Greater Manchester’s thrill-seekers will soon be able to extend their stay at one of the UK’s biggest theme parks thanks to a new bus service.
Launching this weekend, Stockport-based travel provider High Peak Buses will now run its Sunday and Bank Holiday 199 service through to Hartington, Peak Wildlife Park and Alton Towers Resort.
A new early-evening return journey is also set to be introduced.
Currently, the popularly-used 199 service runs from Manchester Airport to the theme park, stopping in Stockport, Disley, Chapel-en-le-Frith, and Buxton along the way. But with the introduction of the new timetable, additional journeys will be running through the day between Buxton and Hartington, calling at Sterndale Moor and Pomeroy, too.
The new timetable comes into effect from 30 May, and will be in place until 30 August 2021.
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High Peak Buses has said that the introduction of the new bus service shows that “we have listened to feedback from our customers”.
From Sunday 30th May, we will be operating a X99 service from Buxton to Peak Wildlife Park & Alton Towers via Sterndale Moor, Hartington & Hulme End – https://t.co/Ro0Bg8QUTspic.twitter.com/xVXSrQydfU
Speaking on the launch of the anticipated new timetable, Nikos Ntalampiras – Operations Manager at High Peak Buses’ Buxton depot – added: “We are very pleased to welcome customers to this brand-new direct bus service between Manchester Airport, Stockport, Buxton, Peak Wildlife Park and Alton Towers Resort which Skyline 199/X99 provides,”
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“We would encourage as many people as possible to use Skyline 199/X99, to ensure its long-term viability along with helping to free-up the roads through the local countryside to Alton Towers Resort.” he added.
A number of COVID-safety precautions will be in place onboard the Skyline 199/X99, and all passengers are required to wear a face covering, unless exempt.
The new timetable comes into effect from 30 May until 30 August 2021 / Credit: Alton Towers
That’s not all either – consider yourself a nature enthusiast?
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If you fancy getting out to breathe in some fresh air over the summer season, there’s also the chance to benefit from a new deal, as those with a valid 199/X99 bus ticket will receive 25% discount off the cost of an entrance ticket to the Peak Wildlife Park, near Leek – which is also part of the extended route.
You can find more information about the new Skyline 199/X99 here.
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 -
27th May 2021 
