Trafford Centre is turning 25 years old this month.
The UK’s third-largest shopping centre has been a one-stop-shop for Greater Manchester residents, and people visiting the region alike for well over two decades now, with millions of shoppers making their way through the doors and leaving with something new in hand throughout the years.
So what better way to mark this major milestone birthday than with a proper musical celebration? How does an hour-long gig full of feel-good throwback tunes sound? Even better if we said it’ll headlined by iconic 90s pop girlband B*Witched?
What about if we said it’s completely FREE too? Well now it’s unmissable, if you ask us.
B*Witched to headline FREE gig to celebrate the Trafford Centre’s 25th birthday / Credit: Adrien Welch | B*Witched
Just as known and loved for their iconic double denim looks as they are their smash-hit singles, including ‘Blame It On the Weatherman’, ‘To You I Belong’, and of course, ‘C’est La Vie’, the Irish quartet are also celebrating their 25 anniversary this year, just like the Trafford Centre, so it it’s even more of a reason to celebrate.
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Organisers at the Trafford Centre say the event will “journey through the decades” and “take a look back at the very best of fashion, pop culture and music over the last 25 years and beyond”, all before taking a glimpse into what the future of fashion might hold.
As well as B*Witched’s headline slot, the feel-good family show – which will be hosted by radio presenter Chelsea Norris – will also feature some incredible dance acts, dynamic and energetic cheer routines from local cheerleading group Electric Athletes, archive video footage, and iconic fashion and music from across the decades.
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The Endless Fashion Event will celebrate 25 years of the Greater Manchester shopping centre / Credit: Trafford Centre
“As Trafford Centre marks its 25th birthday, we are embracing our heritage, relishing in our present and looking excitedly ahead to our future,” explained the Trafford Centre’s Director, Simon Layton, ahead of the upcoming show.
“For 25 years, we’ve been a beacon of fashion excellence and style, with people flocking from far and wide to shop the biggest fashion brands, using the Trafford Centre as their own catwalk.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we want to continue that legacy of inspiring future generations to embrace their individual style – whatever the future of fashion may hold.”
The Endless Fashion Event is taking place in The Orient on Friday 29 September from 7pm, while the show is free, people are being advised to arrive early if they want to secure a guaranteed spot in the audience.
Stockport’s ‘captivating’ Christmas festival is back with 50 FREE shows and hundreds of performers
Emily Sergeant
Things are getting all festive in Stockport as more than 50 free shows and hundreds of performers prepare to descend the town centre.
Back by popular demand to kick off Christmas in style, especially after the inaugural event resulted in the busiest Sunday for the Greater Manchester town’s centre since 2019, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning next month for a one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, banging brass bands, carnival fun, and loads more.
Hundreds of captivating performers will take over Stockport for the day, with another new lineup for 2025 promising something for the whole family.
Stockport’s ‘captivating’ Christmas festival is back with 50 free shows and hundreds of performers / Credit: Supplied
Think a giant carnival bee, stilt-walking Christmas Belles, comedy chefs, bouncing snowmen, cocky robins, roaming bands, and so much more – with more than 50 free shows and activities to enjoy all day long.
Produced by renowned carnival arts organisation, Global Grooves, and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway, and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement from midday right through to 5pm, as performers take over iconic Stockport locations.
Head to Market Place, the Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock, and Suffragette Square to make the most of all the festive fun.
Spectacular Sunday always marks the start of Stockport’s festive season, and 2025 is no different.
“Stockport likes to do Christmas in its own way, and our Spectacular Sunday event is about filling the town with energy, music and performance and giving visitors something unexpected at every turn,” explained Totally Stockport CEO, Mark Ross.
“It’s a celebration of creativity, community and the independent spirit that makes Stockport what it is.
“This event shows how we kick off the festive season in a way that’s truly unique to our town, and we can’t wait to see everyone back this November.”
Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday 2025 is taking over the town centre next month on Sunday 16 November from 12pm onwards.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Festive pop-up cafe filled with hundreds of dogs in Christmas jumpers is coming to Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Are you a dog person? Love seeing lots of little pups in the same place? Looking for your dog to make some four-legged friends?
Well you’re in luck, as the Pup Up Cafe is heading back out on a tour of the UK next month, and if the concept of the popular event wasn’t already flipping cute enough as it is, this time around, it’s a Christmas-themed edition, and it’s sounding set to be the perfect festive day out in the city with your fur baby.
If you’re looking to get in the Christmas spirit early, then both the ‘Jingle Paws’ all-breeds and dedicated ‘Dashing Dachshund’ pop up cafes – or we should say ‘pup up cafe’ – are returning to Manchester in late November.
The adorable events will be filling a popular city centre venue with loads of dogs to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
A festive pop-up cafe filled with hundreds of dogs in Christmas jumpers is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
Last year, hundreds of different dogs visited the cafe to join in on the festive fun, and this year is expected to be no different, as the event organisers have secured a large city centre space for all the dogs to roam free.
Whether you’re a dog owner yourself, or just a big fan, everyone’s free to attend to mingle with many furry little friends, take part in a range of seasonal activities, and stock up on canine-related goodies as early Christmas presents.
There’ll be ball pits, toys, and tunnels for all the zoomies, while the pups themselves can enjoy unlimited dog treats and free puppuccinos.
With up to 50 dogs allowed per session, and festive fancy dress very much encouraged, each pup will get a Christmas present on arrival at the party, and will even have the chance to win some extra prizes if they’re the best dressed.
A dedicated photographer will be getting snaps of each session and there’ll be loads of Christmas props to use in the pictures.
So, if you fancy joining The Pup Up Cafe when it arrives in Manchester for Christmas on Sunday 23 November, then tickets will set you back £12 if you’re a dog owner, and £15 if you’re just a dog person who’s keen to go along for the fun anyway.
Emily Sergeant -
5th September 2023 
