been brought to life to create a one-of-a-kind space which not only embodies the zoo’s rich history and character, but offers modern luxuries and comforts.
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“And what’s more, who wouldn’t want to get married or have a company away day surrounded by 27,000 animals?
“Most importantly, each and every occasion that takes place at The Square will contribute to our charitable mission to prevent extinction, helping us to secure a brighter future for wildlife worldwide.
“That’s what makes our new venue incredibly special and we can’t wait to start welcoming people to it.”
The Grade II-listed space can accommodate up to 380 guests / Credit: Chester Zoo
The Square can accommodate 200 guests inside its main room, The Atrium, while three other reception and breakout rooms take the total capacity of the building to 380.
Each of the rooms can be used independently or in combination, giving the building the flexibility to be able to host any type of event, large or small.
Find out more and enquire about booking on the Chester Zoo website here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Family-friendly LGBTQ+ festival returns to Manchester Pride 2026
Danny Jones
Exactly what it says on the tin, Proud Fest returns to Manchester for 2026, promising plenty of fun for all ages away from the main hustle and bustle this summer.
Best part of all? It’s completely FREE.
Taking place in the heart of the city centre, it offers a viable alternative to many who want to avoid the major crowds that flock to Gay Village’s Pride party every year.
Just the second year that this LGBTQIA+ festival has been set up, making its colourful debut in 2025, there’ll be everything from live music, games and other interactive opportunities for all ages, arts and crafts, plus workshops and plenty more; there’s something for everyone here.
Championing “entertainment, family-friendly activities, music, creativity, and plenty of Pride spirit”, the 2026 edition of Proud Fest is set to be one of the biggest ever.
Based around Great Northern Warehouse just off Deansgate and Peter Street, it’s set to be hosted by drag queen ‘Aida H Dee’, as well as Sara Gosney-Hughes, best-known for her travel expertise and work as a broadcaster and producer at nearby station Hits Radio.
With both calling Manchester home, alongside lots of other organisers behind the free festivities, you can expect plenty of hometown passion and pride – pun very much intended.
Set up in partnership with Proud 2 b Parents (P2bP), mums, dads and more will also be able to enjoy the official Pride parade from a viewing area in the dedicated Community Hall, where they’ll get a perfect spot to watch the floats and performers go down the strip.
Canal Street is already gearing up for those sublime, sun-soaked evenings at the end of August.
Speaking ahead of the latest iteration of the annual festival, Founder and CEO of P2bP, Matt Taylor-Roberts, told us in a statement: “Proud Fest is about creating the spaces many of us wished existed when we first became parents.
“It’s a celebration of LGBTQ+ families in all their diversity and a reminder that every family deserves to feel seen, supported and celebrated.”
At its core, this is about creating a safe and friendly option for families to still feel connected to the queer community and play their part in the wider celebrations.
You can grab your completely complimentary tickets right HERE.
And if you’re looking for other great days out for the family in Manchester this summer, there’s another free event happening at Circle Square earlier in the month.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd May 2023 
