A giant outdoor funfair full of vintage fairground rides and a circus is heading back to the Trafford Centre by popular demand next month.
After several hugely successful runs in both 2021 and 2022, the UK’s third largest shopping centre has announced that its outdoor space is “springing to life” once again at the start of next month, and will be back with a whole host of thrilling rides, a glittering circus, and lots of delicious treats for the whole family to enjoy.
Spring Escape is returning to the Trafford Centre just in time for the school Easter holidays on 1 April, and as usual, will be popping up outside the Great Hall.
Here all spring and open right through until 4 June, people can head on down to the shopping centre to make the most of “all the fun of the fair”, which is full of vintage fairground rides and attractions suitable for all ages.
Some of the rides this year include the fan-favourite Starflyer, Rock Rage, Waterballs, Waveswinger, Funhouse, and even a giant inflatable clown.
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Spring Escape takes over the Trafford Centre’s outdoor space from 1 April / Credit: Trafford Centre
One of the stand-out events has to be the return of Gandeys Circus, who’ll be bringing their new GLITTERATI show to the Trafford Centre from 31 March – 16 April.
The sparkling show stars 30 artists, and combines new special effects, new productions, and even a new Big Top with stunning costumes and “lots of surprise features”, which are all gearing up to make GLITTERATI an unmissable date in your 2023 calendar.
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If all the fairground fun has you feeling hungry, then there’ll also be a wide range of pop-up street food traders at the event serving up everything thing from sweet treats like donuts, crepes, and ice cream, to more hearty meals like burgers and hot dogs, as well as lots of coffees, and hot and soft drinks to wash it all down with.
There’s a giant outdoor funfair, a circus, and so much more for all the family / Credit: Trafford Centre
Speaking ahead of return of the popular event, Zoe Inman – Centre Director at the Trafford Centre – said: “It’s time to come out of hibernation and escape the ordinary at Trafford Centre, as Spring Escape promises to be a fun-filled event, with something for the whole family to enjoy.”
Tickets for entry to the Spring Escape will set you back just £2.80 per person, if you’re booking in advance (including a booking fee) or £3 on the door, while tickets to watch GLITTERATI are currently on sale from £9.99 at every show.
Find out more and grab tickets to Spring Escape on the Trafford Centre website here.
Featured Image – Trafford Centre
What's On
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
A Medieval Faire with birds of prey and live demonstrations is coming to Manchester’s oldest building
Daisy Jackson
Manchester is going back to the Middle Ages this month as the city’s Medieval Faire returns to Chetham’s Library for a day of history, live entertainment, and family fun.
The free event is taking place on Saturday 26 September, with the grounds of the historic building transformed into a medieval celebration from 11am to 4pm.
And with Chetham’s medieval buildings dating all the way back to 1421, there probably aren’t many more fitting places in Manchester to spend the day pretending you’ve stepped back several centuries.
Visitors can expect plenty going on throughout the day, including walking tours of Manchester’s Medieval Quarter, birds of prey, specialist stalls, and live demonstrations showing what life was like during the medieval era.
There’ll also be historical re-enactors from Historia Normannis, bringing the sights, sounds and characters of the Middle Ages to life.
The event is being staged in partnership with the University of Manchester and Manchester Cathedral, with organisers hoping to get people of all ages interested in the city’s often-overlooked medieval history.
Julianne Simpson, Librarian at Chetham’s Library, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Medieval Faire back to Chetham’s.
The Manchester Medieval Faire returns this month
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to discover Manchester’s medieval heritage through hands-on experiences, live performances, and historical demonstrations.
“Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a fun family day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Best of all, entry is completely free and you don’t need to book.
If you fancy going a bit deeper into Manchester’s history while you’re there, guided tours of Chetham’s Library will also be available to book on the day for £8.50 per person.
The tours offer visitors the chance to explore one of the UK’s most significant historic libraries and discover more about its collections, characters and stories.
So, if your weekend plans involve less brunch and more medieval re-enactments, birds of prey and wandering around one of Manchester’s oldest buildings, this one’s worth putting in the diary.
Emily Sergeant -
14th March 2023 
