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A new Halloween trail is taking over the hidden woods at the Trafford Centre

It comes from the creators of The Twilight Trail.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 20th September 2024

A brand-new Halloween trail will be leading people through an enchanted and haunted woodland this autumn – and it’s all taking place at Trafford Centre’s little-known Wilderspool Woods. 

The 4.5 acre hidden woodland in the grounds of the iconic shopping centre will be taken over by skeletons, bats, and all sorts of other spooky creatures.

But as the event comes from acclaimed The Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park, you’ll be sure to be more mesmerised than terrified. No blood-thirsty zombies here. 

There’ll be more than 100,000 lights illuminating a Skeleton Village, laser-filled gardens of mist, and a spooky soundtrack of otherworldly tunes curated by DJ Rasp.

Visitors will find supernatural surprises around every corner, whether it’s colourful bats soaring overhead or glowing LED eyes watching down from the treetops. 

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The Halloween Trail will be suitable for all ages and will captivate audiences with the glittering light trail, interactive events, and a massive food and drink programme curated by Freight Island.

A new Halloween trail is taking over the hidden woods at the Trafford Centre. Credit: Supplied
A new Halloween trail is taking over the hidden woods at the Trafford Centre. Credit: Supplied
Decadent hot chocolates will be part of The Halloween Trail's Freight Island-curated food line-up. Credit: Supplied
Decadent hot chocolates will be part of The Halloween Trail’s Freight Island-curated food line-up. Credit: Supplied

As you creep and weave your way through the eerie Wilderspool Woods you’ll be able to pick and carve your own pumpkins, toast marshmallows, and throw some shapes at the skeleton disco. 

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There’ll even be a skeleton petting zoo, a mysterious Haunted Hotel, and a creepy old-fashioned pub, Ye Olde Skeleton Arms, tucked away in the woods. 

The light installations brought to The Halloween Trail will include Helix, a floating ribbon of sparkling light that weaves through the forest, and The Twist, a psychedelic, corkscrew pathway of mesmerising lights. 

After making it through the mystical woodlands, visitors can feast on food from top traders including Voodoo Rays (22” New York-style pizzas), and Soft Boi (soft-serve ice cream). 

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Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s will be warming up guests with loaded roasties, rich poutine, deep-fried mozzarella and Italian-American toasties, and there’s Cabin Chocolat for decadent hot chocolates topped with fluffy marshmallows, caramel, and sweets (plus a drop of booze for the grown-ups).

Heard, a new burger venture from two Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey of Ireland’s Aimsir, will also feature on the trail, whipping up a selection of smash burgers made with eco-friendly ingredients. 

Voodoo Rays will be one of the traders serving food at The Halloween Trail. Credit: The Manc Group
Voodoo Rays will be one of the traders serving food at The Halloween Trail. Credit: The Manc Group
Formaggio by Lazy Tony's will have loaded roasties and loads more. Credit: Supplied
Formaggio by Lazy Tony’s will have loaded roasties and loads more. Credit: Supplied

Free parking is available for all ticket holders, or there are easy public transport links via tram or bus along The Bee Network.

Dan Morris, co-founder of Trafford Trails, said: “We’re excited to reveal Wilderspool Wood as the location for this year’s Halloween Trail. 

“This hidden space offers the perfect setting for an immersive and exciting Halloween experience. With DJ Rasp’s soundtrack, stunning light displays, and some of the best food traders around, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages for a great night out.”

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Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, added: “We’re delighted to bring something new to Trafford this Halloween. Collaborating with Freight Island and other great partners, we’ve created an experience that promises to be a real treat for our visitors. We can’t wait to see Wilderspool Wood lit up at night.”

The Halloween Trail will run from Thursday 17 October to Sunday 3 November. 

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £8 for children, £10 for adults, and family tickets from £32 – you can grab yours here. 

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Featured image: Supplied

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Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet has shared details of a huge late night shopping event, where major brands will be offering major discounts.

The outlet village is one of the top shopping destinations in the North West and a favourite with Mancs looking to save big on fashion, beauty and homewares.

And now there’ll be even bigger savings to be had with the return of the Late Night Shopping Event this week.

If you head across to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October, you could save up to an extra 30% on outlet prices.

And there are some big brands taking part, including adidas, Dr Martens, UGG, All Saints, and Levi’s.

Whether it’s a new handbag, a pair of winter boots, or early Christmas presents for the family, the event is the ideal time to get your shopping done. 

Highlights of the Late Night Shopping Event will include 20% extra discount at dozens of big-name stores like Calvin Klein, Russell & Bromley, Salomon and The Cosmetic Company, and even bigger discounts at brands like Dr Marten, Lacoste and Jack Wolfskin. 

