Stunning new images have revealed what Chester Zoo‘s upcoming luxury wedding and events venue will look like when it opens next year.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo has released an exclusive set of artist’s impressions providing a first glimpse of the wildlife charity’s new 200-capacity wedding destination – which is named ‘The Square’ and is scheduled to open in spring 2023.
The pictures show the building’s bright and spacious interiors, and the rooms feature patterns and textures that draw inspiration from the zoo’s mission to prevent the extinction of endangered species.
The luxury space is an extension of an existing Grade II-listed stable block that has stood at the heart of the 128-acre zoo since it opened in 1931.
The original structures were once home to some of the zoo’s first animals such as lions, bears, and chimpanzees, and conservationists at the zoo say they plan to retain the “rich history and character” of the building through the renovation.
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Artist impression images of The Square at Chester Zoo set to open in 2023 / Credit: Chester ZooArtist impression images of The Square at Chester Zoo set to open in 2023 / Credit: Chester Zoo
The space will also be extended in some areas using sustainably sourced and wildlife-friendly materials.
Featuring an impressive gated entrance, the unique building will also have its own large private courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters, and large windows overlooking the zoo’s botanical gardens.
There’ll also be a whole host of preserved historical features too.
Speaking ahead of the venue’s launch next year, Jamie Christon – CEO at Chester Zoo – said: “Work is underway to bring to life this incredible building that has stood at the heart of the zoo for more than 91 years.
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Artist impression images of The Square at Chester Zoo set to open in 2023 / Credit: Chester Zoo
“The Square will be a special, one-of-a-kind space that preserves the zoo’s rich history and character, while also adding a modern twist to its interior that showcases our plans for a more sustainable future.
While the zoo has, for some time, offered an intimate wedding and events space at The Oakfield gastropub, which can hold around 50 guests, we’re frequently asked if we can accommodate larger scale events.
“That’s why we’re really excited to begin welcoming guests to this incredible new venue from early next year.
“But what’s particularly special is that income generated by each and every occasion that takes place at The Square will contribute to our charitable mission and help us to secure a brighter future for wildlife on our planet.
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“When The Square opens in spring 2023, there will be nothing else quite like it in the UK.”
Artist impression images of The Square at Chester Zoo set to open in 2023 / Credit: Chester Zoo
The grand opening of The Square is planned for spring 2023, and wedding dates are still available.
The main event room is planned to have a capacity of 200, while reception and breakout rooms brings the total capacity of the building to 380.
You can find out more, and enquire about your wedding or event here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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Leigh Leopards share update regarding Tesi Niu allegations
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester rugby league side Leigh Leopards have now issued an update addressing the allegations levelled at one of their players, Tesi Niu.
With the statement coming directly from the club’s owner, Derek Beaumont, the club have shed light on their understanding of the situation.
Beaumont, who bought the team over a decade ago and rebranded it from ‘Centurions’ to the Leopards back in 2022 (and also owns a local decking company based in Worsley), appeared to speak on behalf of the club following the accusations made last week.
Sharing an official communication on social media on Wednesday afternoon, 8 January, they open by saying that “the club is aware of social media activity of concern from one of its players’ accounts, that of Tesi Niu.”
“The club can confirm that the player’s account was accessed externally and without his knowledge or consent”, they continue, “and [was] deleted a short period thereafter.”
“We were instantly aware of this as it happened”, says the Leigh Leopards owner. “As a club, we have policies and procedures and employ a Player Welfare Manager who is a qualified counsellor.
“Our first port of call in these circumstances is to ensure the welfare of our player and any external party that may be involved. This was immediately initiated.
“Having since personally spoken with Tesi and Kiana individually and at length, and then our Player Welfare Manager and Head Coach, I am completely satisfied that they are both being fully supported.
“I can also confirm that there is no official complaint to the club regarding the player, nor to any relevant authorities. To that end, the club will make no further statements about the matter and would welcome supporters’ trust in the club’s processes and findings.”
For context, you can read what 24-year-old Niu has been accused of in full down below.
While the organisation has now insisted that nothing formal has been raised within the club nor with the police at this time, many supporters are still insisting that there must be a full investigation into the troubling claims.
At present, however, the statement seems to suggest that they won’t be taking the matter any further internally – at least not for now/until a proper case is opened.
Nevertheless, many Leopards supporters, rugby fans and people online in general have understandably raised more concerns following the statement.
Neither Tesi Niu himself nor Kiana Smith – his partner of more than five years, currently said to be pregnant with their third child – has yet to share any further message(s) following the initial declaration of alleged abuse.
You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
1st July 2022 
