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‘I’m A Celebrity… Jungle Challenge’ opening at Salford Quays this summer

The adventure trail is the first of its kind in the UK.

The Manc - 23rd April 2021

An I’m A Celebrity… Jungle Challenge adventure park is set to open at Salford Quays in summer, ITV has confirmed.

The multi-million adventure trail – based on the smash-hit survival reality gameshow – is set to enjoy its official opening in 2021.

The first attraction of its kind, the I’m A Celebrity… Jungle Challenge invites guests to take on trials inspired by the ITV programme – whisking through the treetops on zip lines and ropes; scaling vertical climbing walls; and navigating a series of obstacles.

Tasks and challenges will be “based around the iconic Main Camp, Croc Creek and Snake Rock”.

Participants will also have the chance to grab a snap on the Winners’ Bridge and take a pew on the I’m a Celebrity… Jungle Challenge throne as King or Queen of the Jungle.

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I’m A Celeb… Jungle Challenge / ITV

I’m A Celeb… Jungle Challenge / ITV

The exact opening date for the attraction is yet to be confirmed – but you can register your interest online to become the first to hear about any updates.

ITV has launched an official webpage where you can sign up for alerts here.

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A hilarious and award-winning Star Wars burlesque show is coming to Manchester

Star Wars burlesque parody strip show Manchester tickets

In a galaxy not so far away, a smash-hit Star Wars parody and burlesque show is coming to Manchester city centre in the New Year.

That’s right, the award-winning ‘Empire Strips Back’ is coming to town in 2026.

You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.

In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:

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A post shared by Empire Strips Back (@theempirestripsback)

Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.

Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.

It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.

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Rather fittingly, they recently won Gold and Bronze at Las Vegas’ annual awards for the Best New Act/Show and Female Revue (a multi-act theatrical performance involving music, dance and/or sketches) on the strip.

See what we did there?…

Fast, funny, feisty and by all accounts, fantastic.

Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.

Set to land at Depot Mayfield in the New Year – next spring, specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.

The Manc leg is scheduled to kick off on 6 March and last until 8 May, 2026, with various dates and times of day available.

It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.

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Featured Images — Press shots (via Empire Strips Back gallery)

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Manchester Open exhibition to return in 2026 with ‘biggest celebration’ of local creative talent

The biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent is making a much-anticipated return next summer.

Taking place every two years and now in its fourth iteration, Manchester Open exhibition sees the HOME Gallery walls filled with hundreds of artworks selected by a panel consisting of art experts and community representatives.

The exhibition is open to all and welcomes entries from people of any level of experience, including established professionals, students, graduates, new and emerging talent, enthusiastic amateurs, and even first-time artists.

Artists are invited to submit work into eight different categories, with the aim of creating an exhibition ‘rich in variety’ for visitors to explore.

Manchester Open exhibition — Manchester Open exhibition is set to return in 2026 / Credit: Jason Lock Photography

This means you’ll get to explore works of ceramics, digital/moving images, drawings, prints, paintings, photography, sculptures/installations, and textiles.

Several awards will also be up for grabs throughout the exhibition – which is set to run from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September 2026 – including a prestigious new award in honour of philanthropist and business leader, Kate Voke.

Three artists will also be awarded with artist development packages, managed by HOME and Castlefield Gallery.

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A post shared by Welcome HOME (@homemcr)

“Following our 10 year anniversary in 2025, we are looking forward to 2026 and welcoming applications to HOME’s biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s artistic talent,” explained Karen O’Neill, who is the CEO of HOME.

“With a record number of applications to the last Manchester Open, we’re hoping for even more in 2026 and to demonstrate how the city continues to grow as a place where artists and creativity can thrive.”

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Manchester Open exhibition is taking place in 2026 from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September, and the application and submission process is now live – with all submissions being reviewed by the selection panel who make the final selection of work to be included in the exhibition.

Artists will only be able to submit one artwork, and the selection panel members will be announced in spring 2026.

Featured Image – Jason Lock Photography (Supplied)