A huge beach and a funfair with over 20 fairground rides are just a handful of the family-friendly activities returning to the Trafford Centre this summer.
Summer Daze is back – and it’s set to be better than ever.
After waving goodbye to its previous Spring Escape event, which was a huge success and saw families in their thousands travel from across Greater Manchester and beyond to bask in the sunshine and make the most of all the fun and games, the Trafford Centre is getting ready to welcome back “the much-anticipated event of the summer”.
Set to open from Saturday 22 July, and run all summer right the way through until early September, Summer Daze will see a massive 600sqm beach ready for sunbathing and sancastles, and not one but two “thrilling splash parks” with loads of water jets, pop up outside the shopping centre.
Summer Daze is back at the Trafford Centre this summer / Credit: Trafford Centre
Not only that, but the much-loved retro funfair will also be making a comeback too – and this time, there’ll be over 20 fairground rides to try out.
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Some of the stand-out rides at this year’s fair include ‘Sea Storm’, ‘Waveswinger’, and ‘Don Sapo’, as well as a handful of other family-friendly favourites like ‘Waterballs’, ‘Racing Cars’, and ‘Bumper Boats’.
The fun doesn’t stop there either, as there’ll also be a big covered stage area that’ll play host to a jam-packed schedule of events all summer long – with everything from crafting workshops and face painting, to costume characters, live music and entertainment, and so much more on the lineup.
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There’ll be a huge beach, two ‘splash parks’, funfair, and so much more / Credit: Trafford Centre
And if all that action gets you feeling peckish, you’ll be able to fill your rumbling belly with a feast from an impressive selection of on-site food traders.
Think burgers, ice cream, doughnuts, crepes, sweets, and more.
Summer Daze is popping up outside The Orient, opposite The Great Hall entrance, and will be open every day from 11am-8pm from Saturday 22 July right through until 3 September.
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Tickets are now on sale – with pre-booking “recommended to avoid disappointment” – and will set you back just £3 per person if booked in advance (includes booking fee) and £4 on the door, while ride tokens must be purchased separately.
Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd June 2023 
