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 stay at Shrek’s Swamp on Airbnb — yes, really
Danny Jones
Are you a Dreamworks fan or perhaps an onion/ogre enthusiast? Well, you can now book to stay at Shrek’s Swamp in a land far, far away… and it’s completely free!
‘What are you doing in my swamp?!’ is something that Shrek may roar at you as you lay your weary head in his humble abode this autumn but now, thanks to Airbnb, you’re actually welcome to stay there.
So, if you’re thinking of treating yourself to a getaway, forget the romantic vistas of Rome, say nay to the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and revel in the mud-laden, moss-covered surroundings of Shrek’s very own swamp instead.
For those looking to live out their swampiest childhood fairytale dreams, Airbnb is giving you the opportunity to escape to the Scottish Highlands and embrace your ogre-like tendencies.
Credit: Airbnb
Bookings for this special stay open on Friday, 13 October at 6pm and, if you’re lucky, up to three of you will be picked to enjoy a two-night swamp stay at absolutely no cost to yourselves from 27-29 October. A nice pre-Halloween treat.
You’ll need to make sure you have a good rating on Airbnb to stand a chance of being chosen and, if you are, you can expect the following:
To relax in the ambience of ‘earwax candlelight’
Kick your feet up with a parfait (everybody likes a parfait!)
Swap stories around the fire until late in the night
Enjoy a stack of freshly made waffles in the morning
And, of course, enjoy the ultimate privacy of Shrek’s trusted outhouse (you know the one)
The Airbnb website also states: “To honour good childhood memories that last a lifetime, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to HopScotch Children’s Charity, which provides some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children with respite breaks through nurturing and dynamic holiday trips.”
Guests must also note that the shower and toilet facilities are located 20 metres away from the swamp and that those chosen to stay must make their own travel arrangements to and from Scotland.
Might we suggest a fairytale-style horse and carriage shaped like an onion? No reason…
To find out more and to place your booking on 13 October, visit the Shrek Swamp listing on Airbnb.
A radio station playing only Christmas tunes 24/7 is back on air in the UK
Emily Sergeant
It’s that time of year again… a radio station playing only Christmas tunes 24/7 is now back on the airwaves in the UK.
Too early to say the ‘C word’? Never mind, you’ve already clicked on this article.
Autumn may have only just started, and we may still have all the fun of Halloween and Bonfire Night to get stuck into first, but for some people, the festive feels are already in the air – but whether or not you’re in the camp of it being too early to talk about Christmas at this point, it’ll soon be pretty tricky to escape from.
Especially not when a radio station that’s dedicated to playing non-stop Christmas bangers has just relaunched in the UK.
You heard that right – Christmas songs, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
For that person in your life who just LOVES Christmas… Heart Xmas is back! 🎄
With only 94 days to go until the big day, we’ve pressed play on our favourite festive station ☃️
If you’re the type that’s got Mariah blasting in September, and like to start the day with Slade baring out loud, then you should be absolutely made up to hear that Heart Radio has revealed its much-loved festive station, Heart Xmas, is now back up and running.
With just over three months to go until the big day, Heart Xmas has switched-on earlier than ever before this year, and is now live to listen to on DAB digital radio and online via Global Player.
Mariah Carey, Michael Buble, The Pogues, Wham!, Wizzard, Slade, and Shakin Stevens are just some of the artists with those classic Christmas hits you can expect to hear in the run-up to December, as Heart says its dedicated Christmas station promises to bring listeners “the ultimate festive soundtrack at all hours of the day”.
A radio station playing only Christmas tunes 24/7 is back on air in the UK / Credit: Vevo
Done denying the festive season’s just round the corner?
If you’re on board and fancy getting into the Christmas spirit, then you can now tune into the Heart Xmas radio on your DAB digital radio, Global Player, or via the Heart website.
Emily Sergeant -
5th September 2022 
