What's On

Huge fairground, splash park, and beach return to Trafford Centre this summer – and tickets are only £2.50

New name, same beloved family event.

Emily Sergeant - 10th July 2024

A huge fairground, splash park, and beach are just some of the attractions returning to the Trafford Centre this summer.

After proving to be massively-popular over the past couple of years, with thousands of families travelling 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” in a couple of weeks time.

And this year, the beloved family event has got itself a new name, and sounds set to be bigger and better than ever.

The best bit? Tickets will only set you back just £2.50 each.

A huge fairground, splash park, and beach are returning to Trafford Centre for the summer / Credit: Trafford Centre

Set to open from Friday 26 July, and run right the way through until early September, the newly-named summer event, Bright Lights, Big Fun, will see a massive 600sqm beach ready for sunbathing and sandcastles pop up outside the shopping centre, alongside a splash park with loads of water jets, and loads more.

Not only that, but the much-loved retro funfair will also be making a comeback too, with dozens of fairground rides to try out – including two newbies for 2024, the ‘Pirate Ship’ and ‘Freak Out’.

As well as some returning favourites like ‘Star Flyer’ and ‘Zero Gravity’, there’ll also be a handful of rides especially for the littlest Mancs, such as ‘Waterballs’, ‘Bumper Boats’, and a large inflatable area, to make sure there’s something for everyone in the family of all ages to enjoy.

Then, if all that action gets you feeling a bit 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.

There’s something for everyone of all ages to get involved with / Credit: Trafford Centre (via Facebook)

Bright Lights, Big Fun is popping up outside The Orient, opposite The Great Hall entrance, from Friday 26 July right through until 1 September, and will be open every day from 12-8pm.

Tickets are now on sale – with pre-booking “recommended to avoid disappointment” – and will set you back just £2.50 per person if booked in advance (includes booking fee) and £3.50 on the gate, while ride tokens must be purchased separately for £1 each.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

Featured Image – Trafford Centre