Wythenshawe Hall is to reopen to the public this week after a highly-anticipated restoration project has officially been completed.
The long-awaited repairs to the Grade II-listed 16th-century timber-framed historic house – which stands proud in the heart of Wythenshawe Park – come after it was forced to close due to an arson attack back in 2016, but Manchester City Council and Conlon Construction have since undertaken “extensive refurbishment works” costing over £6.7 million to “consolidate the damage”.
Work was carried out to ensure the building is “brought back to its former glory”, and so future generations and residents can enjoy the Hall once again.
As part of the restoration works, the entire roof of the hall has been replaced.
The main hall has seen refurbishment of the ceiling and conservation of the timber panelling, which have both been delicately-cleaned and repaired to ensure the “unique and historic” designs were protected.
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The stained-glass windows have also been replaced and the artistry has been mimicked to best represent the original windows on the building.
📣 The long-anticipated repairs to the Grade II listed @WythenshaweHall are now complete and it will reopen next week. We've been behind-the-scenes to get a peek of the restoration works. We're looking forward to welcoming visitors back 💚
The Hall will reopen to the public on Saturday 10 September to celebrate the Friends of Wythenshawe Park’s 10-year anniversary.
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The completion of the repair works coincides with the Manchester City Council’s wider ambition to improve the facilities within Wythenshawe Park. In recent months there has been investment into a Cycle Hub in the park and other sporting facilities.
And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, the restoration project even won a Civic Trust Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) Award in 2021, making it just one of two to receive the accolade – which recognises projects that demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation, and make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment – at national level.
The restoration project also scooped a RIBA North West Conservation Award in 2021 too.
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Wythenshawe Hall to reopen this week after major £6 million restoration project / Credit: Buttress Architects
“Wythenshawe Hall is a beautiful building that harbours lots of local history and cultural value and I am pleased we have repaired the damage that was done,” explained Cllr Lee Ann Igbon – Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods.
“Despite the gruelling and long repair process, we have been able to preserve many of the building’s original features and characteristics – which is a wonderful achievement.”
Featured Image – Wythenshawe Hall
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You can now have a private sleepover amongst all the history inside Manchester Museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Museum is now offering one lucky family the chance to have a sleepover with Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex.
For the first time in Manchester Museum’s history, one lucky family will be given the chance to experience an incredible night at the museum.
This unique opportunity is being offered as part of a prize draw, allowing visitors to find out what happens once the sun goes down inside the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery – in the company of Stan, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, of course.
The Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery is one of the most iconic spaces within Manchester Museum.
Having opened to the public all the way back in 1888, it’s part of the museum’s original building designed by celebrated Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum.
Not only will the lucky winning family enjoy an overnight stay in the gallery, but they’ll also be treated to a guided torchlight tour of the galleries after the Museum has closed, as well as other fun activities and a film screening too before bed.
You can now have a private sleepover inside Manchester Museum / Credit: The Manc Group
“We can’t be completely sure what happens when the sun goes down in our Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery, because nobody has ever spent the night in there before, but we can only imagine the kind of fun that can be had with Stan the T. rex and his friends,” said Dean Whiteside, Head of Commercial and Operations at Manchester Museum.
“This is a chance to be a part of museum history and enjoy the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t usually buy.
“At the same time, Manchester Museum is a charity so, by getting behind this initiative, you’ll be helping to support vital work that impacts the lives of people across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Fancy it then? You can enter the prize draw by buying a ticket for £5 from the Manchester Museum Shop, with each ticket counting as one entry and the winner set to be chosen at random from all valid entries.
The prize draw is now open and closes on Monday 28 September 2026.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Emily Sergeant -
5th September 2022 
