Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has announced that they are making access to their start-of-the-art gym facilities completely free to the general public for the rest of March.
As part of a new initiative by Technogym called ‘Let’s Move for a Better World‘, which is aiming to get people back exercising in 2023, the fitness, gym technology and wellness brand is encouraging gyms across the UK to open up their doors free of charge to local communities.
Since the Kimpton‘s luxury gym is kitted out with all of their top-of-the-range equipment already, it only made sense for the beloved Manchester hotel kick things off in style.
Running from 14-31 March, Mancs can get moving and make the most of Technogym equipment for free and join them for a series of fun events, including a 12-hour ‘MOVEathon’ as well as various circuit classes.
The Kimpton’s urban fitness centre is kitted out with industry-leading cardio and resistance training equipment, rowing machines, free weights and more. While the space is usually exclusive to hotel guests only, the Technogym initiative will grant access to the wider community free of charge.
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Members of the public will be able to book a space in the fitness hub for absolutely nothing, with each slot lasting up to two hours. Technogym and Kimpton are doing their bit to battle obesity and the risks of a sedentary lifestyle but it doesn’t stop with just inviting people down — there’s an added incentive.
To make things more interesting, everyone who books a session will help generate ‘MOVES’ using Technogym equipment. These MOVES, generated from each individual’s workout, will be totted up and go towards the total amount of donated equipment to local community groups.
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The more MOVES generated, the more equipment donated. Simple as that, so get your best gym gear on pronto.
Users will be able to book a slot once a day from 9am-5pm, allowing flexibility for those wanting to come along and maximise the number of ‘MOVES’ that can be made during the two-week period.
To celebrate the campaign, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel will be hosting a 12-hour Mega MOVEathon on launch day (Tuesday, 14 March), where the public as well as hotel guests and staff are invited to get moving and start the initiative off right.
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On top of this, there will be additional MOVE Circuit Classes on 22 and 29 March from 2:15–3:15pm — you only need to report at reception on arrival to sign in.
This campaign isn’t just about trying to get people fit, it’s about engaging with local communities and trying to instil a sense of social wellbeing and health in Manchester and beyond, all whilst giving back at the same time.
Discover more about the Let’s Move For a Better World initiative, as well as how you can book your slots on offer HERE.
Lily Allen to play smash-hit new album in full on first tour in seven years
Danny Jones
Lily Allen has returned with one of the best comeback albums the British music scene has witnessed in decades, and it’s been received so well that she’s set to play the record IN FULL on a new tour – her first in more than seven years – and, yes, she’s coming to Manchester.
The noughties popstar and daughter of fellow musician and actor, Keith Allen, isn’t just having a renaissance, the 40-year-old singer-songwriter is now riding arguably one of the biggest waves of popularity in her career following the release of her fifth studio LP.
West End Girl, released earlier this month, has not only gone down a treat with die-hard Lily Allen listeners but has earned her plenty of new fans too, as well as winning over numerous critics.
Notching multiple five-star reviews, a shout for album of the year from Variety, and even being labelled “one for the history books” by the BBC, the demand to see her back on the road was ready and waiting, and now the genre-hopping Hammersmith heroine is giving the people what they want.
Without giving too much away for those who haven’t listened to it yet, the deeply honest and no-holds-barred material dives into her divorce from ex-husband, David Harbour, of Stranger Things and Thunderbolts* fame.
Leaving no stone unturned, it’s a deeply personal, scorched-earth kind of album that has resonated with a lot of people, it seems.
We’re not going to say any more than that; just strap in, give it a go and thank us later. You can see the full list of her newly announced domestic tour dates, where she’ll be playing West End Girl in its entirety, down below.
Lily Allen UK live tour shows, including multiple Northern dates
Here’s a little taste of just one of the tracks from the acclaimed new album, which is already being heralded as her best to date.
So many great tracks on this album.
Honestly, there’s plenty more where that came from…
If you’re looking to hear the explosive 14-track diatribe from start to finish in person, she’ll be playing not just one but two nights at the Factory International’s Aviva Studios.
Tickets for all Lily Allen live tour dates, including her Manchester shows next spring, go live on Friday, 7 November from 10am – and given the reaction to the album itself, you can bank on them selling out fast.
Featured Images — Charlie Denis/press shots (supplied)
What's On
Stockport’s ‘captivating’ Christmas festival is back with 50 FREE shows and hundreds of performers
Emily Sergeant
Things are getting all festive in Stockport as more than 50 free shows and hundreds of performers prepare to descend the town centre.
Back by popular demand to kick off Christmas in style, especially after the inaugural event resulted in the busiest Sunday for the Greater Manchester town’s centre since 2019, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning next month for a one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, banging brass bands, carnival fun, and loads more.
Hundreds of captivating performers will take over Stockport for the day, with another new lineup for 2025 promising something for the whole family.
Stockport’s ‘captivating’ Christmas festival is back with 50 free shows and hundreds of performers / Credit: Supplied
Think a giant carnival bee, stilt-walking Christmas Belles, comedy chefs, bouncing snowmen, cocky robins, roaming bands, and so much more – with more than 50 free shows and activities to enjoy all day long.
Produced by renowned carnival arts organisation, Global Grooves, and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway, and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement from midday right through to 5pm, as performers take over iconic Stockport locations.
Head to Market Place, the Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock, and Suffragette Square to make the most of all the festive fun.
Spectacular Sunday always marks the start of Stockport’s festive season, and 2025 is no different.
“Stockport likes to do Christmas in its own way, and our Spectacular Sunday event is about filling the town with energy, music and performance and giving visitors something unexpected at every turn,” explained Totally Stockport CEO, Mark Ross.
“It’s a celebration of creativity, community and the independent spirit that makes Stockport what it is.
Danny Jones -
13th March 2023 
