An all-new water park, funfair, beach, and giant 15sq m outdoor screen showing classic films and some of the summers biggest sporting events are all arriving at the Trafford Centre next month.
After what was a successful run back in 2021, and with the summer season now officially here, the UK’s third largest shopping centre has announced that its “most significant outdoor event to date” will start to arrive later this month, and offer a full lineup of family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the day and into the night.
Summer Daze will span an impressive 2.5 acres of land, and will be located outside the Great Hall up until 4 September.
One of the new events arriving for 2022 is the Trafford Centre’s summer of sport – which is set to go live from 27 June – and it will give sports-lovers the chance to gain free to access to a fan zone to watch some of the summer’s biggest sporting events such as Wimbledon, Tour De France, UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, and the Athletics World Championships, all on a 15sq m giant outdoor screen.
Then, from 22 July, a further two big screens will arrive to show more live sports and a full lineup of classic films throughout the summer.
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The popular funfair will also return in all its glory from 22 July, with an exciting upgrade of rides – including one called ‘Sea Storm’, where you can ride the wave in individual cruisers – and complete with a 600sq m beach and brand-new 200sq m splash park, with multiple water jets for guaranteed family-friendly fun.
Summer Daze will span an impressive 2.5 acres of land, and will be located outside the Great Hall when it opens / Credit: Trafford Centre
Some former favourites from last year are also set to make a return too, including the log flume, bungee trampolines, wave swinger, water balls, pirate ship, and bumper boats.
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The centre also promises that a new outdoor food and beverage zone will be a part of the summer celebrations this year, and has confirmed that a lineup of outdoor live music acts will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.
Outdoor Screen Schedule
Wimbledon: 27 June – 10July
Tour De France: 1– 24July
UEFA Women’s EURO 2022: 6 – 31July
Athletics World Championships: 15 – 24 July
Commonwealth Games: 28 July – 8 August
European Championships Athletics: 11 – 21 August
Vuelta a España Cycling: 12 – 31 August
The Hundred: 1 – 3 September
Tour of Britain: 4 – 11 September
Rugby Sevens: 9 – 11 September
Details of the lineup of classic films are soon to follow.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for Trafford Centre, as our outdoor event sees a major refresh for summer 2022,” said Zoe Inman, Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
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“The giant experience offers a variety of activities and amusements for all ages to enjoy, the perfect opportunity for a family day out in the North West and we look forward to welcoming our existing loyal and new customers throughout the summer season for a new leisure experience”.
The Trafford Centre’s summer celebrations are returning after a successful run back in 2021 / Credit: Trafford Centre
Entry to Summer Daze is on a first come first served basis, and it will be open from 12pm daily.
Anyone with a fairground wristband will also have viewing access to one of the three big screens from the beach area, and the only element of the outdoor event which is available to pre-book is the fairground.
Find out more on the Trafford Centre website here.
Featured Image – Trafford Centre
What's On
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
What's On
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
24th June 2022 
