A new long-term project has now been launched to inspire a new generation of urban gardeners and bring more “beneficial green spaces” to the city.
NOMA – the mixed-use neighbourhood in the heart of Manchester city centre – has recently launched the new initiative, PlantNOMA, and it’s not only committing to making the surrounding environment “even more vibrant and beautiful”, but is also putting an emphasis on engaging the local community and increasing biodiversity.
The project is a first-of-its kind for Manchester, and it’s set to bring together hundreds of community gardeners, urbanists, designers, researchers, and artists, as well as local residents from across the city.
PlantNOMA is being delivered by NOMA’s onsite creative team, Standard Practice, who are collaborating with The National Trust, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), and The Prince’s Trust too.
A host of community groups will also be getting involved to deliver a diverse programme of workshops, talks, projects, and more.
The project includes a diverse programme of events, which are open to the public and taking place regularly – including a drop-in Wednesday evening city gardening session to help people unwind after work, pick up some tips, and most-importantly, connect with nature.
And, as part of its partnership with MMU, PlantNOMA has already welcomed students across a range of disciplines from the School of Art to work on live project briefs too.
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Liz Dalby-Webb has also been appointed as the neighbourhood’s own gardener, and she brings a wealth of gardening knowledge from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) where she trained, as well as a love for house plants and allotments.
“We are grounded in the belief that we can create a better, more inclusive city through gardening with people,” said Ben Young – creative principal at Standard Practice.
“As we nurture NOMA, a more dramatic, romantic, and abundant city awaits us.”
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PlantNOMA has already welcomed 45 students from the School of Art as part of its partnership with MMU / Credit: PlantNOMA (via Facebook)
Eleanor Underhill – the National Trust’s Urban Lead for the North – added on the new project: “At the National Trust, we want everyone to have access to nature and green spaces, including in cities.
“We know how important urban green space is for people’s wellbeing, so as well as opening Castlefield Viaduct as a new temporary urban park for the city this summer, we’re proud to be collaborating with Standard Practice on Plant at NOMA.
“We want to help people in Manchester get closer to nature where they live.”
The first-of-its-kind project is engaging the local community and increasing biodiversity / Credit: PlantNOMA (via Instagram)
Dan Hyde – development director at MEPC – also said: ”At NOMA, we are committed to delivering a real sense of neighbourhood [and] creating opportunities for people to connect with nature and with each other is a powerful way of doing that.
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“PlantNOMA is just another example of our community-led, inclusive approach to development which puts social value and sustainability at the core.
“I look forward to seeing the project grow over the coming months.”
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2022 
