Like go-karting and Mario Kart? Sorry, daft question, course you do — let’s try that again: are you free to do both at the same time this September?You better hope you are.
There are plenty of go-karting places in and around Greater Manchester and virtual reality is becoming increasingly popular throughout the UK, but you won’t find many places that combine the two. In fact, there’s only two places you can find it in the whole country and Manchester is about to be one of them.
Chaos Karts is the novel new concept that combines go-karting with VR to create the first live-action video game, bringing real-life racing into the world of augmented reality for a truly unique day out.
Having first popped up in Shoreditch, London for a limited time only and arriving in 0161 on 1 September 2023, the crazy, high-tech experience is about to take the karting, gaming and VR worlds by storm.
Engineered by The Ents Inc, Chaos Karts is an innovative take on go-karting that offers a potentially infinite number of circuits in a digitally projected world, with each driver’s vehicle interacting with the virtual track as well as battling with rival racers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Setting up in the old Granada Studios on Lower Byron Street, the all-new attraction throws players into a virtual world not unlike what you’d see in a game of Mario Kart, only as well as competing in the game you’ll actually be racing against friends, family, colleagues and whoever dares to take you on.
As there are no physical obstacles on the track and the likes of anti-collision technology, helmets and driving suits aren’t required, Chaos Karts uses state-of-the-art technology to produce real-life sensations and reactions and ensure players stay immersed for the duration of the dynamic race.
ADVERTISEMENT
Each race varies in design, complete with pumping music and ground-breaking in-game power-ups and weapons so you can get an edge over the competition as you all sprint to the finish. We can neither confirm nor deny that blue shells are involved but the same spirit is still very much present.
This action-packed experience is available for everyone aged nine and promises to transport players to a completely different technicolour world as they race around the arena to win points, races and, of course, bragging rights.
Created by founder and CEO Tom Lionetti-Maguire — the same man behind Little Lion Entertainment’s The Crystal Maze & London’s Tomb Raider Experiences — the Chaos Karts brand is even going global, with the franchise’s first international site popping up in Dubai later this year too.
ADVERTISEMENT
With early bird tickets on sale now and starting from just £15 per person, you won’t want to miss out on this one. Get yourself booked in for Friday, 1 September HERE.
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
What's On
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.”
Danny Jones -
14th March 2023 
