A brand-new experience inspired by the world of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. is set to stop off in Manchester this month.
The Nickelodeon Experience is gearing up to take over Heaton Park from next week.
Inspired by the popular US-originated television channels that have been entertaining youngsters for nearly three decades now, The Nickelodeon Experience is an immersive outdoor adventure that’s jam-packed with multi-sensory interactive zones where kids can create their own fun.
Currently touring across the UK, and having recently spent some time up in Edinburgh, The Nickelodeon Experience will be at Heaton Park from Saturday 23 July – Friday 5 August, and it looks set to be a place where “all your favourite TV shows come to life”.
Event organisers are promising a whole range of themed activities for kids of every age, and something for all the family to enjoy.
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Some of the activities on the exciting 2022 lineup include the chance to meet the pups from Paw Patrol, solve the Hunter Street escape room, escape from Henry Danger’s air maze, and unlock your superpowers in the Thunderman’s School for Superheroes.
The Nickelodeon Experience will be at Heaton Park from Saturday 23 July – Friday 5 August / Credit: The Nickelodeon ExperienceThe immersive outdoor adventure is jam-packed with multi-sensory interactive zones / Credit: The Nickelodeon Experience
You can also go underground to visit the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ lair, hunt for some exciting treasure with Santiago of the Seas, and so much more.
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You’ll also want to make sure you head on over to the Spongebob-themed Bikini Bottom Beach, which is an ideal place to spend time, relax, and grab a bite – with plenty of hot and cold food and drink on offer, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Nickelodeon event without slime, right?
So, in true Nick tradition, you can finish your memorable day at the festival by heading to a Slime Time Party to get suitably slimed.
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It’s a place where “all your favourite TV shows come to life” / Credit: The Nickelodeon Experience
The Nickelodeon Experience will be at Heaton Park from Saturday 23 July – Friday 5 August.
Open from 9am – 6pm every day, the event will be located in Dower House field, opposite the Hall car park and north play area – with ticket prices starting at just £19.50 for adults and £29.50 for children, with group rates also available.
New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Trafford Centre reveals Halloween events lineup with ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and more
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is nearly upon us, and the Trafford Centre has now announced its lineup of Halloween activities to get stuck into.
With not long to go until schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term, and with Halloween within touching distance, the major shopping centre has revealed an exciting collection of events that’ll be happening over the next couple of weeks – and there’s activities for people of all ages.
From creepy crafts, to hair-raising rides and eerie evening entertainment, there’s something for every brave soul.
Back by popular demand from 25 October is the Halloween Fair, which will pop up outside The Great Hall featuring nerve-shredding rides, a spine-tingling atmosphere, carnival vibes, and loads more, right through until 2 November.
Brand new for 2025 is Fright Night at the fair, which is a truly immersive scare experience for daring teens and adults.
The Trafford Centre has revealed its Halloween events lineup for 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Fright Night will bring three evenings of pure horror from 30 October – 1 November, as creepy characters roam the fairground once the sun’s gone down.
For families wanting half term fun but looking for a gentler kind of magic, there’s a chance to join characters Wanda Web and Jack O’Lantern for some creepy crafts like relaxing pumpkin decorating, eerie face painting, and making your own witches and wizards hats to take home.
The legendary Big Wheel will also be returning for the festive season so you can ascend into the misty night sky high above the Trafford Centre for eerie nighttime views.
And to top it all off, Gandeys will be bringing back the fan-favourite ‘Spooktacular’ for 2025.
There’ll be ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and loads more to get involved with / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year for us at Trafford Centre, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“From spine-chilling rides and late-night scares to pumpkin painting for the little ones, we’ve created an experience that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome families, friends and thrill-seekers alike for a Halloween celebration like no other.”
Emily Sergeant -
12th July 2022 