And if you want a break from the shopping, you’ll be able to enjoy magical performances throughout the night. 

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be open from 10am until 10pm on both the 29 and 30 October. 

Away from the Late Night Shopping Event this week, there are plenty more reasons to visit Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet this season. 

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event. Credit: The Manc Group

They’ve just unveiled their ice rink ‘Oaks on Ice’, a 600 sq metre rink that has space for 200 skaters, with a unique ice path that leads to a viewing platform. 

It has a partially open top, bespoke light rings, and a festive garland for maximum magic, and sits at the heart of the Outlet’s dedicated Christmas events space. 

Other attractions include the Winter Village, Santa in the Sky, and the Big Wheel.  

“We can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when they finally step on to the ice.” says Kenny Murray, General Manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. 

“It’s going to be a proud moment for us and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s looking. The stunning path leading round the tree will be a great moment for families to share.” 

There are new openings you might have missed too, like Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lindt, Joe & The Juice, and Gail’s.

Find out more and see all the offers for the Late Night Shopping Event HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied

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Less than a month to go until a blockbuster Manchester derby in the WSL at the Etihad Stadium

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Women's Derby WSL Etihad Stadium tickets

We’re just one month out until one of the best games on the football calendar: the Manchester derby in a Barclays Women’s Super League campaign that is shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested in some time, with multiple Lionesses and international stars on show.

Manchester City and Man United are both duking it out at the top of the table already, with the high-flying East Manchester club and last season’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup finalists both boasting plenty of reason to go into the game confident.

With Man City boasting not just the home advantage but the bonus of playing in front of a crowd at the Etihad Stadium, many are already expecting a blue moon to rise once again.

This season may have only just begun, but Man City Women have already shown plenty of promise and signs of early form. Barring an opening day blip against the champions, Andrée Jeglertz’s side have looked pretty prolific; Man United are right up there with them, meaning we’re bound for a good clash.

Netting well over a dozen goals – the most of any team in the league – the Cityzens will understandably feel on the offensive when they host the visitors on Saturday, 15 November.

The Etihad recently hosted the Lionesses themselves in a close-fought fixture against Brazil this past October, with City legend Georgia Stanway herself getting on the scoresheet.

Man United are right up there with them, though, meaning we’ve got a derby day that shouldn’t disappoint. Let’s be honest, it rarely does.

Don’t you just love it when two rivals go into a clash in strong spirits?

There’s also an added element of feistiness bubbling under the surface, as this is also the first meeting between the two clubs since Grace Clinton swapped the red half of Manchester for a sky blue shirt, with Jess Park going the other way.

Now both full England internationals are arguably fighting for the same position, too, you can expect the pair to get a rousing reception when they rock up/return to the Etihad.

The 22-year-old scored on her debut in City’s 5-1 win over Spurs.

All eyes will be on this WSL fixture, especially with members of the back-to-back Euros-winning Lionesses squad taking to the pitch on both sides.

Clinton, Park; Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone, as well as more international stars such as Viv Miedema and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw – there’s going to be so much talent on show.

Speaking to The Manc ahead of the match, first-team star and City vice-captain, Kerstin Casparij, gave us their thoughts on the historic and always hard-fought rivalry…

What does the Manchester derby mean to you?

The derby means more to me every year. It’s not just 3 important points, but also pride and bragging/banter rights. This year, I’d say it’s also about redemption for me, considering our home loss last season. 

Are there any standout memories of derby day that come to mind?

I think the away win at Old Trafford two years ago is a nice memory. Being booed for the full 90 minutes and coming away with a win feels extra satisfying.

It really is set up to be an unmissable meeting between the two heavyweights of the female football world, with a 1:30pm kick-off leaving plenty of time for added fanfare before and after either whistle.

Promising plenty of activities in and around the stadium, as well as the dedicated Man City Kids Fan Zone, a completely free event that runs for four hours before kick off on the indoor pitch of the City Football Academy, the ‘Blue Carpet’ experience, where you can see players arrive 90 minutes before the game and plenty more, there’s so much going on.

As well as fun games at half-time, live entertainment, not to mention a wide range of food and drink around the concourse, it’s going to be a great day out.

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Best of all, tickets are super affordable: general admission for adults starts from only £15 and £5 for under 16s. If you grab two adult passes and one U16 ticket, you can get any additional U16 tickets for just £1 each.

If you want to enjoy Hospitality at the Etihad Stadium, packages start from as little as £35. From the Sports Bar experience and the Tunnel Club, where you can see players getting read on the way to the dugout and pitch, or even a bottomless brunch before the game with your friends.

Whatever offer best suits you, fans can grab tickets right to see Manchester City Women, Man United, Lionesses stars and more right HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Manchester City

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