A major Jurassic World exhibition that’s been mesmerising visitors all over the world has arrived here in Manchester.
After initially launching in Melbourne, and then going on to open its gates to excited dinosaur fans in numerous other cities globally, such as Toronto, Chicago, Paris, Shanghai, Berlin, and more, it’s fair to say that Jurassic World: The Exhibition has become a global success.
Based on the beloved blockbuster film franchise, this official award-winning experience is one of the fastest-selling exhibitions in history, and has welcomed more than eight million visitors since first opening.
Tickets to the exhibition‘s run down at the Excel Arena in London back in 2022 were snapped up super quick and ended up selling out in no time at all – but thankfully, for any Greater Manchester residents who weren’t lucky enough to get to experience it for themselves, the dino mania has now arrived up north.
Jurassic World: The Exhibition has officially roared into the Trafford Centre for a limited time only.
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Billed as being a “family-friendly exhibit of massive proportions”, Manc visitors will be able to walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates, explore some richly-themed environments, and encounter a life-sized Brachiosaurus, Velociraptors, and the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.
You’ll be able to imagine what it would’ve been like to roam amongst these breathtaking creatures, and even interact with baby dinosaurs like Bumpy from the popular animated series, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous – which is currently streaming on Netflix.
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The world of Jurassic Park has been brought to life in a new experience at The Trafford Centre. Credit: The Manc Group
And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, the Manchester event will even feature some additional fan-favourite dinosaurs from Jurassic World that haven’t been at previous exhibitions too, so this means you can also look forward to seeing the armoured adult Ankylosaurus, and the ferocious Carnotaurus.
Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said the arrival of Jurassic World: The Exhibition in Greater Manchester will be “hugely exciting”.
“This experience promises a roarsome day out for all the family,” he added.
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Inside Jurassic World: The Exhibition, which is now open at The Trafford Centre in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Ron Tan, who is the Executive Chairman & Group CEO of NEON – the immersive events company bringing the exhibition to the UK for only the second time – said he is “ecstatic” to be back in the UK with another “exceptional experience” and to be showcasing new dinosaurs to awe visitors in Manchester and beyond.
He added: “We look forward to welcoming huge crowds to come experience this prehistoric world like no other.”
Jurassic World: The Exhibition is now open at the Trafford Centre, on the Peel 7 car park opposite John Lewis, for a limited time, and tickets are now officially on sale – starting from just £13 for children ages three up to 14.
Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Family-friendly LGBTQ+ festival returns to Manchester Pride 2026
Danny Jones
Exactly what it says on the tin, Proud Fest returns to Manchester for 2026, promising plenty of fun for all ages away from the main hustle and bustle this summer.
Best part of all? It’s completely FREE.
Taking place in the heart of the city centre, it offers a viable alternative to many who want to avoid the major crowds that flock to Gay Village’s Pride party every year.
Just the second year that this LGBTQIA+ festival has been set up, making its colourful debut in 2025, there’ll be everything from live music, games and other interactive opportunities for all ages, arts and crafts, plus workshops and plenty more; there’s something for everyone here.
Championing “entertainment, family-friendly activities, music, creativity, and plenty of Pride spirit”, the 2026 edition of Proud Fest is set to be one of the biggest ever.
Based around Great Northern Warehouse just off Deansgate and Peter Street, it’s set to be hosted by drag queen ‘Aida H Dee’, as well as Sara Gosney-Hughes, best-known for her travel expertise and work as a broadcaster and producer at nearby station Hits Radio.
With both calling Manchester home, alongside lots of other organisers behind the free festivities, you can expect plenty of hometown passion and pride – pun very much intended.
Set up in partnership with Proud 2 b Parents (P2bP), mums, dads and more will also be able to enjoy the official Pride parade from a viewing area in the dedicated Community Hall, where they’ll get a perfect spot to watch the floats and performers go down the strip.
Canal Street is already gearing up for those sublime, sun-soaked evenings at the end of August.
Speaking ahead of the latest iteration of the annual festival, Founder and CEO of P2bP, Matt Taylor-Roberts, told us in a statement: “Proud Fest is about creating the spaces many of us wished existed when we first became parents.
“It’s a celebration of LGBTQ+ families in all their diversity and a reminder that every family deserves to feel seen, supported and celebrated.”
At its core, this is about creating a safe and friendly option for families to still feel connected to the queer community and play their part in the wider celebrations.
You can grab your completely complimentary tickets right HERE.
And if you’re looking for other great days out for the family in Manchester this summer, there’s another free event happening at Circle Square earlier in the month.
Emily Sergeant -
7th August 2024 
