A pumpkin patch that’s perfect for all weather will be popping up in Greater Manchester this Halloween.
Now that autumn is officially here, the nights are drawing in, and the temperatures are dropping by the day, this means the spookiest time of year is officially around the corner, and the region’s biggest shopping centre has a whole host of events and activities for all the family to get involved with this Halloween and October half term.
The Trafford Centre has been embracing the spooky season more and more as the years have gone on, and this year is set to absolutely no different.
The shopping centre has now unveiled its lineup of “thrills, chills, and plenty of Halloween fun” for 2024.
One of the stand-out events on the family-friendly lineup this year is the indoor ‘Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch’, which is perfect for pumpkin pickers of all ages who fancy getting into the spooky spirit, all while staying dry and warm at the same time despite whatever the Greater Manchester weather has in store for us.
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For just £2 per child, you’ll be able to make your way to the indoor pumpkin patch on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 October to pick out your pumpkin to take home for carving or decorating.
Every single penny from the ticket sales of this event will go to the Trafford Centre’s chosen charity for 2024, FareShare Greater Manchester – the region’s largest food redistribution charity, which is fighting food poverty while saving nutritious food from going to waste.
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No booking is required for the pumpkin patch, and while dressing up in spooky costumes for the occasion is optional, it is highly recommended.
The Trafford Centre has unveiled its lineup of “thrills, chills, and plenty of Halloween fun” for 2024 / Credit: Supplied
Some of the other events on the Trafford Centre’s Halloween lineup next month is the ‘Halloween Trail’, which is kicking off on 17 October and features captivating interactive installations made up of more than 100,000 lights, and the return of the ever-popular ‘Spookfest’ on 19 October, complete with a ghastly ghost train, haunted house, five-metre-tall pumpkin tower, and lots of tasty treats.
Gandeys Circus is also back at the centre once again this autumn from 11 October, with a brand-new ‘Halloween Spooktacular Big Top Show’ for all the family.
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Other activities include pumpkin carving, marshmallow roasting, and a skeleton petting zoo and skeleton disco.
Halloween events begin at the Trafford Centre from 11 October, and you can find out more on the centre’s website here.
Featured Image – Concetta Huffa (via Unsplash)
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Peter Kay announces final Manchester show on historic run – with all profits going to cancer charities
Daisy Jackson
Peter Kay has announced some final arena shows, including one in Manchester, and he’s donating all profits to cancer charities.
The Bolton-born comedy legend will be playing one more night at the AO Arena as well as extra dates at The O2 in London, The First Direct Arena in Leeds, and plenty more.
What sets these arena shows apart from his record-breaking run, which has seen him sell out arenas for four years now, is that all the profits will be going straight to charity.
Peter Kay has pledged that ‘every single penny’ from his final dates will be going to 12 leading cancer charities.
These will include Children With Cancer UK, the Teenage Cancer Trust, plus charities dedicated to 10 different types of adult cancer.
Peter Kay holds the record as the only artist in the world to have performed a monthly residency at the O2, and has performed more than 100 shows on this tour in his hometown, at the AO Arena in Manchester.
The star made the announcement on BBC’s The One Show this evening.
Speaking of the announcement, he said: “It’s been the greatest privilege of my life to perform for audiences up and down the country.
“I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the support over the years, and it feels right to give something back. Every single penny of profit from these final shows will go to help fight cancer and support those affected.
Peter Kay announces final Manchester show on historic run – with all profits going to cancer charities
“Unfortunately, just about everyone knows someone who’s been affected by one of the cancers on that list.
“I really hope people can get behind this – come out, have a great night, share a few laughs, and do something good for charity at the same time. It’s a win–win.
“You don’t even have to like me – raising money for these twelve charities goes far beyond that. Together, we really can make a difference.”
Peter Kay will perform one more night at the AO Arena Manchester on Saturday 8 August 2026.
Tickets will go on sale from 10am on Sunday 30 November HERE.
The cancer charities Peter Kay will donate his final profits to are:
Inside Anthropologie as beautiful new store opens in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Anthropologie has finally arrived in Manchester, opening a beautiful new store in the Royal Exchange.
The beloved lifestyle brand is famed for its curated range of clothing, shoes, accessories, activewear, beauty, wellness, furniture, home décor, bridal, and loads more.
Anthropologie has taken over a two-storey unit overlooking St Ann’s Square, which opens today right in time for the Black Friday sales.
Inside, shoppers will find everything from denim to dinnerware, plus delights like martini-shaped handbags, apres ski-inspired glassware, and cosy knitwear.
Brands inside include Damson Madder, Tala, Maeve, Vagabond, and Never Fully Dressed.
There’ll be live music by local artist Maya Blandy, and seasonal drinks from 3pm, for a festive shopping experience.
Inside Anthropologie ManchesterMartini-shaped bags in AnthropologieHomewaresShoes in AnthropologieInside Anthropologie ManchesterTala is in storeThe denim shopBrands include Maeve by Anthropologie
And later down the line, Anthropologie Manchester is hosting a Winter Warmer Day on 9 December, with festive hot drinks and a gift personalisation station – plus a festive goodie bag for the first 100 customers to spend £100 between 9 and 11 December.
Anthropologie was founded in 1992 and has since expanded to have more than 200 stores globally, launching three new UK sites this year (Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow).
Matt Hilgeman, Managing Director of Anthropologie International, said: “We’re excited to open our third and final store for 2025 in the heart of Manchester city.
“As part of our Northern expansion, the new store will showcase a curated assortment of our most-loved brands, exclusive partywear, and our signature ‘Only at Anthropologie’ gifting.
“We can’t wait to open our doors and meet the community.”
Anthropologie Manchester is now from Wednesday 26 November at the Royal Exchange on St Ann’s Square.
Emily Sergeant -
24th September 2024 
