Dozens of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs are to descend on and take over the grounds of Heaton Park this summer.
Is this the closest thing to Jurassic Park in real life? It certainly sounds like it could be.
Manchester will become “a palaeontologist’s playground” as around 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs take over the popular park and give dino fans of all ages the chance to get up close and personal with well-known favourites such as the Stegosaurus, Triceratops and Velociraptor, as well as the lesser-known Dilophosaurus, Kentrosaurus, and Hypacrosaurus.
Dinosaurs in the Park will arrive in Greater Manchester from next week and stay until early August, with dinosaurs to be expected around every corner.
Visitors can expect an “an educational and enjoyable day out for the whole family“.
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Explorers will be able to make their way along the interactive trail made up of dozens of moving dinosaurs, all while solving puzzles, making the most of a range of hands-on activities like excavation digs and Jurassic dentistry by brushing the resident T-Rex’s teeth, and even getting to design their own dinosaur too.
Dozens of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs to descend on Heaton Park this summer / Credit: Dinosaurs in the Park
For two-days only, there’ll even be guest appearance from a real-life palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax from the University of Manchester – who’ll discuss all-things dinosaurs, answer questions, and even showcase some of his own personal fossil collection.
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Not only that, but for those who are just after some general summer fun, there’ll also be funfair rides, mini golf, a dino kingdom bouncy castle, and mini soft play area too.
Dinosaurs in the Park is “an educational and enjoyable day out for the whole family” t/ Credit: Dinosaurs in the Park
Dinosaurs in the Park will be taking over Heaton Park from 20 July – 6 August, with tickets now on sale and costing adults and children over three £10.50 (plus booking fees), while a family ticket costs £40, and if you book any time slot after 3pm, you’ll get 20% off.
Featured Image – Dinosaurs in the Park (via Facebook)
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Manchester City to open pop-up pub in honour of John Stones and Bernardo Silva
Danny Jones
Manchester City are setting up a special pop-up to celebrate John Stones and Bernardo Silva as they prepare to leave at the end of this season.
Having spent nearly two full decades at the Etihad Stadium between them, Stones and Silva will be toasting their departure in true Northern fashion: with their very own Man City pub of the same name.
Come on, you have to admit it: ‘The Stones and Silva’ has a nice ring to it.
Opening for just a few days later this month, before the conclusion of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign and their final appearances in City colours, this is your time to cheers their careers.
Pouring pints from Thursday, 21 May until the end, Cityzens are being encouraged to come along and raise a glass to two of their team’s most successful stars.
Taking over the legendary Star and Garter on Fairfield Street in Manchester city centre, as per an official press release from the club, “The Stones & Silva will feature themed décor inspired by the pair’s unforgettable moments in sky blue.”
As arguably two of the most important players during the Manc side’s most prolific period for winning silverware, it feels only fitting that Blues give them a proper send-off.
Entry will be available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the event, and you can expect plenty of supporters to come through the doors.
The chosen picture for the pub’s hanging inn sign is inspired by the iconic snap of the Gallagher brothers back at the start of the Oasis mania.
MCFC’s The Stones and Silva pop-up pub will open at the following times:
Thursday, 21 May: 4pm-11pm
Friday, 22 May: 4pm-11pm
Saturday, 23 May: 12pm-11pm
Sunday, 24 May: 12pm-8pm
Better still, in collaboration with official partners Asahi, the first 100 fans through the doors each day will be able to get their hands on a FREE beer. Be rude not to at least try and turn up early…
Elsewhere at the club, the drinks have already been flowing in and around Etihad Campus, as Man City Women finally lifted another league title. See some of the party scenes down below.
Featured Images — Manchester City Football Club (publicity pictures)
What's On
Smash-hit West End musical Trainspotting is coming to Manchester later this year
Emily Sergeant
Trainspotting The Musical is coming to Manchester.
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in the autumn.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
➕ ATG+ PRESALE ➕
CHOOSE LIFE.
Trainspotting: The Musical is coming to the Palace Theatre this November. Written by Irvine Welsh.
Groups presale 👉 Tues 12 May 10am General sale 👉 Wed 13 May 10am
— Palace & Opera Mcr (@PalaceAndOpera) May 11, 2026
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
Trainspotting The Musical is coming to Manchester later this year / Credit: Supplied
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at Manchester Palace Theatre later this year from Monday 2 – Saturday 7 November 2026, and tickets officially go on general sale tomorrow (Wednesday 13 May) from 10am.
Emily Sergeant -
12th July 2023 
