The popular Farm Weekend full of food markets, lamb cuddles, tractor rides, and more is returning to Cheshire for some springtime fun next month.
Alderley Park is known for being a place where world-leading science, innovation, and stylish living come all come together, but on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 April, it’s set to be taken over by the return of Farm Weekend – a weekend of family friendly activities, performances, markets and local food and drink.
From tractor rides and cuddling lambs, to Easter-themed crafts and artisan markets, there’ll be something for everyone at the two-day event.
Headlining the fun-filled programme of events is CBeebies favourite gardener, Mr Bloom, who will perform four shows over the weekend and use his trademark humour and musical talents to bring fans what looks to be an interactive and energetic set.
With Farm Weekend taking place just as spring blooms into life, and as Alderley Park is also home to a working farm, families will have the chance to experience all the magic of this new season.
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Farm Weekend returns to Alderley Park in Macclesfield on 9 & 10 April 2022 / Credit: Alderley Park (via Facebook)
You can visit the baby lambs, hitching a ride on a tractor, taking in some of interactive animal displays, and even get crafty with a range of different workshops, including wooden egg decorating, bunny ear making, and so much more.
There’ll also be animal-themed face painting, archery sessions, obstacle courses, and you can even go on one of the many scenic woodland walks that Alderley Park has to offer.
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With more than 400-acres of green area to explore, and a wide range of locally-sourced food and drink market stalls also on site, Farm Weekend is ideal for all ages.
It promises to be a “wholesome and inspiring day filled with nature and enjoyment”.
Alderley Park is known for being a place where world-leading science, innovation, and stylish living come all come together / Credit: Jody Hartley (via Alderley Park)
Speaking ahead of the return of Farm Weekend, Sam Darby – Head of Development at Bruntwood SciTech – said: “We are delighted that Farm Weekend is returning to Alderley Park [as] it’s the perfect opportunity to bring our customers, residents, and the wider Cheshire community together to enjoy the vast parkland and amenities the Park has to offer.
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“With the amount of exciting activities programmed over the two days, it’s set to be a weekend to remember.”
If you’ve never been to Alderley Park, it’s basically a life, science, and tech campus that’s home to a range of workspaces for over 250 forward-thinking companies, and it’s the brainchild Bruntwood SciTech – a joint venture between property company Bruntwood, and Legal & General.
Farm Weekend tickets are £6 per person for a three-hour session, with all activities included in the ticket price.
Rugby Super League Grand Final to stay at Old Trafford
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester-based rugby fans will be relieved to hear that the Betfred Super League Grand Final will be staying right here in the region following a new agreement being reached.
With the Super League Grand Final between the Wigan Warriors and Hull KR coming up this weekend, Old Trafford is set to host the fixture for the 27th time, having been held at the legendary football ground event since the competition began back in 1998.
However, there was some uncertainty around whether the massive rugby league game would carry on at the iconic stadium as the existing contract ticked down, but a new deal struck between the RFL (Rugby Football League) and Manchester United has now reassured that the match isn’t going anywhere.
Confirming the news on Monday morning, the RFL revealed that the Super League Grand Final will be remaining at the Theatre of Dreams for the immediate future.
Here to stay! 🙌
The @Betfred#SuperLeague Grand Final will be held at Old Trafford until at least 2027 🏟️
As detailed in an official Super League press release, a new three-year agreement will see the game stay at Old Trafford until at least 2027.
Wigan Warriors – who happen to be competing in their 13th concluder to date this Saturday – actually took part in the very first Grand Final all those years ago and while a number of other multi-purpose arenas could have housed the competition, few have Old Trafford’s history or capacity.
Rhodri Jones, the Managing Director of RL Commercial, said: “It’s perfect timing for us to be able to confirm this extension of Super League’s partnership with Manchester United ahead of Saturday’s Grand Final, as we look forward to another fantastic occasion at Old Trafford this weekend, with our biggest Grand Final crowd for at least seven years.
“Rugby League’s relationship with Old Trafford stretches back well beyond the Super League era, and since 1998 it has gone to another level as the Grand Final has become established, with so many unforgettable moments – including the brilliance of Rob Burrow in two Player of the Match performances for Leeds Rhinos.”
He went on to note that one of the biggest highlights from the upcoming clash will be the introduction of the new Rob Burrow Award for the Player of the Match, whichwas announced shortly before his passing earlier this year.
As for Man United, Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche added: “We are proud to continue the tradition of hosting the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford for another three years.” This will also mean that
“It is always a special event in the national sporting calendar and this weekend will be particularly poignant with tributes being paid to the late Rob Burrow and so many other Rugby League legends”, he continued.
As for local side Warriors’, it’ll be a historic day for their opponents as Hull Kingston Rovers will be playing in their first-ever Betfred Super League Grand Final following an electrifying end to their semi-final against Warrington Wolves. You can watch the highlights down below.
As for one remaining home team, Wigan kick-off against KR at 6pm on Saturday, 12 October and it’s sure to be another blockbuster.
Featured Images — Mtaylor848 (via Wikimedia Commons)/The Manc Group
What's On
A Halloween party full of corgis, cockapoos, and more is coming to Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of corgis, cockapoos, and other pups will gather together for a big Halloween party in Manchester city centre.
With the spooky season right around the corner now, plenty of frightfully-themed events have already been announced across Greater Manchester, including the return of Scare City, several other scary experiences, and even a pop-up indoor pumpkin patch – with something suitable for all the family to get involved with.
But this has to be one of the cutest events on the lineup.
Proving that Halloween doesn’t always have to be a terrifying time, a popular Manchester city centre bar is set to welcome dozens of four-legged friends through its doors next weekend.
A Halloween party full of corgis, cockapoos, and more is coming to Manchester next weekend / Credit: Supplied
Hosted by POP+BARK – which is known and loved across the UK for its popular doggy get-togethers – this Halloween-themed event will be an inclusive space to let your dog run wild during an 80-minute, off-lead “pawty”, with several different breed-specific sessions scheduled throughout the day, including ones for Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, Cavaliers, and more.
More than 30 pups will be allowed at each session, with the full doggy takeover day at Revolution Parsonage Gardens kicking off from 10am.
Open to both dog owners and dog lovers without a four-legged friend of their own to attend, you can get yourself and your pup all dressed up in your spookiest costumes and head on down to the venue to make the most of pumpkin patches, pupuccinos, picture opportunities, and lots of playing with other pups.
There’ll also be the chance to treat yourself at lots of pop-up shops, tuck into coffee and snacks, and just make lots of new friends.
The POP+BARK Halloween Cafe will take over Revolution Parsonage Gardens in Manchester city centre on Sunday 20 October from 10am, and you can find out more and buy tickets to each session here.
Emily Sergeant -
10th March 2022 
