A new exhibition exploring our relationship with the natural world is opening at Manchester Museum next week.
Ready to take a trip to some of the world’s wildest places, all without having to leave Manchester?
If you answered yes to that, then you’ll definitely want to get yourself down to the Manchester Museum next week, as there’s a groundbreaking new exhibition called Wild opening at the city centre-based museum to coincide with World Environment Day on Wednesday 5 June.
Not only will it explore our relationship with the world around us, but it will also look at how people are creating, rebuilding, and repairing connections with nature, and how the natural world has traditionally been presented and idealised through Western art, as well as looking at some unique approaches to environmental recovery too.
A new exhibition exploring our relationship with the natural world is opening in Manchester / Credit: Supplied (via Manchester Museum)
The exhibition will also crucially look at how we can tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis by making the world more wild.
ADVERTISEMENT
Visitors will be introduced to five remote – or, should we say, ‘wild’ – places across the globe, and hear from a diverse range of voices to discover how they’re all looking to ‘wild’ for a more positive future.
Featuring an immersive installation, audio, film, and interactive elements, alongside natural history collections and artworks, the exhibition will be encouraging visitors to notice the biodiversity and heritage of wild places, and invite people to question relationships with the natural world.
ADVERTISEMENT
Wild will also look at how we can tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis / Credit: Supplied (via Manchester Museum)
Lamlash Bay on the Isle of Arran, and Yellowstone National Park in the US state of Wyoming, are just a couple of the places featured.
“Wild aims to provide hope in the face of a situation that often leaves many of us feeling pessimistic,” explained David Gelsthorpe, who is the Curator of Earth Science Collections.
“The exhibition highlights work being done by communities right now, to build stronger relationships with nature and shape their world for the better, and aims to encourage everyone to see that they can make a difference, no matter how big or small.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The exhibition is opening at Manchester Museum to coincide with World Environment Day / Credit: Chris Bull (via Manchester Museum)
Mr Gelsthorpe says the exhibition is as “relevant” for local families in Manchester as it is for researchers and policy-makers.
“The ultimate goal is to “ask the public what kind of world we want to live in, and what we’re willing to do to realise that vision,” he concluded.
Wild opens to the public on Wednesday 5 June, and will be at Manchester Museum right through until June 2025.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
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.”
Emily Sergeant -
30th May 2024 
