What's On

Blackpool Illuminations will pay tribute to England’s victorious Lionesses this year

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 23rd August 2022

This year’s Blackpool Illuminations display will honour the England Women’s team after their phenomenal victory in the Women’s Euros.

Part of the world-famous light installation, which weaves down Blackpool’s seafront, will feature portraits of the squad and their manager Sarina Wiegman.

The iconic Three Lions badge will also be hung up in lights at the celebratory section near The Cliffs.

It’s all to celebrate the Lioness’ incredible win over Germany in the final at Wembley last month.

Visit Blackpool stated: “The team captured the nation’s hearts after a stunning victory at Wembley Stadium on July 31.

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The section designed by Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen. Credit: Visit Blackpool

“On the night of the game, the famous Blackpool Tower was lit in red and white to mark the occasion.

“Now the Illuminations manufacturing team have gone a step further by creating a tribute that will remain in place for an extended four-month autumn and winter season. 

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“We are delighted that the Football Association has given us the go-ahead to celebrate the enormous legacy that they have created for women’s sport in this country.”

Read more: Primark has launched a new vintage clothing section in Manchester

This year’s Blackpool Illuminations will be extended and are set to run between 2 September and 2 January.

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Other new additions this year include a section of art deco overhead light installations designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and a glowing seaside section complete with neon sandcastles and multi-coloured waves.

There are even more new installations being added to the event this year – you can see all the details at visitblackpool.com/things-to-do/blackpool-illuminations-and-lightpool

Featured image: Visit Blackpool

What's On

Stretford’s popular festival with dozens of FREE events and activities to return next spring

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A popular festival for all the family is set to return and take over a buzzing Greater Manchester town next spring.

After a successful first run last summer, where thousands attended as a diverse array of music, art, dance, and interactive workshops descended on the streets of Stretford, The StretFest is back again for 2025, and will be taking over the whole Trafford neighbourhood with loads of free events and activities to get involved with.

This new spring edition of the neighbourhood festival will spread across Stretford’s favourite venues and public spaces to celebrate ‘new beginnings’.

Organised by Stretford Town Centre Forum – which is a new collaboration of local businesses and community groups, with support from Trafford Council and Bruntwood – the theme of next year’s festival has been chosen as a nod to the development work that’s now well underway across Stretford town centre.

The StretFest returns in 2025 / Credit: Supplied

Free events will be at venues such as Stretford Public Hall, the Mall, Victoria Park, St Matthew’s Church, and Stretford Library, alongside loads of local independent businesses.

The festival also coincides with the 10th anniversary of Stretford Public Hall’s transfer into community ownership, so you can celebrations at the Hall all throughout the day. 

One of the main events on the day of the festival will be the popular ‘Stretford Socials’ from midday through to 4pm, where you’ll find an array of stalls featuring talented local makers, bakers, and community groups.

It’s here where you’ll also an also enjoy a variety of free family-friendly activities that organisers say “promises fun for all ages”.

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More information is set to be announced in the new year, so keep your eyes peeled.

The StretFest returns on Saturday 1 March 2025, and you can find out more and apply to be a part of it by submitting an application here.

Featured Image – Adrian Michael (via Supplied)

What's On

National Portrait Gallery to debut ground-breaking digital exhibition in Salford

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

The National Portrait Gallery has announced a ground-breaking new experience that’s set to make its debut at MediaCity in Salford.

Some of the world’s most famous paintings will be brought to life in an immersive digital exhibition, called Stories – Brought to Life, that will tell the stories behind iconic portraits.

FRAMELESS Creative has partnered with the National Portrait Gallery on the project, which will be the first major touring art experience by any UK art institution and makes up a long-term partnership called National Portrait Gallery Unframed.

Those who attended the hugely popular and acclaimed Van Gogh Alive experience will already know a little of what to expect – famous paintings reimagined with digital projections, visual effects, and audio technology.

FRAMELESS has been granted access to the National Portrait Gallery’s collection to create Stories – Brought to Life, which will tell the tales of people who have shaped history, from the Tudors to the present day, in an innovative new way.

While the exhibition will premiere here in Greater Manchester next year, there’s a planned national and international tour to follow.

The National Portrait Gallery will be debuting a ground-breaking digital exhibition in Salford / Credit: MediaCity

Rich Storton, general manager at FRAMELESS Creative said: “We are delighted to announce this new long-term partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. We hope that by unleashing the power of digital storytelling we can help the Gallery to bring art to a whole new audience.

“We’re living in a changing world and there is a real need for new experiences that help open up art and culture to new audiences and crucially help ensure that national institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery and their incredible collections continue to be accessible and have cultural significance for the next generation.

“MediaCity is a vibrant cultural hub attracting a hugely diverse audience. This combined with its proximity to major transport links and focus on technology made it an obvious choice for premiering our first experience.”

Rosie Wilson, Director of Programmes, Partnerships and Collections at the National Portrait Gallery said: “The National Portrait Gallery aims to share our unique collection of portraits with as wide an audience as possible and explore the human stories that shape our history and culture.

“This exciting new partnership with FRAMELESS, inspired by our Collection, will enable us to take these stories outside of the Gallery walls and bring them to life in new, innovative ways.”

Caroline Aikman, Director of Marketing, Brand and Place at MediaCity said: “We are honoured that the National Portrait Gallery and FRAMELESS have chosen MediaCity as the first stop on the tour of this unique immersive experience.

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“We’ve hosted many arts and culture events, experiences, festivals and exhibitions over the last few years and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to Salford when the experience opens its doors in May next year.”

For more information head HERE.

Featured image: FRAMELESS (via Supplied)

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